Angelque Creations

Christmas Craft Schedule - Angelque Creations

2011-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well it is hard to believe that the Christmas Craft fair season is upon us already. It seems like just yesterday that I was putting in my applications for 2011 Craft Fairs. I started in January 2011 and jured for many of them in May and June and now the first of the fairs is about to start. I am in several new fairs this year so I don't know how they will turn out and some I am returning to because they were very good events for me last year. If you wish to stop in and say hello, here are the locations that I will be attending this year.

This weekend November 5 (Sat) is the first time that I will be attending the Terry Fox Secondary Craft Fair at 1260 RiverGate Road, in Port Coquitlam (all proceeds to After Grad) 9 am to 4pm.

Next Weekend Sat & Sun Nov 12 & 13 I will be attending for the first time Carney Star Craft Fair, Carney High School, 1335 Dominion Ave 9 am - 4 pm both days. Admission is $1.00

Nov 20 (Sat)- I will be returning to Delbrook Christmas Craft fair at the Community Rec Center, 600 West Queens, North Vancouver 10 am - 4 pm

Nov 21 - Nov 25 (Mon -Friday) I will be attending for the first time Langara Community College Craft Fair, 100 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver, 9am - 5 pm

Nov 26 (Sat) I will also be attending Dunbar Community Centre Holiday Craft Fair for the first time at 4747 Dunbar Street

Vancouver, 10 am - 5pm, admission $3.00

Nov 27 (Sun) Sounds & Furries Womens Winter Fair, again another first at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street @ East 15th Ave, Vancounver, 11am - 6 pm , Admission by donation min $3.00

Nov 29-Dec 2 (Tues - Frid) returning to Simon Fraser Student Society Winter Craft Fair North Academic Quadrangle, 8888 University Dr, 9 am - 5 pm

December 4, (Sun) attending for the first time Crafty Affaire Elgin Hall, 14250 Crescent Road, South Surrey BC 10 am to 4 pm

December 17 & 18 (Sat & Sun) Sounds & Furries Womens Winter Fair Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street @ East 15th Ave, Vancounver, 11am - 6 pm , Admission by donation min $3.00

After all these events I think that I will need a well deserved break so we plan to fly to Hawaii and our time share on the island of Kauii on Feb 3 for 3 weeks.

Etsy Holiday Boot Camp

2011-09-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

This year I decided that I was going to concentrate on my Etsy Shop to see if I could generate some pre-Christmas sales and joined the Etsy Success team and their Holiday Boot Camp. This is week 1 and we were tasked with several things to complete:

Read this weeks blog post A Flying Start
Fill our your Holiday Budget
Print out and apply your Holiday Boot Camp stickers to your calender
Share your holiday goals
Find your Holiday Boot Camp Buddy

I have completed all the items on this list and created a few more for me to accomplish this week:

Renew items and evaluate for relevancy. This is the new search mod for finding things on Etsy and I am not so sure that I have gotten the gist of it and so I am spending some time tweeking to see if my work moves up on the Etsy pages. I still seem to be burried in the back of the pack.
Sign up for Search Ads starting Sept 27, budget of $5/week and monitor to see if it is worth the price you pay.
Make Poppy pins in preparation for Remembrance Day, these pins will sell for $20/CAD and $5 per Poppy sold will be donated to the Veterns Assocations
Create coupon codes and promote. I created two coupons one for returning customer who will receive 15% off any item in my shop or if you purchase more that one item you will also be able to use this coupon. The other is 10% off any item in my shop again if you purchase more that one you will use the other coupon.
Blog about my Holiday Boot Camp Buddies.

Of my own To Do list this week I have also completed most of them as I am in the process (as I type) listing the Poppy Pins and some other new items. The coupon codes are created and active, Search Ad are going and so far I have spent .35 cents and received 328 impressions, and 1 view. It is 4:00pm PST and the ads have been running since 12:01 this morning EST. I have reviewed half of my listings to change the tags so that they are relevant and my items still seem to be in the back of the pack when I search, so I don't think that I am understanding this as well as other shops are. And of course the last was to blog about my Holiday Boot Camp Buddies. I am lucky to have 3 buddies that I can chat with on Etsy, each shop has something different to add and are from accross the US.

My Holiday Boot Camp Buddies in no particular order (because they are all great) are:

Wire Wrapped Turquoise - UnTwistedSister

UnTwistedSister Terri makes her jewelry by hand, from scratch.cutiing and polishing her own jasper and agate stones and finishes them with a hand wire-wrap to show off the stone. Terri also teaches wire wrapping at Island Bead Company, Melborne Orlando, Florida

Bee on a Sunflower - Wizard at Work

WizardAtWork When I was searching for a buddy I was looking for a shop that had some different things for sale and not necessarily jewelry. At her shop you can expect to find crochet, ceramics, soap and other bath/body products and rubberstamping items. What I found out was that her some of her sales go to support an elderly ferret. You can read more about it on her profile page.

Mixed Berry Beaded Cuff - RampionRampage

RampionRampage Lauren has Autism and finds that making "jewelry, boxes, custom items, and cards, those struggles go away. In fact, when I'm working on art, I don't feel that I'm "disabled" at all." I admire Lauren and I am glad that we met up and became buddies. Lauren also has the same birthday as myself September 15 so I feel that we are sisters at heart. Lauren is also working towards getting more beadwoven items into her shop so that she can apply to the Etsy Beadweavers Team which I am of course the Captain. It seems that we have a lot of interests in common.

What do you see when riding on the back of a BMW?

2011-09-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Not a blog about beading for a change, but fun non the less!!

Mike & Me on our BMW K1200GT aka "The Dragon"

Recently my husband and I completed a three week trip on his BMW motorcycle AKA "The Dragon". I love to ride on the back but I have a hard time with balancing (nicknamed appropriately Tippy! by my loving husband) so would never ride solo. We decided that since The Dragon was a grand touring bike that it needed to be tested out and hence we planned this three week ride down the coastal 101 highway to San Francisco via the Red Woods Forests then to Las Vegas via Bakersfield and the Mohave Desert, then San Diego and back on the coastal highway to Vancouver.

K & T on their K1200LT BMW

My sister Karen and my bother-in-law Terry (always are refered as K&T) were to join us on this adventure. They left their home town of Regina, Sask on Friday and arrived in Vancouver late Saturday evening. Our trip began on Sunday morning as we headed out under cloudy and cooler temperatures from Aldergrove, BC to cross into the US and the Olympic Pennisula where we took the ferry from Whitby Island to Olympia and Tumwater, Washington. Our first day we did not really cover very much distance towards our ultimate destination of Las Vegas, but we rode all around Washington for many hours and ended the first day in Tumwater just outside of Olympia.

The second day we started out early (6 am) and headed for Astoria in Oregon, we wanted to ride across the Columbia River bridge and along the Oregon coast 101 highway, had lunch at Tillamuck Cheese factory and rode a very nice twisty highway back toward Salem, Oregon. At this point I am thinking that I have been riding on the back of the bike for what seems like hours, days and we don't seem to be getting any where. We had a week to get to Vegas for our time share booking so everyone wanted to take in the sights. You sure do get to see the country side from the back of a bike.

On the Road to Crescent City

Leaving Salem, we once again head for the coast via Grants Pass, stopping for coffee at Peggy's Cafe along the I5 and eventually reaching the start of the Red Wood forest ride and Crescent City in the fog. These first few days we were on the bikes from early morning to early evening and I was looking forward to stopping. My butt just was not used to riding for more than a couple of hours and by now I had spent several days riding for a min 8 hours - 9 hours each day.

Terry in Tree

Mike in Tree

We left Crescent City in the morning and once again it was very foggy so we could not see the ocean from the bikes. We entered the "Path of the Giants" just outside of Eureka and spent several hours riding the old highway, stopping to take pictures and riding though the "Drive Through" tree. That evening was spent in the hot tub at the hotel, what a refreshing release after a long day of riding.

Mike & I crossing Golden Gate

Thursday we got up early and headed into San Francisco along highway 101, we heard on the weather that the Golden Gate bridge was covered in fog and when we arrived around 1:00 it was still covered in fog and there was a cross wind that made K&T nerveous so we headed into Saulsalito for lunch and some shopping, hopping that the wind would die down and the fog would clear. Mike and I remembered that there was this really great burger joint just along the water front not far from the Saulsalito Yacht club where we had moored Angelique of Vancouver back in 2008. The burgers were as remembered and the No Name Bar was also as remembered. We ate our burgers, drank our beer and rememinced about our 2008 sailing adventure with Angelique of Vancouver down this same coast just traveled by bike. Once we finished our lunch we got back on the bikes and rode across the Golden Gate bridge, the wind and the fog did not really decrease but if we were ever going to get into San Francisco we needed to cross. In Salsalito I had put on my riding pants and a sweater under my jacket because when we first arrived I was just wearing my jacket and a light pair of paints and nearly froze. Friday was spent as a tourist in San Francisco, we visited Fishermans's warf and Peer 39, Chinatown and the downtown shopping core, rode the old trolleys, and hiked up and down the famous Streets of San Francisco.

Karen & Jacquie (Two sisters)

Saturday we were off to Vegas to check into our time share and along the way we stopped in several BMW dealerships. K&T were looking for riding clothing and other BMW accessories. We arrived in Vegas to tempertures in the 100's. Let me tell you that this is a shock to the system especially when you still have all your riding gear on and you are now waiting in traffic and everyone is out to kill you. Drivers in Vegas really don't pay much attention to who or what is around them. Mike and I nearly go hit by a taxi driver as we crossed an intersection, K&T did get hit by a woman in a Mercedes that "just did not see them" Lucky or unlucky for them the woman only tagged the small trailer that K&T were towing behind their bike. Terry held it together and did not kill the woman, because the trailer was brand new and bought for this trip. We got to the resort without further mishap, check in, check out the damage to the trailer, changed, headed to the pool and relaxed.

Dinner in Venice aka "The Venitian"

After a week in Vegas we spent our 18th anniversay with K&T with dinner at one of our favorite restaruants in Venice some gambling at our favorite casino in Paris and a trip up the Effiel Tower. OK not the real Venice or the real Paris or the real Effiel Tower but it worked for us.

The Mohave Desert

Sunday had us back on the bikes riding though the Mohave Desert with temps over 100, K&T's bike over heating, my brain overheating and endless desert. We arrived at our other time share booking in Carlsbad and spent the next 5 days touring Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Diego, Encinitas, and surrounding area.Carlsbad is only about 45 mins outside of San Diego , we took the Coaster into town and visited the Lampwork district, Old Town and Little Italy. Lunch was at our favorite Italian restaurant in Little Itally.

K&T on the Coaster

After our time in Carlsbad it was time to head back home, K&T had 4 days to travel 3100 KM to Regina and we had 2700 KM to travel back to Vancouver. K&T headed out back through the Mohave and Mike and I headed back up the 101 highway for San Francisco. We timed our trip home perfectly as we hit morning rush hour traffic in LA on the the Friday of the Labor day weekend and San Francisco for the afternoon rush hour the same day. We spent 11 hours riding covering the same distance we had done in two days on the way down. The next day was another grueling 11 hours from San Francisco to Grants Pass in Oregon, 8 hours on the 3rd day from Grants Pass to Olympia, WA and 3 hours on the 4th day from Olympia to Vancouver, BC.

Baja Sunrise Featured in Mex I Can treasury

2011-07-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

I recently found that my Baja Sunrise Bead embroidered necklace was featured in this Mex I Can treasury by clonehardware on Etsy and I am trying out a widget that CraftCult offers for Etsy sellers to promote treasuries. Below will be an interactive widget that should redirect you to the Treasury collection on Etsy and the individual items Test it out and let me know how it works.

Ephesos Turkey - A Must on the Bucket List

2011-07-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I have attended memorials for several of my cruising friends and I was reminded that as I get older I will be attending more and more of these events. As I looked at all the adventures that my friends experienced in their lives and how many places that they ticked off their "Bucket List", I wanted to see how many Mike and I have ticked off our list. Last year we did a 3 week whorl wind tour of Europe inclucing a 10 day cruise around the Med. We ticked off quite a few off our list, one of the locations that we visited briefly was Turkey and the ruins at Ephesos. This place is amazing and the architecture of the time boggles the mind. It was a place where Learing Arts and Culture were promenant. Ephesos is famous for it's "Library" structure and for the two ampetheatres. The largest theatre housed thousands of spectators and was built into the side of the hill. Turkey is one of the places that I would like have an extended visit (months not days!)

When we were doing the tour arranged by Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, we each received a clay pendant memento of Ephesos. The pendant was on an ugly leather strap and not really my style. I used the one that Mike received and made one of my first bead embroided pendants. Fortunately for me it sold immediately and I was left with only one of the two clay memento beads. Unforutunaltey I don't have a photo of the finished product, but I used some lampwork beads with a copper chain to finish it off.

Since this was one of the only things that we brought back from Turkey, I used the last clay focal to create the necklace for my own personal use and in the colours that I love to wear. The bright orange and bronze Czech Precoisa fire polished beads and Jablonex seed beads remind me of the hot days in Turkey.

Etsy Beadweavers July Challenge Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Waters

2011-07-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I know that it has been a while since I have posted anything to my own blog. It is not that I haven't been making anything, rather the contrary I have several new pieces and participated in the monthly challenges for Etsy Beadweavers. I just forget to go to my own blog and post my pieces after I have promoted the team on the various Facebook pages and the team blog. So I thought that it was high time that I paid some attention to my own blog. For this months challenge I created Baja Sunlight necklace fashioned after my favourite island in the Sea of Cortez, Isla Sanfransisco. This beautiful agua blue bay is extrodinarily beautiful and the water is calm and soothing after a hot day of hiking on the small sizzling hot island.

The voting started on July 9 and runs until July 15, at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ Please stop in and vote for your favoirte Sizzling Sunshine and Soothing Water's entry. There are 32 wonderful entries to choose from so I am sure that you will find your favoirte.

Husband Racing again? What to do? What to do!!!!!!

2011-04-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

It is a sunny Saturday here in Vancouver and my hubby (Mike) is off racing again on J (a 33' J boat) with his friend Rick. They left early this morning and hubby forgot to move his bike from behind the car so that I could take my Mom out for lunch so I am stuck on the boat on a Sunny Day. Oh drat, darn, etc. No really I don't mind it at all, our boat is a great place to be on a sunny day. It is very bright and I can work on my beading with out any additional lights. So while my hubby is tillting around the bay I had a very productive morning working on my second ever bead embroidered piece.

During our trip last May (has it really been a year) we visited the ruins of Ephesos on the coast of Turkey. As part of our tourist package of the cruise ship we receive a moulded clay focal of Ephesos. I did not like the leather strap that came with the necklace so I immediately removed it knowing that one day I would use the focal for something grand. Since recently learning some basic bead embroidery I decided that it was time to put this piece to use and started working out a design for my Ephesos momento clay focal. I have yet to figure out how I want to hang the completed bead embroidered focal, but that will be for my next sunny day alone on the boat.

Etsy Beadweavers Spring Swap

2011-04-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Spring Swap - Once again my beadweaving group Etsy Beadweavers arranged for team members to make an item for another member that was participating in the Swap. Marilyn of Starwaves collected all the names of the members that wanted to particpate, sent out the questionaire to find out what we like and don't line, match up the participants and set the deadline for the swap to take place. I was matched up with Sue Charette-Hood Crystal Wonders and from her questionaire I new that she loved purple and black combination in her jewelry. When I was in Vegas I purchased some purple Toho square beads and some purple luster 15/0 Miyuki seed beads which I combined with the black 11/0 Czech beads I had at home to make this lacy bracelet. I finished my swap early and send it to Sue in March and waited with anticipation to see what I would receive and who I would receive it from.

To my great delight my package arrived early April from Anna of AnnaHatvani and it was a beautiful bead embroidered necklace. I had said in my questionaire that I was not a fan of the large bead embroidered pieces although beautiful not my style. Anna created a necklace that I am proud to wear and have worn daily. Anna's necklace converted me to a bead embroidery person and I have since (with instructions from Anna) completed my first bead embroidered necklace.

My entry for the "Spring Around the Corner" April Challenge Etsy Beadweavers

2011-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well after finishing my first entry Spring Flowers for the "Spring Around the Corner" Challenge, I decided to send a photo of it to Bead and Button Magazine. I received an email asking me to send the necklace to them for photographing and possible future publication in the "Your Work" section. So I of course mailed that sucker out right away. I don't know that it will get published but it was good to know that they were at least interested. I had my Day Lilly completed and was trying to figure out if it was too large to make into a necklace, that is why I started and finished the Spring Flower. I since finished off the lariate and decided that I liked the single Day Lilly even if it was more life size that I had wanted.

The voting for the "Spring Around the Corner" starts on April 9th and runs until the 15th at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/. You are as always encouraged to vote for your favorite entry and again there are some outstanding pieces to choose from.

What do you do on a sunny day?

2011-03-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here I am sitting at the computer on a sunny day in Vancouver wrting this post. I have not written one in a while because I was having issues with my shoulder and the computer work really bothered it. The computer is in the navigation station on the boat, the counter is too high for a vertically challenged person to sit at and be comfortable. My shoulder was always elevated and that caused it to freeze up over the xmas period. My hubby bought me a wireless keyboard and mouse for xmas and let me tell you that has made all the difference. My shoulder got the rest it needed and I was able to go back to doing the things that I love. I am currently working on a necklace for the April challenge of Etsy Beadweavers called "Spring around the corner"

Today in Vancouver it certainly looks like spring, the sun is shinning and it is so bright on the boat that I had forgotten how bright it could be with sunlight. I am attempting to make a necklace with Daylilies and I have worked out a pattern that I think represents the flower (my favorite of the spring season by the way). I have not yet got the whole concept of the necklace worked out yet, but I think that there may be a few more lilies in different colours. I am thinking of a lariat type necklace but who knows, I never do until it is finished. Here is are some snap shots of the work in progress and you can see how bright a day it really is in Vancouver. These photo's were taken without any additional light and the sun is reflecting off my lighted magnifying glass (which is not on by the way, as I don't need it when there is this much light). Here is a photo of the Nav Station on the boat, aka my light box for photographing jewelry. I use a green quilt to cover the monitor, radios and AC panels. (That is the green backdrop in my jewelry photo's)

A Whorl Wind of Activity

2011-01-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

I know that it has been a while since I posted anything to my blog. I have not been neglecting you, well maybe just a little. November and December were just a whorl wind of activity for me because I started my Xmas Craft events with 10 days straight. The first event was at Thursday at BCIT, then 3 days (Fri-Sun) at Abbotsford Cristmas Craft Fair, then Simon Fraser Universitys Craft Fair (Mon-Fri) endng with my usual Saturday at the Abbotsford Farmers Market. The weekend before this 10 day stretch I was at the Delbrook Rec Centre's Craft fair, and the week after the stretch I was at the Langley Craft Fair.

Some of the events were more successful than others. Simon Frasers week long event was my best seller and I sold more this year than last year. I had some slow days but overall sold many of my newely created and not photographed beadwoven necklaces and bracelets. Delbrook on the Sunday prior was also good as it was a very busy event. I have been told that it was even better on the Sat. I did not do so good at Abbotsford FM on the Sat so I guess I know where to go next year.

It was my first time attending the Abbotsford Craft Fair, this one has been running for 30 years and I expected that it would have a lot more traffic that it did. We were competing with the West Coast Show at the Tradex on the same weekend which had much more advertizing. I did sell one of my beadwoven pieces on the last day which cover the cost of the table but not much else.

I am already doing my research for next year and have my applications in for the Delbrook Rec Centre, unfortunately they only give jewelry vendors one day out of the 4, but it is better than nothing.

I find with the current economy the valley areas do not have money to spend on impulse buying and let's face it jewelry no matter how attractive it is, is an impluse purchase. Vancouver and the North Shore still seem to have extra cashie money to spend so I think that this year I will target those markets and see if I can get into the Ambleside, Lonsdale Quay and Burnaby Farmers Markets. I already have my application in to the Vancouver Farmers Market pre Jury so we will see how that goes. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Some recent sales at Angelque Creations

2010-11-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

This past month has been good for Angelque Creations as I have made some recent sales of my work, some on my new Artfire site, some on my Etsy site and some at craft fairs. I usually have really slow sales so I am very happy that I have sold 4 of my pieces.

My Bollywood Necklace has gone to a very good home where I know that it will be treasured, Butterflies are Free necklace is on its way to a cruise of the Med, Eye of Horus was purchased for a birthday present and is now going to Jamaica for vacation, Poinsettia Holdiay Treasures Cuff will be proudly worn during this holiday season.

November Challenge "Holiday Treasures"

2010-11-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

I know it seems that time is just flying by and next thing you know a whole month has gone by and yes I have entered another of the monthly challenges for Etsy Beadweavers. This month the theme is "Holiday Treasures" and I created Poinsettia Holiday Treasure Corsage cuff to wear throught the holiday season. The cuff is made with one of my new favorite stitches - Russian Leaves in white and red with gold accents, the cuff is a silky ribbon of glass seed beads in Cream Soda color made with an alternating pattern of gold seed beads in a brick stitch. The slide clasp is hidden amonst the Poinsettia flower.

Voting for the challenge starts today November 9 and runs until November 15. To register your vote please go to http:www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com and vote for your favorite "Holiday Treasure" We have 36 entries and all are wonderful so it will be a difficult decision.

Etsy Beadweavers October Challenge Autum Falling of Leaves Voting begins

2010-10-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

The monthly challenge for my beadweaving team is once again at hand, the theme this month selected by Isabella of Bead4me was Autumn Falling of Leaves. We have had an outstanding number of entries again this month with 59, this is a new record. The last record was September for the Bollywood them at 52 entries. My entry this month is Russian Leaves of Fall as seen in the photo below and is listed as number 45 on the blog Etsy Beadweavers.

The voting runs from October 9-15 so be sure that you check out the web site above and vote for your favorite entry.

Etsy Beadweavers September Challenge - Bollywood

2010-09-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

This month the theme for the Etsy Beadweavers Street Team monthly challenge is "Bollywood". Bollywood is India's movie industry and in India is a bigger producing film industry than Hollywood. The Bollywood film stars wear very elaborate jewely especially in wedding or bridal themes. I created my "Bollywood Kundan style Bridal Choker" to reflect the intricate and elaborate designs. I myself like more simple jewelry so for me this challenge was a way to stretch my imagination and make something that I would not normally make. I used green fresh water pearls, peridot and emerald swarovski crystals and Japanese seed beads to create the choker. You can see the full descripton at AngelqueCreations

The voting will start on September 9 and run until my birthday on September 15. Please go to our web site at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to register your vote.

Abbotsford Farmers Market - Recent sales

2010-08-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have been diligently setting up my jewelry at the Abbotsford Farmers market every Saturday in June, July, and August. The venture is finally starting to pay off as I recently (today) sold 4 beadwoven pieces. Two of these pieces were listed in my Etsy shop and two were newly made and not yet photographed (so I can't show you). Nefertiti's Jade necklace and Coral Reef bracelet are off to good homes in Winnipeg and Alberta respectively. I also recently was notified that I have been accepted into the Abbotsford Christmas craft fair at the Heritage Hall. This is a three day event and hopefully will be successful for me. I have been told that it is a widely publushed event with lots of attendance and one of the more popular craft fairs to attend. Since most of the Christmas craft fairs happen on the same weekends in November and December it is diffuclt to choose where to go. I am also finding that because I sell jewelry I am not always successful in getting into the larger venues, so I am very happy to have been accepted for this event. I have been sending out my applications for Christmas craft fairs since January so that I can at least be in one or two events. I long for the day that I will be accepted in a venue closer to home, but I find that it seems to be much more difficult to break into the circle of craft fairs in the Vancouver area than I had originally thought. Jewelry is a tough sell when there are so many established artist in the market.

Gothic Chevron Faux Pearl Anklet

2010-08-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

When I was recently on my sailing trip to Monteque Harbour on Main Island I created a fun anklet with some faux pearls that I had kicking around in my bead box. I wanted to create a fun anklet that you could wear all summer long. I had seen this chevron stitch before on necklaces but I had yet to test my skill at creating a piece. I did not have enough of the faux pearls to create a necklace and so I started out creating a bracelet with the intent of using up these beads. I realized once I had finished one side that it was rather long for a bracelet but decided to finish it off by mirroring the chevron pattern. The length turned out to be 8" which surprisingly was just the size that I needed to fit around my ankle. Who knew.

I recently sold the Gothic Chevron Faux Pearl anklet and it is winging it's way off to a new home. I think that I may need to make one for myself since I am going to miss the anklet.

Time to Vote for the Etsy Beadweavers August Challenge "Gold and Silver"

2010-08-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Another month has flown by and I can't believe that it is time again for the voting of the monthly challenge. This month's theme of "Gold and Silver" has had an outstanding 50 entries, I think that this must be a record. My entry Butterflies are Free necklace is entry #13 on the list and you can register your vote at Etsy Beadweavers Blogspot. There are so many wonderful entries this month that the decision will be most difficult but I am sure that you are up for the task.

The voting runs from August 9 to August 15 so be sure that you stop in and vote for your favorite entry. Good luck to all the other 49 beautiful pieces

My Etsy Beadweavers August Challenge - Butterflies are Free Necklace

2010-08-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

The August challenge for the Etsy Beadweavers is "Gold and Silver" Hollywood style. I had these silver butterflies in my bead box for some time and was waiting for an inspiration to use them. The August theme seemed to me to be the perfect starting point, so I brought them out of storage and made a rough sketch of how I wanted the butterflies to lay in the necklace (normally I don't make sketches because I cannot free hand draw, I used to draw buildings and construction details for a living but always on the computer using a program, free hand drafting is not my forte). I started working with the 4 mm Japanese silver square bead in a brick stitch with 11/0 gold tone Japanese seed beads until I had the shape of the necklace, then I added the butterflies. While working on this piece the movie staring Goldie Hawn kept bouncing into my head. The movie was Butterflies are Free and is one of Goldie's earier pictures.

The voting for this month's challenge starts on August 9 and runs until the 15th at Etsy Beadweavers Blogspot, just click the name and you will be directed to the blog. Please stop in and vote for your favorite entry. Once again our team has out done themselves and there are some amazing entries.

Things are picking up - Sales at AngelqueCreations

2010-07-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

I have been really fortunate these past few weeks and I have had one sale from my Etsy shop where the customer purchased two of my pieces (Seafoam bracelet and Poppies of the Roman Forum) and recently I sold 2 more pieces at the weekend Farmer's Market in Abbotsford.

Mostly I sell my non bead woven jewelry at the Farmer's Market beacuse thease are lower priced and more affordable but this past Saturday I sold my Evil Eye St. Petersburg single chain Necklace and Dragon's Breath St. Petersburg double chain bracelet at the market. I was so happy and hope that this coming weekend brings me good fortune as well.

Sumertime in the City

2010-07-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally summer here in Vancouver we have had two weeks of really great weather and I have been enjoying the sun streaming through the port holes and hatches on the boat. I have even had to open up the port holes so that I can let the warm summer breaze flow through the interior. I love the warmth and wish that it would stay forever. Mike and I have been getting the boat ready to go cruising at the end of July, it will have been over a year since we moved Angelique and a year since she was damaged in the fire. We finally have all the bits and baubs put back and replaced and are looking forward to 5 days cruising the Gulf Islands. I have also been busily working away and creating several new necklaces and bracelets and trying to get them listed into my shop AngelqueCreations.

Mother of Pearl Necklace Pretty in Pink Princess Necklace

Coral Reef Freeform Bracelet Pearls, Pearls, Pearls Bridal Necklace

Cortez Sea Bracelet Mauve & Amethyst Bracelet

Lost in Cyber Space

2010-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been absent from my blog for quite some time, but I have been around and lost in Cyber Space for the last few weeks. I have been so busy promoting members from my bead weaving group "Etsy Beadweavers" that by the time I am done with all the places that I need to update with the group I forget that also need to up date my blog, post pictures to my Etsy shop "Angelque Creations", figure out what I am going to wear today (if I go out), eat breakfast, clean the boat and other life duties. So today I am finally going to post some pictures of the jewelry that I have made in the last couple of weeks. I have several more pieces to photograph and list but I am slowly getting there. Here is the fruits of my recent labour of love.

Dragons Breath St. Petersburg Stitch bracelet
Sold on July 17, 2010, customer orders welcome

Black and White Bracelet

Green the Color of Money Bracelet & Matching Earrings

Amethyst Chip Bracelet

Etsy Beadweavers Monthly Challenge "The Secret Garden"

2010-07-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been absence since I got back from my vacation in Europe, but I have been busy making new jewelry and the first is my entry to the Etsy Beadweavers monthly challenge. I created Poppies of the Roman Forum (Palatine Grounds) for "The Secret Garden" challenge because during our visit to the Forum the wild poppies were so beautiful and abundant all over the ruins. We returned 2 weeks later after finishing our cruise and found that the gardeners had mowed down all the wild poppies, so for me this became my "Secret Garden. My entry is #2 on the list and the necklace sold almost immediately after I listed it on my online shop AngelqueCreations.

The voting starts today July 9 to July 15 and I encourange you to check out the web site Etsy Beadweavers to cast your vote. My entry is listed as #2 but I encourage you to vote for your favorite as there are many wonderful entries once again.

This necklace sold on July 7, 2010 from my on line shop

New listing - Evil Eye Pendant necklace - Sold

2010-06-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Evil Eye - Pendant Necklace
I had such a wonderful time wandering the streets of Kusadasi in the older fort now bazzar. The shopping was incredable, my sister bought a handmade lace table cloth that she had been looking for and I bought several Evil Eye beads of various shapes and sizes. The first of these beads to be made into jewelry is the 1-1/2" diameter evil eye pendant bead that now resides in a lovely St. Petersberg stitch necklace. The necklace is made with Czech blue, aqua and opague white seed beads and accented with blue glass bicones. I would love to go back to Turkey one day and spend more time. Since we were on the cruise ship we only were in Kusadasi for 7 hours, and 4 of those we spent wandering around the ruins of Ephesus.

This necklace sold on July 17, 2010 at the Abbotsford Farmers Market

Formal Nights Hemetite Choker

2010-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Since coming back from my month long trip through Europe I have been trying to finish off several pieces, photograph and post to my etsy shop Angelque Creations. One of these is Formal Nights adjustable choker/princess necklace. I made this necklace adjustable so that one would have several options to wear it out to a formal evening with you little black dress, or wear it longer with your business suit during the day. The necklace is made with a right angle weave (RAW) and is 1" in width and adjust from 16" to 19" in length. The button clasp I used two recycled coat buttons that have a chrome finish. When you first put on the necklace the coolness of the Hemeitite stone is refreshing but quickly warms up to body temperature.

2010-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Well I finally have the time after my whorl wind trip in Europe to get back to posting on my blog and making new items for my Etsy shop. I had such a great time traveling to London, Paris, Rome, Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Turkey, Eygpt, and Venice. We were moving everyday seeing new sights and taking too many pictures that I now have to edit. I also starting working at Redwoods Golf course and that has taken up some of my time. I am happy to be back at beading and here is the first of my efforts inspired by my trip. I call it the Eye of Horus (Ra) bracelet and it is made with Japanese Delica seed beads from a pattern that I created. The pattern will also be available on my Etsy shop Angelque Creations.

April Challenge "Light as a Breeze" Voting has begun

2010-04-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

The voting has begun for the April Challenge "Light as a Breeze" I would appreciate it if you could go to http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com and vote for your favorite entry. Once again the challenge is a tough one as there are so many beautiful pieces to choose from. My entry "Ocean Breeze" is listed as #10, but I encourage you to vote for your favorite.

My entry for the April Challenge "Light as a Breeze"

2010-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Once again the theme for the monthy challenge of the Etsy Beadweavers "Light as a Breeze" has inspired me to create a new entry. My entry is "Ocean Breeze" and while I was creating the bracelet I wished that I was once again traveling down the coast of Mexico and experiencing those soft Ocean breezes.

I especially wanted to be south again as our friends on R. Genesis transversed the Panama Canel last week and are now heading up the east coast of Panama and I think why are we not with them. Oh well someday Mike and I will go again. In the meatime I sit here and dream of days gone by.

The voting will start on April 9 and run to the 15th at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ so be sure that you stop in and vote for your favorite entry. Once again I think that there will be some amazing work come out of our group.

Dark Dreams - Dream Catcher Necklace

2010-03-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished a new project that I started a couple of weeks ago when I received my 10 free beads from Nomad Crafts. I had signed up on Nomad Crafts facebook fan page to be part of a group of artist that would be sent 10 free beads to use in a project. Janelle of Nomad Crafts made these wonderfull yellow and black lampwork beads and they inpired me to create my Dark Dreams Dream Catcher necklace. I used 9 of the beads and then realized that Janelle had actually sent me 15 Lampwork beads. Whoo Hoo I now have 6 more of these wonderful gems to make a second project. Gee what will I do, stay tuned.

If you would like to see more of Janelle's lampwork glass just click on the shop name above and the link will take you to her shop.

Recent Sales at Angelque Creations

2010-03-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

After a long dry spell with no activity I recently sold 3 of my beadwoven items. One of the items that sold is my March "Fairy Tales" challenge piece called Tinker Bell's Pixie Dust cuff. This bracelet is 2" wide and created with 3 mm Japanese lime green square beads, size 6 rainbow cream soda Japanese seed beads, 11/0 pink and gold silver lined Japanese seed beads, white and pink fresh water pearls, and lime green dyed (MOP) mother of pearl donuts. This so far is my favorite piece that I have created and I am glad that it has gone to a good home where it will be worn with pride.

The other two pieces were my Artist Exposed for VickiDiane - Baja Desierto bracelet with 6/0 desert mix Japanese seed beads, fresh water pearls dyed Iris gold and the 3rd bead woven piece is my Cotton Candy bracelet. Cotton Candy was listed at 50% of in my shop AngelqueCreations and there are still several other beautiful items listed at 50% off. I am trying to create room in my shop AngelqueCreations to list several new items so hurry and snap up these deals. I offer free shipping to Canada and the US, $15.00 overseas and other international destinations.

I have opened a new shop called Angelque Designs on etsy to showcase my non beadwoven items and I hope that you will stop in a check it out.

Sunshine Blog Award

2010-03-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

A Sunshine blog award for AngelqueCreations, nominated by Ileana of
Enchanted Beads. Thank you so much Ileana I always love reading your blog Enchanted Beads Blog . I am honored to be listed as a favorite Blog!

The Sunshine Blog Award is given out to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. The rules for accepting the award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
I am nominating some of my favorite, who are working hard to create interesting and enjoyable articles in their Blogs:

(in alphabetical order)
Art Beadwork - Iryna Hamilton
Asterope Bead Creations - Carol
Christines Beadworks - Christine
FireDivas
Lovelies From Mihana - Mihana
Maryniky Designs - Maryanne
Mary T Desgins - Mary
NED Beads - Nancy
Rachele's Originals - Rachele
Random Creative - Rose
Smadars Treasure - Smadar
Triz Designs - Patrizia

March Challenge - Fairy Tales - Voting March 9 -15

2010-03-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

The voting has started for Etsy Beadweavers March challenge. You can vote for your favorite "Fairy Tales" by using the link above, voting runs from March 9 until March 15 so be sure not to miss out. Once again the voting will be difficult as there are many beautiful renditions on this Fairy Tale theme.

Angelque Creations's Tinker Bell Pixie Dust's cuff is number #15 and although I would love it if you voted for my entry there are so many other wonderful entries I encourage you to vote for your favorite.

I love to enter these challenges because the themes are great and it challenges me to better my art form To be included amounst such talent is a boon for Angelque Creations and a boost for my ego. (We all need a boost once in a while)

Treasury Heaven - 3 treasuries in One Day

2010-03-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

I just found that I am featured in 3 treasuries today on Esty and I am just so happy that I thought I would share with you the treasury features. I have not been featured for a very long time and so to be featured in three in one day is wonderful. Thank you (Ileana, Tiffany, VickiDiane and Karin) all for taking the time to add my work to your lovely treasuries.

The first feature treasury is curated by Ileana of Enchanted Beads and her Long Time No See Treasury featuring some Etsy Beadweavers as well as other talented artitsts.

The second treasury feature is curated by Tiffany of Room3designs and VickiDiane Leads Artist Exposed for VickiDiane, this treasury features 12 amazing and talented Etsy Beadweavers.

And the third treasury is curated by Karin of GypsyEyesJewelry and Once upon a Time treasury featuring some of the talent that you will find for the March challenge "Fairy Tales". The voting for this challenge starts on March 9 to 15 at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

EBW March Challenge - Fairy Tales

2010-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Well it is that time again for the Monthly challenge for my beadweaving group Etsy Beadweavers Street Team. This months challenge theme is "Fairy Tales - The challenge piece should be inspired by a known Fairytale. Every participant needs to describe in their listing what the inspiration and name of the Fairy Tale. The piece could represent absolutely anything: good or evil characters, flowers, objects, animals or places and castles, but in needs to be tied to a story." My challenge piece was inspired by the modern "Fairy Tale" Peter Pan and the Lost Boys so I created for Tinker Bell a Cuff of pixie dust.

Here is the link to my shop so that you can read the full description of the cuff and its inspiration. Tinker Bell Pixie Dust Cuff. The voting starts on March 9 and runs until the 15th so be sure that you visit http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ and cast your vote for your favorite "Fairy Tale". There are as usual many wondeful and talented entries to choose from.

My production line

2010-02-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

These past few weeks have seen me sitting at our salon table with my beads spread out (taking up the table space) while I make 60 beaded wine labels holders for my friend Lynda Bennett's wedding. The wedding is not until July 17, 2010 but I thought that I would get started on these and you know me once I start something I am like a dog with a bone, I keep at it until it is finished. I started making the beaded wine label holders on Wednesday last week and I have completed 30 of them already. Lynda will be pleasently surprised when I give them to her next week, 5 months ahead of the wedding bells.

Here are a few pictures of the production line and some of the finished product. My friend Lynda will be printing the Wine Labels and attaching them via ribbon to the beaded label holder. The Beaded Wine holder (after the festivities are over) can be used as napkin rings. Cool eh?

And no I am not drinking while I am making these, the Quails Gate Optima Wine is my test subject to ensure that the rings fit around the spout.

What do I do all day - Part 2

2010-02-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

Well here it is again 3:30 in the afternoon and I am wondering where did the day go and what did I accomplish.

I spent a couple of hours this morning and this afternoon posting 6 feature shops on the Etsy Beadweavers fan page at http://www.facebook.com/etsybeadweavers.

Completed, took photo's and posted my new bracelet in my etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40783286. The photography process is a long one since I need to dig out the camera from its secure location, set up the photo shop area on the nav table (first removing all the junk that normally sits on the table), set up the back drop, find the lights (especially when it is raining in Vancouver), edit the photos and then post.

Carted up the laundry to the laundry room and washed two loads. (Still need to bring them back to the boat).

Joined Etsy Canada on line and Etsy BC on Ning, now I need to post my photos and blog in this location as well.

Chatted in the Etsy Beadweaver forum on Etsy.com

Oh yeah, did my hour long walk at 8:00 am this morning. Thank goodness that I am retired or I would never get all this done in one day.

Last week I created a couple of new pieces as well some of them have already sold.

Spanish Dancer (Sold) Luck Runs Through it - Vegas Style (Sold)

Think Pink - In Circles Baja Desierto Necklace (Sold

Must not forget to make dinner for hubby, he has a real job!!!!

Etsy Beadweavers Monthly Challenge - Ocean and Sea Theme

2010-02-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have entered the Monthly Challenge for the bead weaver group that I belong to Etsy Beadweavers. The voting started today and continues until Feb 15, my entry is called the Ocean Garden and is a complete set (necklace, earrings and bracelet) and number 8 on the pictures and the voting list. I hope that you will take the time to stop into http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ and register your vote. There are many beautiful pieces made by myself and my fellow members so I encourage you to vote for your favorite entry. To read more about my entry please view http://angelquecreations.etsy.com/

What do I do all Day?

2010-01-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

What do I do all day is a question that my husband asks me when he gets home from a long day at work. I retired in the spring of 2008, the year we sailed our boat from Vancouver to the Sea of Cortez, and I spend my day beading and weaving. Beading and weaving what does she mean by that one asks. While I was in Mexico I learned to weave tiny little seed beads with a needle and thread into wonderful patterns that create beadwoven jewelry.

Since I have retired I spend most of my day working with these tiny little beads. Some days I sit at SFU (Simon Fraser University) with my works on display hoping that something will sell, but mostly using the time to create something new. I figure I am going to bead/weave anyway might as well be out where someone can see it and maybe purchase my labour of love. Also I need to get out and meet people because I would go crazy not talking to someone sometime.

Everyone told me that when you retire you will need a hobby, well weaving is mine and I love it. I learn to do new weaves everday and I belong to a group of weavers (Etsy Beadweavers) that has some amazing talent and I am always inspired to try something different and out of my comfort zone. I don't have their talent yet, but then I have only been weaving since May 2009.

Spinkled throught this posting is several bracelets that I created in the last few days. So the question remains "What do I do all Day?"

What do you think?

Ocean Treasury Curated by Ileana of Enchanted Beads

2010-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

Ileana of Enchanted beads snagged an Etsy Treasury so that she could show case the entries for the Etsy Beadweavers February Challenge - Ocean. There are so many talented people in our group that it is worth your time to check out this wonderful treasury before it expires on Thrusday morning Jan 14, 2010. My Ocean Garden Set is third row on the right. Here is the link to the treasury so that you can click and comment. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=105891

Etsy Beadweavers Feb 2010 Ocean Monthy Challenge

2010-01-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Ocean Garden Necklace & Bracelet Set $140.00 US

This is my challenge piece for the February Ocean Challenge. The aqua blues and greens of the Sea of Cortez has been my inspiration for many pieces in my shop and this month’s challenge really caught my attention and I couldn’t wait to get started working on my idea. The Sea of Cortez is alive with an abundance of ocean life. While we were cruising we saw dolphins, turtle, whales, whale sharks, fish of all kinds, sand dollars, star fish, you name it we saw it. My favorite bay on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula was Bahia Santa Maria with its miles of white sandy beaches. We swam to shore one day and I picked up a bucket full of sand dollars. Some of these you see in the back ground of my photos. My Ocean Garden Set captures the beauty of the undersea life that is the Sea of Cortez. To see the full listing please visit http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38314056

The voting starts Feb 9-15 so please visit http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to cast your vote for your favorite entry.

Beadweaving in Hawaii - Am I nuts?

2010-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

While vacationing in Hawaii I couldn't stand it, two weeks with out laying hand to needle, needle to thread, thread to beads. So I went shopping with my sister and we found some lovely beads to satisfy my fix. I know I am nuts and I should have been on the beach, relaxing and getting a tan. I did that but at night in the cover of my room (not quite under the sheets) I would bead. What would my husband think!!!! Here is the result.

Mango Bango Bangles, two different bangles that can be worn together or separately. I learned to weave a tubular spiral herringbone stitch to create these beauties.

Two new earrings - Honey me Honey and Gold Coast

2010-01-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Honey coloured oval lampwork glass earrings with gold plated surgical steel lever ear wires are a simple way to dress up any outfit. These chandelier earrings dangle approximately 1-1/2" inches

Mazatlan has an area called the Gold Zone and we spent many a days walking along the beaches in front of the shops and restaurants. I created Gold Coast netted earings to pair with the Gold Coast Bangle as a reminder of my time spent walking along those golden beaches. The earrings are made with a continuous netted technique with 6/0 and 11/0 gold and topaz seed beads. gold plated surgical steel lever ear wire.

Free shipping to all Canadian locations

I am a proud member of Etsy Beadweavers Street team, please visit our blog at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Baja Coast Bangle

2010-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

This is the last bangle created for the Coast Bangle series. This bangle is a tribute to the calm and tranquile waters in the Sea of Cortez. The aqua blue 6/0 and 11/0 glass seed beads are the colour of the beautiful waters in this area. Having spent 6 months in the Sea of Cortez I find that I am very partial to this shade of blue. My favorite colour will always be green, but Aqua is becoming my second favorite color.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37909745

Diameter: Approx 7-1/2 -8" will roll over the folded hand

Free Shipping to all Canadian locations

You Saw Me Standing Alone - Treasury Curated by Little Stone Designs

2010-01-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

Angelque Creations has been very fortunate this month to be featured in a 3rd Etsy Treasury. You saw me standing alone curated by Cheryl of Little Stone Designs can be found at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=104356 features my Moon Beam Herringbone bracelet.

This lovely selection of fine artists illustrates the wide range of talent that is the Etsy way. Angelque Creations is grateful to be included amounts these great pieces. Lets help this treasury to get to the Front Page of Etsy by visiting, commenting and clicking on all the shops. The more people that view, comment and click the more likely this treasury will be selected for a front page.

Time for New Things Treasury - Curated by ThingsOldandNew

2010-01-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Angelque Creations was fortunate to be featured once again in a treasury curated by ThingsOldand New on Etsy. The necklace Aspen Wood and African Opal picked to be featured was created by my friend Patricia Erickon. I hope that you have time to stop in and see this lovely treasury as there are many other talented artists featured including Ileana from EnchantedBeads. Here is the link to follow.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=81756

Featured in 2010 Treasury

2010-01-02T14:19:00.000-08:00

Angelque Creations is featured in this lovely treasury as an alternate. There are many talened shops for this first treasry of 2010 so please take the time to stop by and view all the lovely selections. Hopefully we can make it to Etsy's front page. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=103617

Recent Sales at Angelque Creations

2009-12-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

During this busy Christmas season, I have been spending weekends at various craft fairs through out Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. I was recently at the Make it Vancouver show at the Croation Cultural Centre, Micky Macdougal Craft Fair in North Vancouver, Simon Fraser Craft Fair and the Abbotsford Farmers Market. During these fairs I sold a couple of beadwoven pieces from my shop that I am very happy about.

Here are the photo's of the pieces that were sold.
Break Water (Raw) Sea Foam St. Petersberg Stitch Necklace

December Challenge - Peace Piece Etsy Beadweavers Street Team

2009-12-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

It is time once again for the monthly challenge of the Etsy Beadweavers Street Team. The theme this month is Peace Piece.and the voting starts today December 9 and runs until Dec 15. Check out the web site at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ to view the 20 beautiful works of art. Angelque Creations has entered this challenge with my Snow and Ice necklace (number 4 on the Etsy website). I hope that you will all take the opportunity to visit the site and vote for your favorite piece.

Featuring Trinity Designer Jewellery - Lorraine Coetzee

2009-11-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

Featuring Lorraine Coetzee, of Trinity Designer Jewellery, Cape Town, South Africa.
Lorraine is one of the many talented weavers beloning to Etsy Beadweavers Street Team. Lorranine has always been encouraging to the team members and was one of the first people to encourge my work as I entered this amazing world. Lorraine works through some very difficult health issues. She is an inspiration to us all as she is very active within the group and produces wonderful pieces of art.

Here is what Lorraine had to say.
Tell me a bit more about yourself? Where you live, etc, I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Cape Town, South Africa. (A photo of Table Mountain across the bay forms the banner to my Etsy shop and Blogspot). Handmade arts, crafts and painting are my passion and from a little girl, I've done embroidery classes, cake decorating, painting, decoupage, sewing, dress designing and lampwork etc. Whilst raising my ownly daughter, I've also done a spot of modelling and fashion and beauty classes too. 25 years ago I committed my life to Christ who has, over the years become my Source and my Life. I have been blessed to have won several international jewellery design competitions and give Him the recognition for my artistic flair and inspiration

Is there any significance to the name of your shop? Yes, I love the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, and since they are the CEO's of my life, they should be of my shop too. I named my shop Trinity Designer Jewellery - to Honour them.

When did you start beading and beadweaving? I started stringing about 2 years ago, and beadweaving, 18 months ago.

What inspires you? Nature. It's so awesome to look at sunsets, autumn leaves, water falls and the ocean. I truly look at the world around me through "beady" eyes. I also get lots of inspiration from the ladies who are co-members of the various groups which I am a member of.

What is your favourite piece that you created either currently in you shop or one that you have sold? My favourite signature item is my "Pearls De Lux" necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27119735. It will be featured in Bead and Button in the next issue. I love RAW and pearls, and "Pearls De Lux" is a combo of both.

Do you listen to or watch anything while you are working? Yes, I will either listen to gospel music, or watch a good movie while I bead. (Multi-tasking is easy... after all, I am a woman).
Do you belong to any organizations (i.e.: Etsy Beadweavers Street Team, etc)? Yes, I do. Apart from Etsy Beadweavers, which is a fantastic group to be a member of, I am a member of about 15 other groups, like Beaders Showcase, Artfire, BeadersNING, BeadDreamz

You can find Lorraine's work and Trinity Designer Jewellery at the following locations
Facebook Page - Trinity Designer Jewellery: http://www.trinitydj.blogspot.com/
Online Shop: http://www.trinitydj.etsy.com/
Flicker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trinitydj

Featuring BeadsandBlooms

2009-11-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a little insight into what makes Deb of BeadandBloom tick. I was doing some research on Deb and found out that she is a SCiFi lover like me. Hum, I find it amazing that we SciFi lovers seem to flock together in what ever we undertake. I love the Lord of the Rings trilogy as well and my husband and I have been know to watch all three in one sitting on a rainy weekend.

Here is what Deb had to say:

Is there was any significence to the name of you shop? When I started selling my handmade items I couldn't decide which I liked to do more, beadwork or floral designs, so I decided to do both and became Beads and Blooms.

Tell me a bit more about yourself? I'm a Kansas country girl through and through. I've always lived in small towns and enjoy the rural lifestyle. My day job is being the one-woman office staff for a long term care facility. Creating gives me much needed stress relief.

When did you start beading and beadweaving? I started beadweaving in the late 80's just to try a new craft. I loved the long fringed brick stitch earrings that were so popular then. So I bought an instruction book, some seed beads and needle and thread and was instantly hooked.

What inspires you? I find inspiration in lots of things, pictures, nature, but probably most from cabochons and beads themselves. I often find myself creating a piece around a focal or a theme.

What is your favorite piece that you created either currently in you shop or one that you have sold? Probably my favorite design is one I called Tears of Joy. It was my entry into an EBW challenge and actually won that month. It sold but here's a link on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beadsandblooms/2779094773/in/set-72157606430703251/

Do you belong to any organizations? Besides EBW, I am also one of the moderators for a new team on Etsy, Kansas Etsy Team.

Where is your shop, do you have a photo you can share? Do you listen to music or TV while you work? If so what? My bead room is in my basement but most of the time I bring a bead tray or tote up to my living room and bead in my recliner while watching tv or not depending on my mood. Guess I just like to bead with my feet up!!

You can find out more information about Beads and Blooms at http://www.beadsandblooms.blogspot.com/ and I have a facebook business page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/North-Central-Kansas/Beads-and-Blooms/73606362032

Angelque Creations Featured in T-Main Good Morning

2009-11-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

Angelque Creations West Coast Netted Bangle was featured in this lovely Etsy Treasury Good Morning along with many other talented artisans. The listing will exipire in a couple of days so if you have time please check out the other shops and post your comments. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=95597

Featuring Silver Dragon Creations - Patricia Vener

2009-11-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

This week I am featuring Patricia Vener of Silver Dragon Creations http://www.silverdragon.etsy.com/ another fellow Etsy Beadweaver Street Team member. It is interesting to me to find out about someone that you have talked with in various forums and learn new ways that you are compatable. I also love Stargate Atlantis, in fact any Sci-fi film or TV show usually catches my interest.

Here is what Patricia had to say.

1. What type of art work do you do? I'm a painter who has added bead weaving to her repertoire of media.

2. How did you get started doing art work? Someone gave me a crayon or pencil and I went to town! Among my earliest memories is of visitng a museum when I was four years old and being totally mesmerized by the Native American exhibits of textiles and decorative work. I stood there staring and staring and had to be dragged away.

3. Do you do any other crafts? I have done some small fiber weaving (loom work interestingly enough and I love it), lace making (learning from the 1700s book "Encyclopedia of Needlework" by Theresa de Dilmont), embroidery, clothes design and sewing. And bead embroidery though I consider that to be included in the overall "bead weaving" family.

4. Is there a story behind your shop name? Not so much a story as a set of metaphors. I was born in the Year of the Dragon and I have always admired these mythical creatures, especially Chinese dragons, so I consider it a personal symbol (or totem if you prefer). My first dragon in Art was worked in a hooked rug I designed and created. Silver, because my hair started turning silver in grad school - so another self-representation and I love the metal. (Well, yes I adore pure gold as well, but it's a bit harder to come by affordably and anything under 14 kt just doesn't have the right color. Put those together and you get a Silver Dragon (AgDrgn is a sometimes Internet handle I use and one of these days I'll get it on my license plate too.)

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now? Hmmm, has to be a toss up between "The Balance of Chaos and Harmony" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15558863 and my bead netting Labradorite earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24744924)

6. Where do you sell your work? Etsy of course, 1000Markets, my website (http://vener-art.com/), the very rare art/craft fair, and of course my event "Dreams and Delights" as well as through commissions and trunk shows (I'd love more of these! They are fun.)

7. Do you blog? Absolutely. Can you not tell I'm quite verbose (and also opinionated)? My blog is http://vener-art.com/beadblog/ and I have a weekly newsletter that I send out.

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share? Facebook, (facebook.com/SilverDragonPatriciaCVener), Flickr, LinkedIn, Twitter, Live Journal, Eons, some others that I am afraid I've kind of lost track of.

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what? That happens in phases. Sometimes I relish the almost silence (is there anyplace that's silent any more?) but other times I do have some music going. I listen to a lot of Chilean folklorica, flamenco, classical music, Irish folk, fusion, one tape by Yanni that has this helicopter thundering up at the start, really, much of what I listen to most people have never heard of. I really can't watch anything... well, except watch my beads rolling onto the floor if I'm not careful. Oh yeah, my favorite musical artist is Victor Jara and it's his rather political folklorica music (and Inti-Illimani) that I listen to most.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink* Random fact.... I illustrated a childrens, picture CDBook called "Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast" (story by Sandra Wellborn). If that's not random enough, I am a big fan of the science fiction character Rodney McKay from Stargate Atlantis. :)

My favorite piece in Silver Dragons shop http:www.silverdragon.etsy.com is on the Beach http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20657109. I need to be reminded of the warmth as it rains, rains, rains in Vancouver

You can also find Patrica and Silver Dragon at:

http://www.facebook.com/SilverDragonPatriciaCVener/

Shop and Swap Blog Featuring MaryMule

2009-11-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Angelque Creations is participating in the Shop Swap & Blog set up by Structured Chaos and I received my package from Mary Mule Designs. Mary Mule makes hand made fabric accessories: tote bags, purses, zippered pouches, coffee cozies and baby bibs!. As part of the Shop and Swap Mary Mule sent me two items, one was a coffee cosy and the other was a cosmetic bag.

I must say that of the two items, the coffee cosy is my favorite. It is a reuasable, totatly sustainable wrap that you slide around your favorite brand of speciality coffee. The coffee cosy is great for the environment since you never need to use the card board one provided in the shop.

Here is a bit about Mary Mule:

Online Shop Address: http://www.marymule.etsy.com/

Blog Address http://lifeon19th.blogspot.com/
Facebook Fan page http://www.facebook.com/marymuledesigns

A bit about yourself: I am a Physician Assistant. My husband and I have been married for a year. We have a dog who we might spoil just a bit. I love fabric, traveling, photography and my new baby niece.

What made you start your buisness: I have always been craffy, seeing things in stores and thinking 'Oh, I could make that." I saw some bags at a Farmers Market and decided I
want to learn to sew. So I bought myself a sewing machine and started teaching myself.
After a few practice projects I started making tote bags and quickly had more than I knew what to do with. I gave some as Christmas presents, then decided to open my shop so I could continue making bags.

What you plan to accomplish with your buisness: I really just do it for fun. I like to make
things, but don't need 12 tote bags and purses for myself, so I sell them! What you get most out of having your own buisness: I hope to get rid of all the stuff I make! I like that it lets me be creative, even though alot of the time I feel like I am not very creative at all.

Your favorite independently owned online shop: No real favorite. I like some fabric shops
on etsy, but usually just buy from whomever has the fabric I want.

Any upcoming shop promotions: For your readers, if they leave ShopSwapBlog in the message to seller, I will discount them l5%. Intemational sellers can convo me

beforehand so I can estimate shipping if their country isn't listed.

Purple Haze Herringbone Cuff Bracelet

2009-11-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

Purple Haze Herringbone Cuff Bracelet $45 US.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34342939
During these raining days in Vancouver I cannot help but think of all the great times I had while cruising down the coast and my days lingering in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. As I sit down to do a new project I am completted with choosing a colour selection that reminds me of the beautiful weather and sunny days. Purple Haze Herringbone Cuff Bracelet is one of those creations. Each morning and each evening as the sun rises and sets the sky would light up in a purple haze that cannot been seen anywhere else in the world. Purple Haze is made with 6/0 purple rainbow coloured seed beads and mauve 4 mm flat potato fresh water pearls. The clasp is a gold plated 3 hole slide clasp.

Length: Aproximately 7", width 1-1/4"
Free shipping to all Canadian Locations
First time purchasers from my shop http;www.angelquecreations.etsy.com will recieve a free pair of Earrings, valued at $10.00

I am a proud member of Etsy Beadweavers Street team. You can visit our blogspot at http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com. You can also search of other EBW teams works by using EBW team tag

Featuring Roseworks Jewelry

2009-11-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Angeqlue Creations is a proud member of the Etsy Beadweavers Street Team and as a member I am starting a bi-monthly trend of featuring one new Etsy Street Team member. The first to be featured is Ruthie Stickney of Roseworks Jewlry in Vancouver, Washington, USA. http://www/roseworksjewelry.etsy.com. I live in Vancouver BC, Canada so it is appropriate that Ruthie, a fellow Vancouverite, is my first featured artist.

I asked Ruthie if there was any significance to the name of her shop and this was her reply "I have always loved Roses - and when we were little and my brothers and I would play "house" or other games where we would pretend to be other people I would usually choose the name Rose. So when I was trying to come up with a shop name...that's what I came up with."

Tell me a bit more about yourself? "I live in Vancouver, WA with my wonderful husband. I deal with health problems so jewelry has been my hobby that's helped me stay sane that I'm trying to turn into a viable business as my health slowly builds. I love to spend time with my family and friends, I love anything fantasy or SciFi related, I have Crafty ADD, and I love to read! "

When did you start beading and beadweaving? "I started beading about 10 years ago. I first learned bead weaving about 3 or 4 years ago, and I really got serious about both about 2 years ago."

What inspires you? "Other artists, nature, but mostly, The wonderful beads themselves"

What is your favorite piece that you created either currently in you shop or one that you have sold? "I have a lot of pieces that I love - but this is one of my favorites! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31386230 I love it for many reasons. The design is an adaption that I came up with entirely on my own, and this particular one is made in my favorite color, purple! "

Do you belong to any organizations? "Oh my yes! Etsy Bead Weavers Street Team (EBW), Etsy Bloggers, Facebook Fans on Etsy (FFEST), Team Big Damn Crafters, and that's just the Etsy list."

Ruthie not only creates and sells jewelry to help out with her own medical problems, she also supports the homeless by sending "10% of all my proceeds are donated to a local homeless shelter called "Open House Ministries." To find out more about them check out their website at http://sheltered.org/"

I hope that you enjoyed learning a little about one of your fellow Etsy Beadweavers teammates and encourage you to check out Ruthie's shop http://www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com/ as well as her other locations http://www.roseworksjewelry.blogspot.com/
http://www.roseworkstreasury.blogspot.com/
http://www.plurk.com/roseworksjewelry/invite

Etsy Treasury - Winter Days

2009-11-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sunlight Reflected (Raw) bracelet

2009-11-05T17:24:00.001-08:00

Sunlight Reflected (Raw) Bracelet $45 US
On these rainy days in Vancouver, I need to be reminded of the warmth and endless sunshine in Sea of Cortez and LaPaz where I spend 6 months last winter. Sunlight Reflected bracelet reminds me of the aqua blue sea with the sunshine flashing off the ocean ripples. The bracelet is made with 6 mm Cech glass aqua blue bicone beads and Cech gold silverlined seed beads. The clasp is a 4 hole gold plated slide clasp.

Length: Approx 6-1/2", width 1-1/4"

First time purchasers from my shop http://www.angelquecreations.etsy.com/ will receive a Free pair of Fresh Water Pearl earrings, valued $10.00
Free shipping to all Canadian Locations.

Gold Coast and West Coast Netted Bangles

2009-11-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Gold Coast and West Coast Netted Bangles $40 USD each

Who wants to go to Mexico this winter? Pick ME, Pick ME!!! During our adventure with out sail boat we spent about 1 month in Mazatlan in the El Cid Marina and spent many a days walking along the beaches in front of the shopping area called the Gold Zone. I created Gold Coast netted bangle as a reminder of my time spend walking along those golden beaches. The bangle is made with a continuous netted technique with 6/0 and 11/0 gold and topaz seed beads.

Back on the West Coast of BC, green is the predominate color of the BC rainforest (except for areas of pine beattles which is now red). West Coast Netted Bangle has the rich colour of our BC coast as well as Washington and Orgeon. This bangle is made with size 6/0 and 11/0 green seed beads in a continuous netted bangle.

Size: Inside diameter 3-1/2", will fit over the closed hand. Overall length approximately 7"

First time purchasers from my shop http://www.angelquecreations.etsy.com/ will recieve a Free pair of earrings, Valued $10.00

Free shipping to all Canadian locations

Ruby Rah Tubular Herringbone Necklace

2009-11-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Ruby Rah Tubular Herringbone Necklace $70 USD

Ruby Rah tubular Herringbone necklace is made with size 8/0 ruby red and 11/0 gold seed beads and is a continuously beaded necklace. The clasp is made with a Chech glass bead woven with size 11 gold seed beads. I have wanted to make a tubular piece for sometime now and when I started with the tubular Herringbone I found that I could not stop and created the length of the necklace before I even knew that I was going to make a necklace. My fingers just kept beading and beading. It goes to show you sometimes just let your fingers do the beading.

Length:Approximately 18-1/2"

Pink Flamingo

2009-10-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with the Abbotsford Farmers market these past few weekends and have negelected my shop. I have many new items to post as I have been busy making new pieces for Xmas, stay tuned in the next few days as I catch up on the postings, but here is the first in the line up Pink Flamingo.

When I started this bracelet all I could think of the pink colour that I was using was that it was the same colour as the plastic pink flamingo's you see decorating some gardens hence the name Pink Flamingo. The bracelet has a floral pattern of pink and chocolate 6/0 seed bead. The clasp is woven with pink 6/0 seed beads and enhanced with pink Indian beads.
Length: Approximately 7", width 1-1/2"

First time purchasers from my shop at http://www.angelquecreations.etsy.com/ will receive a free pair of earrings, valued at $10.00

Vitrine Features FFEST in a Treasury West on Etsy

2009-10-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Vitrine curated this lovely Treasury West on Etsy, besure that you take the time to check out the great pieces featured before the treasury time runs out http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=72827. Thanks Vitrine for featuring my Baja Desert bracelet in this great treasury of FFEST members.

SmadarsTreasure - Curated new Treasury West

2009-10-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

SmadarsTreasure curated this lovely treasury of Etsy artisans. Thank you Smadar for creating such a lovely treasury and for including Angelque Creations Baja Desert Bracelet in this lovely selection. Please visit the treasury and click and comment so that we can try to get on the front page of Etsy.

New Location for Angelque Creations Blogspot

2009-10-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a seniors moment and deleted my blog by accident, I have tried in vain to retrieve the blogspot but could not get any information on how to do so. Therefore this is my new location and I am sorry to all my followers, hopefully they will follow me here as well.