Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Custom Orders

Starting a business is not an easy task but it's not without rewards too.  The ability to create as you please and get compensated for your creations is extraordinary.  I'm not just talking about compensation in monetary terms either.  The feeling of knowing someone likes what your doing and shows that by repeat business.  That's the feeling of satisfaction like, "hey, someone gets what I'm trying to do here."


I really enjoy doing custom orders.  Why?  Each one is a challenge.  Challenges can be a good or a bad thing but it's one that keeps you reaching for new ideas.  Usually people are looking for something they've imagined but just can't seem to find.  When you create their ideas into reality that is a satisfying feat.


Here's some special orders that I completed recently.


And I just had to include this photo of some bridal jewelry I did almost a year ago.  I love this picture of the bride and her sister goofing around.



I am so excited because I'm finally taking a lampworking class on Easter Sunday.  I've had all the pieces to get started for over a year now but I've hesitated because...well, I don't want to burn the house down.  Wish me luck!


And have you signed up for the giveaway yet?  I'm having a giveaway on April 12th for my  Punalu'u Black Sand bracelet featured in the April issue of Bead Trends.  I'll be offering this bracelet along with the April issue of the magazine so sign up.  Just tweet, blog, or facebook about the giveaway and come back to the original post to sign up.  Please leave a comment stating how you "spread the word" and followers get extra chances to win.  Make sure to leave a separate comment for each way you entered for the random number generator ;)

There's wonderful sunshine today so I must leave you now to take advantage of the good lighting for photos.  Have a great Wednesday!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Second Publication and Giveaway

Second publication?  What happened to the first?  Well, as some of you already know I was featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry's spring 2010 issue.  This was actually what I've been waiting for to have the giveaway but, unfortunately, I still haven't received my pieces back from the magazine yet.  So, we'll change things up a bit.

I was also featured in the April issue of Bead Trends for my Punalu'u Black Sand bracelet.  And I did receive the piece back from this publication so this will be our new giveaway prize along with the April issue of the magazine!  And here it is...



This piece is made with a large piece of Itasy Jasper, two Hill Tribe curved tubes, a few Swarovski crystals, and finished off with a silver charm from Mamacita Beadworks.  These pictures aren't the best so if you want to see this piece taken by a professional check out page 36 of Bead Trends April issue.  

So, we'll do the usual giveaway stuff.  Blog, tweet, or Facebook about the giveaway or become a follower of the Bei Mondi blog, twitter page, or Facebook page to enter the giveaway.  If you're already a follower just let me know for an extra chance to win.  I'll randomly draw a winner on April the 12th so check back to see if you've won! 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

We Love You, D.C.!

We took a nice short but sweet trip to Washington, D.C. this past weekend for Lauren's birthday.  We tried our best to get in as many sights as we could running from one location to the next.  It wasn't easy in the rain but we had our umbrellas and we braved the yucky weather.

We got there on Friday afternoon and first hit the war memorials and Lincoln's Memorial.


Next stop was the Reflection Pond without any water :( and the Washington Monument.


Saturday was filled with the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the American History Museum.  Notice Lauren posing with Dorothy's red slippers.


On Sunday we hit the Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Castle.


We then finished off our trip with a walk through Bethesda, MD and look what I found.

I'm guessing the kiddo had a great time because she asked if we could move there.  :)  Although, I think one of the major highlights for her was the indoor pool at the hotel.  Silly girl!

Keep an eye out for the giveaway.  I know you girls have been so patient.  It's coming soon!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Hello Tuesday!

Good morning!  Today is Lauren's 10th birthday so lots of wrapping and decorating are happening.  She actually hit the double digits!  She's requested no party this year :(  Is she too old now for parties?  Well, we are surprising her with a trip this weekend.  I hope she's not too old for that.


I promised a giveaway, didn't I?  It will happen hopefully soon.  There is something I'm waiting on.  Some of you know what I'm talking about ;)  So, I patiently wait by the mailbox daily.  The mailman probably thinks I have a crush on him the way I've been so excited to see him everyday.  He is kinda cute but don't tell the hubby that. hehe


Ok, well while we wait I will show off a few more items that went into the Bei Mondi Etsy shop this week.  Here we go!

Celia's Chandelier Moonstone Quartz Earrings


Twists and Turns Copper Earrings


Water Cascade Aquamarine Moonstone Earrings


Wine With Your Cheese Swarovski Earrings


I'm off to make the birthday cake.  German chocolate is the requested flavor which happens to be my favorite too.  Hope you gals enjoy this fabulous Tuesday and gets lots of jewelry making done!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Simple Silver Pieces

I've got some simple silver pieces in the Bei Mondi Etsy shop today.  The first one is made with Miss Sue's lampwork from Sue Beads.  There really isn't much I needed to do to these since the lampwork is stunning enough on its own so I just added a swirl of silver to seal the deal.


And this is one of the more simple necklaces made with charms.  It has a silver disk holding onto a laughing buddha, a chunk of moonstone, and a "breathe" tag.  Reminding us to slow down and take a deep breath with life gets a bit too crazy.


Still trying to get back into the swing of blogging.  I hope you gals have a nice warm, sunny day!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Copper Creations

Yes, I've been neglecting Blogger lately.  :(  I do have a few new pieces to show off and these are in copper (my fav).


Copper, copper, copper with Norma Brink lampwork and a few Swarovski thrown in for added color.  Can't decide if I like that wire wrapped piece in the middle or not but for now it stays.


I had the "Love is the Key" pewter piece from Green Girl Studios that I was dying to play with.  I added some leftover lampwork from the Bead Swap Party and some others I had lying around with, once again, Swarovski crystals.  

I'm working on a giveaway that I hope to be blogging about shortly so stay tuned for that and enjoy your Monday!  :)