Beads and More by Lois

New for July Part 2

2011-07-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

Have been adding and re-stocking lots of items this month!

These lockets sold out very fast so I have got more and added two more to the collection, from £1.50!

Another popular item is the ball headpins, so I have lots more silver plated and bronze 50mm back in stock. I have them in copper and gunmetal too.

New to the beads and beadcap sections are some cute flower and heart shaped spacer beads and some larger bead caps.

I have added a couple of filigree wrap connectors to the bronze and copper sections, only 50p each!

And a few handy hardware pieces; calottes, earring backs and a brooch pin.

Everything available on website and eBay shop

New for July Part 1

2011-07-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

This month I have been adding to the tool section, I thought I'd include tools to help with creating filigree settings and bale making as I have found the right tools make the task a whole lot easier!

I have two different Beadsmith bale making pliers available, the above green handled ones have 7 and 9mm cylinder sizes and the black handled ones have 6 and 8.5mm cylinders.

Available to buy from £9

These bale making pliers are a must have and Vintaj describe it as the ultimate creative setting tool. You can use them to wrap filigree, connectors and sheet metal.

I also have some Beadsmith rosary pliers and chain nose pliers.

Both in polish steel with comfortable and secure handgrips.

Chain nose pliers are the ultimate tool for crimping, clasping, clamping and closing jumprings. They are also really helpful in creating filigree, they have a nice smooth edge and when used to clamp down edges of filigree they give a nice clean finish.

The rosary pliers are a great linking tool for headpins and eyepins, every jewellery maker needs one!

Available on my site for £5

A customer asked me to source them some Beadsmith wire so I have made that available on my website also, it's specially made for Vintaj Natural Brass components so it matches perfectly.

I only ordered a small supply to see how it would sell and I have nearly sold out already!

I am out of stock of the 0.6mm/22 gauge but still have some 0.4mm/26 gauge and 0.8mm/20 gauge left. I will be ordering some more soon!

Prices start at £3.25

www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Clearance Sale

2011-07-04T23:23:00.000-07:00

I've been contemplating a while now whether to just sell the findings on my website, I love beads but always buy too many for myself but for a business I've discovered that sourcing and buying findings to sell is much more fun and by just buying the findings I'll have more money to spend on them, hooray! I'm still going to buy and sell the Swarovski crystal though as they are my favourite and I need a bit of sparkle on the website.

So as part of the my 1st Business Birthday coming up this month I have put ALL of my beads on sale and put them in a large clearance section where there is also lots of plated findings, pandora beads and metal beads, great prices while stocks last!

Come and grab a bargain! www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Fashion Extra - Summer Festival

2011-07-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd start a monthly feature on what's hot and trending in fashion and jewellery! When I was making jewellery full-time I'd make things to match what was hot at the time and loved having something unique and trendy. Now I supply everything to make jewellery; I'm in my own element and love looking for findings that will suit what's in fashion, so in this monthly fashion extra I will share!

Over the next couple of months it's all about the Festivals. I went to Kings of Leon in Hyde Park last week and it was like a mini-festival for the day, had the best day ever and it really got me in the mood for V Festival this August, I'm camping for the whole weekend so need to pack lots of festival essentials and get the festival look just right.

When I think of V and what to take with me I'm thinking cut-off denim shorts, floppy straw hat, over-sized sunglasses, chunky necklace and hobnail boots - open toed shoes or sandals are just not practical and if it rains your feet will get very wet and muddy!

Whatever style you have, you can have an impact with your jewellery, especially by making your own - having something unique that no one else will have at the festival will be sure to get people looking and asking where you got it from so make sure you take some business cards!

How about these for earrings? Just add a pair of antiqued brass earwires and you have a quick, simple pair of festival earrings!

These wings are 80p each, available here

A long length of chain with this pendant would look simple and trendy

Vintaj Natural Brass Tree of Life pendant, £2.40, available here

Gunmetal is really in at the mo, suits the mods 'n' rockers trend down to a T! I'm think a mix bracelet of chunky gunmetal chain and chainmaille.

Here are some other pieces that I think would look great with your festival jewellery, don't forget I have a huge selection of headpins, eyepins, jumprings, chain, craft wire and everything else you need in different colour metals to make your piece complete.

For a great selection and prices visit my website www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-06-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

I have been given a Versatile Blogger Award by Aviya Glass - Thank you Terry!

The idea is to follow a few requests and then pass the award on.

1. Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the reward

2. Share seven random things about yourself..... 7 why not 2!

3. Award seven recently discovered bloggers with this award and contact them to let them know they have won.

7 Random things about me...

1. I'm tongue tied.. literally

2. Favourite food is pasta

3. I love the KINGS OF LEON!!

4. I can write forwards with my right hand and backwards with my left hand (mirrored) at the same time... cool party trick although people just think I'm a freak.

4. I'm a registered nurse but only work 1 day a week.

5. My first love is my husband who I've been with since I was 19...ahhhh

6. I often crave pickled onion monster munch!

7. I loving reading (ran out of interesting things to say!)

I would like to nominate the following..

1. http://seventyseventyone.blogspot.com/

2. http://acraftingjourney.blogspot.com/

3. http://acorncrafts.blogspot.com/

4. http://insideemmasattic.blogspot.com/

5. http://joyknitt.blogspot.com/

6. http://meanmagenta-photos.blogspot.com/

7. http://ceegeejewellery.blogspot.com/

Metal Reliefing Block

2011-06-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share a fabulous tool Vintaj have created, they came out a couple of months ago and I snapped up a few to sell straight away and although I have sold a few I still don't think they are getting the attention they should!

Vintaj Metal Reliefing Block

As quoted by Vintaj "How did we live without this? The Vintaj Metal Reliefing Block has quickly become a Vintaj essential"

If you like experimenting with metal pieces that have raised areas then you will love this block. It's fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and has three different sides that help create design relief to all of your projects. It was created to especially for sanding the raised areas on Vintaj metal products to show off their fine detail, (as Vintaj truely have some stunning pieces to show off!) but don't limit it's use.

You can create handcrafted pendants and mixed-media art with the Vintaj altered blanks, emboss, impress, imprint, paint and ink, THEN sand-relief the surface with the block to bring your designs to life!

I love this bracelet called 'Along the Riverbed' by Jess Italia Lincoln, she embossed an altered blank then used the block to relief the design to stand out.

So the block has three sides and here it what they do:

Dark gray sides (heaviest grit): Removes paint and patina from raised areas.

White side (medium grit): Lightly reliefs embossed and raised areas.

Light gray side (finest grit): Buffs and polishes.

You can get yourself one of these blocks for only £4 in my shop

Books & Tools

June Vintaj Order

2011-06-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's my favourite time of the month, supply ordering! I've just placed my latest Vintaj Natural Brass order and will be adding a few new items to my shop.

Thought I'd introduce some new chain, currently the most popular is the Etched Cable chain but I thought I'd try something new with the Rollo chain

Also have some smooth saucer beads that a customer asked for but have a few that I've been experimenting with myself and they are really nice next to your beads or in clusters.

24 x 11mm hook which I think will be handy and will go with most of the toggle clasps

And I thought I'd test these 1/4" Nail rivets out too, they can be used to create multi-dimensional pendants by riveting metal, leather etc together.

You will need a punch or drill to create a small 1.6mm hole into your pieces then using a hammer you can rivet charms, flattened bead caps and more onto altered blanks for a unique layered look -you could then try a bit of stamping, something I have yet to try! I love this bracelet made by Jess Italia Lincoln at Vintaj, she used the nail rivets to layer the cute man in the moon charm to an altered blank. Make your own using the Vintaj product gallery

I'm a little bit disappointed though as Vintaj are out of stock of the Flying East Bird Connectors, they always sell out of my shop fast!

Also stocking up on the Flourish Bead Caps and Filigree Butterflies which are my two favourite items.

I'm hoping the order arrives before the beginning of next month so I can include everything in next months business birthday promotional offers! Watch this space..

www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Nearly a Year in Supply Business!

2011-06-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

Next month will be my 1st Business Birthday for the supply side to Beads & More by Lois!

This last year has been amazing, I never imagined how well it would take off and the risks and hard work at the beginning have certainly paid off! I will blog more about my journey next month but as a run up to the event I wanted to let you all know about how I will be celebrating and saying thank you to my loyal customers.

Every month I give all my newsletter subscribers a great promotional code, over the last year I have given away lots of findings including Vintaj Natural brass or given up to 20% discount! Next month will be the biggest yet, giving away lots of findings with a discount code and FREE delivery and I'm thinking of throwing in a SALE for good measure.

To be part of the event, sign up to my newsletter by clicking HERE you'll be one of the only people to receive the above offers & dscounts!

Thank you for reading

Lois x

It's All About the Antiqued Metal

2010-10-07T02:45:00.000-07:00

It wasn't until I started supplying findings that I really became a fan of antiqued metal findings. I guess it was because they are not as widely available and I didn't come across them that often, but now I have so much and can't get enough!

My best seller is definitely the antiqued brass, it has such a warm colour..

I've recently discovered antiqued copper, it has a shiner, brighter look but also a lovely colour, will look stunning with all different colour beads..

Then of course theres antiqued silver which gives a beautiful aged look to your jewellery..

All above findings are available on my website www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk or in my eBay shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Beads-and-More-Jewellery-Findings?_rdc=1

1st Week in Business

2010-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

I officially launched my beads and findings supply side to my business on Monday and so far I have had four orders, which isn't too bad in my opinion! Sold a few Vintaj Natural Brass items and the customer was really pleased with them and will be coming back for more!

I am already out of stock of these gorgeous flourish petal bead caps, which open up and look beautiful wrapped around beads, or objects!

At the moment I have a wider selection of findings then I do beads but eventually I'd like to cater for everyone and stock all the popular beads on the market, especially Swarovski crystal.

I'm going to start working on my kit boxes and project ideas soon, need to get all these ideas in my head into action so theres more on the website for everyone to enjoy!

We're Open for Business! Fabulous Findings

2010-07-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

I've been missing in blog action for a while now as every minute of spare time I've had I have been adapting my website to an online beads and findings shop!
I had been thinking of it for a while, I absolutely love getting a jewellery supply order but find it hard work to get the best deals as prices vary so much for the same items across all my favourite suppliers, so... I thought why don't I supply everything and make all the prices reasonable for everything! And also source some different findings and have a good stock of them rather then the odd piece and then I found Vintaj Natural Brass and fell in love! They accepted me to buy wholesale from them, so I placed a huge order and now it is all in my shop for everyone to buy!!

I also have a nice range of antiqued brass and antiqued silver, sterling silver, silver and gold plated and lots of lovely beads - shell beads, mother of pearl, wood, glass beads and swarovski crystals.

I have found a good wholesale supplier of Swarovski crystals and wire so once my shop is making more money I will invest in more crystals and wire.

I would like to cater for everyone, so if you are interested in buying from my shop, let me know if there is something that you buy regularly and I'll look into stocking it for you, cheaper then where you currently buy it from! Leave suggestions in my comment box of email info@beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Delivery is FREE for UK orders over £50!!

Don't forget to join up to our monthly newsletter where we will be giving out great discount codes and be the first to hear about new items and SALES!

New Venture with Beads & Findings

2010-07-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks I have been working hard on starting a beads and findings supply side to my jewellery making business. It look alot of research and a good business plan but I think I have found a little niche in the huge market!

Recently I have been using antique copper for my jewellery making and have found it slightly difficult to find a supplier who sells a good range at a decent cost so I end up buying bits and pieces all over the place. Because of this I decided it might be a good idea to stock and supply it all myself! After a bit of research I found a beautiful website called Vintaj Natural Brass Co who design and make eco friendly jewellery findings and embellishments in the USA, they also sell wholesale so I applied and was accepted to buy from them! I really can't wait to receive my package from them.

While waiting for my Vintaj and other big wholesale order I have been working on my website to turn it into a online mail order shop, it's been coming along nicely but there is still lots to do.

I have also set up a subscription newsletter which I am going to send out once a month with all my new products featured and any promotional codes or sales I'll be doing. If you would like to be one of the first to find out when my site is to be launched and receive my launch party promotional code then please sign up to my newsletter below!

New Earrings I Have Made

2010-06-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

I've been making the odd bits of jewellery over the last few weeks but haven't put any of it on my website or shops as I have a couple of fairs coming up but I listed two of my favourite pieces on Etsy today!

Here are some pretty earrings I have made, the first is my favourite, all of them are handmade by twisting and shaping wire into shape!

Pink Daisy

Swarovski Chandeliers

Loopy Lou's

I've listed the Pink Daisy Earrings in my Etsy Shop along with this gorgeous bracelet..

Summer Breeze

This bracelet is made by individually coiling 100 beads and then threading them on stretchy elastic.

You can buy this in my Etsy shop also!

Will be listing them on my website, Misi & Folksy shops next week after my fairs this weekend :)

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 10

2010-06-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 10th and last in this series; Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Creation|Collaboration was set up by eight women, all existing friends, who run small businesses from their homes. We have started Women Wednesday blog roll to link up with other women in business, spread the word about Creation|Collaboration and basically just have fun visiting all of your interesting blogs!

We hope you have joined the weekly blog hops, we will be doing more of them in the future with a slight difference!

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last week Jacquie Swain from Soaphora was picked to be our 5th Blog Hop Feature!

Jacquie has incorperated Soaphora and A String of Beads to handcraft beautiful soaps, creams, balms and lampwork beads in her studio.

We asked Jacquie 5 questions so we could find out more about her and her business.

1. Tell us about yourself and your business.

I started my business in 2006 after a lengthy time off sick from my job, I started making jewellery, which, in turn, I started to sell. I then got more and more interested in where the beads came from (ethically) and so started to source British made lampwork beads. I loved them so much I started making them myself. I still make and sell beads and from time to time jewellery, but it's the beads that are my main passion.

2. What do you love most about having your own business?

I love that each day is different, I love being able to lock myself into my studio and create when I want. I love the freedom of being my own boss and making the decisions!

3. What would you like to change?

What would I like to change, apart from the obvious, More sales, the only thing I would change at the moment is to perhaps streamline my range of fragrances a bit. There's always room for change though!

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I love the sharing of information, seeing others creativity. Lovely photographs and always learning something new!

5. What is your most favourite thing you have made?

My favourite thing that I've made, hmm thats tricky. Over the years I have made somewhere in the region of 4000 silver core beads and many many sets and its hard to have favourites as I always see the technical flaws, I'm also a relatively new soap maker and my favourites are based on fragrance and how they feel to me when I use them ( I'm biased I know so am bound to say I love them all!) However I would say that that whatever you make your first should always be your favourite as its a constant reminder of how far you've come and what you've achieved. I still feel excited when I see the first soap I made and although it's not the best and it has no smell I'm still amazed that its soap!

Thank you Jacquie for being part of the blog hop and feature.

Make sure you check out her blog

You can buy her products from her Website

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 9

2010-06-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 9th Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Join in each week and you could be the following weeks blog feature. Every Thursday we will use Randomness software to pick someone from that weeks blog hop and announce who will be the next blog feature.

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last week Polly from Miss Polly was picked to be our 4th Blog Hop Feature!

Miss Polly is a new bath and beauty company based in Ayrshire, Scotland. All their products are handmade with beautiful packaging that makes them stand out.

We asked Polly 5 questions so we could find out more about her and her business.

1. Tell us about yourself and your business.

Hello, my name is Polly and I live in Ayrshire with my husband and son Matthew. I started making soaps as a hobby and gave myself 3 years to start a business. Once I mastered soaps, I then turned to body butters and I will be launching body scrubs, bath salts, bath oils, and Cold Process soaps all before the end of the year.

I had no idea how much I would enjoy making bath products, or how much I would want other people to enjoy Miss Polly soaps, so it has been a wonderful suprise that the business has taken off so much quicker and more successfully than I ever imagined. And with so much more products than I ever dreamed of making.

2. What do you love most about having your own business?

My business is just that, my business. I thought it, dreamed it, cried over it, have handmade every single product and that is a huge boost for me. I'm not quite my own boss, as the big decisions (e.g. the big financial outlays) are made jointly with my husband, but being the owner of my own business has forced me to find skills and confidence I never knew I had, to get out there, to networking events, to shop owners, and put me and Miss Polly into the public eye. The success of Miss Polly rests on my shoulders, which might sound daunting, but is actually quite empowering and is a great motivator!

3. What would you like to change?

The usual - time and money. I work 3 days a week in an office, and it's hard to craft the other 2 weekdays with a very inquisitive toddler on the loose, so I do most things in the evenings and weekends. It's tiring but worth it as I get a huge feeling of satisfaction when I see all those pretty tins lined up on the shelf. And all the practising, the abandoned projects, just getting to this stage has been costly, so more time and money would help take the business forward and allow me to work on the ideas I have spinning around in my head.

4. What do you love most about Blogging?

For me, blogging isn't just about selling my products, though that is important too, but it is a way of getting to know the people behing the brand, the individuals who are creating all these lovely products. I am interested to read about their thoughts and their lives, as we are all in similar positions and the community spirit among bloggers means that we all help and support each other, which is fantastic. I would not have been anywhere near this stage without fantastic feedback from networking sites.

5. What is your most favourite thing you have made?

My favourite has to be my body butters because they work! I love that people will buy a Miss Polly body butter and within a week or 2 they will have lovely soft skin. I take enormous satisfaction from the knowledge that I've created something that has a direct beneficial effect on their skin.

Thank you Polly for being part of the blog hop and feature.

You can buy Miss Polly products from their website

If you would like to be featured next week, make sure you join in this weeks blog hop, only 2 more left!

Everyone should try Myroo Skincare

2010-06-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I've wrote a proper blog post! Things have been a bit rubbish lately, my Nan passed away last week and she was my world, I loved her so much but I know she's in a better place now. To help cheer me up my lovely friend Rachael sent me a special present..

Tried and tested it tonight in the bath and it's truly something special! Smells so lovely and definitely helps you to relax. I really love the clip top glass jars, look so nice in my bathroom with my little scoop!

I have a few friends who hand-make beauty products and I can truly say that they are much better quality then what you find in the shops, all natural ingredients and the love and care that goes into making them gives that extra special touch.

My cousin has just had a gorgeous baby boy so I've ordered this for them as Rachael also has a baby range called milly and flossy.. http://www.millyandflossy.co.uk/products/gift-sets/

I've chosen the luxury one with baby bath, baby balm, wooden scoop and a natural sponge. I know she will love it as she loves handmade products like me.

From myroo I've ordered this..

Geranium hand treat (buy your own HERE!)

I won one from Rachael a while back and it's a miracle for the hands, especially if you put it on at night with gloves! I'm treating my Mum to one of these and a peppermint lip balm, oh and an orange lip balm to myself - I couldn't go without!!

I'm looking forward to having myroo skincare at my pamper party in July so I can share all the lovely delights with my friends and family, Rachael you are going to be very busy!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 8

2010-06-08T23:28:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 8th Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last week Suzanne from Scent Trail was picked to be our 3rd Blog Hop Feature!

Suzanne is a soap maker living in the North West, her soaps are made using the hot process method and are all palm oil free. She also makes lovely bath salts and body butters, read more to find out more about Scent Trail.

We asked Suzanne 5 questions so we could find out more about her and her business.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your business.

My name is Suzanne Jones. I live in the north west of England, and work part time in a dog food company, run a small petsitting business which I have had for about four years, and more recently set up a bath and beauty company. Oh, and I make jewellery from time to time, using Fair Trade silver beads and findings which I get direct from Thailand.

Over the past ten years or so, I have become more concerned with what I eat, where the products I use come from and how they have been tested. For a couple of years I played with the idea of making soap, something I wanted to do but found courage lacking. The support I received from one of the forums I am a member of gave me that courage, and finally I found something that I am good at (I think) and that I love to do. It has taken me a long time to decide what I want to be when I grow up but this is it. I love it.

The company was started after foisting my soap on a number of guinea pigs, who came back for more! I knew then that I had the recipe right, so one safety assessment later, I set up Scent Trail in February of this year. Since then I have created and recently launched a body butter, and I am working on a foot balm and have ideas for more products than I have time to make. I believe in the Fair Trade ethic and like to use Fair Trade ingredients if they are available.

2. What do you love most about having your own business?

I love being my own boss. There is something quite liberating about not having to answer to someone, having creative control, and being able to go off on a tangent and see where it leads. I love standing in the kitchen stirring my cauldron and experimenting with new ingredients.

3. What would you like to change?

More money would be nice, but mainly, I would love more time to devote to the business. It is frustrating to have an idea for a new product, or packaging idea and not be able to do anything about it for a couple of days because everything else gets in the way. I need to try to build the business and that takes time that at the moment I am struggling to find.

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I have always kept a diary and love using words, blogging is an extension of that and is such an immediate way of contacting people, and is a great way of networking and showcasing your products.

5. What is your most favourite item you have made?

My favourite creation? That is difficult because they are all my babies. It is probably what I have done last, and in this case it is the body butter I made yesterday. It absorbs beautifully and makes the skin feel gorgeously soft.

Thank you Suzanne for being part of the blog hop and feature.

You can buy Scent Trail products from their website

If you would like to be featured next week, make sure you join in this weeks blog hop, only 3 more left!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 7

2010-06-01T23:06:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 7th Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last week Michelle Wyatt from Melusine Soap was picked to be our 2nd Blog Hop Feature!

Michelle is a lovely soaper based in Somerset, she handcrafts all of her Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - free, glycerin soaps at home, she sells them online and at fairs. Read more to find out more about Melusine Soap!

We asked Michelle 5 questions so we could find out more about her and her business.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your business.

Hello, my name is Michelle, I live in the beautiful county of Somerset and I'm a mum to my 1 year old daughter, Mathilda. I've been making glycerine soaps for about 10 months now. It started off as a little hobby to do while I was on maternity leave, making soaps as gifts for friends and family and then it just snowballed from there! I was very fortunate to be subject to a random act of kindness from a lady I met through a soap making forum and she basically helped pay for my Safety Assessment for me to start selling soaps to customers. From then on I've been gradually building up my collection, which is heavily inspired by my surroundings, nature and folklore. I also set up a shop on Folksy and I had my first ever craft fair at the beginning of May. It went so well that it helped me to decide to not return to my 9-5, well-paid job as a buyer for a helicopter manufacturer, and to focus on bringing up my daughter and making and selling soaps from home!

2. What do you love most about having your own business?

I love the creativity. That is definitely my favourite part as there's nothing more satisfying then creating something beautiful that people also enjoy and get pleasure from. I also love belonging to such a lovely community of fellow crafters. Virtually everyone I've met, either on Twitter, social networking sites, or at craft fairs, have been very supportive and helpful, which is something I never noticed while working for a large company.

3. What would you like to change?

I have a list as long as my arm at the moment regarding things I'd like to change! My business has only just started, and I'm completely learning everything from scratch. My main priority at the moment is to clarify my brand and my logo, it's something that has been put on the back burner for far too long while I've been busy experimenting with soap making! I'll then be working on a website which I aim to be up and running by the end of the year.

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I'm also very new to blogging, but I'm enjoying it very much. It's a very important part of networking and I love how it can be great exposure for my business and I'm enjoying the the Folksy Friday and Creation Collaboration Women Wednesday blog hops. Again it's like being part of a great community of crafters, who all support and learn from each other. Taking part in blog hops means that I can meet even more crafters and keep my finger on the pulse.

5. What is your most favourite item you have made?

I'm very proud of my Oats, Milk and Somerset Honey soap. It took a lot of planning because I really wanted to make something using local produce and to try and make it unique in some way as Oat, Milk and Honey soaps are very popular among other soapers. It was interesting to make because it involved several different ingredients and techniques (including the bubble wrap technique to create a honeycomb effect for the honey layer) so I felt like it tested the skills I had developed over the last few months. It's a popular seller at local craft fairs and was even ordered by someone in Alabama recently, which was an amazing complement to me and my work!

Thank you Michelle for being part of the blog hop and feature.

Buy Melusine Soaps through her Folksy Shop

You can catch Melusine Soap on Facebook

If you would like to be featured next week, make sure you join in on this weeks blog hop!

Friendly Friday

2010-05-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone visiting me from Friendly Friday, Follow me Friday and all the rest! I love joining in these blog hops aswell as hosting our own on a Wednesday called Creation|Collaboration Women Wednesday!

Hope you all have a great weekend, I'll look forward to visiting your blogs!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 6

2010-05-25T23:13:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 6th Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last week Georgie Baker was picked to be our first Blog Hop Feature!

Georgie Baker makes gorgeous textile treasures by the sea in Southend-On-Sea, Essex. Her textile accessories and jewellery are unique with a quirky style that makes her items stand out from the rest.

We asked Georgie 5 questions so we could find out more about her and her business.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your business.

Hello all, my name is Georgina, and I am a designer/maker living and working in Essex. I graduated from University College Falmouth in 2008 with a degree in Textile Design, and after having a little time out, now design and make textile accessories and jewellery under the moniker Georgie Baker Designs.

My work mainly consists of hand-embroidered accessories and jewellery with a vintage twist. I absolutely adore vintage collectables and anything from the Art Deco period, so I think that tends to influence my designs and thought processes. I try to make every design and piece as unique as possible, and I think this is especially important today when so much is mass-produced.

2. What do you love most about having your own business?

There are lots of things I love about designing and creating...I love the freedom of being able to set your own creative targets and deadlines, and I love getting in touch with other designers and crafters who share the same passion for beautiful things. It's also really nice when someone compliments you on a piece of jewellery or an accessory you have put alot of time and hard work into.

3. What would you like to change?

I would really like to change the space in which I work in. That's the only down-side of working from home. It's sometimes difficult to find the space and the right environment to help put you in a creative frame of mind. It just means that you have to be extra organised!

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I think blogging is so important with regards to exposure and advertising your company and products. Before I had a blog, a facebook page and twitter, I completely under-estimated the power they have to generate 'traffic' to my sites and online shop. I also like the fact that blogging helps you to keep up to date with what other designers and crafters are doing. It's really interesting to see what is being produced.

5. What is your most favourite item you have made?

I am always my own worst critic and a real perfectionist when it comes to my work, but I do enjoy seeing the finished product when it is photographed and displayed. I suppose one of my favourites is the black and white sequined magpie feather brooch. This was one of the first things I made for my accessories portflio. Having said that, there are so many more things I want to do in terms of designing and making, and there is always room for improvement!

She has recently opened an Etsy shop so check out her lovely designs:

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

You can follow and find out more about Georgie on her blog:

http://georgiebakerdesigns.blogspot.com/

If you would like to be featured next week, be sure to join todays Women Wednesday Blog Hop!

Follow Me Back Tuesday

2010-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just discovered a similar blog hop like our Women Wednesday Blog Hop! This one is called Follow Me Back Tuesday, love these!!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 5

2010-05-18T23:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 3rd Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

We are also in discussions with regard to listing features companies (on a regular basis) as part of our promotional campaign so by joining in with the blog roll we can get to know you and your business and maybe you could be one of our first features.

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Last Nights Pamper Evening

2010-05-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

It didn't go brilliantly as it wasn't very busy but I sold a few pieces of jewellery and was sad to see my favourite ring go but it's gone to a good home!

I met a lovely lady who had a stall next to me selling Forever Aloe Vera products, I had a try of her aloe vera gel drink (which is pure aloe vera leaf squeezed into the pot) and I must admit it tasted pretty disgusting but the health benefits are pretty good!

This week I purchased some new displays for my jewellery so got to test them out last night. Unfortuantly and typically my camera battery run out and the camera on my phone isn't brilliant so please exuse the poor pictire quality but you'll get an idea of what it looked like.

I have two three tier bangle holders which I thought looked great but no one bought a bracelet - which is usually my best seller! I think it's because people were worried about ruining my display eventhough I offered to take the bracelet off for them as it's easy enough! So I'll have to see how these go. I really like the pendant and earring displays, they certainly helped it to look tidier and show off my best items.

Aswell as my favourite ring I sold this ring and earrings, two pendants and a few packs of beads so not too bad for a quiet pamper evening!

I also got an invitation to another fair next month so fingers crossed that one will be better.

Before I go I'll leave you with this blinky from Shabby blogs, I really love their blogs and buttons - as you can probably tell from my blog!!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 4

2010-05-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 3rd Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

My Profile on C|C's Feature Friday

2010-05-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my chance to talk about my business on Creation|Collaboration's Feature Friday!

You can check it out HERE

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 3

2010-05-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 3rd Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

First Fair of the Year

2010-05-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

On Friday I had my first fair of the year, it was a ladies pamper evening at a local school and it went really well! I was slightly apprehensive at first as there were 3 other people selling jewellery but only mine was handmade which I feel is sometimes an advantage!

I forgot to take pictures which is a shame! But here are some pictures of a couple of items that I sold. The first one I was sad to see go as it is my favourite - really going to have to make one for myself but it takes hours and hours!!

The lady who bought this really loved it and it matched a ring she already had.

My stretchy bracelets were quite popular I sold these two

And this Swarovski charm bracelet

I also sold a ring, a couple of pairs of earrings, a few packs of beads and this pendant

I make a few pendants that I sell without necklaces, that way people can put them on whatever they like, even on to keyrings if they prefer!

My next fair is on the 14th May at The Holiday Inn over at Basildon Festival Leisure Park in Basildon which is hosted by The Rotary Club of Basildon Concord in aid of Breast Cancer Haven.

More details are on my website: http://www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk/page14.htm

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 2

2010-04-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 2nd Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents

Creation|Collaboration was set up by eight women, all existing friends, who run small businesses from their homes. We have started Women Wednesday blog roll to link up with other women in business, spread the word about Creation|Collaboration and basically just have fun visiting all of your interesting blogs!

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL to your Women Wednesday blog post using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's) Please note that it's for blogs only and not links to your websites or shops.
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button and feature it on your blog or Women Wednesday blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday!

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Some Stretchies for the Fair

2010-04-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making some jewellery for the fairs I have over the next few months. Chunky colourful jewellery seems in fashion at the moment so I thought I'd make some chunky, funky bangles which are usually quite popular.

I made this one with chunky square glass beads which I usually save for glass charms but they are just so bright and cheerful that I thought I'd use them for a stretch bangle.

Also loving these stretchy mix beaded bracelets at the minute, they are great because you can wear just one or all four and they have the summer look about them!

So this Friday I am at a Pamper Evening at Great Berry Primary School in Langdon Hills, Essex.
Starts at 7pm, maybe see you there!

Collaboration Women Wednesday Blog Hop - Week 1

2010-04-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Creation|Collaboration's 1st Women Wednesday blog roll, hosted by Beads & More by Lois, Soaperstar and Plans and Presents.

Creation|Collaboration was set up by eight women, all existing friends, who run small businesses from their homes. We have started Women Wednesday blog roll to link up with other women in business, spread the word about Creation|Collaboration and basically just have fun visiting all of your interesting blogs!

We are also in discussions with regard to listing features companies (on a regular basis) as part of our promotional campaign so by joining in with the blog roll we can get to know you and your business and maybe you could be one of our first features.

Heres how you can join in with Collaboration Women Wednesday:

Link up your blog name and URL using the McKLinky below (you only need to add on one blog to be seen on all of the McKLinky blog roll's)
Follow our Creation|Collaboration blog and the hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Grab our Women Wednesday button in your blog post.
Follow and comment saying you're from Women Wednesday on as many blogs as you likes listed in the McKlinky box.
Follow back any new followers from Women Wednesday.

It's that easy and a fun way to discover new and interesting blogs and us women at Creation|Collaboration get to meet other women in business!

Creation Collaboration

2010-04-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

A few of my crafty and business like friends have come together to create a group called Creation Collaboration, mainly to help promote our goods and services but also to give advice and tips on running your own business.

So far we have set up a facebook and twitter page but in the future we are considering a website and maybe even a blog!

For now I will add a page on my blog to let you all know what we are up to but for now please follow us on FB and Twitter. Here are the links...

Friday Follow Time!

2010-04-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

I missed out on last weeks blog hop but I'm back and looking forward to the weekend!

If you would like to join in all you have to do is...

Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.
Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.
Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you’d like.
Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you’re from Friday Follow.
Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

Happy Friday Follow everyone!

Happy Good Friday!

2010-04-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

All morning I have felt like it's Saturday so nearly forgot about the Friday follow!!

Happy Friday Follow and Good Friday to everyone, to all those enjoying a long bank holiday weekend I hope you have a great one and lots of lovely chocolate, mmmmmmm.

Join in the Friday fun, leave me a comment and follow me and I'll follow you back!

Fabulous product launch and a Happy Business Birthday!

2010-04-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

Look what I have just bought...

I am a bit obsessed with creams and body butters and have been looking forward to Celine @ Soaperstar's launch of their sheer luxury body butter.

I have chosen silky cocoa butter, but there is also belgian chocolate, citrus sunshine, rose geranium french lavender and vanilla caramel.

They are currently have a special introductory offer for April, so snap your own up fast!

Get your own HERE

Can't wait for the launch of sheer luxury lip butter!

I also would like to wish a huge

HAPPY 1ST BUSINESS BIRTHDAY

for Ali @ Plans and Presents.

She has done amazing in her first year of business and I am very proud of her. She is so dedicated in her work which shows in everything she does! She writes fabulous blogs so please check her out here.

If you ever need an event planner then you HAVE to choose Ali, I know from experience that she is fabulous and I know you will think so too.

WELL DONE ALI!

Happy Friday Follow!

2010-03-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

It's the last Friday in March! Where is this year going? It's my eldests 2nd birthday tomorrow so looking forward to this weekend, got a busy day today!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, leave a comment and I'll follow you back!

Hosted by Rita @ One 2 Try Tami @ Hearts Make Families and Lynn @ Midday Escapades.

Friday Follow Time!

2010-03-19T00:39:00.000-07:00

Another Friday Follow!

Hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades

If you want to join in, follow the hosts blogs, add your blog to the MckLinky and follow back if you get a new follower. It's a great way to find new blogs, meet new people, and maybe gain a few followers!

href="http://www.heartsmakefamilies.com/" target="_blank">

Happy Friday everyone :)

Thursday is Treasury Day!

2010-03-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my own version of Etsy's Treasuries! I really enjoy putting them together, this is week 3 already.

Some of you may have noticed a trend with them - they each feature a soap from Soaperstar! Celine from Soaperstar designs and handcrafts all her soaps and I find them all so stunning and as I've tried and tested a couple of them; I know they truely are wonderful so she always deserves a spot in my treasuries!

This week I have also featured one of my own designs as they match well with everything.

Hints of Blue and a Splash of Gold

Top Left to Right

Arctic Sunset Earrings by ME! - Beads & More by Lois

Heat Treated Copper Bird on a Wire Cuff by annamcdade

Dragon Sculpture by Poly Beads

Middle Left to Right

Blue & Gold Resin Heart Ring by Just K Jewellery

Rain Shower by Soaperstar

Ceramic Blue & Gold Necklace by JocaleDesign

Bottom Left to Right

Brown, Gold, Blueprint AB44 by Anne's Bags

Blue and Gold Chunky Beads Bracelet by magpies

Blue Ceramic Clock by Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics

Flower Brooch by greanbea

Unique hand-made Fused Glass Bowl by David Stephens Glass Art

Hope you all enjoyed this weeks treasury?

It's Friday Follow time!!

2010-03-12T00:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, it's nearly the weekend!

Thank you to all those dropping by, leave a message and join in with the follow friday fun!

Treasury Week 2 - Colourful Circles

2010-03-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! It's that time of the week for my handpicked Treasury, all but one of the designs I have found on Misi and Folksy, please visit the links to check out all the talent and support the handmade craft community :)

Colourful Circles

Top left to right

Felted Easter Eggs by Woolylakes

Retro Circles Hairbands by MagicMakingHands

Japanese Cirlces Glasses Frame Purse by Yunisacs

Fabric Covered Buttons by CookiesCorner

Middle left to right

Emmas Mobile Disco Bangle by PennyDog

Oriental Crush by Soaperstar

Bottom left to right

Russet Elegance Earrings by KS Jewellery Designs

Green and Blue Acrylic Bracelet by *Jo-Bangles Jingles and Jangles*

Childs Apron by SewScrumptious

A Box of Circles by Abundant Glass

Thank you for looking :)

Friday Follow

2010-03-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ive just caught onto the Friday follow bug! So if your stopping by from there, a BIG HELLO and thank you for following my blog :)

I'll follow everyone back, just leave a comment and if your on twitter too so I can catch you on there.

Happy FF!

My own Treasury

2010-03-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

I keep seeing on twitter and elsewhere about people's treasurys on Etsy and I love looking at them, but as I'm not a member on Etsy and prefer to shop and sell on Misi and Folksy, I thought I'd blog about my own treasury instead... I'll have to think of a new name for it also...... um any ideas??

I love handmade crafts and there is sooooooooo much talent out there, I have way too many 'favourites' and 'heart sellers' on Misi and Folksy! I will be adding links with my treasury photos. It's all abit of free advertising for the sellers really and I'm not asking for anything in return, I just love searching through all the handmade gifts out there :) If you would like to be featured it one of my treasuries you can email me at info@beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Well here is my first treasury (I'll keep calling it that for now!) I have named it.....

A Touch of Gold

Starting from top left to right:

Vintage Mother Bracelet by Indie Meadow

Mini Nebula painting by KInteriors1s

Crocheted glitter ribbon scarf by Rainbowfizz

Gold & Brown Mothers day card by madewithlove designs

Middle left to right:

Luxury Soap Truffles by Soapy Chica

A Galaxy of chocolate wedding tree bouquet by Jamball

Ancestors wire bowl by Vintage Beadery

Midas Touch by Soaperstar

Bottom left to right:

Frippery brooch Pin No. 24 by CocoAngelRose

Yummy Gingerbread Girl Charm Necklace by Jelly Belly Jewellery

Beautiful Cream and Gold Baby Girl Booties by FunkyShapes

Purples Stained Glass Candleholder by Stained Glass Gifts

Hope you all enjoyed my treasury, I'd be interested in reading what you all think?

Thank you

Introducing Glam Stretch

2010-02-15T01:35:00.000-08:00

I got the idea for this bracelet from Bead magazine and I really love it!

It's made by coiling the wires down from each bead and putting them on stretchy elastic. This bracelet is made up of 100 black fire polish beads, half frosted and half gunmental so it has abit of a sparkle :)

Bracelet is only £12!

Available to buy on my website or MISI shop.

Thank you for looking

Thank you for feature :)

2010-02-13T01:50:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say a big thank you to Harriet from The Children's Jewellery Company for featuring me on her blog.

Check out her blog and website

Thanks again!

Introducing abit of colour!

2010-02-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

Today I am showing off my Colour splash ring.

It's rather snazzy!

I made it using a mixture of Czech glass beads in pinks, blues, yellows, greens and golds on a gold plated adjustable ring. I then wrapped some gold wire around the ring to make it even more pretty!

This ring is only £10 to buy!

Available on my website:

http://www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk/

Misi Shop:

http://www.misi.co.uk/product_desc.php?user_id=36205

Folksy Shop:

http://www.folksy.com/items/259549-Colour-Splash

I hope you like it :)

Warm Sands

2010-01-31T00:34:00.000-08:00

Today I'm introducing a beautiful bracelet I have named Warm Sands.

I made the chain using the chain maille technique and used a mixture of pressed glass beads from the Czech Republic and made them into a cluster on each link.

I love the mixture of colours, browns, creams and coppers, it looks beautiful on your wrist.

If you like this bracelet it is available to buy for £12

on my website:

www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

MISI Shop

http://www.misi.co.uk/product_desc.php?user_id=35821

Folksy Shop

http://www.folksy.com/items/251957-Warm-Sands?shop=yes

Thank you for reading :)

New look, new website, new jewellery!

2010-01-28T03:28:00.000-08:00

Haven't blogged much lately (do I say that alot? lol) but I have been occupied with designing my new website, its finally up and running!

http://www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk/

I'm quite happy with it but got a few things to tweak here and there but all the shops are stocked and I've kept my lower prices from the sale :)

I've also decided I will promote a new item of jewellery I have made for every day or so, everything new I make will be put on my website but I'll also be listing something new every other day in my Misi and Folksy shops:

Misi - http://www.misi.co.uk/store_info.php?user_id=2945

Folksy - http://www.folksy.com/shops/beadsandmorebylois

Today I have listed a pretty ring I have named Crystal Spiral - for obvious reasons really as it is made from Swarovski crystals and has a spiral of silver wire around it!

You can buy it now for only £6

It's very dainty and looks very pretty on the finger, I have made one for myself with black and black diamond Swaroski crystals and I love it! I hope you all like it too.

Thank you for reading :)

SALE NOW ON

2009-12-29T03:52:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a fab Christmas and looking forward to the New Year!!

I've decided to bring the SALE forward a couple of days as I'm also designing a new website.

Visit the SALE www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

Looking forward to the New Year!

2009-12-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

I love New Year, always feels like a fresh start for anything that has gone wrong the year before and New Years Day is also the day my husband and I got together, 7 years ago! Will be looking forward to our first wedding anniversary in May, ahhhhhh.

After my HUGE SALE that I will be launching on 1st Jan, some items up to 75% off!!! I'll be creating a new website, will still be keeping the same web address though www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

All of my jewellery will be in the sale, including this fab bracelet...

Was £15.00

Will be selling for £12

This necklace

Was £15.00

Will be £11.00

These earrings

Was £8.00

Will be £6

Even this ring!

Was £12.00

Will be £9!!

Bookmark my website and make sure you visit the sale for a great bargain!

Nearly Christmas!!!

2009-12-16T01:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I cant believe it's nearly Christmas! I've only got a couple more presents to buy. I stuck to my word and bought lots of handcrafted presents this year from MISI and will definitely be doing it from now on. One of my faves have been these handmade soya candles, they smell delicious!

These were made to order by The Pink Fairy Cake http://www.misi.co.uk/product_desc.php?user_id=12445

I'm giving one to my Mum, sister, cousin and friend.

I bought this for my sister, he's called Punkee Zee and she is going to love him, luckily she doesn't read this blog or I've just given away two of her presents!

This was made by Hennie's NimbleNeedles, also on MISI.

Ive only bought one for myself so far and can't bare to give it up because it is soooo scrummy, check this out

It really smells like chocolate and you have to force yourself not to nibble on it! I'm certainly keeping it out of sight from my toddler! You can buy one for yourself or other fabulous soaps from www.soaperstar.com

My friend who made the above soap also writes a fab blog, her last one was what inspired me to write this and tell you about the talented crafty people Ive bought from this year, it's about promoting them and the lovely things they make by doing a random act of kindness. Please read her blog and maybe you could join in and do something random for someone today?

http://soaperstar.blogspot.com/2009/12/random-acts-of-kindness-join-kindness.html

Prize Draw!

2009-12-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

Firstly I'd like to thank everyone who entered, thank you for all your blogs and tweets!

I wrote all your names on pieces of paper and folded them all.

My 20 month old son Alfie then picked the lucky winner.

So I am happy to announce that the winner is......

.......

...........

ALISON TINLIN AKA MRS PandP!!!!!!

Well done! Let me know which prize you would like and I'll send it :)

Back in action with a prize giveaway!

2009-11-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

I apologise for the lack of blogging action but I had a good reason! I gave birth to my second son on the 25th October, we named him Shay and he was 6lbs 1oz :)

But as christmas is only round the corner and with christmas fayres to attend I thought I'd best get back to work!

I'd like to re-launch myself with a prize giveaway, how would you like to win either one of these bracelets...

Blue Iris Chain Maille Bracelet

Hot Pink Daisy Bracelet

These beautiful earrings...

Green Crystal Silver Earrings

For a chance to win, visit www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk have a browse through my items then come back here and leave a comment about your favourite item. I will put your name in a jar and pick a name on the 30th November.

To gain extra entries:

Follow my Beads & More by Lois blog (1 extra entry)
Become a Facebook Fan (1 extra entry)
Follow me on Twitter (1 extra entry) http://twitter.com/beadsmorebylois
Tweet about the prize giveaway with a link to my blog (2 extra entries)
Make a post about this prize giveaway on your own blog (2 extra entries)
Make a purchase from Beads & More by Lois website or MISI shop (5 extra entries)

Ends Midnight on 30th November 2009, good luck!

2009-10-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've FINALLY took photos of new jewellery and got it all onto the website, have a look at www.beadsandmorebylois.co.uk

I also made some fun Halloween pieces today, more cute then spooky but I think they are fab!

Pumpkin charm bracelet with a lampwork pumpkin, silver pumpkin charms, stars and balls and Swarovksi crystals.

Pumpkin cluster, chain necklace with a silver pumpkin charm, stars and beads!

Looking forward to making some christmas themed jewellery but think I'll leave that till the baby is here!

Halloween Baby

2009-10-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Now October is here, reality has hit that I am having my baby this month!! Due on halloween and I hope he comes on that day - think of all the fab parties!

This month is going to be busy, what with christmas fairs next month to prepare for and a baby on the way, I really need to get stuck into building a larger stock of jewellery but been in abit of a slump the last week. I've finished orders but not been creative with anything new and interesting, I've just been staring at my beads..... Who wants to give me a kick up the bum?!

I've been creatively busy today!

2009-08-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I've designed some more jewellery today and I'm really happy with what I've produced!

Here is a colourful, modern necklace and ring set..

And here is my glam, dusky rose set..

What do you all think? I've put them on my website but if they don't sell I'm hoping they will do well at the next jewellery party :)

It's been too long!

2009-08-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I've had a waffle on my blog! Been so busy since the jewellery party but things have settled down again now and I've had the opportunity to design and make some more jewellery. The jewellery party was quite successful, much better then I thought. I was really nervous before but soon got into the swing of things and at the end of the night once I saw how many orders I had I was so chuffed! The napkin rings were popular and someone asked me to make them some glass charms out of the wire wrapped pendants I do so I will introduce them at my next party - which is in less than two weeks now!! Eeek

A couple of days ago I launched a SALE on my website to make way for new stock in more wintery and this seasons colours. I've also added some jewellery sets and a new section for the younger girls which I was inspired to do from the jewellery party as a few of the women had younger girls. I made a fabulous pink charm bracelet for a girl also called Lois (not often someone has the same name as me!) Heres a pic...

I've started making cluster rings which are quite popular. It was my friend Ali's anniversary and she asked me to make her one in red as a gift from her husband, she loved it and I am so pleased as I get so nervous as to what people think!! She's a wedding and party planner and will soon be featuring on a CD which will go on the front of a National Bridal Magazine and will be on telly when she exhibits at a wedding show soon! Exciting stuff, proves how fab she is, check out her blog http://plansandpresents.blogspot.com/ or her wesbite

And heres a pic of her ring..

I've still been attending jewellery making workshops on a wednesday, week before last we made tiaras! Now that was fiddly, I'll leave that to the experts like you Allie! Allie also makes jewellery and mainly specialises in bridal jewellery, you can check out her blog at www.nujoolz.blogspot.com She amazes me as she works full time, has a family and runs her own business which she always has orders for. Check both Ali and Allie out if you are getting married!

This week at the workshop we made felt beads, next week we will be embellishing them so at the moment they look like purple blobs, but watch this space, next week they MAY look fabulous! LoL

As I've mentioned a couple of my creative and hugely supportive friends I'd like to mention a few more as they have blogs also! Celine, who is building her own business of soap making is one of my biggest fans ;) I am also one of hers as she is so creative and makes the most wonderful smelling soaps and lotions, I know that for certain as she sent me some as a wedding present! I can't wait until she sets up her website and makes me some body cream which sparkles. Please have a look at her blog with pics of some of her creations HERE

Theres also Susie who has been creative for years with card and jewellery making but has recently started selling her wonders. You can visit her Etsy shop HERE and her blog HERE She is also fabulous with material and makes Eco friendly nappies :)

Jewellery workshop

2009-08-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

For the last two weeks I've attended a jewellery workshop to learn new things and improve my current techniques. My teacher is really good and loves wire wrapping like me so we're going to create some fantastic jewellery over the next few weeks!

The first week she showed me basic wire wrapping techniques and I wire wrapped a pretty pendant:

And this week I chose something I wanted to learn out of a book and found a wire wrapped bangle, so I made this, not entirely sure about the yellow beads now but I can do it again with other colours!

My first jewellery party has nearly arrived! It's tomorrow night at 7pm and I'm really nervous. Hopefully people will like my jewellery and book their own party, got another booked through my aunt for the middle of September and a lady who is coming to the party also wants one nearer christmas. So I best buy more stock this weekend and make lots more before this baby arrives in October because I'm sure I'll be very busy with him and my 17 month old toddler :)

Adding abit of twist!

2009-07-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've mastered the art of wire twisting! With a bit more practice it will look better but I like what I have achieved so far. I think it really sets off a piece of jewellery and can secure a bead or crystal nicely.

I made these earrings, think they be an acquired taste, but we'll see if they sell!

I also made this bracelet that I really love, using the twisting method to secure the Swarovski crystals.

Made lots of new jewellery!

2009-07-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well I've been a busy bee in the evenings make more stock and experimenting with new designs, I've tried a couple of new techniques, this picture of a bracelet I made which I found quite hard at first but once got the hang of it was really impressed and thought it was soooo pretty...

I've also been experimenting with making little charms in-between the bracelet links, to give it an extra bit of sparkle...

And these are my favourite earrings I have made so far, tempted to keep them for myself..

I'm certain I have enough stock for the jewellery party now and for the time being I'm still putting everything on my website and some bits on ArtFire to sell.

It's my birthday tomorrow, I'm 26!! Theres nothing I really need so told my Mum to get me some jewellery making items and she is going to pay for me to go on a jewellery making course to learn more! Only thing is it starts end of September and runs for 10 weeks, our baby is due end of October so won't be able to start on the next one!

2009-07-19T02:12:00.001-07:00

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Website Improved

2009-07-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Spent all day working on my website and think I've improved it, hopefully made it look more professional. I've added terms and conditions, jewellery party section, previous designs gallery, news and offers and a links section. Think having a previous designs gallery is good as I can still showcase what I've already made and sold without having to have 'sold' splashed across the images so people can still see what I've made!

Lets hope more people visit!

Weekend over

2009-07-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

Had a busy weekend attending birthday parties and now looking forward to the week ahead.

Managed to make some jewellery in the evenings and have all my ideas wrote down for the jewellery party, just need to put them into action and get the invitations printed!

Maybe starting a new adventure with people from the craftsforum.co.uk, a group of us want to set up a website to promote/advertise all of our websites, etsy, ebay shops etc in one place, for little cost! People have come up with some good ideas so we'll see where it takes us.

2009-07-09T02:09:00.000-07:00

Going to see Oasis this afternoon at Wembley!! I used to love them when I was younger and all my friends were into Boyzone.... lol Not so much into them now but my Step Dad has got my sister and I a ticket so we are all going together, hubby is also going with his friends but not till Sunday. Not sure they will compare to Kings of Leon who I saw last week though!!!! Love them.

So this morning I woke up buzzing with ideas for the jewellery party, got some great tips off some ladies on craftsforum.co.uk, they said to make a flyer to get some bookings for another party, hopefully some of the guests will be interested and I could offer a gift or percentage of profits to make it more enticing ;) I'm going to buy some organza bags to put all purchases in along with my business card and might offer gift wrapping and see if my Mum or one of my aunts will do that for me! Thinking I could charge 50p to £1 for that service, depending on how much the materials cost I guess.

Exciting but scary stuff!

1st Jewellery party to be planned

2009-07-08T10:07:00.001-07:00

Went to see my Mum today and she has been gassing away to my aunts and coming up with jewellery party ideas for me, such as who to invite, what food and drink etc!! So I've agreed with it all and said I can be ready in a couple of weeks but I'm rather scared.... Worried people will come and think my jewellery is rubbish but feel 'obliged' to buy something!

I'm going to go for it though as really want to sell all of what I've made so far so I can buy some more beads and findings that I have my eye on and start running into the black instead of red!!

So I shall be a busy bee coming up with new designs and making lots of jewellery over the next couple of weeks :)

First blog!

2009-07-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm Lois, nearly 26 and I'm married to Liam, 27. We have a 15 month old son called Alfie and another baby boy on the way, due October 31st!

I'm currently a stay at home Mum but a staff nurse by trade.

My hobby is jewellery making and I've recently set up a website to start selling my products! I've mainly been selling to friends and family but thought I'd share my designs with the world!!! ha ha

I'd really like to start selling at craft fairs and fetes but need to learn how to find and get into them.

Thanks for reading, hope you come back and read about me again :)