The Reason for the Season...

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle this Holiday Season

It's so easy to get caught up in the details and the 'things' we need to get done.

We are all so busy with the hurrying and the scurrying

that we forget to take the time to think about what is truly important

and what we really should be mindful of during this season...

Pause for a  moment to reflect on these things...

HOPE
This is what we celebrate, the promise of a new life, everlasting in Jesus.
He is the reason for this Season





LOVE
We gather together to celebrate the  love of family and friends.
I encourage you to take every opportunity, every day
 to  demonstrate your love to family, friends and strangers,
and to simply let His love flow through you
to the world around you.
Life is so precious...
You may never get another chance,
to show kindness and love
so don't let any opportunity pass you by!

JOY

Let your hearts be filled to overflowing with JOY
not only during this season
 but throughout each day of your lives.
For many of us, life has become too busy
and many have lost their Joy.
I encourage you to become like a little child
and let Joy fill your heart to overflowing...

May your hearts be blessed beyond measure
and may your joy be full
this Season and throughout the coming years
Merry Christmas from my heart to yours ...
Denise

The Sweetest Gift

I love this picture of Chloe. She has the most beautiful eyes and the sweetest, joyful disposition.

 This picture was taken while she was at her local Santa Claus parade.

 I'm sure she's really still too young to appreciate what she saw at the parade but her eyes seem to tell the story of her wonder and amazement.

She's so precious and she's brought so much joy to my life. 

I love you and miss you Sweetheart!



Chloe
( my beautiful granddaughter)





It's beginning to look alot like Christmas... Go Ahead, Get your Holiday Sparkle On!

Festive and Sparkling,

 Earrings for the Holiday Season

Sparkle it up

Crystal with Silver Snowflakes   or  White Pearl, Red Crystal, Hammered Silver

 

   Simple and Elegant

Warm and Fiery Red Swarovski Crystal  or  Simple Pearls with Silver Snowflake Dangles

 

   Dramatic and Formal

Hammered Silver with Black Swarovski Crystal or Elegant Griege Swarovski Crystal



Romantic

Warm Topaz Swarovski Crystal or Swarovski Crystal with Hammered Teardrop Silver Hoops

What is your favourite holiday look?

http://www.beadedembellishments.blogspot.com/

http://www.beadedembellishments.etsy.com/

Time Limited Promotion ~ Gift with Purchase ~

Time Limited Promotion 

 in time for Holiday gift giving

~ Gift with Purchase ~

Beaded Embellishments

Spend $50.00 (before Shipping & Handling) at

 Beaded Embellishments Etsy shop and you will

receive one beautiful

silverplated Swarovski crystal jeweled bookmark 

absolutely FREE! (gift value $14.00)

Excellent item for yourself or as a stocking stuffer!

Other colours available but not pictured

Sorry no colour choice with this promotion

Sample Silverplated Swarovski Crystal Jeweled Bookmark

I'd love to hear what types of promotions/sales are your favourites?

Leave me a comment below.

Happy Shopping!

Denise

Holiday Dressing ~One "Little Black Dress" + A Splash of Embellishments = Fabulous Fashion!

A "Little Black Dress" is a 'must have' for practically every woman.  Its your "go to" piece for a multitude of occasions. This is  the one dress thats got 'built in' versatility because all you have to do is change the accessories and Voila you've made a whole new look! The important thing to remember when shopping for that little black dress is that you will want to use it for many different occasions. This means you should choose a dress with simple, classic lines that is flattering to your body shape and in a style that will stand the test of time. Choose a dress that has minimal or no embellishment. It will allow you to make the best use of jewelry and/or accessories to change up the look to make the dress work for your lifestyle. Here are three basic dress styles but the possibilities are endless.

                                      

Accessories are what you need to take these dresses from

 simple to sensational!

  That's the beauty as well as the fun of it!

Here are some items that I have selected from some Etsy shops that can take this dress and give it different looks from simple to funky to elegant to sensational. Make Etsy your one stop shopping  for your jewelry and accessories this season!

The most important thing is to have fun with it!

Think of it as a blank canvas waiting for you to write your signature on it!

 Classic and Elegant

Black Glass Beaded Necklace and Earring Set

Lavender Pearl Necklace

Ivory Mother of Pearl Triple Strand Necklace

  


Festive in Reds
Red Coin Pearl MultiStrand Necklace
Red Crystal and White Pearl Hammered Silver Earrings
Red Coral and Sterling Silver Necklace

 


Blinging in the New Year



Swarovski Crystal Cocktail Ring

Swarovski Crystal Silver Snowflake Dangle Earrings

Clear Quartz and Sterling Silver Necklace and Earrings Set 



Fun and Funky



 Antique Brass Chain Necklace

Funky Bold Purple Necklace

Pretty Funky Long Beaded Necklace



You've got the basics and now

It's time for you to start putting together your holiday look.

Have fun!

Beaded Embellishments

(little black dress pictures from Sears.ca)

Just a Short Note

I just wanted to say "Thank You" to all of my friends, aquaintances and customers who stopped by my table this weekend to shop or just to say "Hello". It was lovely to connect with you all again this year. My Etsy shop, Beaded Embellishments, is up and running again after being in vacation mode for the weekend so if you are still looking for Christmas gifts or jewelry for upcoming holiday events there is a widget on my right sidebar that will take you directly into my shop. If you are from the local area and you wish to make a purchase just email me first so we can make arrangements for pickup or delivery and avoid the shipping fees. Also, if anyone (local or otherwise) wishes to be placed on a mailing list to be notified of future sales, specials or giveaway contests please email me with your name and email address. This list will not be shared with anyone else.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Thanks Again

Denise

Artisan's Craft Show

I just wanted to let you know that my Etsy shop Beaded Embellishments is on "Vacation Mode" just for today Saturday Nov 6th and tomorrow Sunday Nov 7th while I am away with my handcrafted jewelry at my local Artisan's Craft Show. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. My Etsy shop will be back online Sunday evening. If you are in the area, I'd love for you to stop by my table and say "Hello". Davedi Club Airport Rd, North Bay, Ontario from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Free Admission!

My Mom and I

Shopping for a Necklace as Christmas gift? Points to consider for choosing the perfect length for your recipient.

Are you looking to purchase a necklace for that special someone on your list? A gift of a necklace is a thoughtful and personal gift. Here are some things to consider to help you choose the perfect necklace for your recipient.

First of all, different lengths are appropriate for different occasions, so consider the style of the necklace  to determine where the necklace is most likely to be worn (casual occasion or dressy occasion).

Second, consider the attributes of the person for whom you are purchasing the necklace. In general, a longer necklace tends to accentuate the bust while a shorter necklace accentuates the neck. If your recipient has a thicker neck then perhaps she would feel more comfortable drawing the attention away from her neck by wearing a longer length.

Another factor to keep in mind is the neckline of the garment she might wear with the necklace. If she wears open neck or v-neck lines then having the necklace sit in the open chest space created by the garment would be perfect but if she is more likely to wear a higher neckline such as a turtleneck then a longer necklace would be better suited for this neckline.

Here is a list of the common lengths of necklaces and some information about each of the lengths:

Collar style:  12 to 13 inches in length and lies in the middle of the neck, often has 2 or 3 strands. An elegant  look that works well with boat neck, v-neck or off the shoulder garments. Can be worn for dressy occasions or casually with a pair of jeans.

Choker Style: 14 to 16 inches in length and is the most classic and versatile length as it goes with most necklines. Can be single or multistrand and can be worn dressy or casual. Also a good choice for a child's necklace as it provides room for growth.

Choker Style

Princess Style: 17 to 19 inches is also a popular length as it works equally well with crew neck or high necklines as well as plunging necklines.

Princess Style

Matinee Style: 20-24 inches in length is great for higher necklines and is well suited for business wear or casual wear.

Matinee Style

Opera Style: 28-34 inches in length and is versatile in that it can be worn as an elegant single strand for higher necklines or doubled upon itself can be worn as a 2 strand choker suitable for open necklines.

Opera Style

Rope Style: over 45 inches in length and is sexy and elegant while drawing attention to your curves. Versatile as well, it can be doubled or tripled to achieve shorter lengths.



Rope style worn tripled



I invite you to leave a comment and tell me what length of necklace is your personal favourite and why it is your favourite.

Topaz November's Birthstone

Happy Birthday November!

This pair of Topaz Earrings from my Etsy shop Beaded Embellishments was just featured in an Etsy treasury.

They can be purchased in my Etsy shop here Topaz Swarovski Sterling Earrings

Follow this link to see the Etsy treasury that featured them:

Topaz Warm November Birthstone

Halloween with Chloe

Please, before you read this post you should read a previous post so you will have a better understanding and enjoyment of this one.
Click on this link to get there:

Bestest Bugs (Blog post by Beaded Embellishments)

After you've read it, don't forget to come back.

I just couldn't resist this outfit when I saw it and I had to purchase it for her. She was one day old and still in the hospital at that time. Finally after 4 months she is able to make her debut!

And now...

without further delay...

I introduce to you...

on Halloween night...

the third and newest member of the "Bestest Bugs"

Chloe Olivia

as

"Caterpillar"

Caterpillar Chloe exploring her "habitat"



Caterpillar Chloe striking a "pose"







Caterpillar Chloe showing her colours

Caterpillar Chloe helping hand out the Halloween treats


Can you tell that I love her and think she is absolutely the most adorable baby in the world?
I thought you could!

Good night Sweetheart
 love and kisses from Mia
(the Grandmother of the Bestest Bugs)



For my Faithful Followers

I would like to offer my faithful followers a 10% discount on any pair of earrings in my Etsy shop, Beaded Embellishments starting now and ending in one week from now on Thursday November 4th @ 0700 am EST.

In case anyone has their heart set on an item in my shop for Christmas gift giving or even just for themselves, I want to give you advance notice that I am putting my shop on vacation mode for the weekend of November 6th and 7th when I will be taking all of my jewelry items to my local Artsian's Craft Show. If  the item gets sold there, it will not be back in my shop because my items are unique, one of a kind pieces.

In order to take advantage of this offer, I ask that if you are making a purchase of a pair of earrings that you send me a message in the checkout box "message to seller" or via email and include the code word: OLIVIA. I will refund the 10% back to you via PayPal.



Beaded Embellishments



Inspiration, Interpretation and Creation

Here is an example of one of those "things in nature" that inspire me to create beautiful jewelry. I have always found such profound beauty in the winter scenes where the freshly fallen snow glazes over on the bare branches of the trees in the early morning sun. This weekend we had our fist light snowfall and it reminded of one of those days.

 

I wanted to somehow translate the beauty of that kind of a winter scene into one of my pieces of jewelry.

My interpretation of this winter scene was created  by suspending a sterling silver snowflake  beneath some freshly falling snow which I have represented by attaching many iridescent aurora borealis Swarovski crystals  to sterling silver chain. All of this wintery splendour sparkles beneath these comfort sterling silver leverbacks.

These Winter Wonderland earrings are priced at $35.00 US and will be on display at my upcoming craft show. If you are interested in purchasing this one of a kind pair prior to my craft show, please send me an email via Beaded Embellishments and I will create a listing for them.

Happy Birthday Mom

My mother celebrated her 77th birthday this week. Happy Birthday Mom! You are so special to me both as a mother and a friend. I Love You! I wish you joy, happiness and good health this year and always.

My mother and I at her Birthday dinner

AS I LOOK BACK...

As I look back on my life

I find myself wondering...

Did I remember to thank you

for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side

to help me celebrate my successes

and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,

good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you

for the simple things...

The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude

For any of these things,

I am thanking you now...

and I am hoping that you've known all along,

how very much you are loved and appreciated.

~Author Unknown~

Mom with her daughters (Deborah, Denise, Diana and Donna from L to R)

Cutest little Piglet ever!

My sweetheart Chloe attended her first pool party this weekend accompanied by her loving mother, Karly. It looks like she enjoyed herself immensely and I just wanted to share her with you. After all, who doesn't love a cute little baby!



Chloe in her "Piglet" bathing suit.





Chloe enjoying the water



Blog Giveaway

I'm at it again...another blog giveaway that is!

Aquariann from the Art and Tree Chatter of Aquariann Blog has so kindly  partnered with me by hosting a giveaway of a pair of Fuschia Swarovski Crystal and Impression Jasper Earrings that I made in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This giveaway is open to everyone.

Please follow the link above to her blog post for details on how to enter this giveaway and to read her post about me and my jewelry creations.

Aquariann was the lucky winner of the Tanzanite Earrings from my most recent blog giveaway !

Here is a picture of the earrings I have made for this giveaway.

A big "Thank you" to Aquariann and Good Luck to everyone!

Click on this Link for Details on How to Enter this Giveaway


Update October 26/10 - This Giveaway is officially closed.
Congratulations to Sharon (MoonRae) the winner of the Fuschia Swarovski Crystal Silver Earrings.
Sharon, I hope you enjoy these earrings!
 The draw was made from a total of 193 entries using a random number generator. The random generator selected the 86th entry.

New Earrings Listed

I have just listed 2 new pair of sterling silver beaded earrings on my Etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadedembellishments

 Drop by my shop to check out my other listings and feel free to leave a comment.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57844486/opal-and-burgundy-freshwater-pearl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57561596/pacific-opal-grey-gray-pearl-fleur-de

Pretty Baby Girl....

My Darling Chloe got her ears pierced last week

She's beautiful and I love her sooo much



I am so thrilled...

Jacqueline Gikow, an artist, jeweler and writer from New York has interviewed me and written a profile feature on her Blog about me and my Etsy shop, Beaded Embellishments. 
http://jacquelinegikow.blogspot.com/2010/09/profile-of-denise-boudreau-of-beaded.html
Jacqueline is a gifted person with many talents as you will see when you read her interesting and informative Blog entries and look around her Etsy shop (Jacqueline Jewelry), to view her creative jewelry and other items. She is actively pursuing her goals and assisting others to achieve theirs. She has been an encourager and a friend to me since I started my Etsy shop.

I encourage you to take a visit over to her Blog, Jacqueline Gikow, to read the profile she wrote about me and to see her other Blog posts here:

http://jacquelinegikow.blogspot.com/

When you're finished reading her Blog you can check out her creative jewelry here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jacquelinejewelry

I'd love to hear what you think about the profile she wrote about me by leaving me a message here on my Blog.

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.175818069.jpg

.

Announcing My Latest Winner....

Congratulations to Aquariann (Kristin Cornell) who is the winner of a a pair of Sterling Silver Tanzanite Earrings from my Blog Giveaway (hosted by Waterwaif's Blog). The earrings will be headed your way soon. I hope you enjoy wearing them! Thank you to all who entered the contest and stay posted for details of future giveaways.

Congratulations!

Blog Giveaway Winner Announcement

Congratulations to Donna Warrington, winner of my Blog Giveaway Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystal and Pearl earrings. Donna, your earrings will be shipped out tomorrow. I hope you enjoy them!

Thanks to all who entered the contest. Stay tuned to my Blog for details of future Blog Giveaways and/or Specials in my Etsy Store!

Denise

Precious Gift ~ Chloe

This is my sweet grand daughter Chloe. She is full of personality and loves to laugh and babble. What a joy it is for me to be with her. I love this picture of her because it has truly captured her joyfulness !

Chloe

(picture lovingly taken by my sister Deborah)

Free Blog Giveaway Still Time to Enter with New Ways to get More Entries!!

The winner of this Giveaway will receive the Sterling Silver earrings pictured below. They are hook style earrings with bali silver beads, swarovski pearls and swarovski crystals.

This is my first Free Blog Giveaway and it is still running
This is what you need to do - It's not complicated

You get 1 automatic entry into the competition if you:

a. Leave me a comment under this blog entry saying what your favourite item in my Etsy shop is

(http://www.beadedembellishments.etsy.com/)

b. Mark my Etsy shop as your favourite and leave a comment here with your Etsy username stating you have marked me as a favourite
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadedembellishments

c. You get another entry if you have left a comment here and follow my blog.
(http://beadedembellishments.blogspot.com/)

d.You will get another entry if you follow me on Twitter and leave a comment here with your twitter username
(http://twitter.com/BEmbellishments)
e. If you tweet, post to your facebook fan page or post on your own blog a link back to this blog competition and you leave a comment here with the link to the tweet or blog post or the facebook fan page post you get an entry for each tweet or post to your facebook fan page

f. If you become a Fan on my Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment here with your username you get an entry
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beaded-Embellishments-Fan-Page/149577821734081?v=wall

g. If you make a purchase from my Etsy shop and leave a comment here with your Etsy username you get 10 entries.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadedembellishments

Don't forget to leave your comments on this blog so that your get your entrys get counted

**Please leave 1 comment for each entry you are submitting, and make sure when you leave your comment on this blog post that you say where I can contact you (email address, Etsy username, twitter handle, facebook fan page etc)**


The contest closes September 19, 2010 at midnight. The winner will be contacted on Monday September 20, 2010 and has 48 hours to respond with a mailing address. If I am unable to contact the winner, a new winner will be drawn ! The winner's name will be posted to my Blog as soon as possible after I have made contact with the winner!
Good Luck!

SEE THE BLOG POST JUST BELOW THIS ONE FOR DETAILS TO ENTER MY OTHER BLOG GIVEAWAY FOR A PAIR OF TANZANITE STERLING SILVER EARRINGS.