When we receive jewelry submissions, we certainly don’t expect professional packaging. Still, it is always fun to see all of the business cards and packaging that some of our designers use.
We received some earrings attached to this business card for Tamara Kriedeman, and I loved the design so much that I photographed it to share with you here. All of her contact info was on the other side, which I forgot to photograph, but you can get the gist of it from this image. 
Here are some things I found while out shopping. I liked how the starfish used beads to give it texture and how the earrings used concentric circles made of seed beads.
Deep red garnets are the birthstone for January and these Etsy designers have used them in a number of creative ways. Let these 4 pieces inspire you to add some sparkle to your winter wardrobe.
1. Sorbet Necklace by thebijoubabe
2. Celosia Earrings by karensugarmansdesigns
3. Red Garnet and Sterling Wrap Linked Bracelet by thebigbluebead
4. Silver Wire Wrapped Ring with Garnet, Ruby and Vintage Button by IvyTalagaDesigns
Even with the holidays over, I still love the cold months of winter. I love the snow on the mountains, soft cuddly scarves and steaming hot chocolate. This week I noticed so many beautiful snowflake jewelry pieces – each as lovely and unique as the snowflake itself.
1. Pink Snowflake by SabiKrabi
2. Coralline Earrings by Mathanalai
3. Snow Bells Ring by LillyQueen
4. Snowflake Swarovski Crystal and Pearl Bracelet by GlistenDesigns
This year, instead of forgetting your resolutions by March, remind yourself of your goals all year long with a charming little resolution bracelet. Wear it all year long to keep your goals in sight, or build your bracelet throughout the year, adding a charm each time you reach a goal. Here are some charms I found online for building my resolution bracelet: 
1. (Cheese) Make my own cheese and yogurt at least once! I know, it is odd, but I have been wanting to do it for a year now.
2. (12, book) Read 12 books. I miss reading. It is about time I made time to do it again.
3. (Passport, Space Needle) Travel. I never travel except for family occasions, and while I’d love to travel the world, I am going to start with some smaller goals: Get myself a passport and explore the state of Washington.
4. (paw prints) Get into a routine of walking my dog every day.
5. (camera) Color correct and share my personal photos. I have all sorts of photos from family gatherings sitting in folders on my computer, untouched and unshared… sitting…rotting away.
6. (shovel, seed packet) Plant a garden. It’s going to have to be a balcony garden, but at least I have a balcony now!
7. (guitar, flute) Start playing and learning to play my instruments again.
8. (snowboard). Make it down the bunny hill without falling once.
9. (Dancer). Take a Dance class
10. (Spatula, ladle, egg beater) Make everything from scratch. By 2011, I want to be boxy free… no more store bought cake mixes, brownie mixes, or pancake mixes, etc.
11. (tennis racket) Make exercise fun. I want to get healthy through an active lifestyle and by playing hard like a kid. Gyms just don’t motivate me.
12. (watch) Manage my time better. I’m fairly confident I have the time to do all the things I want to do, I just need to be more disciplined with how I use my time.
Those are just some of the charms going on my bracelet. What charms would you put on your resolution bracelet? Share your ideas!
Over winter break, my mother used to keep me busy (and out of her hair) with crafts. These Snowflake ornaments are inexpensive, and one of my all time favorites. I used to love just throwing them on the tree and seeing where they would stick, or stringing them and hanging them over an archway to add a festive feel to my warm winters… I do miss those warm winters!
So, if your kids are pent up and running wild in the house, it’s not too late to sit them down to some winter crafts. Enjoy!
Check out these funky, modern and totally fabulous versions of the traditional holiday tree!
1. O Tannenbaum Pendants by Beinspiredkeepsakes
2. Tourmaline Christmas Tree Silver Wire Pendant by jjdesigns0489
3. Modern Christmas Tree Ornament by wishartglass (I think a pair of these would make great earrings)
4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree earrings by FlightsofFancyDesign
I’m looking out my window right now, and there is fresh snow on my car. Being born and raised in stereotypically sunny Southern California, I’ve never been a big fan of snow. I didn’t understand it, and I most certainly did not know how to dress for it.
This year though,I feel like I can handle it. I now know how to dress for the winter, and I’ve discovered the joy of snowboarding (aka falling on my bottom).
Still though, I despise so much about winter, so, in honor of my fickle feelings for the falling snow, I made this bipolar ornament. It was my first charm, and I’m going to make more using old family photos!
Jessie Nelson has a bracelet made from her-own pendant charms in this month’s issue of Bead Trends. Also, come February, we will show you how to make pendant charms of your very own! look for it in the Jewel School section of our magazine.
If you’re like me, your first panicky thought yesterday was “It’s December already?!” But when that was over, the excitement of house decorations, gift-giving and holiday parties set in. The winter holiday season is officially here!
Speaking of decorations and holiday parties, we’re all going to want a little something special to wear to all those get-togethers. Here are some great ideas I got from Etsy – maybe you’ll get some inspiration of your own.
1. Tis the Season Necklace by moderntrinkets
2. Berry Baubles by ClairePearse
3. Antique Brass Wreath by riskybeads
4. Secret Winter Garden Charm Bracelet by JanetLily
It’s final day of my stem marker series, and today’s design is probably my favorite. I repurposed it from an old necklace. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
