A Pear of Treasuries made Jan 29...

Click on each image to visit the Treasury!

Who will you PEAR up with this Valentine's Day?

Tangible Sincerity...

Recent Handmade Purchase--Jersey Screen Printed Scarves

Well, it's time to divulge some more favorite handmade purchases of late! So here's a little tidbit about me: I'm a very hot-natured person. I'm never the person sitting in a restaurant or the movies complaining about being too cold. In fact, my hands stay so warm that friends have used me as their personal heater when they come in from the cold. Because I'm always toasty, I miss out on some really cool accessories because I'm afraid if I don them, I'll explode. Well, this winter in NC has been particularly chilly; we've had more snow and wind than we usually have the entire winter, and it's not even February yet, so I decided to buy a scarf I'd had my eye on and give it a shot. Result? FULL ON SCARF-LOVE. Jersey knit scarves are light-weight because they're made out of t-shirt material, and I often just wear a scarf and no jacket because it keeps me warm enough! Here are the ones I bought...

Roots Tree Sheer Jersey Triblend Scarf, Zen Threads, $17

(I bought this in black with a white print.)

Sheer Jersey Cotton Scarf, Flock Design on Asphalt, Limeyts, $18

Vintage Damask Scarf in Chocolate, ellembee, $22

Screen Printed Jersey Scarf in Tri-Coffee with Red Line Drops Print, Michelle Brusegaard, $25

(no, that's not me, lol)

I'm addicted to these scarves now because they're so super soft and lightweight and pretty. One of the really cool things about this type of scarf is that artists can print their own designs on them, so it's like walking around with warm, cozy, functional art! I have my eye on some others right now, but I'm trying to pinch my pennies.

Hope you enjoyed! Be nosy and see what else I've bought and bragged about!

~Lori

Valentine Gifts for Everyone on Your List...

Over the past year, I've really expanded my product lines to include gifts for everyone on your list (and that fit within your budget!).  Here are a few...

For the bird watcher...

For the dancer...

For the frazzled...

For the equestrian...

 For the fashion forward...

For the reliable...

For the photographer...

For the geeky girl...

For the golfer...

For the treasured...

For the break dancer...

 

For the party girl (or guy)...

For the hockey fan...

For the scientist...

For those addicted to chocolate...

This is just a sample of what's available in my shop.  You'll find gifts for the tennis, soccer, volleyball, baseball, football and basketball fan, the gardener, the liberal, your family, the musician, the teacher, the devoted, the reader, the writer, the crafter, the cyclist, and many, many more!  All jewelry ships free to the U.S. with a $2 flate rate to Canada, and a $3.95 flat rate elsewhere.  Enjoy!

~Lori

So Hot...Some Action on Your Friday Night!

New Valentine's Day Designs at Risky Beads

I've finally had some time to create some new designs...and not a moment too soon as Valentine's Day is a month away!  Here's a peek...

 Love is a Gamble Worth Taking Key Chain, $16.95

 You Are Loved Key Chain, $12.95

Personalized Nickel Silver Key Chain, $16.95

Sharp Dressed Man Key Chain, $14.95

 Key to My Heart Stamped Copper Necklace, $18.95

Be Mine Always or Always Be Mine (depending on your perspective, lol) Key Chain, $12.95

Chocolate Weapon of Choice Key Chain, $14.95

(give her chocolate that lasts!)

You're My World Key Chain, $14.95

Mom...we love you Key Chain, $15.95

Hope you enjoyed this glance at some new designs! Remember that all jewelry ships FREE to the U.S., $2 flat rate to Canada, $3.95 flat rate elsewhere.

~Lori

Craft Juice Finds, Fresh Squeezed 1/11/11

Well, the holidays have come and gone, and I've finally recuperated from hammering my brains out, so it's time to squeeze some new Craft Juice Finds! Valentine's Day is soon approaching, so here are some love inspired finds...

Learn to make your own adorable crocheted hearts!

Crocheted Heart Scrubbies Pattern, Crocheted Little Things

Cleopatra Capelet Crochet Pattern, Thesunroomuk

Ruby Red Swarovski Earrings, Linda Searcy Jewelry

Dainty Silver Heart Necklace, One Heart Jewelry

Need more inspiration? Head on over to Craft Juice and vote up your favorite picks yourself!

~Lori

Recent Handmade Purchase - Ballet Recital Outfit for American Girl Doll

It's time again to brag about a recent Etsy purchase that I'm VERY happy with...or rather my 4-year-old niece is.  Christmas 2009 saw the arrival of American Girl dolls to my three nieces and ever since, it's been a joy to find cute handmade clothes for them on Etsy.  This time I bought this adorable ballet recital outfit because my niece is all about dance.

The dress comes from Polkie Dot Designs and it's even prettier than the picture.  The little tights and ballet slippers really make a niece touch.  I'll definitely keep this shop bookmarked and come back for more.  Kathy (the shop owner) has some really cool outfits!  Here are a couple of my favorites:

 Custom Cheerleader Set, $19.99

Red with Roses Circular Dress, $16.99

Hope you like this peek at what I bought. Stay tuned for me and be nosy and see what else I've bought and bragged about!

~Lori

Recent Handmade Purchase - The Zoological Garden - Christmas Candy TWO Tough Cat catnip kick pillows

Well, the holidays have come and gone, and I think I've survived them, not completely sure yet. I was so busy that I didn't have time to do my regular posts about the awesome handmade things I've bought lately either for myself or as gifts. I'm going to be doing several of these posts this month because I have lots to share with you!

Today's post is about a gift I got for my kitties! During the holidays, I felt so bad that I didn't have time to sit down and just play with them, so I decided to get them some Christmas-inspired catnip kick pillows from The Zoological Garden on Etsy. Here's a pic:

Aren't they adorable? Jenny (the shop owner) was even nice enough to accommodate my request for a little less organic catnip than is standard for these pillows. My cats tend to have a rather psychotic reaction to huge amounts, so she cut it in half for me. Worked perfectly!

I have to admit though that the ribbon that came with them has gotten even more play time, lol. It is currently carried around my both of my cats like it's their blanky. I think that's pretty cute!

Hope you like this peek at what I bought. Stay tuned for me and be nosy and see what else I've bought and bragged about!

~Lori

The Complete List of Weapon of Choice options

As I've blogged about previously, the Weapon of Choice series in my shop is a huge hit!  I'm always on the lookout for new additions, and the list has grown considerably!  Here's a couple of the newest additions:

Cowboy Boot Weapon of Choice Key Chain

Scales of Justice Weapon of Choice Key Chain

And just in time for Valentine's Day...

Love Weapon of Choice Key Chain

As of today, 1/6/11, here's a full list of what I have available as 'weapons.'  I also make Weapon of Choice necklaces for those that don't prefer a key chain.

airplane
anchor
ballet slippers
baseball
basketball
beer (various)
bike
binoculars (brass)
book
boom box
camera
cell phone
cheer leading
chocolate (Hershey bar)
corkscrew
cowboy boot (brass)
dental mirror
dress
football
golf clubs
guitar
hammer (brass)
hand cuffs
hanger
hand mixer
hockey stick
hope (awareness ribbon)
laptop
microphone
microscope
musical note
martini
medical Caduceus
needle
paint brush
pen
piano (brass)
pick up truck
pliers
purse (brass)
remote control
rolling pin
ruler
saw (brass)
scales of justice
scissors
skateboard
skein of yarn
sneaker (brass)
soccer ball
spoon
television (brass)
tennis racket
toothbrush in cup
trombone (brass)
trowel (brass)
typewriter
vodka (Smirnoff can)
volleyball
watering can
whiskey (Jack Daniel's can)
woman’s shoe
wrench (brass)

*Whew* I think that's enough for the time being!
~Lori

Holiday Ordering and Shipping Times at Risky Beads

 You Better Not Pout Ornament, Picard Creative

Risky Beads has gotten very busy in the last month, and I'm getting a ton of emails/convos asking for information.  This blog post is at attempt to consolidate those answers in one place and make it easier for me to concentrate on completing orders. :)

Here are the FAQs:

When will my order ship?
As of December 8, 2010, hand stamped metal pieces are shipping out in about 7 business days from date of order (and payment.)  I ship domestic orders first class mail straight out of PayPal.  Orders are trackable that way.  You'll receive an email from PayPal when your order ships.

Can I upgrade to USPS Priority Shipping?
Yes, but you need to tell me before you order.  Upgrading to priority doesn't get your order out of my shop any faster; it just moves it faster once it's out.

How long does the mail take?
Typically, First Class mail takes 2-5 days; Priority takes 2-3.  These times are stretched during the holidays due to an increase in volume.  Please consult the postal service if you have other questions.  I apologize, but I can't predict these things.

When is your international order deadline?
It was December 3rd; it's now passed.  Any international orders that come in will be done as soon as I can get to them.

What should I do if I have a question about my order?
Please message me from the 'contact' link on your order page.  That way I know who you are and what order you're referring to.  I have over 100 orders right now, so that's the best way to get to me.

Are you Wonder Woman?
God, I wish.  Oh Santa... about that invisible plane...

I'll add to this post if I think of any others!

Ho, ho, ho--
Lori

New 2010 Personalized Silver Snowman Ornament at Risky Beads

I've had this design in my head for awhile, and I finally got it done!  He's customizable, too!

Ain't he a cutie?

~Lori

Busy, Busy, Busy at Risky Beads

 Snowball in Hell Necklace

Hi, folks! Sorry for the lack of posts.  I've been super busy with my Etsy shop since about the 5th of November, and other things have fallen by the wayside.  So, just a few updates before it's back to the bench block!

My deadline for international (all non-U.S.) orders is Dec 3rd.  I need to have time to make your order and then have enough time for it to travel through the mail to your chimney!

Bracelets are now 35% off!  Everything left is a one-of-a-kind design!  Beaded jewelry ships out within 24 hours because there's no hammering involved!

That's all for now!
~Lori

How to Pay by Credit Card Using PayPal

Many of my customers are having problems checking out on Etsy when they want to pay by credit card.  It can be a bit confusing, but you should always choose 'PayPal' as a payment option and then proceed to their site even if you just want to pay by credit card.  Here's what it looks like when you first proceed to PayPal to pay:

And here's what it looks like when you click the 'Pay Now' button:

So that's how you do it!  It's simple and easy.  Happy Shopping!!!

~Lori

Holiday BOGO Deals at Risky Beads

Hi, peeps! It's a month till Christmas... a month, people!  I've put together some nifty BOGO deals in my shop... take a peek!

Buy this one of a kind Wreath bracelet at 25% off $33.71...

and get this Wreath necklace for FREE!  (Request in notes to seller. $16.95 value!)

Buy this gorgeous Sea Anemone bracelet, 25% off at $37.46

and get these Cherries Jubilee matching earrings FREE!  (Request them in notes to seller at checkout. $8.50 value!)

Or, buy this Always a Woman bracelet for 25% off at $33.71...

and automatically get the matching necklace FREE! ($14.95 value!)

Hungry?  How about buying this Peanut Butter and Jelly bracelet 25% off $33.71

And get this key chain for FREE, automatically! ($9.95 value!)

Bracelets not your thing?  Snap up this Sweet Harvest Necklace for $17.95...

And get your choice of the matching earrings or key chain for FREE! (Request in notes to seller. $7.95 value!)

All of these are one shot deals, so if something tickles your fancy, grab it and your freebie to boot!  Happy Holiday Shopping!  And remember, all jewelry ships free to the U.S. and Canada and with a $3.75 flat rate everywhere else.

~Lori