Featured Artists (and other stuff)

Filed under: Handmade Jewelry, Uncategorized

It’s been hectic around here to say the least. I mentioned to my friend Lisa Atchison just last night how I haven’t had any time to work on many of my planned designs, especially since the wedding. I feel like nothing has slowed down yet. That is probably because my son, who will be 10 months (ALREADY!) on the 10th of October is running me all over the place. I’m desperately trying to potty train my 3 year old daughter, and thankfully that is going A LOT better these days, nevertheless, it’s still hard work and it’s keeping me busy along with the rest of life’s daily activities.

OK. Enough about that. Almost a year ago I started a “Featured Artist” program where I featured 5-7 pieces of any guest artist who wanted to participate. I even created a special section in my store called Guest Jewelers & Merchants to display only their items. All that was required along with a Biography is that they send pictures of a specific size, a description for each item, and the price for which they wanted to sell it. I agreed to post the items in the store for a period of one year, free of charge. (Disclaimer: The price on the items has to be slightly adjusted to the nearest dollar so that the artist can receive the asking price, because all new customers on my site receive a 10% discount.) I posted this offer on LinkedIn and received a very positive response. This is not done so that I could directly profit from the sale of their items. This is beneficial to both my site and the Guest Artist as it offers the artist exposure, and me new content perhaps in areas that I do not dabble

For example, although I own a kiln and silver art clay, I have yet to post any of the pieces that I have made. Instead, I leave that to the experts. This piece made by Jennifer Dewey is one of my all-time favorites. It is a handmade sterling silver baby’s rattle. It is highly polished and features a freshwater pearl filled rosette (the pearl is symbolic of purity and innocence), musically rotating upon the sterling teething ring. You can click on the photo to see its full description in the store.

Although my Father is a talented artist, I am not (not in the drawing and painting sense of the word anyway). So, another unique artist I featured back in June is Barbara Yalof. Most of her artwork depicts people or animals rather than designs. What her artwork and jewelry do have in common is knowledge of color theory and a playfulness with color and line. What I love most about Barbara’s work is that it is affordable to just about EVERYONE, and that is difficult to find when you are dealing with quality handmade items of any kind.

This Original Art and Hand Painted Jewelry is the work of Barbara Yalof who graduated Temple U./Tyler School of Art and resides in Narberth, PA. In the past, Barbara’s jewelry has been sold by artist’s rep to boutiques and stores, including the shops of The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Her one-of-a-kind jewelry was awarded “Best Fashion Jewelry in Philadelphia”, and was given a solo trunk show at Macy’s Manhattan.

After 8 years in business, Barbara took a hiatus from her jewelry and took this time to concentrate on parenthood and other interests. She went back to school to study computer graphics, and took time to paint and draw again. Barbara’s paintings and prints can be seen on her website: www.barbarayalof.com .

When things quieted down at home, she realized just how much she missed creating tiny works of art. Armed with a heightened interest in colors and how they interact, Barbara is back creating the earrings, pins, bracelets, and necklaces that are once again on the market. Hours fly by, pieces are moved around and paired up with other pieces; a lot of thought goes into the production of each of these one-of-a-kind miniature works of art. Barbara currently teaches Color Theory at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in becoming a Featured Guest Artist on my site, please E-mail me with your request and we’ll get you set up right away! I will be posting some new items next week, and I am hoping to get the collection finished on which I started working months ago. It’s really something special and it’s unfortunate that it has taken me this long to complete. I look forward to sharing my new designs with you.

Tags: Brooch, hand painted, handmade gifts, Handmade Jewelry, jewelry, Matisse, paintings, Pin, sterling silver

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Well it’s been an interesting 2 weeks to say the least. My Tungsten lights blew out so I have no adequate light in which to photograph my jewelry until the new lights arrive. We had a wind storm that blew out the electric so we had to take ourselves, along with our 2 children (one is 2 years old and the other is 2 months old) to the Country Buffet for dinner the other night. Two pieces of the aluminum on one of the roof peaks blew off in that storm so now we have to replace the the aluminum on all THREE peaks so that it matches. The material isn’t much but the labor is where they get you, obviously.

I did have a few good things happen too, though. I bought a new camera so hopefully that will aid in better pictures for the future. Today was a first for me. Some of you might be able to sympathize with my plight, but probably not. I created several pieces of jewelry with a 2 month old napping in an upright position on my lap. At this very moment I am typing my blog with one finger and the wrong hand because I am feeding him with the other! Listen…you gotta do what you gotta do.

I have a new collection of handmade bracelets that I will be adding to continuously. I call it the “Breakfast at Bella’s” collection. These bracelets are all handmade sterling silver and they feature handmade glass charms made by Laurie of Mermaid Glass. She has my business for life. I LOVE these bracelets and the beads. I used sterling findings and Hill Tribes silver charms throughout the design, and each one is different. There is more breakfast to be served so keep your eyes peeled for new additions!

Also these Swarovski Crystal heart earrings were supposed to be for Valentine’s Day, but again, camera and lighting issues prevented me from listing them sooner. Anyway, they are great to wear anytime obviously and they are now listed in the store.

We have introduced 5 new Guest Artists for the month of February. They are in no particular order: Alexsandra Gifford - aka Wild Pearly. Alexsandra makes the most amazing handbags I have ever seen. They are creative and vibrant, and you definitely need to check them out. They are all OOAK items and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Here is an example of her work…

Next we have Connie Loyet of “Riverbed” creations. Here is another great artist who brings us unique gemstone and mineral pendants. Some of her beautiful creations are personally mined! Below is just an example of Connie’s work. Please click on the photo to view the item in the store as well as her other four offerings for a total of five showcased items!

Megan Huffaker of Tesoro Bella Jewelry is a 36-year-old stay-at-home mother with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Genetics. Megan is joined in design, creation, and distribution by her sisters Becky, Katie, and Chris, by her nieces Kathryn (Kat) and Maddeline, by her parents Jay and Rosie, and by her close friend Kari. Please see a glimpse of what Megan has to offer below. Click on the picture to be taken to the store and explore some of Megan’s other wonderful creations!

Next is Manda Link of Manda Panda Creations. Her jewelry is as unique as her name. I know that you will just love her pieces. Below is my personal favorite from Manda’s submitted collection. Please click the photo to be taken to that item in the store, or just visit the store to view six more of Manda’s creations!

Jewelry Fetish is a relatively young business that grew out of three women’s passions for custom made pieces. Those women are Teresa Ellens, Stephanie Ponius, and Jocelyn Walker. Please see just one of the many creations that they have to offer. Click on the photo to be taken to this item in the store and read more about it, or add it to your collection before someone else does!

Tags: earrings, handcrafted jewelry, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade gifts, handmade glass beads, Holiday gifts, Holiday jewelry, sterling silver

January FREE GIFT Winner!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Hello Everyone,

Once again we thank everyone who has registered their E-mail address with us and registered to win a free gift. Isabella’s Beads would like to congratulate this month’s winner of our FREE GIFT drawing, Margie Atz. Margie will receive a pair of Millefiori “Be Mine” heart earrings pictured below, for FREE. These earrings have a retail value of $15.00!

For those who are interested, these earrings are also available for sale in our store. If you are interested in purchasing one of these purse hangers please click the photo to be directly connected to that item in our store. Be sure to register your E-mail address with us for your chance to win a FREE GIFT!

Tags: Free Gift, free gift drawing, free jewelry, Glass Beads, handmade gifts, Handmade Jewelry, heart beads, valentine's day gifts

New Items and Artists for January!!!

Filed under: Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

What an exciting December we have had here! If you’ve been keeping up with the new Isabella’s Beads Blog Page then you know that we have just given birth to our second child, John P. D’Agostino, IV. He was born on December 10, 2008 and we are so blessed to have him in our lives along with our daughter Isabella Rose. Also last month we introduced a section of the site called the “Guest Jewelers” section, and it is where I feature the works of other talented artists that I have met in this industry.

We showcased the works of three very talented artists last month and we have more for you this month! The artists that I would like to present to you for January are Debbie Jennings of “Deb’s Beaded Treasures”, and Kim Grassing of “LexieJewel”.

Debbie Jennings writes: “I started Debs Beaded Treasures in 2005 as a means to share my love of creating jewelry with everyone.  I especially like making “wearable art statement pieces”, and love the compliments my customers receive when wearing them.  I have a studio in my home that I couldn’t live without.  It is a creative environment that is very inspirational, where I spend many hours of enjoyment, creating special pieces for you (and a few for me, of course!). It takes a bit more of an “eye for design” to sell craft work in the vast ocean of talented artists in today’s market, so I am always learning new things.”

Here is an example of Debbie’s work. You can click on the photo to be taken to the item in the store. Also, to see all of the items in our Guest Jeweler’s Section click here!

Kim Writes: “A walk on the wild side…. or a stroll in the park! That’s how I describe my line of jewelry.  Each unique creation by LexieJewel is designed and handcrafted by me, Kimberley Grasing. All of my designs are original, and I strive to be innovative, cutting edge, and sometimes over the top.  I have been creating beaded jewelry for the past 5 years and have recently added FIRE (soldering!) to my repertoire…. and I haven’t seen the light of day since!! Yes, my acetylene torch is my new best friend! Working with metals has allowed me to reach into my inner depths of creativity to unleash designs and pieces fully infused with passion, heart and soul. I hope you enjoy all that LexieJewel has to offer!”

This Molton Rock necklace one is one my favorite pieces from Kim…

Well, February is quickly approaching and with that so is Valentines Day! I have some nice designs for Women and Children that you’ll definitely want to see. This Swarovski Crystal heart pendant doesn’t need a special occasion to be worn.

Also available and new this past month is this lovely Sterling Silver CZ double Heart ring.

Or how about this delicately adorable Sterling silver pave heart dangle ring for your daughter or even yourself!

These are just a few of the wonderful items that are available for this coming Valentine’s Day holiday. Please be sure to check out the Themed Jewelry section of the site for more ideas. And remember, if you have something specific in mind we can work together to create the perfect custom design! E-mail me for custom orders.

Tags: Glass Beads, handcrafted jewelry, handmade gifts, Handmade Jewelry, semi precious gemstones, sterling silver, valentine's day gifts

Our baby has arrived!

Filed under: Events, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Hi Everyone,

Just as an update I am home from the hospital and I am trying to get back to normal after the birth of our son. Baby John, IV was born on December 10, 2008 measuring 21″ long, and weighing in at a whopping 8lbs. 12oz., which was in vast contrast to Isabella’s birth weight of 7lbs. 5oz. 2 years ago. Everything went perfectly and we now have a beautiful baby boy in our family. Isabella is doing her best to be a great big sister and so far she has been wonderful (a little jealous, but wonderful). Thanks to all of you who sent messages and left comments of well wishes for our family. Please know that we appreciate each and every one of you!

Later on this evening I will be posting the winner of the monthly FREE GIFT drawing so you’ll want to check back to see what wonderful prize we have given away this month. Also, this week I will be posting pictures of some new items that I created before I went in the hospital to deliver our bundle of joy. I have so many new and unique ideas floating in my head (maybe it’s just the medicine), and mounds of wonderful material to use for their creation. I can’t wait to offer these items to you in my store!

Lastly, we are already mid month and I will be introducing some new guest jewelers for the 2nd half of December and also preparing you for January’s featured Guest Jewelers. If you are a creator of handmade products and you are interested in being a featured artist on my site please contact me and we’ll get you started ASAP!

Stay tuned….

Tags: baby, boy, free gifts, guest jeweler, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade gifts, Handmade Jewelry, new baby

Holiday gifts under $25!!!!

Filed under: Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Jewelry

Here are a few new items that I have posted in the store. They are novelty watches featuring a glittering Santa or a Christmas tree for the holidays, and you can find them in the Holiday Collections section.

There is also one new addition to the Necklaces category. I have been busy with themed jewelry for the holidays so I haven’t made any glass bead necklaces in the past week, and I still have at least 10 one-of-a-kind beads left to use. I don’t have a favorite because they are all so very beautiful and believe me when I tell you that the pictures NEVER do them justice. This necklace is made with a deep ocean blue electroform bead handmade by Lisa Atchison. The leaf is hand picked from her backyard. This handmade pendant is gently suspended from a copper bail, which hangs on hand-dyed silk ribbon from Jamn Glass. With this pendant I did something just a bit different and made Swarovski crystal components in complimentary colors and dangled them from the base of the bead for added sparkle! As usual with the silk ribbon necklaces, the copper coil closure allows for an adjustable length before tying closed.

Are you looking for stocking stuffers? Check out our “Great Gifts” section of the store where you can search our inventory by price. We have a ton of great gifts that would make perfect stocking stuffers for under $25, and many wonderful and unique gifts under $10 from hair jewelry, to macramé bracelets, to brocade satin lipstick cases.

Here’s an original idea…every woman could use a Purse Hanger. You don’t think about it until you actually have one. You never have to go to a restaurant and place your bag on the chair or on the floor, when you go to the casino and sit at the blackjack or poker table you can conveniently hang your purse close to you. They are available in 8 great styles! Select yours from the drop down menu when making your purchase.
We also carry Phone Finders. Keep your phone handy - just hook it to a “Finders for Fones” for a functional and fashionable way to decorate your purse. And we carry Key Finders so that you never have to dig in the bottom of your purse for your keys again! These unique gifts come in a variety of styles, more than 60 styles from which you can choose. Just visit our Cell Phone Accessories category or click on the photo below.

Meet Beary Spoiled Bear. These adorable “Kritters” can be used as either purse charms or key chains. There are 12 from which to choose and each has its own personality. Please see each one to make sure you select the Kritter that best suits your personality! You can find these in our Purse Charm section of the store.

How about gifts for your Children’s schoolteachers? These handmade beaded bookmarkers will be one of the best gifts they ever receive. There aren’t many listed in the store right now because the pictures are not very good, and many are already sold so I have to make more and then re-photograph them. However, all of them are custom made and I can do anything that you like in any color. The Millefiori bookmarkers to the right are customizable with over 10 different styles of Millefiori beads. Choose your favorite from the drop down menu when ordering.

If you’d like something custom made using other materials, please E-mail me for inquiries.

Tags: gifts under $25, Handmade Beaded Jewelry, handmade gifts, handmade glass beads, holiday accessories, holiday gift ideas, Holiday jewelry, Holiday watches