New Favorite Spring Beads from NKPDesigns!

I've been relaxing and taking some time off this Spring, but that doesn't mean I don't still DREAM about BEADS!    While I'm spending more time "dreaming" than "doing" these days, I thought I might share some of the beads and jewelry I just find the "dreamiest" as I relax!    Today, I'm featuring some of my favorite Spring beads from Natalie Pappas of NKP Designs.   
 
In case you haven't had time for bead shopping lately, here are a few suggestions from me! 
  

Dancing Daisy Porcelain Bead

This one reminds me of a perfect apple, made all the more cheerful with Natalie's "dancing flowers" included!  What a perfect focal bead this would make for a whimsical necklace!   (From NKPDesigns on Etsy.)

Peachy Cream Textured Nugget Ceramic Bead

These remind me of the pottery whistles Natalie creates!  (I encourage you to take a look at those too!   They also make creative jewelry as well as being functional whistles!)    These beads are just as delightful but without the sound.  Love the creamy white and soft peachy accent holes!   What a lovely summery necklace they would make.   Gorgeous with any type of beads, but I keep picturing pearls!    (From NKPDesigns on Etsy.)

Natural Tones Sprig Round Stoneware Bead Set

It's morel mushroom hunting season in the midwest and when I first saw these beads I was reminded of the rare delicacy!    Just as morels are well-hidden by nature,  leaves cover these bead treasures as well,   Yum, morels, and very yummy beads!      (From NKPDesigns on Etsy.)

African Violet Porcelain Oval Sprig Bead

Who doesn't love African Violet's?  I find this oblong focal bead irresistible!   String it up with more purple or make a necklace with a garden full of colors!   (From NKPDesigns on Etsy.)

 

Dark Pinks Daisy Stoneware Tablets

Look at the colors in these beautiful tab beads!   Daisy images in lovely natural clay color with a dash of dark pink to make them just perfect for Spring.   (These are from Natalie's store:   nkpdesigns.com)

Mint Green Leaf Seed Square Stoneware Beads

A set of beads all matching in design and color but in several sizes with imprints that look like leaves or flower petals.  Perfect in minty green!   I dream of a necklace from these.  What do YOU dream of?      (These are from Natalie's store:   nkpdesigns.com)



If you ask me tomorrow, I would probably come up with an entirely new list; that's how much I enjoy Natalie's creations!  So be sure to check out all the current options at Natalie's two stores:

• NKP Designs on  Etsy
• NKPDesigns.com  

Enjoy the bead peak!  Hope to see you again soon!  ~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

All bead photos NKPDesigns

Graphics from wpclipart.com

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Taking a break -- Giving you one too!

There's lots going on. I can hardly decide where to begin!

#1:  Break & Sale!

First, I'll let you know that I'll be taking a bit of a break from the Etsy store soon. In anticipation of that, and because I have quite a few items expiring April 1st and shortly afterward, I'm having a SPECIAL SALE with one of the biggest discounts I've ever offered! 

   

 

A  few of the items about to expire:

• metal components oxidated & patinated
• copper, 
• brass, 
• and sterling silver; 
• polymer clay; 
• jewelry!

  

Coupon code is:   

SPECIAL30

I have a lot of NEW items to load when I return and I'd rather not relist all of these you've already seen.  

So please help yourself to  30% off all items while helping me clean out the current inventory!






#2: Graphics Updates:

Etsy will be reformatting our stores effective 4/5.  As part of that redo, I've created a new banner...

...and icon for my Metapolies™ store on Etsy! 

I'll begin using these graphics for branding else where too, so I hope you like them and continue to associate those colorful dots with my store! (While I've not figured out how to make all the graphic changes I'd like on blogger, I have changed the header font to match at least!)

And soon, I'll update the header on my Metapolies.com website too! (If you want to see the previous banner, it's still there for a little bit longer.)

(Please note:  While I'm happy with my new graphics, the Etsy store layout plans have been controversial to say the least.  If you have comments you would like shared, I hope you will offer them to Etsy or share in a note with me.) 

As always, I thank you for your support of all types!   Best wishes to you all!   ~Sharyl

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Graphics Credits:

• "30% off" and butterfly clip art by wpclipart.com
• All other graphics and photos by Sharyl    

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SPRING20 Sale!

Reminder! Last day! 

Get 20% off all items now through Monday! 

Use code: SPRING20 

Metapolies on Etsy store!

The Colors of "Almost Spring"

1) Nature's Spring Colors:

It's getting to that "almost Spring" time of year!   I have tulips and day lilies pushing up through the ground and the trees in the back yard are beginning to bud!

It's not bright, but still a pretty color combination--
inspiration for jewelry of some type!

* * * * * 

2) The Green Days of March!

And now that it's March, I feel that annual urge to celebrate all things Celtic and green!

You'll find these these new components and more 

in my Metapolies™  store on Etsy!

* * * * * 

3) The new shades of Spring:

And I've just made a new batch of components in lovely new Spring patina colors from Ranger/Vintaj!  Loving the colors!   I'm also testing this new matte finish sealant to see how it measures up to what I currently use.  

(Has anyone else tried it?)   

I'll keep you posted on my findings!   

* * * * * 

What are YOU up to this Spring?!   Please share your news!  

~Sharyl

* * * * * 

What inspires you?

When I find myself inspired by something, it's usually COLOR!   

  I keep a section on my Pinterest page just full of color combinations that inspire my jewelry making!  Even in the other sections of my Pinterest page, you'll find that COLOR abounds!   (I invite you to take a look and follow any or all parts that inspire YOU!) 

Check out the
  "Color Wheel Primer"
on HGTV website!

I love bright colors, pastels, muted colors, light grays and tans and the many shades of white!    

You'll see a lot of architecture and sites from around the world in those Pinterest photos!  A lot of the colors I love come from nature, especially flowers.  Those are the photos I'm most apt to take myself.   

I got a pretty Mother's Day bouquet Sunday, and just had to snap a few photos to share!

And a few more flowers--carnations, which are not everyone's favorite, but they are one of mine--and spirea from our garden!

A few years ago, I posted a bouquet and had a jewelry-design blog hop.  I'm  not going to be so formal this time, but I do hope the flower photos inspire a creation of your own.   **If you make something and would like to share, please send (or link to) a photo and I'll be happy to post!**  

Thanks and Happy Designing!

Sharyl

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Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

Two posts in one day, but I wanted to wish everyone who celebrates Easter, a very happy, joyful (ad-free) one!  

In our family, it's a time we remember many wonderful childhood Easters and also keep warm  the memory of my Mother (who passed away on an Easter day). 

While I'm hoping to visit my sister and family this afternoon, we're also hoping for a very safe delivery of a new "grand niece" today!  I hope your day is also full of promise!

Wishing you all lovely Spring holidays!

~Sharyl   

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Graphic from wpclipart.com
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Winner Announcement and Sale reminder!

And the winner of the drawing for a pair of Sterling Silver "Matchstick Dangles" is...

.... Betty Winslow from Betty's Bead Soup!   She gets to pick the color (or 2 colors) she would like her dangles painted, and I'll make this pair especially for her!

While you wait for this to happen, please visit Betty's Etsy store and Facebook page!  (I've just been admiring her copper coil earrings!  Nifty design!)

Thanks to all who participated and helped me spread the word!  I very much appreciate it.  Congrats again to Betty!

If you didn't win but would still like in on the goods, a reminder that I have a Super Spring Sale going in both of my stores!   

Now is a good time to grab beads, metal components, (even jewelry) at these greatly reduced prices!  Sale ends Monday!

Hope you enjoy the weekend!!   Oh happy Spring!

~Sharyl

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Super Spring Fling Sale at both Metapolies™ stores!

(For Give-Away offer, click here!)

Go to my Metapolies.com site for more details and links to the stores.  (You can also link from my Blog menu above, but you might miss out on Shipping Savings offer!)  

For Sterling Silver "Matchstick" Dangles Give-Away, click here!

If you are celebrating Easter this weekend, happy holiday to you!    And Happy Spring to us all!

~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

Photos and sale ad by Sharyl
Flower graphic from wpclipart.com
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March Sale at Metapolies™ store on ACM!

I've recently added a few new Spring items to my Metapolies™ store on ACM 

(Artisan Component Marketplace),

and thought I would celebrate with a quick March sale!

You'll find a spot of green 

and other pretty colors for Spring!  

This weekend only, get 20% off!

Be sure to use coupon code 

at the time of purchase:

MARCH20

I have been adding new items to my Etsy store too, mostly handmade metal items!   

Reminder: I'll combine shipping if you place an order from both stores on the same day! Place your orders, and I'll reimburse you through PayPal.

Many thanks!  

--Sharyl

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The Gift of Blarney

And now... on to County Cork, home of ...

That's it, one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, the Blarney Castle!  (Of course it has quite a history!)

I admit, I wasn't so keen to go to this site, thinking I had read all about it and there would be more interesting sites to see.   WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

There were quaint cafes (which I didn't stop in, but enjoyed from outside)...

The best gift shops we saw the entire time in Europe...

Irish musicians,...

Beautiful grounds with creeks and streams...

The most amazing gardens and trails...

(I think I'll have to do a separate post of the flowers at Blarney!   They were so gorgeous, I took too many to include here!)

And finally, yes, the Blarney Castle itself,... which was MUCH more imposing and impressive than I had ever imagined!

(One of us kissed the Blarney Stone, but it wasn't me!)  

Every step taken leads to another scenic view! 

(Maybe I'll show you some of the fabulous nooks and crannies with the garden photos next time!) 

We all agreed.  There couldn't have been a better way to spend the day!    So glad we went!

Go raibh maith agaibh!  (Thank you!)  Sláinte mhaith! (Good health) 

~Sharyl

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All photos by Sharyl, c. 2014.  

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Sale on all-things-Celtic 

ends Sun, 6/29/14!

Sale prices already marked.  

No coupon code needed!

Click here for Sharyl's Jewelry 

(and components) 

Celtic collection!

Thanks!

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