The Vault Sale and $50 Giveaway

The giveaway has ended and winner will be announced shortly! Thanks to everyone for your participation!

Enter to win some beads! During the giveaway I am also having a 20% off storewide sale, so that $50 is worth so much more. The winner will be able to use their credit toward a purchase made during the contest. If you found this drawing thru my newsletter, great!

This sale and giveaway helps me clear out space for the new gemshow beads that will show up near the end of the month. Let me know if you have any special requests!

• Subscribe to the newsletter and click the giveaway button therein, subscribe>(one entry)
  

• Comment below WITH a link to one of your favorite listings (one entry, make sure I can contact you, don't leave an anonymous comment)

• Tweet about the giveaway use #LBVaultGiveaway and link to my blog> http://liciapots.blogspot.com/ (up to one entry daily)
  

• Tweet about the sale use #LBVGem Sale and a link to (or within) my store> http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeadsVault (up to one entry daily)
  

• Follow me on Facebook AND click the share button on a status update (one entry)

• Write about/link the contest in your blog leave the link in a comment below (one entry)

• Write about/link the sale in your blog leave the link in a comment below (one entry)
  

Follow the entry rules closely, they allow me to track your entries. Each entry will be assigned a number which will be chosen using random.org to determine the winner. Contest runs from now to December 3rd. The winner will be notified using one of their entry methods and receive a $50 credit to LiciaBeads Vault which can be used for purchases from Nov 2nd 2010 onward.
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Employees and direct relatives of LiciaBeads are not eligible to enter. Entries are for LiciaBeads Vault only and do not apply to jewelry. Winner must (have) select(ed) their items from those in stock and "checkout" using an Etsy account. Invalid entries, anonymous or untraceable comments, or obvious spam will be deleted from the comments.

Stash up shots

I got some beads. The following are among the loverlies that I brought home to sort, and pair and take pretty pictures of for your purchasing and creating pleasure. The stash doesn't fit in the lightbox very well so these are not the best photos, but trust me, they sparkle!
Lots of requests for mystic quartz in all shapes and sizes, bring just that. Cubes, onions, hearts, pears, coins, cushions, and squares (and barrels and step faceted twists and rondelles).

Chalcedony, a favorite among many for their colors. I try and try to find the deep saturated ones but it's not easy. I got some hot pinks though!
Rutilated quartz, Tourmalinated quartz, peridot (in small and itty bitty), garnets, labradorite and topaz.

That's just a taste. I have lots of work ahead of me to sort the stash and get organized enough to sell. If you see something you "must have now", let me know and I will start the strand. I'll be doing more full strands for sale as well if you see something you need/want.

A loverly weekend to you all!

Congratulations to the winner!

The winner of the $50 credit to my gemstone and jewelry supply store is Kathy with the Etsy store KatDesignsNYC and Moonstruckmagic Bath & Body

CONGRATULATIONS KATHY!

Thanks to everyone for participating and guiding me toward a more sparkling shop. Welcome to all the new followers on Facebook, Twitter and the Newsletter! This was fun, keep your ears on for the next event (November).

Did you miss the fun? Don't miss the fun!
SUBSCRIBE to the Vault Newsletter
FOLLOW the tweets
FACEBOOK for even more exciting news

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to my jewelry supply store!

This Drawing has ended, thanks to all the participants! Stay tuned!





This giveaway is going on at the same time
as my 20% off sale at LiciaBeads Vault on Etsy.

The winner will receive a $50 credit to my Gemstone and Jewelry supply shop. Each entry will correspond to a number and the number will be selected using Random.org

The drawing ends on June 24th (midnight Eastern), just before the gem show so the winner can also take advantage of the new stock and sale.

There are many ways to put your hat in the ring and get an entry!

• Leave a comment below with a link to your favorite listing from my Vault shop
• Subscribe to the Vault Newsletter which will give you an entry link (and a little something else ;)
  
• Twitter - follow me on twitter and tell me you want to enter using @liciabeads #enterme for the $50 gem and jewelry supply giveaway
  
• Twitter - (up to one entry per day) tweet about the sale using @liciabeads #GemVault20% http://www.etsy.com/shop/liciabeadsvault
  
• Twitter - (up to one entry per day) tweet about the giveaway using @liciabeads #GemGiveaway$50 http://tinyurl.com/25e4wyq
  
• Facebook - "Like" me on Facebook and leave me a note on my wall that you want to enter
  
• Blog - Blog about the sale or giveaway and leave your blog link in a comment below
• Refer a friend for two entries! Have your friend/s post a comment below with your name and you get 2 entries! They get an entry for their comment as well.
  

So there are lots of ways to enter and lots of ways to keep entering (up to two times daily using the twitter methods). BE SURE that there is a way for me to contact you if you leave your comment to this blog posting. Facebook, Twitter and newsletter subscriptions all allow contact links of some sort but anonymous comments will not work for obvious reasons, so be sure there is a way to contact you (leave your Etsy shop name, or twitter address if you don't want to expose an e-mail).

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or special requests at Vault (at) LiciaBeads (dot) com

Have a delightful Summer!

$50 Giveaway, Summer Sale, and gem show restock!

For those who are interested in all things beady, there are some wonderful things about to happen in my Jewelry and Gemstone Supply shop on Etsy. All the great details will be available in my Vault Newsletter!

I encourage you to subscribe for the best benefits, and you could win $50 worth of free beads!

Click here to subscribe!



Thanks!

Sterling Wire wrapping project (#3)

The main portion of the necklace is coming along. I have decided to include some Spessartite Garnets that I have been hoarding. They are a delicious sparkling bright orange. I'm still not quite sure what to put with them...

I put the beads on a separate wire than the wrapping one because I want them all to face with the faceting forward rather than wrap them directly in with the work. If you have wrapped before, or looked around at work, this will probably make more sense to you. There are so many ways to do things that sometimes it gets complicated. :)

This is where I am so far... and I can feel myself getting stuck. It's natural that along the way the inspiration slows because I don't want to "try something" and mess it up. There is a little more wrapping to be done to get it stable to the point that it can handle being worn and the additional stones that will go onto it. I have to figure out what kind of chain to make too. I want it to look rather substantial and have enough visual weight to balance out the central pendant.

Have a lovey weekend all, I'll get back to it!

Sterling Wire wrapping project (#2)

The progress is coming along with the wire wrapping. One of the things I notice with my work is that the wire wrapped portion tends to look more like a pendant. I'm working on trying to incorporate it into the necklace so that everything fits together onto the necklace itself.

I've done some additional sketches that include a full scale "traced" original. You can see my progress on the actual work in the photo also. I tend to change things and work it out as I go along, for me it's a fluid process.

I've chosen a preliminary selection of Peridot, Phrenite, and Spessartite Garnet for the gemstones, but might change that up too. :)

Sterling Wire wrapping project

My favorite pieces of jewelry always tend to be the wire wrapped bits. I like the intricate details that can be created with very fine wire. I recently did a few little spirals for earrings but the ones that draw the most attention tend to be the unique shapes and intricate weaves with gemstones.

This one to the right is among my most viewed. It sports :) a collection of colorful faceted gemstones and is hand wrapped in sterling silver wire on a sterling base.

I wanted to do another free form shape so the first step is getting out the sketch pad (handmade by nightowlcraftworks) and drawing some shapes. I'm a fan of filigree and wrought iron and like to get some intricate patterning involved in the wrapping so I basically have to draw it out first. Sterling is expensive, and I attempt not to waste it on mistakes.

The initial drawing looks like this. With some modifications, I decided to go with the one on the left. I sometimes make changes while I am in progress depending on fluidity of shapes, how the wire fits together, and inspiration.

After some forming, and hammering for structure, I put the pieces side by side to make sure they will fit the way I want.

Then I think about adding components like chain and gemstones. It all comes together slowly as each component is added. I find it important to make sure things fit the way I want. Sometimes that means testing it out with copper wire too since I may not want to mess with the actual piece or potentially waste precious wire.

So this is where I am. Stay tuned for the choosing of gemstones, and components.

20% off and free shipping for gemstone supplies!

The Spring Sale has also sprung at LiciaBeads Vault.

It's a good one too:
Get 20% off when you purchase 3 or more listings and shipping is free no matter how much you buy!

Go shopping for beads!


I am on my way to a gem show tomorrow and the sale will include the new finds as well so get in on those sparkly beads while they are fresh! I also just restocked on a bunch of pearls, perfect for those June bridal designs and brightly dyed for those offbeat brides who like things a little less traditional.

Don't tell me you didn't already know the Spring Sale was happening! If you want the best deals and advanced notice of the sales, you really should subscribe to my newsletter!

LiciaBeads Vault $50 gemstone and sterling giveaway!

Drawing is closed.

I will contact the winner and announce them shortly. Best of luck to everyone! Thanks so much for the great feedback!

The How do you enter? Easy peasy, just leave a comment! Aw, but you want more than one entry?
Each of the following gets you an entry:

1 - Leave a comment with your "official entry name" that links to somewhere that I can contact you (*required so I know who you are)

2 - Enter this other giveaway for the Etsy Jewelry Sampler Team for $30 from my LiciaBeads shop

3 - Let me know what you love from my Vault shop by linking it here or hearting it. (It's how I know what to stock for you!)

4 - Get the newsletter (which will become really handy in upcoming months, hint hint, wink, wink) Already get the newsletter, you are entered automatically :)

5 - Tell a friend or two (or more)! Have your friend link you in their entry comment.

____________________________________________

So there you have it. Go enter, tell friends! Follow me! Thank you :)

I'll be over here keeping track of the entries and listing more things in my shop. Let me know if you have questions!

Winner will be notified by e-mail and announced on the blog. The drawing ends Sept 19 at midnight Etsy time (NY, USA). Items will ship USPS first class free of charge to the winner.

You asked for it!

Of course, I got more than you asked for just in case.

Big pristine lemon quartz perfectly faceted drops. Totally keeping one for myself.
More Rondelle Sonata in A stones for my most popular 20 of each in a rainbow of flavors.
Special requests for great rutilated quartz and large flasytastic labradorite. Onion shapes too!Wonderful smooth Prasiolite and garnet, micro faceted amethyst onions, and ah, my first London Blue Topaz.
Some larger rondelles and faceted shapes, yum!
AND! That's not even close to being all! Want something you see? Let me know and I get get to it faster for you... cvause you may just want to purchase it while I am having the August Sale!

Playing in the wire again, thinking about handing out beads

Gotta love filigree! It takes a while to actually make it from wire but man is it ever cool! I get a little excited over the beads and wire... So anyway, I always liked the look of that old fashioned lacy filigree that is meant to embellish a central focus. And we know (we do at my house) that is a good element in design to have "strong centers". I'll do a blog post about the elements of design later on. For now I am too overly excited and beady eyed.

It doesn't help that I am going to a gem show in a couple of weeks. Which is why I am having the BIG SALE in my Vault shop to make way for the new things. But my followers already know that and subscribe to the newsletter for the even better deals... right followers?

I was thinking about having another $50 gemstone bead giveaway too... good idea? Are you watching?

I'm also gardening. Well, when I have the time to actually garden at my house I am anyway. I was inspired by the peas. Neither of these projects are complete ( you know you have 10 started too!) but one of these days as the inspiration flows I am sure they will develop.

Have a great weekend!

Are you subscribed? You might wanna do that soon.

Get the LiciaBeads Vault newsletter!

I have a newsletter that I use to send out special notifications and details that those of you who are interested in my gemstone supply shop should totally subscribe to. I will not spam you (I don't care to and who has that kinda time?).

Just sign up and you will be notified of all the details and special events ahead of time, so you can prepare yourself.

I'm currently working out a way to do a referral program to make it worth your while to tell a friend too. Subscribe and I'll keep ya posted!

Thanks to everyone for their support in all things sparkly!

All wrapped up

As an intermission from the landscape design that we are installing (because the electrical and plumbing parts are not pretty and you don't want to see photos of holes in the dirt) here is what I have been doing.

I really like that I can wire wrap in the truck on the way to work. Everything is connected so there are not loose beads to get lost, which is a major bonus. Plus, I have about an hour a day that I can use that way.

So this is one finished project. It takes a while to get everything in just the right spot and know that it is actually going to work. I have a few that are unfinished because I got stuck somewhere.

The center of the heart pendant has a perfect little Peridot gemstone. It's not easy to find fantastic Peridot but I got lucky at a gemshow and found a few in a strand that I bought. I also decided that if someone is going to purchase a more expensive item from me, they will be wanting a nice jewelry box, so I got a few of those too.


This heart is one of the ones that I am stuck on. I want to add gemstones but have yet to know exactly what I want to do. It will come to me.

In the meantime, I am making gemstones on a chain. They are really classic looking and easy to wear. I made myself a shaded grossular (green) garnet necklace that I have been wearing almost every day.

Following are some that are still available for sale :) I have also been working on some bolder pieces as I have heard people wanting to see more bold necklaces in my shop... To me "bold" means both larger beads, more contrast, and more drama. So I came up with these:

Heck, most of these are still available so if you see something you want, don't hesitate to get it :)

If you stalk me for sparkles.....

There is more on the way. I just got in some specially requested Blue Goldstone (man made glass, but very pretty). There's big ones, little ones, faceted ones, round ones, rondelle ones, yup. Coming soon to LiciaBeads Vault in small affordable quantities.

Also in the stash: smokey quartz rondelles, the gold colored goldstone, black onyx faceted marquise briolettes, some CZ and glass briolettes, and some way cool aqua blue chalcedony faceted rounds. So yeah, thanks for following me. I am thinking about a summertime giveaway too. Whaddaya think? Good idea?

I'm being harassed...

See, now that I have a certain family member addicted to Etsy and trained on my blog, I have to keep this thing up or I get a phone call asking me where all the new stock is, or where all the blog posting has gone to.

So here is what I have been up to:
You will notice, sister.. that there are new gemstone listings up with the blends. See, I did something :) I also put up lots of pressed glass and the little purple flowers that we got at that place with the stuff. Just type in glass in my shop and you will see them.

I know you are waiting for those things that you made me buy and said "If these don't sell, I will buy them from you!" They are coming, don't get your panties in a bunch.

As for the blends, I really like this one called the Rondelle Sonata in A. It sells well to cause see, I listed it because I would buy it from me if I were not selling it. That wouldn't work, cause if I were not selling it I couldn't buy it from me, but you get what I mean. TIP: The things that sell best, are the things that you would buy from yerself... so peeps! sell those things!

Here's a photo of the Rondelle Sonata in A cause Joyce said so. Yup, it's cool, and I need more Topaz rondelles. The strand I had was sooo perdy, I dunno if I can get one that nice. Maybe I will call the place that sold it to me at the gemshow...


Anyway, yesterday I prepped the garden because I bought some seeds. I got some seeds from NotSoShabbyChic cause she sells Portulaca (iceplant) which I love because the flowers open in the sunshine, and you can watch it happen :) Yay for plants that do that! I also got some sunflowers and Marigold cause well, she had them and I like them.

We also have to go get goldfish for the bog pond. We have a planter that is filled with water, rather than soil, so that James can plant bog plants and have a water garden. The catch is that we have to put some kind of fish in it to eat the mosquito larvae. It works too! We have a water basin in the courtyard and the fish just eat from the little biome within the basin. I don't have to do a thing. How is that for a great "pet"! Feeder fish, just regular goldfish that are used as "bait" for other water animals work great AND we are saving lives! Okay, yes, they are just fish.

So that is what I have been up to. I tried to make the text a pretty color so you wouldn't get bored cause I dont' have a pretty picture of anything that applies to the "article". (I added one) Here is a picture of something else for you. :) I'll see how long it takes for me to get a note :) HA!

Diving in head first...

It's not something I have done before and it is my most "reckless" business risk. I feel fortunate and I am somewhat comfortable making it. So here goes, I got some (a lot of) gemstones and some pearls, the huge kind. Following is a sneak peak of part of the stock.

ENTER the giveaway! It ends soon, like tonight! The winner will get first pick of the new choices and will have plenty of time to use their $50 since there is a lot to list. Entries are closed.I did find some beautiful Peridot (a personal goal also), and it was not easy to find such clear stones. My plan before listing is to standardize the photography so that it all has the same lighting. I am still sorting and organizing things but do stay tuned. I will list the specially requested things first. If you want something, let me know, I may have it. It will take a lot of time to get everything up and if you are in need of something, please don't feel like you have to wait for me to list it. If you want it, ask, and I will get to it much faster.

I tried to get everything on the list, but alas I could not. Many stones have such a range of size and colors and variations I was not sure what people would be most interested in. This applies to agates, opals, tiger eyes, Malachites, etc. I did get some turquoise, but the beads themselves are rather basic cuts, although I did get some flower carved turquoise rounds. Jaspers, sadly were not as plentiful as I would have liked to see.

Anyway, I have things to do...
Thank you to everyone for the great comments and following my work.

Consider yourself warned.

This is your official notification of new stuff. I will be listing things soon and throughout the weekend. Click here to go to The Vault.

If you have not entered the drawing for $50 worth of your selection of gemstones, do it! Click for info, it's really easy to enter. Entries are closed.

I am reading and taking note of all the comments on what people would like to see. I am also looking forward to getting some more unusual items in the store. I am attending a show soon, and the income from this first batch of listings will be used to buy great new things there. My sister is great at digging up unique and unusual beads, so I am going to bribe her to come with me. (Not hard to do when I hand her cash and tell her to go hunt down great things.)

Quality control-
I photograph each item you will receive, which is a little different than many bead sellers. I do this because it is something I expect to be done for me. I also will let you know the gauge of wire that fits in the holes. There is no real standard for gemstone grading, but I will do my best to provide an accurate "grade" for the individual listings.

As I go along, I do end up with lower quality stones and stones with blemishes that I have set aside. If anyone is interested in them I would be willing to photo them and list them at a discount.

Comments, questions, things you would like to see in the future... Please let me know, this kind of info is greatly appreciated!

Thank you everyone for your support!

Get the good stuff, it lists first!

This is your official advanced warning of new items that will be listing in my shop soon. They will be patiently waiting to be adopted in the Vault section of my LiciaBeads store.

Next month I hope to attend a local gemshow. I will consider your gemmy wishes while I am there if you let me know what you are interested in. I don't have a huge budget for it, but I would love to know what you are looking for and will try to accommodate.

In the meantime, gemstone purchases will mostly be going toward adding more gemstones for purchase. It seems to be working well, and I really do appreciate everyones support in my endeavors to bring you these little treasures.

I must say I am loving the creations that are being made from them! If you just want to hoard them, that is okay too. I understand completely!

Listing soon:


*Cape Amethyst micro faceted roundels, 7mm gems with great lilac color and just beautiful stones, very uniform too. These are the nicest, and biggest I have ever had.

*Smokey Quartz faceted roundels, 8mm very uniform in color, if chocolate were a gemstone... these are them.
*Rainbow Fluorite faceted roundels, 8mm with some great dark purples and wonderful aqua. I am considering selling them by matched color, let me know what you think.
*Rock Crystal faceted rounds, 10mm gemstones with out of this world faceting! 128 facets in these crisp clean white stones with great clarity.
*Amazonite faceted roundels, 6mm A grade stones. My first Amazonite. There are some minor irregularities just due to the character of the stone itself. I will be sorting out the best first. They have a great opaque aqua color.
*Cubic Zirconia Briolettes because they are just so perdy. I only bought a few of these. I have 6 pear faceted briolettes (6X9mm) in a sparkly peridot green color (cause it's my favorite). I also have 4 faceted long drops in crystal clear 7x18mm.


If you already know you want something, let me know so that I can reserve it for you! Sometimes these things go fast!