 Beading for the Holidays
Here’s a sterling idea: Let’s get ready for the holidays early! It’s the end of November and its time. I know, you’re barely thinking about it, but let’s face it. Its here.
Push up your sleeves and let's do it!
We both know your friends and relatives love to receive beaded works of art from you, or beady stuff, or simply beads (for the bead lover in your life). Here are some good ideas to help you get a handle on your shopping list.
 For the new beader, or collector in your life
Make a kit! Get a fun container, or a practical one (like the organizer tins in our Beading Supplies section) and then take a mosey over to the beads, either loose or in strands. You can gather up an assortment of beads designed around the specific taste of the person you’re giving them to! Animal lover? Pick out a leopard color assortment. Flower lover? Pick out flower beads. Add a lady bug or two! Crystal lover? (Aren’t we all!) Choose a selection of vintage beads, or a bicone rainbow to put in a kit. Who wouldn’t love to get that for a gift??
Speaking of kits...
A kit can be anything you want. And you can tailor it for any age. For children, or… well, adults, too :-) choose an assortment of beads that are colorful and fun, with some simple stringing supplies and findings. I recommend something from our lucite selection. Huge, bold color… big fun beads… even flowers, critters, shells, loops and more. The great news is that there are fantastic lucite mixes in tubes that are colorful, fun and there’s a great variety of colors and shapes in there! Slide a colorful ribbon through the hanger on the top of the tube and you can hang it right off the tree. I’m not implying that our gorgeous lucite is only for kids. Adults are addicted. Truth.
Beyond Kits
How about a collectible bead? In our artists section we have new one-of-a-kind beads by Grama Tortoise. These lampwork fish are stunning and so detailed it will amaze you! There are tons of colors to build off from in there. We’ve got a lot of different artist beads to choose from in the store. These beads make fantastic focal pieces in jewelry, and are one of a kind.
What's new
Every beader loves to replace their worn out tools (most especially wire cutters) with a fabulous new set. Check out our Xuron tools, which are made in Saco, Maine… so close to the Freeport homefront! Its GREAT to buy American, and even better to support our local peeps. These are great tools, and they’ll be much appreciated.
When in doubt...go sparklie!
Want to go with something that’s hot off the press? How about Swarovski’s newest colors? Let’s start with Cyclamen Opal. This is a zinger! Like a robust, plump fuchsia berry, this gorgeous opalescent purple bead is part of the hot new opal trend. Soft color with a zing of glow in there. Love it! I’m inclined to put it with Lime, but there are endless possibilities out there for this bead. Who wouldn’t want this in their stocking?
Another...
Greige is a color that I have a terrible time pronouncing, but who cares??? Have you seen it? You won’t care either! At first glance you may look at this and say, “Hey, that’s Black Diamond.” I won’t argue that it looks similar. In smaller sizes of beads you may have to look twice before realizing that they’re different. But Black Diamond is a cool gray pastel color. Greige has a warm gray tone. You can pair it with the orange, red and yellow color families and it will go wildly well. Blend, not contrast. But it goes with anything. I mean ANYTHING. The rumor is that this will be the new chosen neutral with beaders and that it will be more popular than Black Diamond. You’ll get to help decide.
And more!
Crystal Metallic Light Gold is a stunning crystal of precious metal proportions. This color is rich and luxurious, and now that I think of it, if you’re going to make jewelry to wear this holiday, this is the bead for you! You’ve got to see it in person. Photographs don’t do it justice.
A great holiday tip
Begin making things now! I know it seems like there’s still a few weeks to go before the festivities begin, but time is going to fly by before you know it. Shop early, and then get started on your beaded gifts. You’ll be so happy you did, and you’ll have more time for parties!
"I only want beads. Who needs clothes and cd’s and candles? Just bring on the beads and I’m a happy girl.” ~ Colleen Lorimar’s wish list, as given to her husband.
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