Your Regularly Scheduled Bead Porn

Since last Friday was all the "special" porn from the Pasadena show (oh, and whoever commented that the patterned aluminum chain was from Primitive Earth Beads - you were right! Good eye!), I now return you to your regularly scheduled bead porn:

Yeah, this color combo had me at hello. I'm TRYING to work them into a design right now, but I keep getting distracted by how much I just like to gaze longingly at them. These lovelies are from UncommonBeads.

I thought I was over my carved stone flower obsession, but then I saw these carved green coral flowers. Nope...obsession not over. And yes, UncommonBeads is the culprit again.





Well, as long as I was buying the green ones, how about some pale pink rose quartz? I had to pay the shipping anyway, right?





Every time I find these "gilded" melon beads in a new color, I have to have them. My first encounter with them was a set of olive green and gold ones that I used in my "Bronze Lotus" necklace which is currently showing in the Fall, 2010, issue of "Stringing." I never seem to find them at the same vendor, though. This set of lovely lavender-blue ones came from AllThingsBeaded.

I got this pretty set of blue Czech glass flowers at the same spot. I like the larger size and the center hole makes them great for dangles OR to use as beadcaps.

Could there BE anything more perfect to mix with some great stones an Vintaj brass?

Okay, yeah, this one might even be better.

No, wait, this one is my favorite. Oh, who am I kidding - I love them all. Brass, enamel and crystals? What's not to love. All of these are from TheVintageVault.

And then there's this stunning gold locket with the peacock photo transfer. I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do with it, but I couldn't resist the image and the colors. And no...you are not allowed to lick it so back off! This beauty came from UrbanRose.

These are ceramic beads in an unusual lantern shape. I loved the color and the glossy shine

This color is called "China Tea Green." So awesome.

You will note that I employed my usual total inability to select just one or two colors.

LOVE this bright apple green!

All of these came from ExcellentGem.

I defy you to look at these beads and not be instantly happy. Juicy colors and bright summer fun brought to you by IMakeBeads.

I've actually been trying to cut back on my lampwork buying (I know - you're going to say you can't tell, but really, I have been trying to focus on other things like ceramics and metal for a while), but then I see beads like these and, well, they DEMAND to come live with me. And since I was raised not to be rude, I really don't see that I have a choice.

Then this set heard I was running a "home for wayward beads" and demanded to tag along for the ride. And, well, really, who doesn't have room for coppery-green deliciousness? Both of these sets are from Outwest.

That's it for this week on the beads, but didja see that my girl Lauren won "So You Think You Can Dance" last night? I believe it was all my extra votes that made the difference. Now, if I could just have that same effect on Congress and get them to quit spending us into oblivion, life would be great.

Happy weekend, everyone!

KJ