Beadcentric Jewelry

Closing Shop to Pursue New Career

2012-02-01T23:28:00.004-08:00

After six years of making and selling jewelry, almost four years at this location in San Carlos, California, I am closing shop. The ebbs and flows of life have brought me to new shores. I am now focusing my career on the Paralegal field. Bringing past interests to the forefront, I will continue to enjoy the hobby of making and selling jewelry in my spare time. I will continue to make repairs, redesign, and fill custom orders for my wonderful customers and their family and friends. I am excited about my new career. Signing off for now.

Silicon Valley Open Studios Weekend 2 in San Carlos! | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | VISUAL ARTS | Artsopolis.com

Beadcentric Jewelry - Silicon Valley Open Studios 2011 | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | VISUAL ARTS | Artsopolis.com

2011-05-02T01:08:00.000-07:00

Beadcentric Jewelry - Silicon Valley Open Studios 2011 | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | VISUAL ARTS | Artsopolis.com

May 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th
Saturdays and Sundays
11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Beadcentric Jewelry Studio
1045 Laurel Street
San Carlos, CA 94070

Valentine Jewelry Gift Boutique

2011-02-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

Stop by our Jewelry Studio this Saturday, February 12th for our Valentine Jewelry Gift Boutique. All things are designed and hand-crafted in San Carlos, California. Pick out something special for yourself or for someone dear to you. See what's new and have some cookies and hot cider with us. Look for the Balloons!

Saturday, February 12th, 11:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.

See you there!

Jewelry Studio

1045 Laurel Street

San Carlos, CA 94070

just north of Brittan

www.beadcentric.com

Venetian Carnevale 2011 in Palo Alto

2011-01-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Art League of Palo Alto is hosting its 2nd Annual Fundraiser, the Venetian Carnevale Gala. I went last year and had a great time!

Please join us February 26th, Saturday from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
Dinner with Wine by Il Fornaio
Music, Entertainment & General Revelry
Silent & Live Auctions
Festive Attire- Costume & Mask Optional

$125 per person.

You may reserve your tickets by calling PAL's office at 650-321-3891 or through the website, www.palpa.org

Please RSVP by February 14th.
Tickets are going fast!

Last Saturday Before Christmas Open House | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | FREE EVENTS | Artsopolis.com

2010-12-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Before Christmas Open House | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | FREE EVENTS | Artsopolis.com

Our Jewelry Studio will be open for our annual "Last Saturday Before Christmas" Open House, December 18th, Saturday from 11:00-5:00 p.m.

Three jewelry designers showcase unique and one-of-a-kind designs. Stop by and browse for perfect gifts for your friends, family, and yourself! Bring your friends and co-workers. We look forward to seeing you there. 1045 Laurel Street near Brittan. 650-207-3213. Look for the balloons. Cheers!

December 12th, Saturday

11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

1045 Laurel Street

San Carlos, CA 94070

Pictures: Jewelry Studio, necklace by Jody Lye, stretch bracelets by April Vanderbilt.

Jewelry Studio Open House Gift Boutique | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | VISUAL ARTS | Artsopolis.com

2010-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Studio Open House Gift Boutique | Beadcentric Jewelry | Beadcentric Jewelry Studio | VISUAL ARTS | Artsopolis.com

Jewelry Studio will be open for our annual Open House Holiday Gift Boutique. Designers featured are Jody Lyle Fusion Jewelry and April Vanderbilt, Beadcentric Jewelry. Please stop by and browse through our unique treasures. Pick up a gem for yourself or a loved one. All jewelry is locally made in San Carlos, California. Location: Jewelry Studio in downtown San Carlos at 1045 Laurel St.

Saturday, December 4th, 11:00--5:00 p.m.

Twin Pines Holiday Craft Faire 2010 This Weekend!

2010-11-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

The Annual Twin Pines Holiday Craft Faire will be held in beautiful Belmont at the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center. This woodsy area of Twin Pines Park has a small walking path with a quaint children's playground adjacent to the parking lot. The craft faire will be held in several small buildings on the grounds. The Spring Craft Faire offers something for everyone. Pick up a hand-crafted gift for someone special, a new decoration for your home, a unique piece of jewelry - all made by local artists. This is a free event and food is available for purchase. You will not go away empty-handed nor hungry. Don't miss out on the fun. Saturday and Sunday, November 20th and 21st from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. both days. Your local artist friends look forward to seeing you there.

Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, 20 & 30 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA 94002. Located near Ralston Avenue behind Safeway.

Art on the Square and Salsa Festival in Redwood City

2010-09-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

This Friday evening, September 24th, I will be selling my jewelry during Music on the Square at Art on the Square. Music will be provided by the popular latin band Orquesta Borinquen. Enjoy salsa music as you shop the various vendor booths Friday night from 5:00-8:30 p.m. Also, Saturday, Septemer 25th, I will be in the same location for the celebration of the Salsa Festival from 12:00-8:00 p.m. There is a great line-up of music all day long with tequila tasting, salsa tasting, and dance performances. It should be in the high 80's so wear sun screen, put on your hats, and support your local artists and vendors!

September 24th, 5:00-8:30 p.m.

September 25th, 12:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Courthouse Square

Broadway across from the Fox Theatre

Art on the Square vendors are located on Hamilton Street near Broadway. My booth will be near the Chase Bank parking lot.

We look forward to seeing you there.

San Carlos Art Walk Winds Down for the Summer

2010-08-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, August 26th, 2010 will be the final San Carlos Art Walk for the summer. The Farmer's Market will continue for two additional weeks into September. In this second summer of the San Carlos Art Walk event there were some success stories. A couple of the artists were commissioned to do other art projects for private citizens or others. Some artists made big sales and some artists made their first sales. Overall it was a fun summer on the sidewalks of San Carlos. The Artists who stick it out week after week in the same spots have a better chance of becoming recognized, making a sale, greeting regulars and so forth. It is a good opportunity for people happy to see artists on the street and for the artists happy to chat with potential customers about their processes. Everyone wins. Come by this Thursday and say hello and goodbye to your friendly local artists... for now. And don't forget to thank Gail Sjoman of Art Liaisons for her hard work in keeping this event fresh and exciting. I, as Gail's loyal assistant, would also be happy to hear success stories or any tips that might help to improve this important local event for next year. Thursday afternoon 4:00-8:00 p.m. , 600 and 800 blocks of Laurel, on both blocks outside of the Farmer's Market. I am located on the Bianchini's block near Starbucks and VIP Real Estate. Happy Summer Ending!

PHOTO: Nina Miller's beautiful painting

Malia's Belly Dance Extravaganza at Mezza Luna 2010

2010-07-27T22:31:00.001-07:00

Malia and the New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble, student dancers, and guest stars will have their summer show Sunday, August 1, 2010. This belly dance extravaganza begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. at Mezza Luna Restaurant in Half Moon Bay. Special guest dancers will be Shabnam and Ooh La La.

This is sure to be an exciting adventure complete with balancing acts, mesmerizing moves, and tantalizing undulations! Enjoy the bar during the show and have dinner after the show in the main dining room.

Tickets sell out fast. Call Mezza Luna for tickets and make reservations for dinner now. See you there!

Pictured left are just some of the girls from Malia's classes: Back Row: Sarah, Basha, and Regina. Front Row: Laura, April (yours truly), and Debra.

What Do Beads, the Blues, and Birthdays Have In Common?

2010-07-19T22:54:00.001-07:00

What do Beads, the Blues, and Birthdays have in common? Oh, me! Come on down to Redwood City Friday evening and Saturday and experience the annual Blues Festival. I will be selling my jewelry there in a booth. Look for me. My birthday is Saturday so if you say "Happy Birthday" I will give you 10% off any jewelry purchases from Beadcentric Jewelry. My tent will be located at Broadway and Hamilton Streets close to the music at the Courthouse Square.

July 23rd and July 24th, PAL Blues Festival and Art on the Square. Live entertainment and vendor booths open Friday night 5-8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Bring a folding chair and sunscreen and enjoy the music, food, and festivities. Otherwise, I'll be blue without you!

See You In Your Walking Shoes

2010-06-03T01:20:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your Thursday evenings in beautiful downtown San Carlos.

The San Carlos Art Walk is every Thursday night starting in June and continues through August. "Art Walk Specials" may be found at participating businesses downtown during this event. This sidewalk artist event takes place in conjunction with the San Carlos Farmers Market "Hot Harvest Nights".

Visit the artists on the 600 and 800 blocks of Laurel Street. Celebrate with a "Kick-off Party" Thursday 6/3 at two locations: Shelby's Garden @ 629 Laurel and VIP Real Estate @ 864 Laurel Street.

Looking for us? Ask about us at the Chamber of Commerce Booth. See you in your walking shoes!

Open Studios Weekend Three! Last One, Palo Alto

2010-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Come to the Pacific Art League this weekend.

Seven artists will be displaying, and some demonstrating, their works!

Paintings and jewelry.

Event: Silicon Valley Open Studios
Artists: Ally Richter, April Vanderbilt, Gary Coleman, Mariana Barnes, Myrrh, Nancy Wong, and Steve Curl
Hours: 11:00-5:00 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday, May15th and 16th.
Where: Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona street, between Hamilton and Forest.

www.svos.org

Pictured: Jewelry by April Vanderbilt, Beadcentric Jewelry, and painting by Gary Coleman

Silicon Valley Open Studios Weekend TWO!

2010-05-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend, May 8th and 9th, stop by our jewelry studio in downtown San Carlos. April Vanderbilt and Jody Lyle will have their unique one-of-a-kind jewelry on display and for sale.

Pictured above, swarovski crystal and freshwater pearl jewelry by Beadcentric Jewelry; and pictured below, sterling silver and gem stone jewelry by Jody Lyle Fusion Jewelry.

Exhibit details:

May 8th & 9th, 2010

Saturday & Sunday

11am to 5pm both days

1045 Laurel Street

(Site #377 in the SVOS Map Guide)

San Carlos, CA 94070

Cell# 650-207-3213

Look for the bright yellow signs. We look forward to seeing you there.

Silicon Valley Open Studios Weekend ONE!

2010-04-28T00:24:00.000-07:00

Invest in Something You’ll Treasure Forever: Invest in Art!

Join us on May 1-2 for Silicon Valley Open Studios

Exhibit details:

May 1 & 2, 2010

11am to 5pm both days

Jen Norton Art Studio (Site #215 in the SVOS Map Guide)

1969 Elden Drive, San Jose, CA 95124

408-626-8701

We will be featuring six wonderful artists including:

Jen Norton (paintings, all-weather Garden Charms™)

Jane Ferguson (paintings)

Susan Migliore (plein-air paintings)

Mariana Barnes (paintings)

April Vanderbilt (jewelry)

Donna Orme (printmaking)

Plus, we'll have live Jazz Music on Saturday afternoon from Susan's musical husband Len Migliore and Wine Tasting on Sunday afternoon by Betty Kaufman an Independent Consultant of WineShop at Home.

Break free of the "bad economy woes" and join us for this fun art-lovers event!

GPS systems sometimes put us on the wrong side of the street on the wrong part of our block.

From PA/Sunnyvale, take 101 or 280 to 85 South

Take the Bascom/Los Gatos Blvd exit

Turn Left onto Bascom (going North)

Cross Camden, Curtner, Union

The first tiny street past Union is Elden Drive. Craig Gardens Retirement Center is on the corner.

Go thru the stopsign at Elden and Horace. We're about 4 or 5 houses up on the Left. Look for the Bright Yellow Signs!

Spring Craft Faire in Beautiful Belmont

2010-03-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Twin Pines Spring Craft Faire will be held again this year in beautiful Belmont at the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center. This woodsy area of Twin Pines Park has a small walking path with a quaint children's playground adjacent to the parking lot. The craft faire will be held in several small buildings on the grounds. The Spring Craft Faire offers something for everyone. Pick up a hand-crafted gift for someone special, a new decoration for your home, a unique piece of jewelry - all made by local artists. This is a free event and food is available for purchase. You will not go away empty-handed nor hungry. Don't miss out on the fun. Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Your local artist friends look forward to seeing you there.

Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, 20 & 30 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA 94002. Located near Ralston Avenue behind Safeway.

St. Patricks Day -Green Is In: Especially Green Jewelry

2010-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

It is St. Patrick's Day and I am wearing green and having Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner. I am also part Irish. Anyway, "green is in" even if you aren't Irish and even if you are not excited about corned beef and cabbage... oh, and potatoes and carrots! I am not much into green beer though. What does all this have to do with jewelry? Only the color "green". These green flower pearl necklaces are in stock. Stop by my "Jewelry Studio"(sign on the building) on Laurel Street in San Carlos. Soon I will post these necklaces on etsy.com with a few other items. Check out my website for location, studio hours, and information about the Spring Craft Show I will be in coming up at the end of this month... www.beadcentric.com.

Happy St. Patty's Day and have fun doing whatever you like to do on a sunny day like today. Cheers!

Rakassah West and the After Party: L'Amour De La Danse

2010-03-14T21:41:00.001-07:00

Five of us piled into a large vehicle and headed over to Richmond for Rakassah Saturday. Then there was the anticipated after-party in Oakland we looked forward to that evening. Rakassah was lively and exciting. Fun dance performances by talented dancers and a lot of wonderful vendors. Prepare to shop. I bought two pairs of earrings, a glowy pink to purple peony antique button pendant, a flowery blue and green wrap-around skirt made from recyled cloth, a large 3 -ring, shiny, gun metal gray marcasite bracelet, lavender and cardamom chocolate, dark sipping chocolate, and a feather arrangement for my hair by Wicked Smileys. Thanks Sarah! We walked around shopping and watching dance performances for 4 hours.

Then the anticipated party, L'Amour De La Danse. We had dinner down the street from The Oakland Metro Operahouse which looked nothing like an opera house. It was more like a warehouse. Buttercup is where we had dinner. It looked kind of like an upscale Denny's. It was fine. We all had chicken tostada salads and cheap wine. L'Amour De L Danse was worth the wait and standing for 3 hours. The "operahouse" had no seating. All of the dancers and performances were fantastic but I do have a few favorites. Of course it is always fun to watch my teacher, Malia DeFelice, referred to by the organizers as the "Foxy Siren of Belly Dance". Unfortunately, we arrived late as she was already performing. Jill Parker is also a favorite, watching her perform for the first time last weekend. Gina Bruno is a certified dancer from Suhaila Salimpour's school. Gina is breathtaking and mesmerizing. Tanja, closely tied to both Suhaila Salimpour and Jill Parker, is an award winning dancer and choreographer. Unmata is an amazing group of dancers and they were the most unique group. It seemed like lyrical dance and tribal fusion mixed into one. They used chairs and round metal circles as props. Ariellah gave an interesting performance gothic style. She was referred to as the "supreme dark fusion gothic goddess" I think that says it all. I wish I remembered who danced on two glass goblets! I believe it was Shabnam but not 100% sure. That was fun to watch. Google all of their names under "bellydance" and check out their websites. I hate to leave anyone out because they are all worthy of high recognition. I look forward to seeing them all dance again.

My First Belly Dance Show -Part Two- What Does Chocolate Fantasy Have To Do With It?

2010-03-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

First, there I am in motion. Second photo, photojournalistic style, from top to bottom: April (me), Nicole, Gloria, Malia, and Monica. Malia's hubby sitting near the stairs with video camera.

I ended up doing well and no one could tell it was my first Belly Dance performance. I knew that I knew the choreography with my eyes closed. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Other comments to me earlier that day about how to calm my nerves:

"Find a space where you can close your eyes and relax your body totally at the performance venue."

"Wear a special amulet that is your "grounding stone" Focus on the stability of this amulet."

"Visualize flowing water - hear it smell it let it wash your nervousness away"

"If you know Yoga "Sun Salutation" do it five times before the dance. This will not only help you stretch - It will help you "breathe" Bring Lavendar essential oil or a sprig of Lavendar from your garden. Lavendar has calming properties."

"Today before the show - Google "overcoming stage fright" there are soo many articles online about this topic."

"One thing that trips me up is my tummy tensing up before a show.
It always helps to take big belly breaths ; )"

"What works for me is to stop fighting the anxiety....and just use it as excitement for the performance....!! Plus a nice margarita :)

"And if none of the above works take a Xanax and think about baseball."

I will perform again. And I will reference these notes and follow some of this advice. Well, except for the Xanax and baseball part. Isn't that from a movie? One thing I kept my focus on was that dessert drink at the end of the night "Chocolate Fantasy". Two scoops of chocolate gelato and Graham's Port poured on top. That was my Xanax and keeping my eye on the ball- or scoops rather- that was my relaxation technique. My reward for being brave. Lead me to the dance floor!

My First Belly Dance Show - How to Calm My Nerves?

2010-03-08T23:16:00.001-08:00

First, pictured all of the New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble dancers, guests, and Jill Parker and the Fox Glove Sweethearts. Second Picture, the Bedouin Dancers (the first dance number): back row- Sarah, Basha,Regina, front row-Laura, April (me), Debra

I was more nervous in the days leading up to my bellydance performance then I was on the actual day.

By then I knew the choreography and I had practiced every day without fail and I even went through the steps in my mind as I slept. Some of the other dancers said they listened to the song and went through the steps in their minds as they drove in their cars. I could not do that without crashing I am sure! I e-mailed everyone asking what I could do to manage my nerves. Some said to use lavender. Brilliant! I have so much lavender already because I inhale natural lavendar for headaches. The day of the show I went to my jewelry studio for 4 hours (short day) then I went home, practiced the routine once flawlessly, then plugged in the diffuser and filled it with Lavender essential oil (Young Living). I watched it mist and hiss, I lay down for 20 minutes and slept for about 10 minutes, I think. With a lavender aroma filled room and bathroom, I got up and took a shower, got dressed, ate a small cheese sandwhich on wheat bread, drank water, and put on tons of make up. Apparently, not enough. They added more to my eyes when I got to Angelica's Bistro. Some of the other things people said to do to to calm my nerves:

Our fearless leader, Malia: Try to find my space of "Calm" and "Silence" before you dance.

Practice finding that space everytime you run through the dance in class and at home. That way you are conditioning yourself and you are comfortable with this routine when it's performance time.
Deep Breathe.

She said so much more... as did others... to be continued!

Red Hot Cabaret Night

2010-02-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

An evening of sizzling Belly Dance

Featuring Malia and the New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble.

Special Guests are Jill Parker and

the FoxGlove Sweethearts.

Saturday, March 6th
Dinner starts at 7:00pm. Showtime at 8:00pm

Angelica's Bistro 863 Main Street, Redwood City, CA 94063
$10.00 Cover Charge

Order from the Full Menu - Dinner Reservations a Must (650)-365-3226. Book early, it will sell out!
www.angelicasbistro.com
Visit Malia on the web: www.bellydancer.net

www.jillparkerbellydance.com

Hot Fun! Hope to see you there!

Valentine Jewelry Gift Boutique

2010-02-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Stop by our Jewelry Studio the first two Saturdays in February for our Valentine Jewelry Gift Boutique. All things are designed and hand-crafted in San Carlos, California. Pick out something special for yourself or for someone dear to you. See what's new and have some cookies and hot cider with us.

February 6th and 13th, 11:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Both Saturdays

See you there!

Jewelry Studio

1045 Laurel Street

San Carlos, CA 94070

just north of Brittan

www.beadcentric.com

650-207-3213

Outstanding Dance Teachers Advance Outstanding Performers

2010-01-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

There is no mystery as to why Malia DeFelice and her belly dance troupe draw large and loyal crowds to their performances. I had Malia and her New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble perform at an art reception in Redwood City in October 2007. We ran out of standing room and people’s eyes were glued to the windows outside of this gallery to get at least a glimpse. I gave up my inside spot and joined the onlookers outside. I had never seen so many people attend a function at that gallery. Eight months later Malia and her dancers performed at the grand opening of my new Jewelry Studio in San Carlos. Passersby were not only on the sidewalk with the invited guests at this cozy outdoor performance but people came out of their homes across the street and set up their chairs on their porches to take it all in. I have also seen Malia and the New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble perform in restaurants and they are sold out every time with people peering into the windows for a view. Not just because they are a spectacle with their bright flashy costumes and adornments but also because they are elegant and highly skilled as they grace the room with energy and purpose. Urns and swords are in balance. Music and undulations are in harmony. Smiles and flirtatious grins abound. Malia works with purpose and you can see this in her abilities as a teacher and performer. As a teacher, Malia emphasizes the importance of mastering basic steps. She then builds on those basic steps with more advanced techniques. Malia is good with people and has a watchful eye to make sure she understands the concerns that individuals have in her classes and makes an effort to address those concerns. Then the real fun begins with the dance choreography. Outstanding! If you are interested in taking classes with Malia DeFelice, and a schedule of performances by Malia and the New Moon Belly Dance Ensemble, please visit her website for more information. She also performs at private parties. Her next performance is Saturday, March 6th, 8:00 p.m. at Angelica’s Bistro in Redwood City. Make reservations now. Don’t miss another outstanding performance!

http://www.bellydancer.net

http://www.angelicasbistro.com/home.htm

Venetian Carnevale in Palo Alto!

2010-01-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

Do you want to support a great cause and have a ball at the same time? The Pacific Art League offers 400-450 art classes serving more than 10,500 adults and children each year. All proceeds from this fundraiser will help to restore the Pacific Art League building and provide accessibility upgrades for its staff and students. Please forward to interested friends and associates...

Don your costumes & join the revelers at the

Venetian Carnevale

Masked Ball Fundraiser

on February 6, 2010, 6 - 11pm

Garden Court Vincci Hotel

http://www.gardencourt.com/
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA

Adjacent Il Fornaio

For Reservations see website:

http://www.pacificartleague.org/

Schedule of Events

6:00pm - Music, Appetizers & Silent Auction
8:00pm - Italian Feast & Wine (catered by Il Fornaio)
9:00pm - Live Auction
Following Auction - Music & General Revelry

Ticket price: $125 per person or sponsorships
Please R.S.V.P. by February 1
No-Host Bar

Generously donated to the Fundraiser:
“To the Rendezvous” by Joseph Fuchs
“Oak on Webb Ranch Ridge” by James Caldwell
Both paintings and other fine treasures
will be offered at the Auction.

Please feel free to forward to friends you think might be interested. Interested in donating items for a silent auction? Please contact Pacific Art League directly at 321-3891.

April Vanderbilt,

Chairperson, Venetian Carnevale

http://www.pacificartleague.org

It is Clear. Crystal Clear.

2010-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I have two new necklaces to mention. One is clear Swarovski crystal with siam red Austrian crystal rondelles and the other is light sam red Swarovski crystal with clear Austrian crystal rondelles. Sterling silver components and adjustable lengths. Come by my brick and mortar in San Carlos or shop on-line through Etsy.com:

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

Etsy Etcetera...Are You Following Me?

2009-12-28T00:24:00.000-08:00

I joined Etsy just in time for Christmas but not in enough time to make a dent in sales for this season. Etsy is an on-line store where you can buy and sell all things handmade. There are books on Amazon about how to be successful on Etsy. I first heard about Etsy a couple years ago and I finally decided to give it a try with four necklaces posted. This social networking and on-line marketing stuff is kind of fun! Visit me on Etsy...

http://www.etsy.com

Etsy Seller Name: beadcentricjewelry

Beadcentric Jewelry is also on Blogger.com (as you can see), Twitter, and Facebook:

http://beadcentric.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/beadcentric

http://www.facebook.com/BeadcentricJewelry

Follow me! :-)

Silent Night is a Temptation

2009-12-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

You would think that with the holiday season coming to a close I would be sick of Christmas music but quite the contrary. I dug out my old favorites and researched some new ones on i-tunes. Five days left until Christmas and that means there are four more days of Christmas music to play in my store. The sappier the better. Here is my list of top 10 favorites, old and new. 1."Silent Night" by the Temptations (1980)-the long version, is still my number one favorite. This soulful melody keeps me harmonizing and happy year after year. I hope I don't scare away any shoppers.

The rest are as follows: 2. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Jordin Sparks or Sara Evans; 3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Julianne Hough or Martina McBride; and I would be remiss if I did not mention my two favorite classics from A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vincent Guaraldi Trio, 4. "Linus and Lucy" and 5. "Christmas is Here". Last year I became quite fond of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (T.S.O.) with three songs on my list: 6. "Christmas, Sarajevo 12/24", 7. "A Mad Russian's Christmas", and 8. "Joy of Man's Desire/Angels We Have heard on High". Of course, I have to throw in a Chipmunk song and that would be 9. "The Christmas Song". I especially like to play this song for one of my studio mates who writhes in pain every time. It's really fun to watch...hehehe. And last but not least, 10."Auld Lang Syne" by just about anyone. Dan Fogelberg is one of my old favorites and John Fahey plays a nice mellow guitar version.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Stretched Thin? Stretch Bracelets Are In!

2009-12-18T22:16:00.000-08:00

Holy Toledo! These are flying off the shelves! Stretch bracelets are great inexpensive gifts and stocking stuffers. Most of them are made with good quality Czech or Cane glass, lead-free pewter or Sterling silver, and Swarovski crystal. Stop by my studio and pick up a few. There are a variety of colors and shapes from which to choose. What? I don't have your colors? Rummage through my bead drawers and let me help you design your new favorite bracelet in just minutes! Stop by tomorrow, Saturday, December 19th. We will be there from 11:00-5:00 for our annual "Last Saturday Before Christmas Open House". Visit my website for my regular hours and location: www.beadcentric.com or call for an appointment.

Gifts Need Not Come Between Husbands and Wives

2009-12-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

Every year during the holidays the same dashing gentleman comes into my studio to buy his wife a necklace. He usually stops by my annual "Last Saturday Before Christmas Sale". This man looks through the jewelry and asks me what I think his wife would like. I advise him that she has picked a few favorites throughout the year and I have taken note. So this nice man picks out a necklace and matching earrings based on my recommendations and purchases them. I then ask him if he would like them in a matching colored box or gift pouch. He usually says a gift box would be great so all he has to do is tie a red ribbon around it and it's wrapped! The gentleman then thanks me for my help and I thank him for his business, kiss him on the cheek, and say "See you at home, honey!"

Under One's WINGS

2009-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

Friday night I sold my jewelry at a fundraiser for WINGS at St. Charles Church and School in San Carlos. I had never heard of WINGS and when I "googled" WINGS I found a few entries but nothing local. WINGS stands for Women In God's Spirit. A nice lady there explained that it was a "club" for women to get together and talk about God and to strengthen their relationships with each other and God. The Fundraiser was quaint and very fun. There were a lot of gift baskets raffled and half of the craft vendors won a basket including me! Of course, I picked the one with the most chocolate and I did share it with my fellow vendors. Twelve tickets well worth the prize! I found the people to be very friendly and I hope that there will be more of a presence for this local branch of WINGS. We need more nice people in the world.

Raspberry Truffles and Lemon Scones

2009-12-04T01:20:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to shop for jewelry especially when it is different than anything you can pick up in a department store. Be unique. Stop by Beadcentric Jewelry studio this weekend and pick up something different. 1045 Laurel Street in downtown San Carlos. Nearest cross street is Brittan. Together we can sip hot cider and nibble on raspberry truffles and lemon scones. Feast your eyes upon a colorful landscape. There is a lot to see and alot to try on... Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days. See you there! Bling! Bling!

It's What I Do

2009-12-03T01:17:00.000-08:00

Beadcentric designs and produces handcrafted jewelry using Czech glass, pearls, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystal combined with sterling silver, gold-filled or vermeil chains and findings. Color combinations range from elegantly soft and understated to boldly brilliant. Many pieces are custom designed and one-of-a-kind. What do you have in mind?