Ocean Grove Giant Craft Show 2013

If you are in the area of Ocean Grove, NJ plan to attend this craft show! I have been a vendor and customer for years at this fantastic show. This year I will be on of the vendors so please stop by and give me a shout out! I will have a banner on top of my canopy with ~ To Be Me Jewelry ~ on it.



Happy Mother's Day!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day

 

 ~ I wish you all the love, hugs and kisses you need to make your heart complete.~

 

 Simple as that!

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Bank, NJ Street Fair - April 14, 2013

I will be at the

Red Bank Street Fair

this Sunday, April 14th!

 

If you are in the area please come by and visit!

 

I will have over 50 handcrafted bangles for you to pick from!

 

Here's a peek....

 

The weather peeps say Sunday will be bright and Sunny

60 degrees!

 

YES!!!!

 





Awaiting Supplies...

Why is it I wait to order supplies until I'm practically out of whatever I need??? Oh my, oh my...this my beadheads puts me in a ~I have to now clean my workshop mood~ . I'm not a neat freak by no means. My workshop is messy and that's the way I like it! I must admit it is time to get my act together and clean. I started this morning and of course needed so far about five breaks. Here I am blogging away...well, this isn't officially a break, right? This is work, by golly!

I decided this year to up my game and do several craft shows around my area. I also decided to make so great bangles at a really really, I do mean really great price so stay tuned beadheads....

Here is one of the bangles that I designed the other day. You may find it listed at www.Etsy.com/store/ToBeMeJewelry to purchase. A mere $38.00 ~ yep! A wonderful handcrafted deep blue focal bead makes this bangle feel comfy-cozy. All sterling silver and free shipping in the USA to boot!

I must admit I've been neglecting my Etsy Shop lately. I usually use my regular website www.ToBeMeJewelry.com . I will try my best to get that Etsy Shop in order this year.

 

What do you think of this bangle called Bebop Lampwork Bangle?

Super Storm Sandy 2012

So many people have lost their homes or flooded out by Super Storm Sandy. The shore area where I live has changed overnight. I am sure all of you have been reading about Super Storm Sandy and watching on the news. It's very sad to "not" see the normal shorelines that we all took for granted. I have always thought - we are so lucky to live in New Jersey - nothing happens to us - we're so safe where we live. Wow, was I so wrong!

I know as New Jerseyans we are unique in so many ways. We are very tough, go with the flow and speak our mind without filters (at times). We drive like a burglar in a get-away car and eat like we're going to the electric chair. One thing I know we do love our New Jersey. Our beaches give us good vibes in our heart and soul.

I say a prayer each night for those who have lost so much. There are no other words to say ~ except my words I say privately in my prayers.

We are Jersey strong. Strong people. Good people - no matter young or old - we have it going on!

Claire

Hurricane Sandy at the Jersey Shore

Hi Beadheads!

Just a quick little post to wish all my readers on the East coast be safe! I'm only about 10-15 minutes from the ocean and right now the wind is howling and the trees are REALLY swaying. I have no photos to post because I'm not opening my door! My electric went out for about a half hour and then came back on. Sandy should hit where I am around 6:00 p.m.

So gang be safe!

Claire

Need an Inexpensive GIFT????

To Be Me Jewelry...has you covered! I just listed a few new dainty earrings on my website To Be Me Jewelry . At shows I have this neat little suitcase that has a nice selection of inexpensive (CHEAPO!) earrings. Unfortunately, only the customers at the show get to see them. I decided for a short period of time to put some on my website...so go look Beadheads..for goodness sake!

Here's a peek...

Jet Black Swarovski Crystals

Sterling Silver

Cute earring card (I'm going to be doing a post about my cards, soon)

All for $10.00 Free Shipping in the USA!

YOU Say What??? $10.00 bucks?

Yea, for short period..go get 'em babe!

 

Great for holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, co-worker gift, giveaways on your own website, hostess gift.

Enough...said...done!



Starfish Seaglass Bracelet

A quick little sale on To Be Me Jewelry's ~ Starfish Seaglass Bracelet ~

Enter code:  STARFISH at checkout to receive a discount of 20%

Sale ends August 14th

Starfish Seaglass Bracelet

Tracy Reese in Country Living Magazine May 2012

I finally sat down today to catch up on my magazines. I've been a fan of Country Living Magazine since they have been in existence. Ok, so it's the end of July and I'm reading May's issue. Yes, I'm that behind. I found a wonderful article on designer, Tracy Reese. Lovely photos of her finds from Walmart's, Antique stores, Ballard Designs. Placed perfectly in her home these finds were simply outstanding. What caught my eye was this comfy-cozy dress. I tried to find it on Tracy Reese website and on the internet but I must be too late. It's nowhere to be found at this point.

This dress would look fantastic with my Scarlet Silver Bangle...

Tracy Reese dresses Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift.  How cool is that?  Well, that's my chit-chat for today. Take care, Beadheads! Remember to take care of yourself. 

Work In Progress ~ Handcrafted Jewelry in it's Making!

Just a little peek of what's on my workbench right now...

Here's ONE, yes one of my containers of lampwork beads. Pretty aren't they?

A couple of bangles I'm working on and bebopping with...I use a copper coil first before using my sterling silver. Less costly mistakes.  I leave them for a couple of days before completing to make sure I like the way they look. Just the way they are...hmmm...reminds me of the Bridget movies.

This is what I was working on this afternoon. I made bracelets like this a few years ago. I decided it was time to do a few again. Easy~Breezy to wear! I can make any colors your little heart desires. So what are you waiting for email me and order now, my Beadheads! Great gift for the holidays. The bracelet is finished with random colors in browns and a different type of green (muted). Love it! Earrings of course to match. I'm working and thinking a little more on how to design the necklace. What do you think? Like it? Love to hear your comments.

Not a great photo :-(  When everything is completed I'll post another photo.

Have a great day!

Claire

xo

www.ToBeMeJewelry.com

come see...

Craft Show in Avon By The Sea, NJ ~ July 14, 2012

Hi Beadheads!

 If you plan to visit the Jersey Shore the weekend July 14th please visit To Be Me Jewelry in Avon, NJ. There will be a Craft Show on the Boardwalk in Avon By The Sea  ~ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Rain date will be July 15th.  I love that Avon has a rain date...it's fair to the vendors. Many towns that offer craft shows do not give rain dates and do not return the fees to the vendors.

To Be Me Jewelry will have sea glass jewelry, lampwork bangles, and the famous Thought Waves Necklaces. All of my jewelry is handcrafted with good vibes. You will be able to pick great buys in sterling silver and gold-fill earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles.

Coastal bangle

starfish earrings!

 Turquoise...oh yeah!

 Hoops....YES!

 Beach jewelry!

How 'bout some red sea glass, blue sea glass, green sea glass???? Well ~ come see me and find out what I have for YOU!

Watermelon Bangle

OMGoodness...Although, it's only June, designs are being sketched and created for the fall and holiday season. I'm thrilled to say I am in love with working with fall colors and of course deep read and green. Wearing classic colors for the holidays put me in the spirit. Don't you agree? What is your favorite color for the fall and holidays?

Since you have to wait for the unveiling of a new season ... let's zone in on this sweetie of a bangle. What name shall I call this bangle....of course...the Watermelon Bangle. Not very original but it fits!

Designed with lampwork beads and sterling silver, a handful of pink glass beads. The lampwork beads are handcrafted with a torch and put in a kiln for endurance. No two lampwork beads can be exactly alike. Beautiful bright colors just for the hot summer months. So...measure your wrists and order your Watermelon Bangle. This is a limited edition.

How do you like this bangle?

Please go to ToBeMeJewelry for ordering online.
Take care Beadheads!

Memorial Day ~ Proud to be American

Thank You!

If you see this please say a little prayer.

Memorial Day is not only for sales....

We are one.



New Pewter Beads

In the decade of designing my jewelry at To Be Me Jewelry I ALWAYS incorporated only sterling silver and goldfill metals. This weekend I found quality pewter beads. I was blown away with these beads. These beads look like sterling silver! As you all know the prices of silver and gold has sky rocketed in recent years. It's difficult for the small business jewelry artist to "stay alive".  I decided to try these new found pewter beads and see how it goes. I actual think you will not be disappointed either.

The photo below is  my Just Bebopping Bangle designed with glass beads, pewter beads, core and handcrafted clasp sterling silver. To purchase this bracelet please go to To Be Me Jewelry .

What do you think? Like it?

The Anticipated Thrill of a Craft Show!

Ahhhh....I feel it in my bones...oh wait a minute ~ I mean soul! I think the old saying, I can feel it in my bones is for weather. Yes, it's the anticpated thrill of selling my handmade jewelry at craft shows. I just finished filling out a few applications and plan to mail them today. As soon as I get accepted I'll let you know the scoop.

There are a few different pings of "thrill" when I get ready for a show. One of them is I really LOVE making my own earring cards. Since most of my shows are at the Jersey shore I take my photos around town. My friend, Diane also gave me a couple. Thanks, Diane! I then put the photos at the bottom of the earring card. It's a form of branding. One show, The Ocean Grove Craft Festival has a great deal of tourists. Let's face it, when on vacation we all pick up little "trinkets" to bring back to friends and family. What's better then To Be Me Jewelry's earrings with a Jersey shore photo on it? Good thinking, right?

I make the earring cards using card stock paper 8 1/2 x 11 in. Using the Word program or another type of program I have I design the earring card. I duplicate the design to make 10 cards on each sheet. I use a cutting board to cut to the preferred size which is a business card size. I use to make these on business card paper. I cut down my cost (a lot) by using card stock paper and cutting it myself. Every penny counts, beadheads - every penny costs.

Here's the skinny....and one of the pings.

P.S.  One of the cards has a photo of Madame Marie's blue fortune telling booth. A landmark to the shore area. Bruce Springstein wrote a song, 4th of July, Asbury Park  (Sandy) paying homage to Madame Marie.  Cool.

Take care my beadheads ~ enjoy the coming of summer ~ get those flip-flops on and bebop!