Events and Experiences

Paper Bead Tiara Giveaway- our 100th Post

Posted on Jan 4, 2010 in Events and Experiences | 35 comments

I don’t want to sound cliche but it’s true, it seems only like yesterday when I wrote my first post.  I feel like princess for a day, a Paper Bead Princess no less wearing a tiara made out of olive shape paper beads, wire and crystals.  We had a little tea party today with Kayla C. and Kayla G (I am lucky to have two creative Kaylas working for me).  I don’t want to sound like I just won the Oscars or something, but I do have a lot of people to be thankful for, because for the most part, this post is for them.

I am thankful for my husband Hany for being supportive while I do so many things at one time; making paper beads, crafting, posting on my blog, anything but housekeeping.  My sister Jo-Ann, she cho0se the paper and designs what shape or form to make for paper beads while Jun cuts the paper and designed the paper bead rollers.  My son Marco who is a constant inspiration and support even though he lives a thousand miles away.  Kayla C and Kayla G for coming up with fresh ideas each day.  Last but not least Garry Sullins who is responsible for our websites,  not only a colleague but a friend as well.

Having said all that, I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone that to commemorate our 100th post, we are having a paper bead giveaway on February 1st-3rd to the first 100 visitors, so please mark your calendars.

Today, I am giving away the paper bead tiara seen here.  All you need to do is leave me a comment and tell me something about yourself and your favorite crafts and how did you come to visit us today.

Here’s me with the tiara.

Kaylas….

We all wanted to be Paper Bead Princess for a day.

I guess this is what a princess have with their tea, strawberry mousse cake? Yumm.

I’m sure you too will feel like a Princess once you put this on.

Thank you for visiting I hope you’ve had fun like we did.

Mom’s Time Out With Paper Beads

Posted on Dec 23, 2009 in Events and Experiences | Comments Off on Mom’s Time Out With Paper Beads

I met Lisa through Beckie of Infarrantlycreative when she featured me on her blog. She was inspired to try making jewelry out of  paper beads when she saw  rock candy paper bead bracelets, specially when she learned that part of the proceeds goes to buying school supplies for needy children in the Philippines.  I have Lisa as my guest today.

Hi Aubrey’s Beads Followers. Janice asked me to do a guest blog on her site after the mom’s group that I help lead tried our hand at making some paper beads. As Janice mentioned, I found her blog through Infarrantly Creative and really was drawn to the story behind the making and selling of these paper beads. I loved how Janice was giving back to a community of people who so desperately needed it. We ordered the paper beads and some various colored crystals and set out to string some bracelets to use as Christmas gifts, and of course a treat for ourselves! We also thought it would be really fun to attempt making some paper beads our selves, which turned out to be a blast and really quite neat to see the finished product. Each bead really can be made to look so different depending on the way the paper is cut and how the person is rolling the beads. Here are a few pictures of the group at our craft night making some great paper bead bracelets.

Thanks Janice for allowing us to be a part of something that is so much bigger than just a craft night with friends. We look forward to ordering more products in the future and supporting your cause!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on Nov 25, 2009 in Events and Experiences | Comments Off on Happy Thanksgiving!

Around this time, a prayer I learned as a child from my mother comes to mind:

Thank you for the world so sweet

Thank you for the food we eat

Thank you for the birds that sing

Thank you God, for everything

– E. Rutter Leatham

I loved the simplicity of this poem and it always evokes childhood memories for me.  I remember sitting down with my mother and saying it over and over until I had it memorized.  I looked up the author of this poem and found it here.

It was a beautiful day today, perfect for sitting outside with friends.

It is not complete without the guava punch.

A table set with napkin rings made out of paper beads.

Sweet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

Salted eggs

Turkey cup cakes that someone brought over to share.

Here’s to all the things that we’re thankful for….

Delicious Cream Caramel by my friend Susie.

Paper Bead Curtain by Celina

Posted on Nov 6, 2009 in Events and Experiences | 3 comments

This post is written on a sad note, in memory of a young woman who loved to express her creative side. Celina Sulam was one of the women who make our beautiful Paper Beads in the Philippines. Three weeks ago, Celina was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident in which claimed her life. She was only nineteen.

I have always wanted to make curtains out of Paper Beads; however I haven’t quite found the time. Celina on the other hand, being the creative young lady that she was, made this fun and colorful curtain for her home.

What makes this curtain unique is the fact that it is made out of “reject paper beads”, or the paper beads that do not get selected to be made into strands. This curtain shows that even with some things a little bit less than perfect, mixed with creativity; a work of art can be created.

Hopefully this will inspire you to go out and make something out of… what some would think to be nothing and see what you come up with. You may be surprised.

Life is a gift and everyone should try and make the absolute best of it. In Memory of Celina Sulam, let’s take something old or tainted and turn it into something new and creative!