Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging and Bead Storage with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello all! It's the last Muse of February - how did that happen?! And so I have a few more storage and packaging ideas to share with you today. Enjoy!

First of all, a really awesome tutorial from Leah over at Beady Eyed Bunny, on one way to transform your packaging. How gorgeous is this? Leah talks you through its creation. 

Remember the printer's cabinet from last week? Here's one in action in Lorelei Eurto's studio! Beautiful or what? 

And here is not only a beautiful, stream-lined craft space, but if you click on the link, there's a whole blog post on organising your craft space!

I've tired to steer clear of the ubiquitous kraft box in this month's run down, because lovely as they are, I think most people know where to find them and how to make them pretty! But searching on Pinterest, I came across these - what a lovely idea! (I even discovered/remembered that I actually have Jewellery Packaging board over there! Who knew?!)

This sweet packaging idea from Heather Humblebeads may be a little unseasonal for February, but I think this simple way to dress up your jewellery could work all year round - just switch up your colours and imagery each season!

Lastly, here's a handy graphic with some tips to take you through getting your packaging just right. Pin it to your work station!

And now for the BeadBlogger links. Have a great week everyone!

Make a Creativity Station
Do you store project supplies near where you would actually use them? Here's how Sarah made space for frequently used items where she needs them.

De-Stash for Charity Alert
The Crafty Princess is clearing out the old to make way for the new and donate part of the proceeds of craft her de-stash to charity. 

Patent and Copyright Basics for Art You Intend to Sell 
If you plan to decoupage paper napkin images onto something to sell, check these patent and copyright basics. Paper napkins contain someone's art.

Necklace Redo Video
Don't like a piece of jewelry? Well, redo it. In this video, Terry shows you a piece that she made and was not happy with. Then re does the piece and shows it off.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews the delightful, fun and informative book, Knitting Ephemera!

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares a tutorial that will help you to feature a few special beads in a great wire bracelet!

Diamond 14
The next section of Connie Gee's free SAL is available. It is the third of four florals. Get it on the SAL today!

Art Bead Scene
Check out Claire's inspiring art bead selection to match this month's challenge!

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in the capital city of Edinburgh. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.

Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging and Bead Storage with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello everyone! Amuse the Muse time again. Time to delve into the world of packaging and storage! 

Firstly, these little squares may look boring but they could be really handy if you work with metals a lot! These are anti-tarnish tabs for you to store with your metal beads and general bits and bobs. Perfect if you like your metals shiny, or even if you just want to have control over how your metal patinates.

Bluebell Hill Crafts

These Macoron storage boxes aren't perhaps the most practical but I just had to include them here - erm, HOW cute?! They'd also work as packaging if you were making a really simple but fun pendant. Wouldn't you love to give this to your favourite wee tot for a birthday? 

Bex Ever Heart

I'm not usually a massive fan of the organza bag - I think I used them too often when I was starting out with jewellery! But these are a little different in style to the usual - and don't you just love those beady ties?

EJR Beads

And for this week's dream piece of bead storage, how about a gorgeous antique printer's cabinet? Oh yes, I definitely think I could make room for one of these in my flat!

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a great week everyone!

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares an easy wire bracelet that only LOOKS complicated!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew kicks off his month-long Creative heART Challenge with a collection of necklaces! Check out what he made!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's Beading to be done!
Jean reviews Jewel Loom Inspirations, a marvelous and fun book for beaders by Julianna C. Avelar! 

Valentine Heart Shaker Card 
Eileen made a Valentine heart shaker card filled with red confetti hearts using her Silhouette. See how and download your choice of PDF template or SVG file.

Have Fun with Found Object Drawings
Try to look at common things in a different way by making drawings starting with found objects.

Stitch an Encouraging Saying
Connie's added a new free pattern with a meaningful saying that will be perfect for a card or a framed design. Be sure to save it now!

Bead Vlog
Tammy's creating sparkly jewelry with her bead bargain box goodies. 

Rich Mom Videos
If you have been thinking of dusting off your Etsy shop or starting one, then you may want to watch what Rich Mom has to say.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares an easy wire bracelet that only LOOKS complicated!

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in the capital city of Edinburgh. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.

Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging and Bead Storage - with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello everyone! It's another Monday and another month. This month's theme is jewellery packaging and bead storage. I decided to throw them in together, and if we are having a partially fun time of it come the end of this leap year February, we may continue on into March! What do you say to that? 

We beaders and jewellery designers are almost as obsessed with bead storage and packaging as we are with beads themselves, right? (I'm sure I see at least some hands up there!) Something about organising our precious bead stashes really makes our souls happy, and there's nothing better than packaging your finished jewellery and art beads in a beautiful setting, worthy of their awesomeness. I'm going to be looking at the practical, the luxurious and the plain incredible! So without further ado, let's get going! 

Here's a lovely little shelving unit made from old pallet wood. This would be perfect for storing tools, and those bits and bobs that just need somewhere to go!

Love these cute cotton bags, they are so cute with those sparkly rings stamped on them, but still a nice open, rustic weave. 

Last of all, I think this one belongs in the realm of the plain incredible. This would satisfy anyone's desire to be a messy creative, and yet be able to close the doors on that mess every night. 

Looks innocuous enough at first...

...but look inside the brilliantly-named Narnia Crafting Station...

...and you'll discover the potential for all sorts of fun! 

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a great week everyone!

How To Make A Pom Pom And Fish Extender Idea
This is one of Tappingflamingo's first video tutorial. She shows how to make a pom pom using your hand, and gives you a Fish Extender or party favor idea using them.

Coloring Book Giveaway
So easy to enter and maybe win! The Crafty Princess is giving away 2 adult coloring books!

Crocheted Flower Hair Clips
These simple crocheted flowers make adorable hair clips for girls (or women) and just use a tiny bit of yarn. 

Valentine's Day Kids Party 
Throw a memorable Valentine's Day kids party and keep costs down with these crafty ideas for planning decor, games, food & keeping all the kids happy. 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Wonderful Wire Jewelry: Make 30+ Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, and More, by Erica Swanson. You will find tons to love in this book!

Lucky Thirteen
The next Diamond in the free SAL is up! Still plenty of time to join in if you are interested.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares a tutorial that shows you how to make really pretty (but also easy) beaded beads.

Art Bead Scene
Take a walk in the woods with Julie, in her last post for the Art Bead Scene. 

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in the capital city of Edinburgh. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.

Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging - with Rebecca of Songbead

Happy Monday everyone! I hope it's the beginning of another smashing week for you :-) And it's the last week of jewellery packaging! What will be July's theme, I hear you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait because for now, it's still jewellery packaging.........

WrapWorks

I shared some bright orange twine a few weeks back but really, who can resist a hot pink? And I'm definitely thinking pink this week, as you'll see.....

That Final Touch

Who doesn't love a bit of the seaside at this time of year? 

Le Box Boutique

Ok, yes - it's just another Kraft box you could say - but look how deliciously that soap has been packaged within! 

Glorious Tymes

What gorgeous colours! And what's even better? You can print these damask bracelet cards at home!

Made by Inese

I cannot resist a bit of lace....especially if combined with linen!

I just had to include this awesome image from Wild Woman Jewelry - this is her gift wrap upgrade. Phwoar! Gorgeous! (More pink here, as you will see too...)

Silly Bird Graphics

More pink to end this wee round up! Something about hot pink and turquoise just cry 'summer' to me. 

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a lovely week! 

Art Bead Scene
Meet the Art Bead Artists who have responded to our monthly challenge! 
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/meet-art-bead-artists-june-2015.html

Mixed Media Canvas: A Flower Blooms 
Eileen took a class taught by artist Stephenie Hamen and had a lot of messy fun! 

DIY Lanyard Ideas
Have you thought about making your own lanyard for work or trips? Here are some ideas, including a lanyard that can be worn as a bracelet or a long or short necklace. 

WIP Update and Free Pattern
Connie's posted an update on her latest WIP (work in progress) and she's also posted a new free pattern for you to stitch and enjoy.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares a tutorial for some quick and easy little earrings!

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in Edinburgh, capital of her native land. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.

Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging - with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello all! Hope you are having a great Monday. I'm back with some more cute packaging ideas for you.

In the Clear

Papirea

Karma Silver

White Daisy Petals

Bjarki Design

Daisy and Design

Nice Package Design

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a great week!

Yummy Silk Blend Yarn
The Crafty Princess reviews Cascade Heritage Silk Paint yarn in this short video.

Crepe Paper Magnolias 
Welcome summer with a bouquet of hand made crepe paper magnolias. 

Art Bead Scene
Read all about Erin's experiences learning with the masters at Bead and Button!

Welcome Sampler Cross Stitch Pattern
Connie's added a new free pattern that is easy to adapt to your own personal taste. It would make a great gift when framed or finished as a flat-fold.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares some simple tips for stitching up a Cellini spiral tube...it's really easy!

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in Edinburgh, capital of her native land. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.

Amuse the Muse - Jewellery Packaging - with Rebecca of Songbead

Hello all! Another Monday, another week - another Amuse the Muse post. I'll get straight to it today - lots of lovely packaging ideas to share with you. If you come across anything you love, then share the links in the comments below - we'd love to see! 

I'll start off by sharing some of the comments, describing either your own packaging or packaging you've received that has particularly impressed you. Kathy said:

I just received my winning item from Mary Harding and I was very impressed with the wrapping and presentation. She really made it special, I really felt like I got something special, which I did, but it felt more like a gift. 

It's always great to receive a lovely package of beads and feel like you've been given a treasured gift - I absolutely agree with Kathy. 

Blu Moon said:

Before we became Kydo Jewellery we were widely known as The Silver Lodge our packaging was silver boxes in different sizes and for fairs silver jewellery bags in two sizes we used silver tissue paper to wrap our items prior to putting in box or bag and the boxes were always done up with either purple or white ribbon to send out they looked really nice!

Nothing like having really cohesive, coordinating packaging to make a real statement about your brand. 

Our own Erin also agrees with this, saying:

I am a firm believer in packaging and branding. I use kraft pillow boxes with a logo sticker on them with colorful ribbons. For larger items I have a copper box and custom satin ribbon with my key logo and company name. I always tie real ribbon, often matching the contents within. And a tiny copper skeleton key attached. Something they can definitely use again!

For me personally, this recycle/upcycle aspect is very important. I use Kraft boxes and cotton/linen bags for my jewellery - the bags in particular are great for safely storing jewellery, popping a couple of pairs of earrings in to take on holiday etc., and the Kraft boxes can easily be rescued too. With The Curious Bead Shop, whilst I do use little baggies (wish I could find a cheap, green alternative to these but they feel necessary until I do!) but I use recycled tissue paper, washi tape and cardboard boxes for sending - all of which can go straight into your paper/card recycling. I keep all the bubble wrap which I receive (I'm sure I'm not the only one!) and reuse it. Little touches like that can keep your packing smart but also limit the rubbish you're putting out into the world! 

And now to the packaging I've found to share with you this week - I hope it sparks some ideas for 

you!

Time 2 Split

 

Norman's Printery

Cool Links

Beige Gems

Dress Your Gift

Norman's Printery

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. Have a great week!

Art Bead Scene
Check out Heather's beautiful colour palette from our gorgeously vibrant monthly challenge piece!

Guitar String Bracelet Tutorial
Here is a fun idea for recycling old guitar strings. Terry shows how to make a bracelet, and gives other ideas to make out of old instrument strings. 

Much Crafting!
Crafty Princess published another crafting podcast where she shares all the crafting madness, crochet, knitting, and beading!

Father's Day Craft Ideas
Father's Day is June 21st. Here are 18 project ideas to check out.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has posted a tutorial for a quick and easy little bead embroidered pendant for the summer, featuring a beautiful painted button!

Connie Gee's New Pattern
Connie has added a new Welcome Sampler Cross Stitch Pattern to her Etsy shop. It is colorful and suitable for stitching on Aida or Linen. She's also added a new free pattern to the site, so be sure to check out recent blog posts.

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer; currently living in Edinburgh, capital of her native land. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.