It’s hard to believe that not only has another new year begun, but another new decade has begun! Wow, time just keeps flying by. I hope the new year and new decade brings much health and happiness to everyone!
One of my New Year’s traditions is adding to/expanding the selection of beads I have in my Etsy shop, Trixie’s Jewel Box. After the insanity of the Christmas season, with all its shopping, wrapping, baking, visiting, and general running around, I truly enjoy sitting down, being still, breathing, and browsing for new beads. This shopping tradition of mine both grounds me after the hectic weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and renews my beading light and energy, gearing me up for a brand new year of ideas.
As I always do, I sat down the day after Christmas and began daydreaming about new beads. This year, I have expanded the selection of some of the beads I’ve had in my Etsy shop for a long time, like my beloved melons and etched druks. But the beads I’m most excited about are completely new to me and my shop. I’ve included a sampling below!
Sun Coins
These beads are just stunning…there is no other way to put it. They are rustic, artistic, and each one is truly unique despite the fact that they are “manufactured” beads (remember that Czech glass beads are created by artisans, so they always have that handmade touch). At 22mm in diameter, these exquisite beads are the perfect size for pendants and focal points in bracelet designs. The size really allows for the colors and finishes to shine, and the sun motif is on both sides of the bead. They have a fabulous weight, and while some may find them to be too heavy for earrings, I personally wouldn’t say earrings are out of the question for these beauties! I currently have these available in four colors; they can be found in the “Shaped Czech Glass Beads” section of my Etsy shop.
Kiwi Beads
I did already have one color combination of this adorable bead style in my Etsy shop, but it is such a fun shape that I decided to expand my selection. The 14mm x 10mm size and oval shape of this bead makes it extremely versatile: it is ideal for any sort of stringing or weaving project; it is the perfect weight for earrings; it can provide texture to an embroidery project…..the possibilities are truly endless!! At the time of this writing, I am still adding these beads to my shop, but ultimately I will have four color combinations, and they can be found in the “ Shaped Czech Glass Beads ” section.
Faceted Bicone Beads
These are not the average bicone bead you’re used to seeing out there…these bicones have some kickin’ personality to them! They are edgy, chunky, unusual, and the perfect addition to any jewelry design. And, these beads have range! Depending on the color, they go from dressed-to-the-nines elegant to jeans-and-boots earthy. I currently have 4 color options for this funky bead, and they are available in the “ Shaped Czech Glass Beads” section of my Etsy shop .
Dahlias
I am head-over-heels about these dahlia beads! They are a flower bead that isn’t too flowery, which makes them so very versatile. The nooks and crannies hold the surface finishes so beautifully, giving them incredible depth. These highly textured beads measure 14mm in diameter…the perfect size in that they stand out without overwhelming!! These can be found in the “Czech Glass Flower Beads” section of my Etsy shop .
12mm Faceted Round Fire Polished Beads
I’ve had my eye on these incredible beads for a long time, and this year, I finally got them! Because they are so large, the facets and finishes are so sharp, so strong, so luxurious!! These beads make a statement, so anything designed around them will truly stand out. At the time of this writing, I haven’t yet gotten these beads added to my Etsy shop, but when I do (which should be within a week), they will be in the “Czech Glass Firepolish” section.
Other New Beads
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I’m also expanding the selection of beads that I already have in my Etsy shop. These beads are not yet listed in the shop, but they will be very soon…so here’s a little sneak peak of what’s coming:
Happy New Year, and Happy Beading to all!!!
