My Etsy Store is Officially Opened!

It's Official!  I opened an Etsy Store!  I've been encouraged for years by my sweet friends & family to actually open up a shop online and sell my wares, so here goes!   So far I just have necklaces (which can also be worn as bracelets or anklets) but I look forward to getting bookmarks & coasters up in time for Christmas shopping.  I can also make lanyards for glasses or IDs as well.

If you are new to Etsy, please check it out!  It is a place where moms can go to sell their handmade or vintage goods!  I'm excited to be a part of such community and I hope that you will browse through and check it out!  It is a GREAT thing to buy Handmade!

Thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me.  I know one of my desires is to create...whether by words, with my imagination, baking desserts or breads, or making handmade crafts.  I don't care if I sell anything, but I'll always keep creating because I love it, and if it brings joy and inspiration to others to view it, hold it, wear it, eat it, or read it...then I know God has used my gifts & passions for His glory.  May He be praised in all we do.

Upcycling Paper into Beads

 Definition: Upcycling is "The practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value". The term was coined in the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Thank you About.com!

Now, I am not sure if what I recycle qualifies as Upcycling because Calendar Art can be quite beautiful.  And the more beautiful it is...the more beautiful beads I can create.  Magazines, on the other hand, and unless they are profound, definetly qualify when turned into beautiful beads that can be used in necklaces, bracelets, anklets, ect...as UPCYCLED. 

My husband captured the care that I put into creating a single bead:

Below I am painting the bead with a Sealant.  I let them dry, then paint them again.



My hands look worn to me.



Basking in the Sun



So, there you have it!  I didn't show me cutting the strips of papers, but you can imagine that.  When the beads dry, I string them.  I also pray scripture sometimes when I am rolling them up.  I pray for friends, family, neighbors, and also for whoever will wear these beads.            

Proverbs 3:3 Don't ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.

I have been making beads and stringing necklaces for several months now.  I've tested many different materials - papers, strings, glues & clasps - and I feel confident in the product I am now making.  I've opened up an Etsy.com store also and will be sharing the link later this week.  Thanks for reading!  Any feedback is ALWAYS appreciated!