Sponsor of the Week: Sue Beads

1. How long have you been making beads and is this your full-time job?

As of right now, yes, this is my full-time job. I learned to make beads about 6 years ago at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and have been selling them for about 5 years now. I started on ebay. I don't sell there anymore, but I sell on my web site (http://www.suebeads.com/) and on etsy (http://www.suebeads.etsy.com/). I also have a blog (http://www.suebeads.blogspot.com/) where you can see my new creations!

2. What are some of your inspirations when you create?

I tend to make earthy-type beads, but I have been known to be inspired by flowers, jewelry I see in catalogs, and dreams I have! Other artists also inspire me to go outside my comfort zone at times!

3. Do you have any tips for buying handmade glass beads?

Buying lampwork beads from china means you will not get kiln-annealed beads. These beads will eventually crack and/or explode. They are cheaper than artisan beads, but you get what you pay for! Buying beads from artisans who tell you they kiln-anneal their beads will mean you get genuine hand-made beads that have been properly heat treated in a kiln. You also want to make sure your dimples (the holes in the beads) are not sharp or pointy, they should be smooth. You should check your beads to make sure they are not wonky - that they are even all around and do not look pregnant on one end!

4. What is your favorite vacation spot and do you take beads to play with when you go on vacation?

Any island that is warmer than here is my favorite place! I do not usually take beads along, because all I want to do is read and lay in the sun and drink fruity drinks! If I brought beads, they would distract me from my main pursuits!

(Photo credit: all images from SueBeads)

Beads on the Beach Shore Excursion

Well, maybe it should be called "Beaders on the Beach"!  I'm not sure if you will want to bring beads and miss out on all the beauty that can found at Chankanaab State Park.  This is where we will host our optional group shore excursion in Cozumel on the next Bead Cruise.

Enjoy the gardens, beach and more at the park.  There will be time for snorkeling for the adventurous. Cozumel is renowned for it's snorkeling and coral reefs.  The snorkeling is optional.  Walk along the beach or sit under a cabana.  The views here are spectacular.  For an extra fee you can swim with the dolphins! 

After snorkeling enjoy lunch in the restaurant on the beach.  You could also bring beads to play with, if you really can't go a day without them.  The friendly waitstaff will be happy to serve you drinks in a coconut. 

We'll finish this excursion with a little shopping near the pier. 

If you'd like to sign up for the Beads on the Beach shore excursion email our travel agent for more information.  The excursion is a private event for our Bead Cruise participants only.

Faux Patina Pendant Tutorial

Last year on the Bead Cruise I did a make-and-take using Vintaj altered blanks to create faux patina pendants.  Here are the directions.

Supplies:

Vintaj blanks

Rubber stamps

StazOn Ink Pad

Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers (Stream, Juniper, Lettuce and Pebble)

Renaissance Wax

1. Dab on the paint lightly, wipe the excess with a tissue.  You can wait for this coat to dry or dab on another one for a mixed paint effect.

2. Stamp with StazOn ink pad and rubber stamp.

3. After the pendant is completely dry, use a tissue to wipe on a thin coat of wax.  Let dry completely.  If you don't have wax you could use Matte Spray.

This example was domed first with a dapping block and punch.  Use an unmounted rubber stamp for domed pieces.

You can use domed pieces turned over as a bezel cup for trinkets and resin. 
1. Paint.  2. Stamp. 3. Add resin, 1/2 way.  Cure.  4. Add trinkets and more resin.  Cure again.


Part 1. Here is the link, in case you can't see the video.


Part 2. And the link.

8 Ways to Have More Fun on Bead Cruise 2011

We have 8 spaces left - will you be one of the lucky ones to join us? 

Sign up today at http://www.beadcruise.com/.

8 Ways to Have More Fun on Bead Cruise 2011

1. Create a pendant for our pendant swap.
2. Join in our design challenge onboard.
3. Bead on the deck with other Bead Cruisers - drinks brought to your table - even better!
4. Visit us in the evening for demos with the instructors.
5. Enjoy a day of Beads on the Beach in Cozumel with us - this is our private group excursion.
6. Make friends with your dinner tablemates, which are all Bead Cruise participants. 
7. Mingle with your fellow bead obsessed buddies at our cocktail party.
8. Join in the ship's nightlife - take in a show, visit the casino or attend one the parties on the deck. 

Sponsor of the Week: Vintaj

We are proud to have Vintaj as a Bead Cruise sponsor for 2011.  Vintaj is the source for natural brass findings, filigree and embellishments.  They also have a beautiful collection of Arte Metal findings in a black metal finish.  They have charms and pendants for any project or theme you can think up. 

Check out this cute project they have on their site - perfect for a cruise, don't you think?

Oceans Bracelet Project

Cruise Packing Lists

When it comes to packing for a cruise, each person has their own style.  Some pack light, others pack like Boy Scouts and are prepared for anything.

My tips for packing:

• Bring comfy shoes - there is a lot of walking done on a cruise.
• Dress in layers - you can be warm on the island and cool at night or in the dining room.
• Bring outfits that can mix and match - it's okay to wear the same capris twice on a week long cruise.  I promise!
• Pack an extra set of clothes, medication and your toiletries or anything you might need for the first night in a carry-on, sometimes suitcases arrive late.
• Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for the islands.
• Don't stress about the formal night, an outfit you'd wear to a wedding or church service is dressy enough.  Or you can pull out all the stops and wear that sequined dress you have tucked away.

An over-the-door shoe organizer is a great way to stow away toiletries, this works wonders if you are sharing a room with another gal.  Store it over the bathroom door to free up your counter space and keep everything handy.

Here is a complete checklist for packing for a Caribbean cruise.

And another packing list - this one has boxes you can check off before you print.

Do you have a packing tip to share?

(Photo credit: malias via the creative commons on Flickr.)

Whimbeads

We would like to welcome aboard our new bead cruise vendor. Beki and Shawn Haley of Whimbeads . I couldn't be more excited as I have shopped with them online and at other venues. For more information on store hours and location click here.

Whimbeads takes pride in there quality and selection of beads. They specialize in certain areas such as Japanese seed beads, Austrian Crystal & Czech glass.

I am swooning with anticipation of the thrill of shopping on board with them. There is still time to join us as we take our beads to high seas.

Visit www.beadcruise.com for more information.