Category Archives: My Blog

I think you will all agree with me that there’s not much good stuff to write about lately, what with the price of petrol, the weather taking a turn for the worse, and the cost of a first class stamp shooting up to 60p.  The last time I bought stamps they were 36p (I do tend to stock up as I like to hand write letters).  So, of course, this does present us here at BTB with a bit of a dilemma.  What are we going to do about such a hike in postal charges, given that all of our orders are sent out first class recorded delivery.  Well, here’s what we are going to do: WE ARE GOING TO DITCH P&P ALTOGETHER!!  That’s right, abolish it, give it the elbow, deep six it… whichever way you want to put it, there won’t be any more P&P to pay on any orders ever again within the UK.  How good is that?? This is my way of reducing the price of all the beautiful bejewelled goodies on the website.  In addition to this, we are going to try out giving a discount on larger orders, but for that you would have to contact me first to see if we can accommodate you.  I hope you all like our new plans, and of course we are always here to listen to your requests for special items.  I know Louise has been working on some shamballa-type bracelets recently, though I am still waiting to see the finished products.  There are one or two new items to be posted to the website, but I am still having difficulty photographing the little darlings for you.  Note to self: must try harder.

The shoulder seems to have progressed as far as it is going to, which is not ideal but at least my arm doesn’t fall out of the socket at the drop of a hat (or reaching for the wineglass!).  Oh well, c’est la vie.  At least God still remembers to wake me up in the morning, for which I am eternally thankful.  Happy browsing.  JJ x

I trust the fine weather and Easter being just around the corner has lifted your spirits as it has done mine.  Spring has sprung and I am now finally starting to feel the benefits of having a new shoulder, though I am still severely hampered in all things beady.  However, I thought I should just let you know that I am still around and with lots of ideas for some new pieces, as and when I have greater mobility and dexterity.  I have made a couple of simple necklaces, just to get me back in the routine, which shall appear within the next few days (still getting to grips with using the camera without twisting my shoulder, which doesn’t go down well with the physiotherapist!!).  I hope to chat to you again soon.

Jacqui

Hello my lovely friends.

I thought I should let you all know that I am going to be off the radar for two or three months (at least) as I am having a total right shoulder replacement next week, and that means I shall be completely incapacitated as I am right-handed!!  However, do not despair if your orders don’t get despatched exactly on time, as I shall have a little help from family and friends on occasions, and we will try to keep things running as smoothly as possible.  I hope to be speaking to you again quite soon.

Jacqui

A belated Happy New Year to all my beady followers.  I hope you had a good Christmas and enjoyable celebrations without too many sore heads!!  I’ve not been able to do any new items for the website lately as my time was taken up with orders for Christmas presents and tags, decorations etc, plus my beaded poinsettia flowers were a big hit far and wide.  Mental note to self: start making them in August this year!!!

There is something new for 2012 by way of classes where you can learn to make your own beaded jewellery and off-loom bead weaving.  It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an intermediate meader, or just want to enhance some skills that you already have, get in touch with me and we will see what we can come up with.  Classes are held in Halesowen, in groups or on a one-to-one basis if you prefer.

If you fancy a morning out and about, come and join us on Saturday 21st January at the Urban Car Boot which is being held in Broadway Plaza, off Five Ways in Birmingham from 9 am to 1 pm.  This is not just your average car boot sale, but there will be artists and crafts people selling a variety of hand made and hand painted items, and all proceeds from the boot sale will be donated to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  Look forward to seeing you there.

JJ

Things have been quiet on the website front lately as I have had a few birthday girlies that needed sorting out, plus now that I have semi-retired – allegedly – from my full-time job, I have been busier than ever with other projects and my bead boards have been languishing around the house, begging for attention.  Beg no more, as I have got my beading hat on – not literally you understand – and Louise and I are cranking up to getting some Christmas items made for the website.  If there is anything you know in advance that you would like us to make, please do get in contact well beforehand, as we wouldn’t want to disappoint anyone.

Peace and love.
JJ

I can’t believe that summer (eh?) is nearly over and I should be thinking of the autumn and Christmas seasons… but somehow I can’t bring myself to put away all my lovely bright beads, crystals and gemstones, so for a while I am going to keep the sunshine going.  I hope you like the new additions to the Special Collection, with more designs to come soon.  I seem to spend too much time drooling over all the lovely beads in their boxes, carressing them and cooing to them… need to get them out there earning their keep!!  I have to admit that I have spent quite a bit of time making a load of gorgeous goodies for my daughter and her little family as they are jetting away tomorrow to exotic climes and I am so going to miss them.  Orlando first for a few days and then on to the Queen of the Caribbean for a cruise of a lifetime, so you can see I had high standards to meet.  My little darling Bo is going to be the belle of the ball with her tiara and all her twinkly hair adornments, but even Reedie-boy won’t be missing out, as he has some ‘bloke’ bracelets and thong-type neck pendants to wear.  Of course, my lovely Lisa won’t be out-done with her Swarovski and Murano glass necklaces and bracelets.  Dean is too much of a macho man to wear any jewellery at all except his wedding band, but I’m working on him!  Can’t wait to see the photos.

Welcome to my new follower in America.  I hope you check back often and look forward to your comments and suggestions.  JJ

Well, now that my shoulder is healing and I am getting about better, the design part of my brain has been kick-started, such that I am starting to plan pieces made with Murano glass, freshwater pearls and semi-precious beads as well as keeping the other parts of the website stocked with new designs.  It will be a week or two before you see the new items on the site, but I thought I would give you a taster of things to come.

The current magazine advertising campaigns are now coming to an end, with the final scheduled advert being in the August edition of Elle magazine.  I’ve seen the artwork and it looks really good, so keep an eye out for it.  See you all again soon.  JJ.

Well, lots of things have been going on since I last wrote, the main one being the operation I had at the beginning of April to replace my right shoulder, which has greatly hampered all my jewellery tinkering… fortunately it hasn’t impeded my ability to buy new beads off the internet!!  I am just now starting to get a little more mobile so I hope to be adding to our online shop in the not too distant future.

I am presently working in collaboration with a lovely lady called Jez, who has graciously approached me about advertising my website on hers, and if you go to www.jezluckypsychicspells.com not only will you see some of my items advertised, but you will also be able to delve into the witchety side of life, and with some fantastic astral readings (she got me and mine spot on!) perhaps she can even weave some of her magic for you.  She is definitely worth a try.

Also, along with the June issues of Inside Soap and All About Soap, you will be able to see us grace one of the pages of the August issue of Elle magazine which is due to hit the stands on July 2nd, so be sure to look out for it.

Catch up with you again very soon.  Your beading friend, Jacqui.

With the advent of the increase in VAT, I’m afraid that the cost of all the lovely beads I buy has also now increased, and I am sorry to say this will be reflected in the price of all new items going on my beautiful website.  It won’t be much, and we will still be giving you the best service possible, but unfortunately that’s the way it has to be.  At least we won’t be the only ones in this situation.  Keep checking back as there will be some nice new jewels apearing quite soon. JJ