Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Come On Spring!




"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Running In The Rain~

The older I get, the MORE I appreciate things.  Like the RAIN.  I went running today, well, okay...it's more like walk, run, walk, walk, walk, run.  LOL  You get the point.  I never thought I would be a full fledged RUNNER, but I am working my way into it. 


It started to rain on me during my run today.  And I was a couple of miles away from my car.  So I tucked my iphone into my jacket, and kept going.  I got wet.  Soaking wet actually.  But I kept running.  Thank God for the rain.  And today, I think the rain inspired me...keep going, even when it rains.  :)




XOXO in the rain,
Tina~

Photos From My Weekend~

God Bless America!  We have FREEDOM to celebrate!
This past weekend, we went to the Atlanta Supercross, an annual trip that we have been taking with our
 kids for YEARS.  It's a family tradition of sorts, and we look forward to it every year.

Our beautiful Chelsea
It seems like only yesterday my kids were little, and now they are grown, but we still EVERY year, do this together.  I know it won't last forever, they will marry, and begin their own families.  But I hope that they start these little family traditions, and that they take many, many pictures to look back and remember...because it was only in the BLINK of an eye, my children were grown. 
Cody, Seth, Dustin, Brannon, and Drew


Supercross Racing!  What the day was about!
Our niece, the gorgeous Harleigh
Ret and Ricky

If you have small kids, find something that you all enjoy, and start your own family tradition.  It may not mean much to you at the time, but years later...you will look back and it will be some of the fondest memories you have of your life! 

XOXO,

Tina~




Friday, February 24, 2012

Facebook Fan Page

Hi!  I am trying to increase my number of fans, to help me increase my exposure for my business!  Please help me out by going to my page on Facebook, Live, Laugh, Bead and click like!  Please and thank you!!!! 

Tina~ 

Nametag/Badge Lanyards~




I seem to be beading a little bit of everything!  These are pictures of my badge/nametag lanyard.  I sell these starting at $20 and will be listing them in my Etsy Store in the coming days.  These will be special order, by request only!

XOXO,
Tina~

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

'Hope' Collection~

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it."~C.C. Scott~

Hope:  A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

In the coming weeks, I will be adding a few select pieces to my Etsy Shop, all in pink,  all connected to hope.  So many women around us are battling breast cancer.  Some of the prettiest, most meaningful jewelry I have made, I have made for breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors.  Stay tuned! 



XOXO,

~Tina~

Monday, February 20, 2012

Spring Clean Your Bling!

As Spring approaches, I thought I would incorporate a few "spring cleaning" tips with my jewelry business.  As a jewelry designer/artist, I use all types of metals.  Whether your jewelry is silver plated or sterling silver, copper or brass, even 14 karat gold it is susceptible to "turning".

  Any jewelry over time, will need a little TLC to keep it looking as pretty as the day you purchased it.  And I consider my beaded creations too beautiful to become tarnished!  With proper care, your beaded jewelry should stay beautiful for years! 

First of all, prevention is key!   How you store your jewelry is a biggie!  Keep your jewelry tightly sealed in ziplock bags.   You can add no-tarnish strips, which are available from most jewelry suppliers.  These strips can be changed out every 3 to 6 months.  (Make yourself a note so you don't forget!)  You can also use chalk.  That's right ladies, CHALK!  The chalk attracts any moisture and other chemical residues that may seep into the bag.   


If you are really crafty, you can go to your local fabric shop and purchase "tarnish resistant" cloth and make your own jewelry bags.  FYI:  Many jewelry boxes (the good ones) are made with this fabric! 


Now, if you already have jewels that are showing signs of tarnish, don't throw it out!!!  I don't recommend jewelry cleaners on any of my beaded creations, sterling silver or not.  Because of the various combinations of beads, gemstones, etc. that I use, it's best to stay away from these types of cleaners.  My choice, and it works for me like a charm, (no pun intended, lol) is an anti-tarnish cleaning cloth.  The cloth won't damage the dark oxidation in the recesses of the silver many of the clasps that I use.  I consider this type of oxidation as "adding to the character" of the jewelry piece. 
After you've spring cleaned your jewels, be sure to store them as I mentioned earlier!  And, it's best to keep your pieces separated and laying flat during storage.  Now that you've spent the time to get your jewelry box cleaned and organized, take the time to simply wipe your jewelry with the anti-tarnish cloth after wearing.  This should keep it clean and beautiful, and most importantly, "tarnish free"! 
Don't forget, the things we do as girls to keep us beautiful...make-up, hairspray, body lotions, and perfumes...can damage the beauty of our jewelry!  With that in mind, let putting your jewels on be the last thing you do when you are getting ready.



There!  Now go spring clean your bling! 

XOXO,

Tina











Sunday, February 19, 2012

Oreo Pie Recipe~

We celebrated my son Cody's 19th birthday yesterday...and he's a very simple young man, who doesn't ask for alot, didn't care what kind of cake, preferred for Mom to cook at home to going out to a restaurant to eat, and that's fine with me! 

Cody has always loved Oreo cookies, and I found a recipe for Oreo Cream Pie that was fantastic!  It was a hit, so I wanted to share it!  Very easy, and if you count calories like I do, it even gives you the estimated calories per slice! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 (9-inch size) graham or cookie pie crust
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
16 ounces Cool Whip
1 1/2 cup milk
20 Oreo cookies, crushed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract



PREPARATION:

Beat cream cheese and sugar together. In another bowl, beat pudding and milk until thick. Add cool whip and vanilla to pudding. Add cream cheese mixture to pudding mixture, stirring well. Layer the cookies crumbs and the pudding mixture into crust beginning with a layer of cookie crumbs and reserving enough cookie crumbs to cover the top.

NUTRITION:

749 calories, 36 grams fat, 97 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per serving. 
WW Points: 15



Oreo Pie serves/makes 8.





Saturday, February 18, 2012

New Jewels~

My latest craze in beads is African Glass Beads.  Reading about how glass beads were valued in Africa, they were considered an exotic technology because they were unknown there at the time.  They soon began wearing the beads as a custom.  The ones I have used in this colorful set are yellow stripe, and beautiful! 



The focal point on the necklace, which measures 17 inches, is an aqua crackle agate nugget (35mm) pendant, wire wrapped, to bring out the beauty of the stone.  6mm Aqua beads, 10mm Red Coral glass beads, Aqua seed beads, and antique silver spacers complete this stunning necklace.  It is so unique in fact, that I decided to create a matching bracelet for the perfect set!  This beautiful jewelry will be listed in my Etsy Shop before the 20th of February! 

XOXO,
Tina~

Friday, February 17, 2012

Grey, Yellow, Wire Wrapped, Mexican Sunflower Agate Beaded Necklace - $45.00

This beautiful wire wrapped Mexican Sunflower Agate is a gorgeous combination of wrapped wire, sunflower yellow and grey beading, with a little gunmetal beading throw into the mix!



This is a unique piece of jewelry, definately a one of a kind! Also comes with a matching pair of earrings.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Black/Orange Angel Wing Cross Necklace - $28.00

This is for the woman who lives to ride! This Harley Davidson inspired, 18 inch necklace is made with black lava beads, Harley Davidson Orange 8 mm beads, and antique silver.



The main attraction on this necklace is the rhinestone cross pendant, adorned with angel wings. A beautiful way to dress up jeans and a leather jacket for a day of riding!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Eyeglasses/Sunglasses Beaded Holder/Chain - $15.00

Custom made with beading and colors customer prefers.



Can be made 26 to 32 inches. 26 inches start at $15, add 2.50 for every 2 inches added to the length. Contact me by email for quote!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Candy & Flowers, Venetian Blown Glass Heart Shaped Earrings - $20.00

Beautiful Sterling Silver earrings with heart shaped Venetian blown glass and Swarovski crystals.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Wrapped Romance Teal, Black Wire Wrapped Stone Necklace - $32.00

Beautiful 18 inch necklace with wrapped wire stones as the focal point.



Surrounding the stones are teal/turquoise wooden beads, black lava beads, and antique spacers throughout.



A stunning necklace to add to jeans and boots, or be worn with that little black dress!

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Say YES To God Everyday~

You never know how God will use you until you let him!    Standing at a crossroads in your life?  Pray about it.   I am here to tell you...it  works! 
It is only in the last 5 years that my life has come together completely, and I feel that I am really allowing God to take control,  putting my  faith in God to lead me right where he wants me to be.  But it took  prayer and lots of it to get me to the place I am at. 

I have this vision, and although there is a fear of failure, (who doesn't have that?),  I keep praying for God to keep my vision clear, and I will hold to the faith that I am on the path to my purpose.  When you allow it, GOD can transform your entire life.  He has mine.  MIND, BODY, & SOUL. 

XOXO,

~Tina~

Ellen is on 'The Bachelor'

Ellen is on 'The Bachelor'

Grey, Yellow, Wire Wrapped, Mexican Sunflower Agate Beaded Necklace - $45.00

This beautiful wire wrapped Mexican Sunflower Agate is a gorgeous combination of wrapped wire, sunflower yellow and grey beading, with a little gunmetal beading throw into the mix!



This is a unique piece of jewelry, definately a one of a kind! Also comes with a matching pair of earrings.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Pink and Blue Beaded, Twisted Wire, Southwestern Flower Necklace And Earring Set - $42.00

Beautiful 18 inch pendant necklace with a mixture of Black Lava Beads, pink/black swirl glass beads, twisted metaland teardrop silver beads for that "southwestern flair", and a beautiful black clasp to finish this piece off!



Also comes with matching set of earrings with ss earwires.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Southwestern Style, Flower Pendant Multi-Colored Necklace - $24.00

Pretty 19 inch necklace made with 8 mm resin crackle resin beads, southwestern wheel beads, and gunmetal beads.



Finishing the look is a southwestern flower bloom pendant in antique silver. So much color, a definate eye catching piece of jewelry.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Monday, February 13, 2012

R.I.P. Whitney Houston~

"She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts could not bring her the same happiness they brought us." Barbra Streisand

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Perfecting My Craft~

One of the most gratifying things about my love of beading jewelry, is making things that other people want to buy.  People who love your work enough that they are willing to pay for it, makes me want to be better at what I do, "perfecting my craft", as they say. 

Often times, I will put something together on my beading tray, and leave it.  Sometimes it will be there for days.  I won't put it together until I feel sure someone is going to be happy with the investment they make in my jewelry.  I firmly believe that my business will grow and be blessed more by me taking the time and energy to perfect each piece of jewelry, so that it is valued, and that person will buy from me again, whether it be something I have already made, or a special order gift. 

THIS is my calling.  I enjoy looking for ways to perfect my craft.  Whether it's a beading class, books and magazines about jewelry making, I am ALWAYS learning.  And, I am enjoying the process!    I began this journey making bracelets for my daughter and myself.  That has now branched out into making pretty things for women everywhere!  I have truly stepped outside of my box, and I am allowing God to work in my life through my jewelry. 

Spring around here will be blooming and blossoming with lots of jewelry from things all around me that inspire.  Stay tuned! 

XOXO,

~Tina~

 One of my daughters beautiful friends, Ally and her Live, Laugh, Bead treasure.  :)
Taylor Grace and her MiMi's bracelet.  Love of jewels starts early, huh? 

Friday, February 10, 2012

Craft Room Chaos!!!

Hi!  I am looking for great crafting room ideas...I love color and organization!  If you have rooms in your home where you enjoy creating, please send me pictures!  My craft room is currently in CHAOS because I am getting ready to "redo". 

The IDEAL room for me to design and craft my jewelry and blog...ahh YES.  Color and organization!!!  I recently read a blog that was "keepin' it real", she has posted pictures of REAL crafting rooms that weren't, well, so organized at all.  They were a mess!  It sure made me feel better about the state of my crafting room right now...but this room, oh this organized, brightly painted room, gives me something to look forward to!  Send me those ideas!  Have a great weekend friends!

XOXO,
~Tina~

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Wire Wrapping~

This gorgeous Mexican Sunflower Agate is now available in my Etsy Shop!  My link is easily accessed from my Blog!  Happy Shopping!


Lots Of Hearts~


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Live To Ride~

One of my husband's and my favorite things to do is ride our Harley Davidson V-Rod when the weather warms up.  And I love to dress the part...from leather jacket to riding boots.  In the Spring, I make a trip to the Harley Davidson Store, where I could spend HOURS just looking at the clothes and jewelry for women who love to ride!  That was my inspiration for the beautiful black/orange necklace and earring set I have created.  It has a sparkly winged cross that adorns it perfectly.  This beautiful set will be available in my Etsy Shop February 10th. 

XOXO,
~TINA~









Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Precious Because It's Personal~

Ricky always says that I cannot keep a secret, or a surprise, when really, HE is the one who has the toughest time keeping something to himself!  That's how I got an early Valentine's Day gift today...because he couldn't stand to wait to give it to me! 


I love making jewelry for other people, it gives me joy inside.  That's what makes this gift even more special to me.  Ricky had my Valentine's Day gift made for me!  It is a combination of silver and gold, two very different things...yet together, very beautiful.  I think it is a perfect representation of the relationship that I have with this man...I am a very type A personality, I want to be in control, organized, a bit of a neat freak.  He, on the other hand...he goes with the flow, and his desk at his office, most days is in complete chaos, but HE knows where everything is! 




It hasn't always been a perfect relationship, but we are definately at a perfect place in our lives together right now.  He makes me laugh, he puts happiness in my heart, and he's the most amazing father to our four children that you could EVER ask for!  We have learned that for our relationship to work and to last for the rest of our lives, we have to allow GOD to be first and foremost in our lives.  This beautiful, personal, piece of jewelry put happiness in my heart today.  When you think he isn't paying attention...he IS.  This is one of the most special gifts I have ever received!  I'm going to take a line from a blog I was reading recently: " Wherever you are at in your love life, why not look at your relationship through new/old eyes...and LOVE DEEPLY. "

XOXO,
~Tina~

Monday, February 6, 2012

Hope, Wish, Trust~


I love this piece!  The pendant is made of antiqued paper, so unique!  I have added Imperial Jasper Dyed Red 10 mm round beads, Taiwan Blue Howlite 10 mm stone beads, large white/gray crackle beads, gunmetal seed beads and antique metal to finish the look.  This is a double strand, the pendant strand is 18 inches, the shorter, seed bead strand is 16 inches.  This piece will be listed in my Etsy Shop by Tuesday! 

XOXO,
~Tina

Thursday, February 2, 2012

More Valentine's Day Jewels~


 Je t'aime Necklace~♥ Lots of hearts, right down to the clasp! 
Can be bought from my Etsy Shop or my Facebook Shop!

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

OR

On Facebook at Live, Laugh, Bead

XOXO,

Tina

WWYD?


Would you go skydiving?  Would you further your education?  Would you become an entrepreneur? 
The possibilities are endless...but we all sometimes let FEAR stand in our way. 

Reach deep down, and LIVE the life you want to live.  Chase your dreams, throw a little caution to the wind, make yourself HAPPY.  Be who God meant for you to be.  He will be there, right beside you, just call on him and BELIEVE. 

So, what would you do if you knew you could not fail? 

XOXO,

~Tina~

'Sunny Day'



This adorable 7.5 inch bracelet has a touch of Spring with it's bright yellow antiqued cross and the dragonfly perched upon it.  Inspired by a day with my niece last summer, we had dragonflies landing all around us, and on our fingertips!  This bracelet goes GREAT with a pair of jeans and t-shirt.  Just a fun, colorful piece of jewelry!  Find it in my Etsy shop!  ;)