William Tell Overture for Moms - YouTube

Well - I have tried to keep this blog all about beads, but this is just tooo good:

New sidewalk at The Bead Parlor

Wow - take a look at this!!!


Shelley Nybakke from The Bead Parlor in Bloomington, Illinois wrote to me with this news and picture. They had a new sidewalk installed in front of her store and Shelley had the great idea to put beads in the sidewalk right by the door to greet customers. I'm mixed in with a little Vintaj, turquoise, coral and a few crystals - makes me feel immortal! Thanks Shelley for letting me contribute to your pretty sidewalk!!!

Featured designer: Jordana Thompson

Jordana Thompson and Donnaleta Twist own and operate Elementality - both as a brick and mortar store and as an online store. Their web site explains: .Our desire is to offer beautiful gifts, one of a kind handmade jewelry, photography, and other home decor items at fair and affordable prices to the growing population of those who care about the future of this planet and their fellow human beings....


At their site, you are guided through photos that reflect the elements of fire, water, earth and air. As I surfed through Elementality online I found myself on a visually calming trip that I didn't want to end. The land location of Elementality is in the Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina. From the looks of the posted pictures, shopping in this store must be a treat all in itself.



Shown here are two necklaces Jordana made highlighting my toggles. These are stunning pieces that are such a wonderful blend of wood and clay - what better way could there be to represent earth elements! If you ever get the opportunity to visit Asheville, make sure to stop by Elementality and tell them Elaine says Hello!

Jenni Leigh Creations

Here is a plug for my friend and beautiful beader - Jenni Leigh.

Jenni has a knack for creating lovely and varied pieces - all the way from

"Traditionally Sparkly":

Vintage Bliss by Jenni Leigh

to "Earthy Crunchy":

Vintage Trade Bead and Brass by Jenni Leigh

to the "Wow - look at me!"

Blazing Phoenix by Jenni Leigh

Feast your eyes here at Jenni's online store: jennileighcreations.com
or meet Jenni in person at The 34th Annual CenterFest in Historic Downtown Durham on September 17th.

If you get there, say Hi to Jenni for me and happy shopping!

- Elaine

When Beads Collide

We have a new Challenge at Art Bead Scene:

When Beads Collide

The challenge is for designers to use art beads from two or more bead artists to create one project. I think this is the inspriation needed to get me to dig into my treasure of beads from a bead exchange done with "Beads of Clay" buddies a year or so ago.

The prizes this month are supplied by Joan Miller and Heather Powers.

Good luck and keep us posted on your creations.

- Elaine