Oh the agony and ecstasy of being a bride-to-be. One minute you’re plucking the petals of daisies, trusting fate to decide whether your partner loves you, or loves you not, and suddenly you’re waist-deep in caterers, photographers and taffeta. So much to do, so little time. So many ideas, so what do you ditch and what do you execute? Well, I can make at least one of your decisions a little easier. Take care of that "Something New" by making your own wedding day jewelry. Not only do you get exactly what you want, but depending on your component choices, you may even save some money in the process. (Which gives you more opportunities to splurge during your honeymoon.) You can also create jewelry for your wedding party. Treat your maids to a handmade necklace or bracelet they'll always remember. If you’re not the bride-to-be but love to bead, handmade wedding day jewelry is a touching gift any bride would enjoy.

Now, if you’re looking for wedding day jewelry ideas, you’re reading the right blog. Goody Beads has a great new resources section with two fantastic wedding day jewelry ideas. There’s a bridal set featuring bracelet and earrings and a maid-of-honor anklet. Each comes with a complete list of components. Use these ideas as is or switch out components to make it your own.

If you’re looking for more wedding day ideas, check out these fab websites I find inspiring even though I haven’t been a bride since gold lame bridesmaid dresses were in style.

Style Me Pretty
Lots of beautiful photos of gorgeous weddings

Ceci New York
Invitations that will blow your tiara-topped mind

Mr. & Mrs. Muse Salt and Pepper Shakers
Ridiculously fun gift for the happy couple

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Links and connectors are the matchmakers of the beading world, sometimes the heavy-lifters, and even the bridge over not-so-troubled waters. No matter what you call them: links, connectors, stations, bails and so on, as a whole they are often categorized as “Findings”.

Links come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some links take center stage with ornate designs that command attention, while smaller more discrete designs tend to work as an interchange to grander components. You can use them to extend certain areas of jewelry or to reduce. Above all, links are unsung heroes who deserve a little praise for all that they do. Below are some of my favorite links and connectors. Try them in your designs today!

Miss Pearl's Top Picks for Links and Connectors:

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

It is not completely farfetched to consider that the first beaded jewelry was a single shell, perforated at the tip, strung on a vine, and worn around the neck of a tribesman. Alas, we may never know definitively, but one thing I am certain of is that our ancestors had excellent taste.

Some of the most beautiful beading components derive from nature: shell, wood, nuts, bone and seedpods. All have remained wonderful materials for beads and pendants to this day. In fact, a history of mankind can be told through beaded jewelry, starting from bone beads made by Neolithic humans, to faience and glass beads adorned by the Egyptians and the Greeks with their metal work. You get the point. Times change but nature’s bounty remains the same: inspiring.

Which is why I am happy to announce that Goody Beads now has a natural beads section. We’ve gathered our finest beads made of natural materials and put them in one convenient place just for you. To give you a taste, I’ve attached these brand new Mother of Pearl beads. Also known as “Brown Lip Shells,” these beads come in four shapes and look great amongst other natural components like nut and wood beads. Pick up a strand or two today and see why our ancestors were so fashion forward. 

Discover New Mother of Pearl "Brown Lip Shell" Beads

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Summer is officially here. (Hooray!)
And with it comes all the joys that make these few months of the year magical: inflatable pool toys, weekend cookouts, farmer’s markets, and enough sunshine to turn everyone into the Coppertone baby.

Now is the perfect time to start those beading projects you’ve put off. Or perhaps there’s a vacation coming up that could use some jewelry. Find some shade, grab your box of goodies, and go to town. If you need a little inspiration to get you started, I find that ideas come from the smallest, most unexpected things.

Start with a color. Better yet, start by looking up. Yes, the sun! When I think of the sun, I jump right to warm, golden hues. Yellow sundresses, daffodils, corn on the cob and lemonade—summer icons in all their golden glory. Yellow is one of the most invigorating colors with an unmatched ability to brighten even the cloudiest day.

Goody Beads has a host of sunny beads, charms and components just waiting for you to scoop them up and make something fab. Below are some of my picks I hope inspire you!

Miss Pearl's Top Picks 

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Find these items and more in Goody Beads Clearance Corner!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

You’re a grand old flag,
You’re a highflying flag
And forever in peace
May you wave...

The Fourth of July is vastly approaching and I hope you’re ready for the festivities. After all, Independence Day is more than just a celebration of American triumphs. It’s a celebration of the American spirit, a salute to summer, and a great reason to gather with family and friends. Below are some goodies to help you kick off the long weekend.

 Yankee Doodle Swizzle Sticks
If you haven’t stopped by our new Resources section, than you’re totally missing out on this fun add-a-bead project. We made our drink stirrers patriotic but with so many beads to choose from, the themes and possibilities are endless. Click here for details. Plus, try the delicious cocktail recipe attached at your next bar-b-que.

Freedom Sale
The clock is ticking on our salute to savings. Don’t forget to use the Freedom Sale coupon code “FREEDOM” to receive an extra 10% OFF of your purchase. Hurry, this sale ends Sunday, July 5th, like the grand finale of a fireworks display.

 And a little something just for fun...

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Instead of clicking your mouse, click your heals together three times and repeat after me:
There’s no place like Goody Beads...
I’m pulling your leg, but Glinda The Good Witch sure did like her bling. She obviously was no stranger to Swarovski crystals and gemstones. And she was the one who passed those fabulous Ruby Slippers on to Dorothy. Those infamous shoes come to mind when I think of Rubies—the birthstone for the month of July.

Beyond the Wizard of Oz, this ancient gemstone is known by its deep, passionate color and super strength. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum, the second hardest mineral after Diamonds. Corundum is also part of the Sapphire family but the red hues are always designated as Rubies.

Rubies have a history rooted in mysticism and superstition. Ancient cultures believed that Rubies worn around the neck could warn its wearer of approaching danger. The stone would grow darker when peril was right around the corner. Once you were out of harms way, the stone let you the know the coast was clear by returning to its original state. Now I can’t confirm nor deny these abilities, but they certainly add to the mystique of this beautiful precious gemstone.

Now is a great opportunity for you to incorporate this ravishing hue into your jewelry and crafts. Goody Beads has some wonderful Ruby and Siam colored beads and pendants. Use them to make a stylish bracelet for a July baby or make a pair of your own Ruby Sippers or Sandals.

Check out Goody Beads great selection of Ruby and Siam colored beads and pendants!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Remember those Mood Rings of the sixties, those psychedelic baubles that boggled the mind and exposed your lovey-dovey true blue mornings and brooding crimson colored nights? Well, the idea is back and hotter than ever with these new Mood Beads. Yes, Mood Beads! Using the same technology as classic Mood Rings, these Mood Beads are made of thermochromic materials like liquid crystal that changes color in response to your body temperature as well as temperature shifts in your environment. “At rest” these beads are fun and funky with a boho-chic design, but once you get them going, watch the spectrum of colors appear right before your eyes. They’re trippy. They’re cool. They’re very much all the rage.

Check out Goody Beads full selection of Mood Beads and try some in your designs today. Show the world how happy you are to own them without saying a word.

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Modern Mix 
featuring a 1 inch Wood Watch Face

Petal Power
featuring a 1 inch Silver Flower Watch Face

Rock Stars 
featuring a 7/8 inch Pink Austrian Crystal Watch Face

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

You may already know that I’m an expert bargain shopper and there’s no better bargains going on right now than at Goody Beads. Our Summer Sidewalk Sale is in full swing. Shop our digital bins filled with beads and components priced at $1, $2, $3 and $5. What a steal! Stop on over right now and shop these priced-to-pleased beads. Do note that the clock is ticking on these savings. Sale ends July 21st. Shop till you drop beaders!

Get wire-wrapped beads for $1!

Toggle clasps for as low as $2!

Hand-blown lampwork beads for $3!

Pewter Bead Critters for only $5!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

Goody Beads new Amethyst gemstone beads come in four sizes to incorporate into your jewelry and craft designs. Choose from three round sizes, plus Amethyst chips. 

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

If you're like me, you're finally coming out of the media circus that was the passing of Michael Jackson. I personally prefer to remember Michael as the innovative entertainer with a smile that could brighten even the darkest day. There's no better example of this than his humble beginnings in the Jackson 5. Listening to dusty tracks like "I Want You Back" and "ABC" just puts a little pep in your step. I found myself humming the latter song the second these new Rhodium Plated Large Hole Alphabet beads arrived. Each bead features the letter of your choice continuously around the bead, so no matter which way it rolls you'll always see the letter. The edges of the bead surrounding the hole are done in a decorative border that gives it that fun touch every beader loves. Also available in a collection of numbers and symbols, these new beads will be a hit for the upcoming school year or to craft your own little tribute to MJ. 

Check out Goody Beads new Rhodium Plated Large Hole Alphabet and Number Beads!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*

You don’t have to be a ranch hand in cut-off shorts and well-worn cowboy boots to enjoy the majestic beauty of the wild, Wild West. Even city slickers like me can slip on a handmade necklace or bracelet adorned with western flare without feeling like I need a gingham skirt to pull off the look. Focus on the elements that inspire the style and you’ve got a plethora of textures and colors that will complement any style. Start with the landscapes. Think sweeping blue skies and red rock canyons. Next, breakdown the natural elements: handcrafted leather, copper, silver, turquoise and so on. Now infuse it with the culture: rodeos, acoustic guitar playing on the front porch, and denim jeans on a clothesline in the breeze. Combined, all these elements set the stage for beads and components that evoke the spirit of the west. All right now, I’ve given you the ammo to make some darn good jewelry. Git along little beaders!

Miss Pearl's picks for western-inspired beads and jewelry components!

Happy Beading!
*Miss Pearl*