Now that Halloween has come and gone like a ghost in the night, it seems the floodgates have been opened in its wake. Yes, I’m talking about the holiday season. Thanksgiving is woefully nigh, and not long after that we’ll be lighting Menorahs, trimming Christmas trees and celebrating Kwanza. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, curse yourself for not doing all your holiday shopping in June, but now is not the time to panic. Now is the time to shop for upcoming events accordingly. Make your life a little easier by stocking up on bead kits. Seriously, they do wonders in a pinch. Need a holiday party hostess gift? Put together one of our beaded wine stoppers in less time than it takes for your husband to find his cufflinks. They’re quick and easy and only look like they cost you a fortune to make.

You may have already seen our holiday earrings kits (sold 1 pair per kit), they’re the hottest kits this holiday season. Give them as gifts or wear them to soirées, they add sparkle and holiday shine to any look day or night. Plus, Goody Beads has the lowest prices you’ll find online for these kits.

Below are my favorite holiday earrings kits, along with some fab looks from Shopbop.com.

Snowman Stunners

Winged Wonder Twins

Holiday Trimmings

Belle of the Bulbs

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another his mother called him "WILD THING!" and Max said "I'LL EAT YOU UP!" so he was sent to bed without eating anything..."

There are some things in life that no matter how many times you experience it, it never becomes tiring, grows old, stale, boring. Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book Where The Wild Things Are is one such everlasting joy. From the first read to the 50th, it never loses its exuberance. Since its publication in 1963, WTWTA has been a story passed on through generations, touching new readers with it wondrous tale about a boy named Max who’s mischief making gets him sent to bed without dinner. Donned in his befitting wolf costume, Max slips into a state between dreams and reality where his bedroom becomes a forest that leads to a wild, magical land of beasts. The creatures he encounters are illustrated with equal beauty and terror. Without spoiling too much, it’s safe to say that Max has an adventure, a journey, one that changes him as well as the readers who come along for the ride. This book is a must read for those who have not experienced it. But if you prefer to see this tale adapted into live motion, there’s a lovely new movie out in theaters. It’s a feast for the eyes and most certainly inspiring.

Goody Beads has turned into a “wild rumpus” of sorts. We’ve assembled a collection of beads, charms and jewelry components inspired by WTWTA. From moss jasper gemstone beads to hand carved bone beads, these jewelry components will help you unleash your inner wild child.

Beads and Jewelry Components Inspired by Where The Wild Things Are

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

You say potato. I say pa-tah-toe.
You say Opal. I say Pink Tourmaline.
No need to fight. We’re both right.

Some months are represented by two birthstones. October is one of them. The more traditional stone for the month is the Opal, but the official birthstone is Pink Tourmaline. I can’t say that I prefer one gemstone over the other, as both are lovely and come in several colors to fit your needs.

You might have heard the word “Opalescence” used at one time or another. Perhaps when someone was trying to describe how an object radiates a spectrum of color. Opals are known for their spectral displays. This effect is the result of many layers of gelatinous moisture built up in the stone. Milky white Opals are most popular, but there’s also the yellow-hued fire Opal, and the mysterious and rare black Opal to name a few. Like all natural gemstones, Opals have mystical properties that are said to facilitate good dreams and positive change.

Tourmaline may not get the adoration of the Opal, but it is a gorgeous stone everyone should get to know. The name Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word turamali, an ancient name for ‘gems’ in Sri Lanka, although, today, Tourmaline can be found all over the world. October boasts the pink hued Tourmaline. (Which is also referred to as Rubellite.) The mystical properties of this pretty pink stone centers around healing and renewal. Pink Tourmaline aids in ridding our soul of emotional baggage and healing our bodies from trauma or crisis. Whether you believe that or not, it’s fascinating how there’s always more to crystals and gemstones than meets the eye.

Goody Beads has a variety of Opal beads and charms, plus plenty of Pink Tourmaline-hued products. Shop now!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and here at Goody Beads, we’re proud to be one of the largest resources online for awareness jewelry components. We offer a great selection of unique and exclusive pink ribbon beads and charms, plus all the supplies you need to make beautiful awareness jewelry.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was started 25 years ago to shed light on the disease, promote prevention, support research efforts for a cure, and instill hope in those who are affected by this disease. The ribbon icon is associated with a variety of causes, but the color pink is most attributed to breast cancer. As beaders, we can use our innate talents to craft objects that deliver a message to those all around. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, heart disease, autism, and many others, no matter your cause, Goody Beads has the components you need to show your support or to help others show their support as well.

Click here to visit our Resources Section for pink ribbon jewelry design ideas.
For more information on Breast Cancer, and to find a wealth of resources, visit the Susan G. Komen foundation’s website, or Cancer.org.

Miss Pearl’s Pink Ribbon Picks

 *Rosie The Breast Cancer Riveter By Photographer: Tiffany Israel

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

I have a room designated for my beading and crafts, but to be honest, I’m usually all over the place when I work. I can’t remember the last time I actually had the free time to hang out in my craft room, undisturbed, blissfully beading away till the wee hours of the morning. Here lately, I’ve been more of a spontaneous beader, equipped with the goods to work on my project-of-the-moment anytime anywhere. It’s amazing how much work you can get done while you’re waiting for water to boil.

My excellent multi-tasking skills are the only way that I have managed to do this successfully. The new season brings even more distractions to juggle. The TV is on more often now with the new crop of fall television shows vying for my family’s attention, forcing me to work in the midst of Law and Order or Dancing with the Stars. Now, I’m pretty good at keeping my eyes on my work, but sometimes, even I have lost an hour of precious beading time to some random episode of CSI. (Which CSI that was, I couldn’t even tell ya.) The key to working under less than ideal conditions is balance. Everyone deserves some personal time. Make a conscious effort to give yourself at least two sessions of private, undisturbed time a week. These sessions don’t have to be long, but it will allow your mind to focus and work more efficiently.

Just to show you how much television I’ve been exposed to here lately, when I saw these new watch faces for beading, I couldn’t help but think about a few TV shows I’ve seen that capture the style of each watch face. Now, I’m not suggesting you tune into these shows, but if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration—and a laugh or two—check out these fun pairings.

Mad Style
Mad Men just won an Emmy for best TV drama. They should have won for best style too. The era of this show captures the essence of this 1-inch square watch face with oversized numbers. Seen here in red, this watch face is also available in pink, blue, and green.

The Time Traveler’s Desperate Housewife
Desperate Housewives has been on for a few years now. The soft pink face and sparkling rhinestones give this watch face a pampered, luxurious feel, the women of Wisteria Lane are known for.

Timeless Whisperer
The Ghost Whisperer is a TV show about a woman who talks to dead people. The clean lines and classic look of this watch face gives you the versatility to pair it with a variety of materials, allowing you to create a watch for anyone, male or female, dead or alive.

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

As a child, I spent hours wandering around my neighborhood, collecting fall leaves. The vibrant color and intricate shapes, fashioned by Mother Nature herself, became supplies for my crafts, and inspiration for my jewelry making. This time of year always brings me back to basics and I fall in love with the fall once again. A great way to dive right into the season is to go on a Leaf Peeping road trip. Now, Leaf Peeping is a term I’m just getting used to. It sounds like a fun, yet seedy pastime, all in the same breath. However, if you’re a leaf lover like me, you’ve already loaded up the car, and taken a trip up to the Adirondacks for some family Peeping. It’s a great opportunity to capture nature. Take pictures, collect leaves, eat seasonal fruits and veggies; all of this will seep into your creative consciousness, paving the way to some timely jewelry creations.

As with any season, time is of the essence, so now is the time to plan those Peeps. Oh Ranger.com has some great Leaf Peeping destination ideas. And if you can’t hit the road this season, view a great slideshow of some Leaf Peeping jaunts online here.

Goody Beads offers a variety of Seasonal & Holiday Beads, like these exquisite leaf and fall foliage pendants. Pick them up while they’re in peak season.

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

As the first official day of autumn draws near driving the final nail in the coffin of summer, I have succumb fully and completely to the bite of fall. I’ve created a list of all the upcoming holidays, birthdays, and events of the season, so that I can prepare now. As the old saying goes: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Harsh. I know. But there’s wisdom in there. Now is the perfect time to plan out those projects, stock-up on jewelry-making supplies, and get ready to bead like crazy.

Today, let’s take a walk on the dark side — Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. And I’m sure I’m not alone on this one. From the parties to the arts and crafts, it’s a magical time of year where creativity is bursting at the seams. I will be doing several posts on Halloween leading up to October 31st, so don’t think this is my one Ode to All Hallows’ Eve. I just wanted to get the ball rolling. (Or the popcorn balls...haven’t made those in years!) Anywho, below are a couple fun projects for you and the kids, plus my picks for Halloween beads and jewelry components.

Oh, and don’t forget, Goody Beads is offering a FREE earrings kit when you spend $25 or more. Plus, we've extended the promotion one more day.  You now have till end of day Monday, the 21st, to get this fun FREE gift. Click here for details!

MAKE THIS: Jack o’Lantern Bracelet
Scare up some stylish fun with our Jack o’Lantern bracelet, it takes less than an hour to make and will have you howling at the moon with delight. Click here for a shopping list of components.

EAT THIS: Kids Edible Candy Bracelet
I just love it when I can combine my favorite things. I get double the pleasure, and double the fun. Edible candy bracelets are the perfect two-fer: eating and beading. This fun, family project is also great for large groups and parties. All you need is a variety of soft candies, waxed dental floss, and a sewing needle. (NOTE: The sewing needle can be a little tricky, and sticky for younger beaders. I suggest kids under 8 create a modified candy bracelet using Licorice Whips and Life Saver Candies. No needle required.)

The instructions are simple, thread the dental floss through the needle, and string your delicious components. To give our bracelets a Halloween look, we chose colorful Twizzlers in grape, orange and lime, Candy Corn Dots, and Marshmallow Peach Rings.

BUY THIS: Halloween Beads
Check out this selection of scary Halloween beads and jewelry components! 

Happy Haunting... I mean, beading!
*Miss Pearl*

The sapphire is a complex gemstone, smoldering, beautiful, and intriguing.

Historically, the sapphire has been a symbol of truth, sincerity, and nobility for ages. The gemstone can be found in the crowns of ancient royals from Egypt to England. Some believe the metaphysical properties of the sapphire offers enhanced clairvoyance and intellect. One of my favorite beliefs surrounding sapphires comes from the ancient Persians. They believed that the sky was the color blue because the Earth sat on a massive sapphire. What a wonderful visual that creates in the mind.

From a modern perspective, the sapphire has this alluring aura. Think rich, rebellious, and...well...sexy. (Oh my!) Yes, I dropped the “s” word on the blog. But the sapphire does exude a sex appeal that’s hard to deny. However, there are many sides to the stunning sapphire. The color is also a symbol of faith and hope. (Which you can never have too much of.) Goody Beads has a fine selection of sapphire blue jewelry components for a thoroughly intriguing September. Enjoy!

Sapphire blue beauties from Goody Beads!
 

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Cyndi knows about time...she must be a Goody Beads shopper.

If you’re new to my blog (or Goody Beads) you may not be aware of the many design ideas featured in our Resources Section: The Goody Guide. We’re constantly adding new projects and tools to help you be the best beader you can be. (Wow, that was a lot of Bs! Won’t do it again. Promise. At least not in this post, of course.)

If you’re like me, you’ve ventured into the far corners of the Internet, and dug through many Bead & Button magazines, to find a beaded watch design. Well, from now on, look no further than Goody Beads! Our Design Ideas section now has a beaded watch category featuring three fresh and fabulous designs. Hop on over now and see how inspiring blue jean jackets and seasonal soirees can be.

Beaded Watch Design Ideas

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*