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VIP Specials – March 2024

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals

Gold VIP – Exclusive Club for Serious Beaders

VIP Membership 2024

Welcome to our MARCH VIP OFFERS FOR 2024

Happy March! Can you believe we’ve already kicked off the third month of our VIP 2024 program? Hold onto your hats because we’ve got some super exciting updates and exclusive offers just for you!

Drumroll, please… introducing your third freebie of the year: a fabulous strand of 8mm red sponge coral beads! These beauties aren’t just eye candy; they’re like a burst of creative energy for your crafting adventures.

But hey, the party doesn’t stop there! Brace yourselves for our third mega deal of the year, exclusively for our VIP crew. Get ready to snag a jaw-dropping 40% off on findings and more. It’s like a shopping spree dream come true!

Big thanks for being a rockstar VIP member – your flair for creativity keeps us buzzing, and we’re pumped to keep this adventure rolling with you. Dive into these exclusive offers and let the good times roll!

Happy Beading,

The Beads N Crystals Team

March VIP Free Gift

A Strand of 8mm Round Red Sponge Coral Beads valued at $16!

For centuries, red coral beads have been a symbol of opulence and wealth. The typical process was to dive into reefs and hack the coral out. This is not ‘that’ kind of coral! This is Sponge Coral, also known as sea sponge or bamboo coral. Unlike the hard red coral used in traditional coral beads, sponge coral has a softer, porous structure that resembles the texture of natural sea sponges.

Most hard coral beads of the past are no longer available as the harvesting of sea coral is generally illegal, and obviously has a devastating effect on reef ecosystems. Our sponge coral beads are made of specifically grown sponge coral from specialist farms. This means there are no harsh ecological effects on sea reefs caused by the production of our beads.

This month, VIP members get a strand of ethically sourced Sponge Coral beads (a $16 total value) for FREE month with any purchase of $10 or more.

This brings the total value of gifts for 2024 to $68, and we’re only in month 3!

March VIP Discount

40% Off Findings, Clasps, Bezels & Cabochons
Including Sterling Silver & Gold Findings!

40% OFF FINDINGS
Includes ALL Bezel Settings & Cabochons
PLUS ALL Sterling Silver & Gold Findings

It’s time to get your projects finished with our great range of high quality findings. Clasps to complete bracelets and necklaces, ear hooks and pins for earrings, Jump rings, bails and bezels to complete your designs. They’re all on sale at 40% off.

This sale includes loose findings and bulk packets, brass, iron, copper, sterling silver, gold filled and more.

Magnetic clasps are a must-have and at 40% off how can you resist? Make the absolute most of your VIP membership by stocking up on the findings you’ll need for the next 8 months, and you’ll never need to pay full price! (Remember, in December, you can use this deal again!)

As a VIP you’ll earn FULL POINTS on all of these specials. So even though it’s 40% off, you earn the full points as though you’d paid full price! Give your points a HUGE Boost with this deep discount and extra points. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up on premium crafting materials and turn your artistic visions into reality.

The sale includes over 2000 products:

ALL FINDINGS includes everything in our FINDINGS Categories: such as bails, bead caps, bead cones, bookmarks, brooch and badge backs, clasps, magnetic clasps, cogs, crimps & crimp covers, wire guardians, cufflinks, daisy spacers, decorative rings, dread crimps, dreamcatcher rings, ear hooks, headpins, end caps, filigree components, hair combs, jump rings & split rings, keychains, spectacle ends, swivels, rondelles (excluding Swarovski & Preciosa), sliders, spacer bars, and tassels.

STERLING SILVER AND GOLD FINDINGS includes findings only. Beads, jewellery, wire and chains are not included. Gold includes Gold Filled and Vermeil Gold.

Not for use with special or clearance prices or other discounts.

How To Order Online with 40% OFF

VIP Members, please place your order and select “Direct Bank Deposit” as the payment option at checkout. We’ll apply your discounts, add your free gifts and advise the new discounted total. Please don’t pay until we’ve confirmed the discounted total.

Exclusive Monthly Specials – March

Each month we release some exclusive specials just for VIP members.

Organza Bags 10pk

We have four different options on sale for VIP’s this month. Choose from gold hearts on pink, gold butterflies on black, gold hearts on black, or gold flowers on sky-blue (shown).

7x9cm to 10x12cm sizes.

Normally $7.70 – $8.00 per pack
VIP Deal – $4 Per Pack

Easter Bunny with Egg Charm 10x18mm

These cute little Easter bunnies are double-sided so they’re perfect for earrings and charm bracelets. They are small enough for the lightest and most petite jewellery yet thye have amazing detail.

Normally $0.30 /pc
VIP Price – 10 for $1

Easter Egg Charms

We have four designs in these cute little Easter egg charms. Brilliant gold accents with colourful hand-enameled artwork make these stand out as earrings or a pendant on a fine chain. They’re also great additions to friendship bracelets.

Normally $1.60 each
VIP Price $0.80

Heart Pendant

Our large puff heart pendants look great on their own or as an addition to your beaded creations. Whether you’re looking to top off a gemstone beaded necklace, or just after a simple pendant to hang from a fine chain, these beautiful heart pendants are luxe in appearance and work perfectly with Autumn or Easter inspired jewellery.

Normally $8
VIP Price $4

How do the free gifts work?

Every month we’ll have a free gift available for VIP members. The gift can be collected or sent with any order of $10 or more of any products, discounted or not! So, if you selected $18 worth of findings in March, the 40% off would bring them down to just $10.80, and that purchase would qualify for the free gift!

Each VIP member can collect one gift each month. The percent off can be used as many times as you like in the calendar month. No limits!

How do the discounts work for Online orders?

Simply add the items you want to cart, check out using the “Direct Bank Deposit” option to send the order unpaid. Be sure to either log-in or enter the email address we have on file at checkout, so we know you’re a VIP. Once we receive and pick your order, we’ll throw in the free gift and reply back with the adjusted invoice with all the discounts applied. You can then pay any way you like, PayPal, ZipPay, credit card or bank transfer.

Not a VIP? Join Now to Start Saving Big Time!

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals
Join VIP 2024 for over $240 in free gifts and 12 HUGE Discounts!

Become a Bead Lover GOLD VIP Member today to start saving and being rewarded! For the small investment of just $29, you’ll be entitled to receive a free gift of beads every month of 2023. You’ll also save big time with our huge monthly VIP special discount. These discounts are unlimited so you can order as little or as much as you want, as many times as you like in the calendar month.

Join VIP 2024

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VIP Specials – February 2024

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals

Gold VIP – Exclusive Club for Serious Beaders

VIP Membership 2024

Welcome to our FEBRUARY VIP OFFERS FOR 2024

Happy February! We can’t believe it’s already the second month of our VIP 2024 program, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and exclusive offers with you.

We’re delighted to present your second free gift – two strands of beautifully crafted pressed turquoise beads. These beads are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a versatile addition to your crafting repertoire.

But that’s not all – prepare to be amazed! We’ve rolled out the second extraordinary deal of the year – exclusively for our VIP members. Enjoy a spectacular 50% off on a wide array of glass beads, polymer clay beads, and wood beads. This is your chance to indulge in your creative pursuits without breaking the bank.

We’re celebrating National Taylor Swift Month! With her concerts just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start crafting your own personalised friendship bracelets. Dive into our 50% off sale where you’ll find letter beads included, ensuring your creations are as bright as your love of all things TayTay! And for that extra touch of sparkle, don’t miss out on the fantastic deal we have on sparkly metallic elastic cord packs.

Thank you for being a valued VIP member – your creativity inspires us, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you. Make the most of these exclusive offers and let your imagination run wild!

Best regards,

The Beads N Crystals Team

How do the discounts work for Online orders?

Simply add the items you want to cart, check out using the “Direct Bank Deposit” option to send the order unpaid. Be sure to either log-in or enter the email address we have on file at checkout, so we know you’re a VIP. Once we receive and pick your order, we’ll throw in the free gift and reply back with the adjusted invoice with all the discounts applied. You can then pay any way you like, PayPal, ZipPay, credit card or bank transfer.

How do the free gifts work?

Every month we’ll have a free gift available for VIP members. The gift can be collected or sent with any order of $10 or more of any products, discounted or not! So, if you selected $20 worth of glass beads in February, the 50% off would bring them down to just $10, and that purchase would qualify for the free gift!

Each VIP member can collect one gift each month. The percent off can be used as many times as you like in the calendar month. No limits!

February VIP Free Gift

2 Strands of Pressed Turquoise Beads valued at $16!

Pressed turquoise beads are made from compressed turquoise. Natural turquoise is a fairly expensive semi-precious gemstone known for its distinctive blue-green colour and has been used in jewellery for centuries. Pressed turquoise beads are created by taking small chips or powder of turquoise and combining them with a binding agent. The mixture is then pressed into bead shapes and often treated to enhance the colour and stability.

These beads can come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different jewellery designs. Pressed turquoise beads are valued for their affordability compared to the more expensive natural turquoise, while still providing a vibrant and attractive appearance.

VIP members get TWO strands for FREE (a $16 total value) this month with any purchase of $10 or more. Supplied at random from available stock, or select styles from the rack in-store.

This brings the total value of gifts for 2024 to $52, and we’re only in month 2!

February VIP Discount

50% Off Wood, Porcelain, Glass, Clay & Letter Beads

50% OFF Glass Beads, Polymer Clay Beads, Letter Beads and Wood Beads!

It’s officially TAYTAY MONTH and Beads N Crystals and we’re celebrating with 50% OFF the beads you NEED to make friendship bracelets!

Prepare for a crafting extravaganza like never before! We’re thrilled to present your February VIP discount. Dive into our February festivities with a huge 50% off sale on a vast assortment of glass beads, polymer clay beads, and wood beads. It’s not just a sale; it’s an opportunity to craft to your heart’s content without compromising on quality.

As a VIP you’ll earn FULL POINTS on all of these specials. So even though it’s 50% off, you earn the full points as though you’d paid full price! Give your points a HUGE Boost with this deep discount and extra points. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just beginning your crafting journey, this unprecedented offer is tailor-made to fuel your passion and inspire endless possibilities. Don’t miss out on the chance to stock up on premium crafting materials and turn your artistic visions into reality.

If you’re a closet Swiftie, or an outright Taylor fanatic, this is your month! Grab everything you need to make friendship stretch bracelets and take 50% Off the price of the letter beads and polymer clay beads, including bulk bags! Happy crafting!

The sale includes these categories:

Excludes BK401 (the $6 /strand or 4 for $20 wall), kits, glass crystal, seed beads, and already reduced lines.

How To Order Online with 50% OFF

VIP Members, please place your order and select “Direct Bank Deposit” as the payment option at checkout. We’ll apply your discounts, add your free gifts and advise the new discounted total. Please don’t pay until we’ve confirmed the discounted total.

Exclusive Monthly Specials – February

Each month we release some exclusive specials just for VIP members.

8mm Magnetic Clasp

These antique silver magnetic clasps are strong and simple. Simple in design, application and use. Just what you need to make easy-to-wear necklaces and bracelets. Whether you’re using Flex-Rite Tiger Tail, S-Lon, Hemp or Silk, these clasps will make it a breeze to put on and remove your jewellery with just one hand.

Normally $2.50 each
VIP Deal – 10 for $10
or $1.50 each

Pastel Metallic Stretch Cord Assortment Pack

This elastic is similar to hat elastic. A stretchy core hidden inside a braided cord. The metallic sparkle colours make these cords perfect for fun friendship bracelets.

Pack includes a total of 22.9m of stretch cord across five colours. Cord diameter 0.8mm. Simply thread and tie to create amazing fun and funky jewellery!

Normally $11 /pack
VIP Price – $7

AAA Grade Aquamarine Chips Beads

AAA-grade Aquamarine Chip Beads are high-quality gemstone beads that exhibit excellent colour, clarity, and overall quality. Sold by the strand of 87cm, there are plenty of beads for a long necklace, a lariat, or 2-3 bracelets.

Normally $25.
VIP Price $12

Not a VIP? Join Now to Start Saving Big Time!

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals
Join VIP 2024 for over $240 in free gifts and 12 HUGE Discounts!

Become a Bead Lover GOLD VIP Member today to start saving and being rewarded! For the small investment of just $29, you’ll be entitled to receive a free gift of beads every month of 2023. You’ll also save big time with our huge monthly VIP special discount. These discounts are unlimited so you can order as little or as much as you want, as many times as you like in the calendar month.

Join VIP 2024

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Bajkal Seed Beaded Earrings Beading Project

Embark on a beading adventure with our Bajkal Earrings project that promises a perfect blend of challenge and creativity! Geared towards intermediate skill levels, this project introduces a medley of techniques, including Circular Peyote, Herringbone, Picot, and Right Angle Weave. Dive into the intricate world of beadwork as you employ a mix of size 8, size 15, size 11 seed beads, and size 11 Delica seed beads to craft these stunning earrings. Get ready to challenge your beading skills and fashion a pair of earrings that not only showcase your craftsmanship but also add a touch of elegance to any ensemble. Let’s bead it up and bring the Bajkal Earrings to life!

Materials:

0.5g Size 15 Seed Beads
0.5g Size 11 Seed Beads
1.0g Size 8 Seed Beads
1.0g Size 11 Miyuki Delicas
2 x 5mm Open Jump Rings
Pair of Ear Wires
4lb Fireline
Size 12 Beading Needle
– Scissors, Pliers

Download PDF Instructions to Print

Project is courtesy of our friends at The BeadSmith. Please respect the artist’s copyright and limitations which are advised in the footer of the attached PDF copy. These instructions for personal use only and are not to be taught in a workshop environment. Instructions remain the property of the artist and must not be printed for sale or redistributed. The completed project must not be produced in quantity for sale.

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VIP Specials – January 2024

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals

Gold VIP – Exclusive Club for Serious Beaders

VIP Membership 2024

Welcome to GOLD VIP 2024

Welcome to Gold VIP 2024 – our famous ultimate perks membership program. We’re embracing the Pantone colour of the year, Apricot Crush. It’s the colour of care, connection and community, as well as bringing an optimistic luminosity to the new year.

This year VIP members will be offered 12 amazing free gifts as well as 11 huge discounts with 30-50% off almost our whole range of products. December Double Dip is back so you can relax, sit back with a glass of ice-cold apricot crush, and let the FOMO fly off with the breeze! Miss a month? No worries! You can use any or all discounts in December!

There will also be some special exclusive deals every month just for VIP members. Some deals may have purchase limits. Plus our new guy, Travis, will also send a monthly email with a project, inspiration and other fun tips to keep you ahead of the game.

So how do the discounts work?

For in-store customers, it’s super simple. Give us your phone number to bring up your account and we’ll take the percent off. Easy.

For online customers, simply add the items you want to cart, check out using the “Direct Bank Deposit” option to send the order unpaid. Once we receive and pick your order, we’ll throw in the free gift and reply back with the adjusted invoice with all the discounts applied. You can then pay any way you like, PayPal, credit card or bank transfer.

How do the free gifts work?

For every month of 2024, we’ll have a free gift available for VIP members. The gift can be collected or sent with any order of $10 or more of any products, discounted or not!

So, if you selected $20 worth of glass beads in February, the 50% off would bring them down to just $10, and that purchase would qualify for the free gift! Each and every free gift will be valued at more than $10! In fact, the total value of all 12 will be way over $200!

Each VIP member can collect one gift each month. The percent off can be used as many times as you like in the calendar month.

Monthly VIP Emails

You’ll receive an email every month within the first few days with the details of the VIP gift and special buys. The follow email up from Travis with the projects and more extras will be later in the month.

So, enough of that! Let’s kick off 2024 with our first FREE Gift!

VIP Free Pearls January 2024
January VIP Free Gift

Freshwater Pearl Beads valued at $36!

We’re kicking off 2024 with a BANG! This strand of 7-8mm round freshwater pearls are high luster and gorgeous in formal wear, or even casual summer jewellery. Knot them on silk, thread them onto elastic or add them to earrings.

VIP members get a strand for FREE this month with any purchase of $10 or more.

December VIP Discount

30% Off Tools + Plastic Storage

30% OFF ALL Tools, Tool Kits, Plastic Storage

Kick off 2024 with a new set of tools to keep you crafting all year! This discount applies to all tools including Sculpey polymer clay tools, magnifiers and lamps, wire working, looms and more.

The sale includes these categories:

Excludes adhesives, already reduced lines.

How To Order Online with 30% OFF

VIP Members, please place your order and select “Direct Bank Deposit” as the payment option at checkout. We’ll apply your discounts, add your free gifts and advise the new discounted total. Please don’t pay until we’ve confirmed the discounted total.

Exclusive Monthly Specials – January

Each month we release some exclusive specials just for VIP members.

Dragonfly Toggle Clasp

Dragonfly Toggle Clasp

A gorgeous way to complete a necklace or bracelet. This toggle will work beautifully in fun and summery jewellery.

Normally $1.50 each
VIP Deal – 10 for $5

Swarovski Golden Shadow Helix Bead

Swarovski Helix Bead
Crystal Golden Shadow 8mm 9pk

Nothing sparkles quite like Swarovski Crystal Golden Shadow, and no shape is quite as mesmerising as the 5020 Helix.

Pack of 9 beads, 8mm size. Perfect for bracelets & necklaces, and also small enough for earrings.

Normally $12.90 /pack
VIP Price – $4

Sculpey Souffle Igloo Polymer Clay

Sculpey Souffle Igloo
Polymer Clay

Experience the amazing velvety feel of Souffle by Sculpey. This oven bake clay has a unique feel once baked unlike any other clay on the market.

Normally $6.50.
VIP Price $3

Preciosa twins Beads

Preciosa Twin
Jet Brown Iris Beads

Twins by Preciosa are almost the same as SuperDuo’s by Matubo. They have two holes making them perfect for needle & thread beading, or dual-stretch bracelets.

Sold per tube of approximately 120 beads.

Normally $7.70. VIP Price $2

Not a VIP? Join Now to Start Saving Big Time!

VIP Card 2024 at Beads N Crystals
Join VIP 2024 for over $240 in free gifts and 12 HUGE Discounts!

Become a Bead Lover GOLD VIP Member today to start saving and being rewarded! For the small investment of just $29, you’ll be entitled to receive a free gift of beads every month of 2023. You’ll also save big time with our huge monthly VIP special discount. These discounts are unlimited so you can order as little or as much as you want, as many times as you like in the calendar month.

Join VIP 2023

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PHONE LINES RESTORED

UPDATED 30/12/23:

Our phone lines have been restored today. We thank all of our customers for their patience during the repairs caused by the recent storms. We’re all back to normal now.

Previous Post:

Hello Bead-lover Family!

Haven’t we been though a crazy few days! We hope you’re safe, well and not too badly affected by this crazy weather we’ve been having. We’re all safe and well with just a minor casualty. Our inbound phone lines are down until further notice. We still have internet, power and a roof, so all is good. We’re processing orders as normal!

Good news! Our post-Christmas Boxing Day sales are still ON, and we’re trading as normal! Despite the stormy weather causing a hiccup with our phone lines, don’t stress! We’re still here and ready to make your shopping experience amazing.

Online orders? No problem! We’re processing and dispatching them faster than ever. So, even if the wind’s howling outside, your orders are sailing smoothly to you.

Our doors are wide open for our Boxing Day sales this Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and the welcome mat is out. Come on in and catch some fantastic deals!

Psst, can’t reach us by phone? No worries! For any inquiries, shoot us an email or book a carrier pigeon (just kidding, use email!). We’re here for you, storm or shine.

Thanks for being part of the Beads N Crystals family. We’re making these Boxing Day sales a ripper just for you!

Cheers,
The Beads N Crystals Team

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Christmas Trading Hours

Dear valued customers,

As the holiday approaches, we want to keep you informed about our trading hours during the Christmas and New Year period. Please take note of the following schedule:

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE
Sunday December 24th – CLOSED
Monday December 26th – CLOSED
Tuesday December 27th – CLOSED
Wednesday December 28th – CLOSED

POST CHRISTMAS SALE
Thursday December 28th – 10am to 3pm
Friday December 29th – 10am to 3pm
Saturday December 31st – 10am to 3pm

NEW YEARS CLOSURE
Sunday December 31st – CLOSED
Monday January 1st – CLOSED
Tuesday January 2nd – CLOSED

NEW YEARS WEEK
Wednesday January 3rd – 10am to 3pm
Thursday January 4th – 10am to 3pm
Friday January 5th – 10am to 3pm
Saturday January 6th – 10am to 3pm

We will resume normal trading hours from Monday January 8th:
Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturdays: 10 am to 3 pm

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you during this festive season. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Wishing you and your family all the best,
Beads N Crystals

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Eyes on Creativity: Crafting with Googly Eyes, Polymer Clay & More!

Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting, where creativity knows no bounds! In this news blog, we’re going to explore the delightful art of crafting with googly eyes, bringing a touch of playfulness to various mediums like Sculpey polymer clay, resin, card making, fashion jewellery, and other general crafts. Get ready to embark on a journey of imagination and hands-on fun!

Crafting with Eyes is fun and easy

1: The Googly Magic Unveiled – Delving into the History and Evolution of Craft Eyes:

These little plastic eyes have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. They first gained popularity in the realm of toys and crafts during the 1920s and 1930s. The term “googly eyes” itself reflects the animated and lively nature of these peculiar accessories.

Origins:

The concept of movable eyes can be traced back to the German doll-making industry. Initially, these eyes were designed to move from side to side, creating a comical and animated effect. The unique charm of realistic moving eyes quickly caught on, making them a sought-after addition to various crafts and toys.

Popularity Surge:

As the popularity of jiggly eyes grew, they found their way into mainstream culture. Crafters, artists, and toy manufacturers began incorporating them into a wide range of projects, from handmade dolls and toys to humorous illustrations. Their ability to convey a sense of liveliness and playfulness made them an instant hit.

Movement and Animation:

The inherent movement of these eyes add an animated quality to projects. This feature is particularly effective in crafts that involve motion, such as kinetic sculptures, interactive cards, or toys with movable parts. The dynamic nature of the eyes captures attention and engages viewers.

Playful Detailing:

Incorporating googly eyes into projects allows for playful detailing. Enhance the whimsy of jewellery pieces, cards, or home decor items by strategically placing them to create unexpected and amusing effects. The juxtaposition of everyday objects with these animated eyes adds an element of surprise.

Googly Eyes Rock - Make your own rock pals

2: Googly Eyes and Rock Pals – A Perfect Pairing

Rock pals, the delightful companions crafted from nature’s canvas, become even more enchanting when combined with cute little lively eyes and river rocks. Let’s explore the delightful fusion of these elements to create charming rock creatures that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

a. Rock Creature Creations:

For decades, children have crafted rock creatures using simple and low-cost materials. Smooth rover rocks can be found in local streams, creeks and parks. Remember to check your local council regulations before taking rocks from a public place. Most good hardware stores and landscaping suppliers have river rocks for sale.

All you’ll need is a few various smooth rocks, some eyes and glue, and some other embellishments. Glitter pens, permanent markers or paint pens, acrylic paint, spray paint or stick-on foam pieces could be used to decorate your rocks.

Immerse yourself in the art of crafting adorable rock creatures by gluing the eyes onto smooth river rocks. Add glitter, paint, pigment or alcohol inks to personalise your rock pal. This can be a fun and low cost holiday craft activity or class project.

b. Quirky Rock Pendants:

Elevate your rock pals’ charm by making extra small rock pals and turning them into quirky pendants featuring a pair of small eyes. They can be glued onto bails or wire wrapped to turn them into funky wearable art.

3: Googly Eyes and Polymer Clay – A Perfect Pairing

Polymer clay is a versatile medium that opens up a world of possibilities. At Beads N Crystals, we have over a decade of experience in polymer clay crafting and these googly eyes are a perfect companion. Learn how to incorporate these crafting elements into your polymer clay creations, whether it’s making adorable creatures, quirky pendants, or unique figurines. We’ll explore different techniques to ensure those eyes stay securely in place while baking.

The most important thing to remember when embellishing your polymer clay crafts with plastic elements is, of course, they can’t be applied before baking as they will simply melt.

The best idea is to use a tool, such as the bottom end of an Etch’n’Pearl, or the end of a pencil to create a recess just slightly larger than the bottom of the eye you plan to use. You can then simply glue in an eye into the space once the clay is baked and cooled.

a. Creature Creations:

If you love Sculpey III polymer clay as much as we do, this is a great place to start! Condition some oven bake polymer clay and form it into a figure. A simple ghost, animal or alien creature will work perfectly! You could even make your own rock shapes.

Once you’ve crafted your polymer clay creature, pre-heat your oven and bake it as per the instructions on the clay packet. It’s important not to decorate your creature until after it’s baked.

Leave your little pet to cool before gluing on a pair of plastic eyes. Most good brands of polymer clay can be painted, dyed and even decorated with puff paints and inks. Go wild and personalise your new little friend.

b. Quirky Pendants:

In the world of arts and crafts, there are no rules, so why not create a truly unique quirky wearable creation? Let your creativity run wild by infusing charm and whimsy into your designs with the addition of googly eyes. Begin by experimenting with various pendant shapes to breathe life into your creations. Consider crafting funny little creatures like monsters, aliens, or fantastical animals, each taking on a unique form that reflects your imagination. Play with geometric shapes for a modern twist or opt for asymmetry to add an extra touch of whimsicality. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are as limitless as your inventive spirit.

When it comes to colour combinations, embrace the vibrancy of polymer clay and let your pendants pop with an array of hues. Blend contrasting or complementary colours to create eye-catching designs that amplify the playful nature of your googly-eyed characters. Don’t shy away from bold patterns and intricate detailing to add depth and character. Mix and match colours to evoke different moods and consider incorporating metallic accents for a touch of elegance. As you embark on your pendant-making journey, think of each piece as a mini canvas, where the fusion of colour and shape comes together to tell a unique and whimsical story.

4: Resin Resonance – Googly Eyes in Clear Delight

Take your crafting to the next level by adding a touch of transparent brilliance with resin. Discover how to embed googly eyes in resin creations, from funky keychains to mesmerising paperweights. Clear materials like plastic and glass can become almost invisible in resin, so experiment with different ways using these little embellishments.

Eyes submerged in resin can look very weird! If your backing matches the white colour of the back of the eye, it can disappear into the design, with just the little disc randomly moving around in a little air bubble. To keep the original look of the eyes, glue them onto the surface after the resin has cured or sit them on top before it completely congeals.

a. Embedding Techniques:

Like any other embellishments you use in epoxy resin, eyes can be used in, on or partly submerged in resin. Each option will give a completely different result, but luckily, they are cheap enough to play around with and experiment in different ways.

b. Creative Resin Projects:

Most people will place eyes onto figurines under resin, or stick them to the outside to make a quirky rock art style creation. But that’s just the beginning! Experiment with abstract and modern artistic styles. Take influence from steampunk or even magical realism artistic styles to create something truly unique.

5: Googly Glam – Fashion Jewellery Extravaganza

Elevate your style with googly eyes in the world of fashion jewellery. Explore unique ways to incorporate these playful elements into earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. From avant-garde statement pieces to subtle, eye-catching accents, we’ve got your fashion-forward crafting covered.

a. Earrings:

Explore different earring designs incorporating googly eyes. From dangling eye earrings to stud accents, highlight ways to create eye-catching jewellery that reflects your own unique personal style.

b. Necklaces and Bracelets:

Yes, even the humble necklace isn’t safe from joggle eyes at our bead shop! They can be used along with glass tiles, bezels, clay beads and more. Get creative and see where your imagination can take you! Filigree metal components, which we also stock, are a great place to start in your mixed media adventure.

Make some zany gift cards with these little plastic joggle eyes

6: Card Making with a Wink

Gift cards may seem a world away from beading, but really it’s not. Back when we were in the Brisbane City Adelaide St Arcade, (a stone’s throw from the corner of the Myer Centre) we stocked a wide range of cards and card making supplies in new-age themes. Although we’re not the go-to destination for card-stock, we know many beaders are also closet card makers! And we love that!

Bring a smile to someone’s face with handmade cards featuring googly eyes. Dive into the world of card making and learn how to create adorable, witty, and downright hilarious designs. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a ‘thinking of you’ card, googly eyes are sure to add that extra touch of joy.

a. Occasion-Specific Cards:

Children’s birthday cards can be made a lot more fun with some funky embellishments. For many people, that’s where it ends. But no, get well cards that will put a smile on someone’s face could be just what the doctor ordered! Laugh off a belated birthday or anniversary with a dash of humour and a splash of fun.

b. Interactive Cards:

Remember creating pop-up cards as a kid? Bring back the nostalgia with a handmade popup that jumps out and steals the show. A pull tab to eject a cheeky meercat, a clown that jumps out 10-fold, or an animal with a cartoonish face. Amaze your loved ones with your card-making skills!

7: General Crafts Get a Googly Upgrade

Lets take a look at the versatility of googly eyes in various general crafts. From decorating everyday items to adding a touch of fun to home decor.

a. Everyday Items:

Wall art, coasters and even sunnies can be made a little more fun with a dab of glue and a pair of eyes. You can make anything silly, random, funny or ridiculous in seconds!

b. Home Decor:

Incorporate googly eyes into home decor projects, like creating a whimsical mirror frame or a decorative wall art piece. There are so many artistic ways you can add a dash of fun to your life. As a little easter-egg, we’ve decorated a few items in our bead shop, so if you get a chance to drop in, see if you can find them!

Conclusion: Googly Eyes – A Crafty Companion

As we wrap up this pretty unusual crafting adventure, we hope you’re inspired to unleash your creativity and experiment with googly eyes in diverse ways. Whether you’re into polymer clay, resin, fashion jewellery, card making, or general crafts, the wiggly charm of googly eyes is bound to bring a smile to your face and a touch of whimsy to your creations.

Next time you’re placing an order, or cruising around Brisbane, drop in and grab a pack. See where it takes you!

Happy crafting!

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VIP Specials – December 2023

Gold VIP – Exclusive Club for Serious Beaders

Join VIP Gold for a year of specials and free gifts.

Gold VIP Members receive a free gift of beads every month and take advantage of huge discounts throughout the year. Please check out all the benefits on our VIP Membership page where you can also join if you’re serious about beading!

December VIP Free Gift

December Free Gift valued at $18

It’s ‘that’ time already! and there’s never been a time to visit! Our free gift for December is a long strand of Crystal AB Cubes and a strand of clear crystal rondelle beads. You’ll also receive a Christmas key chain and fridge magnet as a bonus.

Use these crystals to add a little sparkle to your holidays!

Our free gift for December is valued at $18, and it’s yours FREE with any purchase of $10 or more this month!

This brings the value of gifts this year to about $250! I think that’s a record!

December VIP Discount

40% Off Gemstone Beads + Rough & Tumbled Gems

Gemstone Beads

40% OFF ALL GEMSTONE BEADS
Plus 40% OFF ALL ROUGH & TUMBLED GEMSTONES

This is the one you’ve all been waiting for! Gemstone Month! A HUGE 40% discount on all gemstone beads, including the premium collection behind the counter.

The discount also applies to rough and tumbled gemstones! All up, there are over 1500 products on discount!

The sale includes these categories:

In Store: we’ll apply the discount when we process your purchase.

Online Orders: Check out selecting “Direct Bank Deposit” so you can submit the order unpaid. After we’ve picked & packed your order with the discounts and free gift, we’ll contact you with the new total.

Includes all gemstone beads, rough and tumbled gemstones. Other gemstones are not included in this offer.

How To Order Online with 40% OFF

VIP Members, please place your order and select “Direct Bank Deposit” as the payment option at checkout. We’ll apply your discounts, add your free gifts and advise the new discounted total. Please don’t pay until we’ve confirmed the discounted total.

Exclusive Monthly Specials – December

Each month we release some exclusive specials just for VIP members.

VIP 2024

$10 DISCOUNT + FREE CALENDAR

Join VIP for 2024 this month to score $10 off the annual cost! That’s right, as a returning member you can join VIP for another year for just $19! But hurry, the early-bird re-join price is only valid in December!

LIMITED EDITION – FREE CALENDAR

We have an extremely limited number of these A4 ring-bound month to a page full colour calendars. Join VIP for 2024 and grab yours for FREE! Be quick, they WILL Sell Out!

To score a calendar, simply join VIP for 2024 in your purchase including $10 or more of any products to qualify for the free monthly gift, AND we’ll throw in the calendar. But be quick!

LED Photo Studio

Take professional photos of your creations in our LED foldable photo studio. Simply plug it into a USP port, power bank or phone charger to use on the go. Coloured backdrops included.

Normally $25, VIP Price $15

1mm Black 100m

Waxed Cotton

Waxed cotton cord is perfect for macrame, knotting, braiding and more. The 1mm size will fit many gemstone beads making it a great option for creating jewellery with an earthy look.

Normally $18. VIP Price $12

Not a VIP? Join Now to Start Saving Big Time!

Become a Bead Lover GOLD VIP Member today to start saving and being rewarded! For the small investment of just $29, you’ll be entitled to receive a free gift of beads every month of 2023. You’ll also save big time with our huge monthly VIP special discount. These discounts are unlimited so you can order as little or as much as you want, as many times as you like in the calendar month.

Join VIP 2023

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Wear Your Words: Crafting Personalised Stretch Bracelets with Letter Beads

There’s something truly special about adorning yourself with jewellery that carries a personal touch. In this guide, we’ll delve into the delightful world of stretch bracelets adorned with letter beads. These versatile and customisable bracelets not only serve as stylish accessories but also allow you to express yourself through words, initials, or affirmations. Let’s embark on a crafting journey that transforms simple letter beads into meaningful and wearable expressions.

Choosing the Right Materials:

Quality Letter Beads:

Begin your bracelet-making adventure by selecting high-quality letter beads. Opt for a variety of colours to add visual interest to your designs. Whether you prefer classic black and white or a burst of vibrant hues, the choice is yours.

Stretch Cord:

Invest in durable and stretchy cord specifically designed for jewellery-making. Stretch cord ensures a comfortable fit and allows for easy on-and-off wear while maintaining the integrity of your bracelet. The famous Stretch-Magic Elasatic brand in a thicker size like 0.8mm or 1.0mm is usually a good choice.

Personalising Your Bracelets:

Initials and Monograms:

Craft bracelets that bear your initials or those of a loved one. Mix and match letter beads to create monogrammed designs that add a touch of sophistication to your wrist. These make for thoughtful gifts and treasured keepsakes.

Inspirational Words and Affirmations:

Infuse positivity into your creations by stringing letter beads that form inspirational words or affirmations. Wear words like “love,” “joy,” or “peace” as a daily reminder of the positive energy you want to attract into your life.

Simple Step-by-Step DIY Projects:

Project 1: Name Bracelets:

Craft personalised name bracelets by stringing letter beads to spell out your name or the names of your loved ones. Experiment with different beads to complete the bracelet for a visually appealing and unique design.

Project 2: Motivational Mantras:

Create bracelets that serve as wearable mantras. Choose powerful words or phrases that resonate with you and string them onto the stretch cord. Wear these bracelets as a source of motivation and encouragement throughout your day.

Project 3: Favourite Songs:

Make a bunch of bracelets featuring names of songs and albums. They can be themed using coloured clay heishi beads, acrylic or glass beads in colours that reminisce of the song or music video. Wear these bracelets to a concert or just out and about, and give them out or swap them with anyone else you bump into with similar music tastes!

Adding Visual Elements:

Incorporating Accent Beads:

Elevate the aesthetics of your stretch bracelets by incorporating accent beads. Choose complementary colours or add a touch of sparkle with crystal beads. Experiment with bead patterns to create eye-catching designs that enhance the overall appeal of your bracelets.

Charm Additions:

Enhance the personalization of your bracelets by adding charms that complement the theme of your letter beads. Whether it’s a heart charm for love-themed bracelets or a star charm for celestial designs, charms add an extra layer of meaning.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

Measuring for a Perfect Fit:

Determine the desired length of your bracelet by measuring your wrist and adding a bit of extra length for comfortable wear. Keep in mind that stretch bracelets should be snug but not too tight.

Securing the Knot:

When finishing your bracelet, ensure a secure knot by double or triple knotting the stretch cord. Dab a small amount of jewellery glue on the knot for added reinforcement.

Conclusion:

Crafting stretch bracelets with letter beads is a delightful and rewarding endeavour that allows you to wear your words and express your creativity. Whether you’re creating personalised gifts or crafting a collection for yourself, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your letter beads, stretch cord, and other embellishments, and let your imagination run wild as you embark on a journey of meaningful and stylish bracelet-making. Happy crafting!

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Bead Craft Queensland: A Journey into Collaboration and Creativity

Introduction:

In the dynamic world of bead crafting, innovation and collaboration have often paved the way for exciting ventures. Today, we take you behind the scenes of Beads N Crystals’ history to share a chapter that might not be well-known to all our customers—the establishment and evolution of Bead Craft Queensland.

The Genesis:

In 2012, facing the challenge of filling the void left by the closure of the Bead & Gem Shows of Australia, Beads N Crystals took a bold step. Over dinner with our good friends from My Little Bead Shop, we came up with an idea. We decided to join forces with each other and operate our own bead and gem shows! The idea was unusual, as surprisingly for a small industry, there are many competitors in the beading world in Australia who wouldn’t even say ‘Hi’ as they walk past, let alone work together! In the end we had three competing Brisbane bead stores happy to join forces to run our own little travelling bead show. This unexpected collaboration led to the birth of Bead Craft Queensland, an unofficial cooperative aimed at operating small beading trade shows along the East coast of Australia.

The Purpose:

The primary objective of Bead Craft Queensland was simple yet powerful—to operate small bead craft shows and sales in hotel function rooms such as the one at the Comfort Inn Robertson Gardens Hotel on Kessels Rd Nathan, to more remote hotel function rooms in Cairns, Rockhampton, Townsville, Yepoon, Ballina, and Coffs Harbour. These events were strategically positioned to reach remote centers and engage with the vibrant communities of bead enthusiasts.

Operational Dynamics:

For two fruitful years, Bead Craft Queensland served as a joint venture where Beads N Crystals and two other bead retailers shared not only the passion for bead crafting but also the practical aspects of the trade. The cooperative model allowed for the pooling of resources, sharing of costs, consolidation of logistics and collective efforts in navigating the challenges of traveling and trading in remote locations.

The Journey:

The bead craft shows held by Bead Craft Queensland were not merely retail events—they were immersive experiences for both vendors and attendees. From these hotel function rooms we operated workshops, product launches, demonstrations, Q&A’s and of course amazing sales, bringing the charm of big city trade shows to the local bead crafting community. The cooperative successfully connected with enthusiasts along the East coast, fostering a sense of unity and shared creativity.

The Transition:

Our Bead Craft trade shows were a resounding success thanks to our excited and supportive customers and the support the three of our businesses were able to offer each other. As the landscape of bead crafting continued to evolve, so did Beads N Crystals. After two enriching years, Bead Craft Queensland gracefully concluded its operations. The decision to transition away from the cooperative model was driven by a renewed focus on our physical store and online bead shop business. This strategic shift allowed us to channel our energies more efficiently, ensuring that we could continue providing exceptional products and services to our valued customers.

Conclusion:

Bead Craft Queensland stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and innovation within the bead crafting community. The journey, though no longer actively pursued, remains an integral part of our history—a history shaped by the passion for beads, the dedication to our craft, and the vibrant connections forged along the East coast of Australia.

We thank the other two businesses who showed the world that competitors can also be friends and our amazing customers for supporting our events. As we continue to evolve, we invite you to reminisce with us about this chapter and celebrate the ongoing story of Beads N Crystals.