BuckleBottom Blab

The New Year!

2012-02-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

I'm excited for all the "stuff" this year has to bring! I'm in the process of getting my studio cleared out so that I can create in a space that feels a bit more comfortable! The torch hasn't had it's usual pull....and I don't like that. So, in effort to get that feeling back, I am reorganizing. I hope to be back by March with new items and bead sets. :-)

Deck the Halls....and the Website!

2011-12-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

BuckleBottom.com is filling up with Christmas goodies! I've got B-Creative interchangeable necklaces, B-Feathered Earrings and brand new BuckleBottom originals all over the website!!! PLUS, the Jingle Bell Sale will continue until the end of the month!!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! I plan on settling in and spending time with loved ones, books and good movies! What are your plans? Please share.....my blog gets lonely. :-)

2nd Annual JINGLE BELL SALE

2011-12-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey folks!!

It's here - and I apologize for the delay!!!

Check it out - www.bucklebottom.com, baby!!

EVERYTHING on the website is on sale, but check out my 2nd annual Jingle Bell Sale for some even deeper discounts! Charm necklaces, silk ribbon pendants, bracelets, earrings..... Yeah!

My plate is full with custom orders so I can't take any more that are needed by Christmas. (And current custom orders are in progress, so response time to e-mails might be a tad longer than normal. Bear with me.)

Thank you and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS from BuckleBottom!

Jeepers Creepers....and all that jazz

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

I seriously think I spend more time apologizing on this blog than anything else. So - I'm not gonna say anything more than - check back here on Monday. My cyber Monday sale will commence.....a week late.

Or so I hope.

Where Did It Go?!

2011-11-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's November 1st already? Sheesh. Sorry about that!

Don't be mad, k?

I have loads of pictures to take, lots of work I'm behind on and plenty of goodies that need to go up on the website, but......

but.....

but.....

No excuses. I'll try and get that stuff done this week. :-)

October ROCKS!

2011-10-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

It really does. I don't know about you, but October has all the qualities I like in a month.

1) It starts to really cool off around this Arizona desert. Loverly.

2) It's my birthday month.

3) It's usually the month that my super duper cool neighbor holds her super duper cool boutique. (YAY! October 22nd for those that are close by!)

4) It's my birthday month.

5) I really like harvest decor. And Halloween, too. But I don't do the scary, spooky stuff. I stick with fall colors, pumpkins, hay bales and cute scarecrows. Ties in with the cooler weather. Love it!

6) Did I mention it's my birthday month? Oh wait. I did? Sorry. ;-)

SO - for this FABULOUS October.....I would like to extend FREE SHIPPING to all of my wonderful customers! All ya gotta do is type in OCTFREE in the coupon code box in the shopping cart. Add your lovelies and VOILA! So - again - OCTFREE is the magic code.

ALSO, because I wanna.....and because of NEW inventory that is coming in for the holiday season.....all of my Charm Necklaces are $10 off original price! Free shipping and less money for cute stuff?!?! YES! How can you pass that up, right? :-)

Thank you to all who have supported me and BuckleBottom Beads. I love ya'll!

~~~~Remember to sign up on my website for my Newsletter. You'll get all this info sooner and MORE deals if you sign up.~~~

Klutzy, Clumsy and All That Jazz............

2011-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, I got back to the torch.....FINALLY. It's still really hot out there, but I figure if I don't start now, I might as well forget having anything new for this holiday/boutique season!

And I feel so LAME! My beads are wonky (yes, that's a glass term!) and ugly. I'm serious! Nothing pretty about them. I can't even consider them "organic" and naturally misshapen. They are just baaaad!

I will not give up.

I will not back down.

I will not let that crazy glass win.

Blaze and I will TRIUMPH!

Just some other day, I guess!

In other news: I will be adding a new page to my website shortly. An informational page about taking care of your jewelry. Things like how to keep your silver shiny, what environmental factors may damage your jewelry and more on what goes INTO my jewelry and glass beads. So - stay tuned.

Here's to FALL and cooler weather!!

***A long-time friend of mine from my ballet days and a recent bead customer passed away last weekend. I didn't want to post on my blog without mentioning something about her. She was special to me. Please lift up her family in your prayers if you're so inclined. She was my age and this has been rough on those that loved her most. Thank you.***

I Heart Glass

2011-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

I really do. I love everything about it. I love color, too. So, colored glass makes me swoon.

And right now I miss melting colored glass.

Cooler weather, where art thou?

Yep. It's time.

2011-08-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

My muse hasn't made an appearance in quite awhile. I think she melts in temperatures above 99 ~~105~~ 110 degrees. Or in humidity in a place that is supposedly a DRY HEAT.

Phooey.

But - it's time. On Monday I shall light up Blaze. (That's my trusty torch for those that are new to the BuckleBottom gang.) Bring on the fire! Bring on the glass! And, God willing, bring on some good rain or something to make the heat a TOUCH more bearable! We'll see - but.... I. WILL. TORCH.

Probably in my bathingsuit.

Probably after a dip in the pool.

Probably only for about 5 minutes.....

....until I have to jump in the pool again.

But I will make a bead. Maybe two.

Pray for me. :)

2011-08-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

As school begins (yes, already!), I decided to reflect upon the things that will forever remind me of The Summer of Twenty-Eleven. :) Okay....maybe not forever, but definitely some stuff that has consumed some days and nights of this heat-riddled couple of months. There is much, much more.....but I'll stick with the top 10.

1) Harry Potter marathon with da hubby. (Still haven't seen the very last one, but....ooooh, can't wait! )

2) Baking yummy stuff. (Who knew?!?)

3) Deliciously Deceptive by Jessica Seinfeld (with more recipes to try).

4) Heaven Is For Real! (OH YES IT IS!)

5) NOOM Weight Loss application for Droid (and all that came...or "went"....with it). YEAH!

6) EARLY morning walks with neighbor ladies (see above for WHY).

7) McDonald's Iced Coffee (to get by after the above two items).

8) Selena Gomez. All day. Every day. (Radio Disney, Ramona and Beezus, CanonBear's girlfriend....)

9) Netflix instant streaming. Need. I. Say. More.

10) Heaven on Earth.

THE END

To Etsy....Or Not To Etsy.....

2011-07-28T09:38:00.003-07:00

I love Etsy. I love to support other artists and crafty people. I love SO MUCH of what Etsy and Etsians have to offer....

Like THIS! Isn't it toooo cute? (Click HERE to go to this Etsy store.)

But I never have success selling my OWN stuff on Etsy. True, I never have much up and I have a hard time maintaining all my little web spaces as it is. But I'm considering a push on my big-hole beads (aka Pandora, troll, biaggi, etc) and thought it might be a decent place to start. It's pretty FULL of stuff like that, though.

I suppose, in the scheme of things, that since it's not a huge expense I should just go for it. It's the time invested in it. Is it worth it? How do you guys who do Etsy feel about it? Do you have a website, too? And a blog? And a newsletter? And a...oy. It's just hard to figure out what works, what doesn't and what can I get rid of!

Well, so....anyways.....

Etsy. To sell on Etsy or not to sell on Etsy. That IS the question.

Do you have the answer?

As Summer Ends

2011-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this summer is almost over - as far as freedom, vacations, long days go. (Our heat will last FOR-EH-VAH!) My Bubbas starts school a week from Monday. Yikes.

We traveled to the northwest a couple weeks ago and ended up in our usual spot....the beautiful beach above. I don't think I will ever get tired of going there. Peaceful. Heavenly. Comforting. COOL. I love that we get out of the sweltering heat of Arizona, even if we do miss a few of the monsoons that roll through. I do love me some rain on the desert. But not the HABOOB that occassionally comes with it! LOL!

The beads and jewelry will come. I'm slowing starting to work my way back into it. I guess I needed a break. I've lost my "edge," however, so I'm not sure how fast I will be able to get stuff put together for the website. Stay tuned.

Potential sale on the horizon, as well.

Adios for now!

Quiet

2011-06-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's quiet around here. Just the kids giggling and bein'...kids. I love it. But that means I don't have a ton to say to you!

My anniversary is comin' up this Sunday. Twelve years. Love this man. However, it's been THIRTEEN years since I looked like THIS:

That's okay. We don't have to look like that. We just have to love like that.

And we do.

Peace out.
xo

....and bakes.....

2011-06-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

BuckleBottom.....Bakes?

2011-06-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

I don't get it. I really don't. I have spent 30-something years NOT baking. Not wanting to step foot in the kitchen unless it's to grab something quick. I've just never had the desire to spend much time in that room.

Until lately.

Now I have become obsessed with cupcakes, muffins, cookies, cakes......well, mainly cupcakes. And muffins. I think it has to do with that creative "itch" I get about twice a year. Happens when I have too much to do, kids are around and I can't torch. Also when vacation is looming and happiness abounds. :) I just get crazy for anything artsy, creative, handmade..... Not that I am not crazy for it the rest of the year. It's just.....I get a nervous energy that I have to pour into something.

Right now it's baking.

Mixed berry muffins

Crazy. (And I'm not even eating them!)

So - if you've got a great baking blog you want me to check out or a fabulous (albeit EASY) recipe for me to try, leave it here....comment here....enable me here. :) And I will appreciate you FOR EV AH! Actually, my kids will, too!

Hugs and cupcakes!

Last Day for Summer Daze Sale!

2011-06-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Get 'em while they're HOT!

I will continue to keep some things on sale throughout the summer....but not all! Since custom orders and new items will be limited for the next few months, you definitely don't want to miss the opportunity to grab these goodies at such great prices!

Happy Summer!

SALE IS ON!

2011-05-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

My SUMMER DAZE sale is on!! www.bucklebottom.com!!!

EVERYTHING is discounted! EVERYTHING has great prices! EVERYTHING to treat yourself to something fun to celebrate summer!

WOO HOO!!

Bracelets - $10.00 off

Earrings - 20% off

Silk-Ribbon Pendants - $5.00 off

Charm Necklaces - $20% off
(plus free metal charm addition! Limited to one charm or $2 for each additional charm)

**As always, if you live in the area, please contact me before purchasing. If I can deliver the items or have you pick them up, I can save you on shipping.**

So stop on by BUCKLEBOTTOM BEADS to check out the awesome prices on lots and lots of goodies! Sale will end on June 1st.....maybe. :)

Happy Summer, everyone!

xoxo

Detour

2011-05-26T10:21:00.001-07:00

I'm frantically editing photos for my website, true, but I took a little detour.

My Bubbas makes me SO PROUD! She is finishing up third grade today and yesterday she was an "MC" for her little class show. She spoke clearly and bravely. GOOD GIRL!!! I love her so!!

Sorry they are so stinkin' small and blurry. I was standing in the back - IN THE SHADE. Whew. LOL

Summer Daze

2011-05-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Well, it is officially HOT here! I'm not complaining, really. I feel so heartbroken over all the devastating tornadoes that are hittin' the midwest so hard. My thoughts and prayers are there. I won't whine about the heat.

I plan on having a Summer Daze sale up and running by tomorrow afternoon, but adding new items has become a challenge. Finding the time to take pictures and edit them is difficult, but I will do my best between now and then. :)

SO - check www.bucklebottom.com in the next 24-48 hours. I promise DEEP discounts and LOTS of loot!

xoxo

New Things!

2011-05-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

New things on the website!! Check 'em out!

Taking Pictures....and Missin' Momma

2011-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Okay. Today is the day. I hope.

I will be taking pictures of the bead goodies I have available and (here's the hopeful part) getting them up on my website. After that, I will hopefully be knockin' down some prices in honor of all those terrific Momma's out there (including my own who is partyin' with Jesus). I'm sorry I didn't get a sale up FOR Mother's Day (so that ya'll could get something special for yer momma), but life happens. I've been busy, as I stated in my post before this, and I just couldn't gitter done.

But I still love ya.

So Happy Mother's Day to all you moms! Whether it be mothers of the regular two-legged breed or another kind of kid, I hope you get some lovin' on this special day.

I say it every year at this time - Mother's Day is bitter sweet for me. I miss my momma so so so much! But I love bein' a momma, so the sweet part usually over-comes the bitter. And I know a day will come that I will see my beautiful Momma's face again.

Until then....... :)

Before I was even a glimmer in her eye!

Early '90's. With Effie! LOL

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2011-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA for so long. I'm super swamped. Had planned on a Mother's Day sale, but honestly, my custom orders have kept me uber busy. I apologize.

Give me another week or two....and I'll have a spectacular sale....hopefully. :)

Peace out.

BOOOOYAAAAH!!!!!!!!

2011-04-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful boutique last night with great friends, food and fun! It truly was a wonderful time. Fed my ego, too. Thank you to all who came over and encouraged me with words and purchases.

So, since I was PREPARED (meaning "had tons of stuff to sell") for the boutique and, of course, not everything sold, get ready for new stuff on the website and on Etsy.

I still plan on getting to the torch this week, though. My current big sellers are my custom Mother's/Grandmother's Bracelets. I will have pictures for you on my website shortly. Mother's Day is RIGHT around the corner. I still have time to fit a few bracelets or custom orders in if you need anything. Easter is even closer. Check bucklebottom.com for my newest Springy! charm necklaces. :)

Have a blessed week!!!

Charm Necklace Sale Continues....

2011-03-29T21:18:00.001-07:00

.....until Friday.

It's a great deal folks! I'd take advantage of it!! :) CLICK HERE!

Charmed, I'm SURE!

2011-03-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

*SALE* *SALE* *SALE* *SALE* *SALE*

I'm having a 40% off sale on my website from now until....well....indefinitely. :)

www.bucklebottom.com

If you live locally, please let me know before purchasing. If there is a way for me to deliver your purchase to you less expensively (like, in person!), I will do my best.

Thank you for your interest in BuckleBottom!!

Moody Blues and Other "Stuff"

2011-03-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

I just can't seem to get it into gear! I have a boutique ~~I'm preparing for~~...~~I'm worried about~~...I'm SUPPOSE to be working on and getting ready for, but I'm like a deer caught in the headlights. I use that expression frequently, but that's exactly how I feel! I have soooo sooooo soooooooo much to do, but I just get overwhelmed and just....sit and stare. I have all my beads out that I've made over the past few months (because past that, they are just old *snicker*), I've spread all my findings (silver, gemstones and such) out so I can see what I have and I literally just sit and stare! I've called in reinforcements (you gals know who you are) and they have energized me a bit. They've even offered to come help. Well, until their bodies are here and are SHOVING me into my work, the stuff just sits there.

I WILL OVERCOME!

And a two-week spring break probably doesn't help. I want to be outside with my kiddos. I want to be doing something productive with my 8 year old daughter. I want to be a vegetable, too, and watch movies with her and talk and goof around. HO HUM. (I've done a lot of just goofing around with her. Hee hee!)

But - the daunting task of getting it all done in 2.5 weeks looms over me.

I WILL OVERCOME!

Wish me luck, k?

Symmetry

2011-03-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

As I've stated before on this blog, I'm in LOVE with Boro. I love the dimension it has, the depth I see in a bead and the infusion of color that this glass creates. I literally DROOL over Boro every day. I pour over other people's beads, look for fantastic color combinations and styles and dream of the day I can purchase more frit, rods and colors.

But it's not an easy task for me - to make a Boro bead. For you glassies out there, I have one concentrator and a basic torch. It's not a fancy set up and I don't get the heat that Boro truly needs to flow. But I manage. And I still love it.

I can't, for the life of me, make more than two beads of the same size. I don't know what it is. I know how, I just can't get it done. They look really cool, they sparkle and shine and look loverly.....

.....but they never "match."

So. For those of you that make jewelry and/or make beads, does it TRULY matter to have matchy-matchy beads? Or does variety work well in a piece. I tend to lean towards symmetry in my work, which I TRY to move away from, but it makes it really hard for me to "think outside the box" when it comes to mismatched beads - size, shape and color.

Can I get some feedback? Please? I've seen some awesome sets on Etsy and Artfire and they haven't all matched in shape and size. Do they sell? Would you buy them if you are one that buys artisan lampwork beads? Lemme know......please?

I'm here!

2011-03-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Where are you?

It seems I have gotten lost in the shuffle....again. HO HUM!

Here's the answer to the quote contest. Have a great week, everyone!

Sale Ends Tomorrow - Contest Continues

2011-02-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

Last chance to take advantage of free shipping folks! (If you've placed a custom order in the last week or so, you will still have free shipping come March 1st.) The items on my website are still 10% off with the sale ending tomorrow, too.

As for the Tick Tock quote contest....for shame.....on me. I got the quote SLIGHTLY off.....so let's try again. Not very many people participated, so what's it gonna take?!? Maybe NOW you'll catch it?!? Hmmmm........

HERE IS THE CORRECT QUOTE: "Now wait just a clock tick!"

Now try and guess. Please comment on this blog with your try. Multiple attempts are just fine! But participation is key! C'mon peeps! (Now, THAT is a daughter quote. LOL!) Guess where the quote comes from and win a free Pandora-style bead on a cord!

Next contest will be next week, so stay tuned. What will it take to get YOU to participate?!?!

Now - Wait, Just One Tick Tock!

2011-02-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Another sale? What?

Yes.

Another sale.

I decided that I'd mark everything off 10% on my website for a couple reasons.

1) Free Shipping on all things BuckleBottom ENDS March 1st. BOO HOO. :( In an effort to keep my items low priced, I had to up the shipping from free to flat rate. :( I hate it. But I'm not able to afford to offer it free any more. That daggone cost 'o silver. Arg.

2) I love ya'll. It was just TIME for another sale. But it's fast....and it's just until free shipping ends. So, buy your goodies now! You have 'til March 1st for 10% off everything on my webby AND free shipping. (Does not include custom orders at this time.)

3) It's another opportunity to say HEY! I'm here! HELLOOOOO!?! :) If you signed up for my newsletter, you would have heard about the sale HOURS ago. Notice...some things are already sold. AW SHUCKS! Maybe you should have signed up sooner? ;-) (But back to #2 - you KNOW I love ya.)

BONUS
If you guess where I got the title of this post, I'll make ya a big hole bead for a necklace. Heck. I'll throw in a matching organza cord. First correct answer wins, but you MUST POST IT AS COMMENT ON THIS BLOG. Facebook, e-mail, phone call, etc....DOES NOT COUNT. :)

Ready?

GO!

Ta DA!

2011-02-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yes! I'm still here! Working away on a couple custom orders! :) Happy Wednesday!

Silly girl. I heart her, tho. And those BANGS...oy!

XOXO Sale Continues

2011-02-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Added a couple new pairs of earrings tonight to my XOXO sale....and there are more in the works. I just can't seem to find the time to string all my goodies up. Beads are made, designs are in my head.....tick tock! Check 'em out!

XOXO

2011-02-06T21:32:00.001-07:00

A sale! A sale!

click here RIGHT HERE! click here

A sale!

XOXO

Winter Woes

2011-02-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Don't let the title of this post fool you. I. Heart. Winter. I know some of you reading this blog might want to knock your computer to the ground and/or delete me as a "bookmark" after reading this post, but I do. I heart winter. Winter elsewhere is miserable right now (and I'm praying for those of you that are getting hit hard with extreme weather), but I still...sorry...heart winter.

It's chilly here. We actually had to cover plants and turn on the heat last night. It's snuggly inside. It's chilly outside. I heart winter.

I've been wearing my sweater slippers for months now. They look kinda grimy. But they are oh-so-cozy. They keep my feet just a "right kinda" warm. Even if they make any outfit look like I'm still in my jammies. That's okay. You love me anyway.

And who cares? Maybe I need to look like I'm in my jammies. Or. Maybe. Just maybe. I'm still IN my jammies. Who cares?

But back to my point about being mislead. You, not me. I know where I stand on winter. I heart winter.

But, ohhhhhhh, the germies. That's my only complaint. Sickies galore. My poor babies. One is still really sick after 5 days of coughing, hacking, sniffing and sneezing. The other just can't shake that nasty cough. And my BIG baby? My sweet, hard-working husband? Yeah. He left for work hackin' up a lung. I have managed to keep it at bay....just a little sniffle and a dry, tickle cough. I can handle it. But my babies. Hence my only winter woe.

So.....

Let me reiterate. I. Heart. Winter.

I will relish this time (as best I can with the germies) because......~~100 110~~ 120 degrees could be just around the corner.

Twirling Trees

2011-01-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to bring this Etsy store to your attention. This young (13 year old) girl saves all her pennies, uses all the money she makes from her jewelry and sends it off to Kenya to support orphans there. Her heart is for the Lord and for these children. It warms my heart to see someone so young trying to make a difference. I bought one of her bracelets and let me tell you.... They are SO COOL! Seriously. I love mine.

Twirling Trees on Etsy. A little bit of money goes a long way.

God Bless her!

Thank you!

2011-01-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful friends, family and customers! I've managed to clean out a bit of my inventory to make new for more, springy things! In fact, I've already started making beads with a little less "wintery" theme.

But, as always, I need inspiration. I'd love for you all to provide a link, picture or description of colors and images that you find particularly lovely and awe inspiring. Okay? Sound good? THANKS! :)

Have a grrrrrrrrreat week!

Newsletter Sign-up

2011-01-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

I'm starting a newsletter and mailing list....officially. I've sent some off and on throughout the years, but never very consistently. I'm hoping to do much better at that in Twenty Eleven! So, please go HERE and sign-up for my newsletter/mailing list.

My promise to you:

You won't be bombarded with e-mails. The Newsletter will be about once a month, maybe. And any email updates would be on an "as needed" basis - but no more than once a week.
You'll be the FIRST to hear about sales, new items, contests, fundraisers and boutiques. BEFORE a blog post. BEFORE a Facebook post.
You'll be included in special drawings and contests that others won't be.
You'll have opportunities for free beads, jewelry or deeply discounted items that others won't have.
You'll make me feel really good about myself and will show me support without even really having to try! Ha ha!

So - please? Sign up. And if I bug ya? You can always unsubscribe. But, I won't bug ya. See above - item #1 on the promise list. :)

PS - My sale is still going on until tomorrow! Check that out, too, while you're there!

SALE ON!

2011-01-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Details:
Everything on my website is 10% to 20% off! The sale lasts until this Sunday, 1/23/11. I only have one of everything in stock, so once it's gone....well, email me and maybe I can make something for you. :) (These items will be considered "custom orders," however, and my turn around time for those is 2-3 weeks. You WILL get the sale price, though.) Take advantage of this terrific sale! AWESOME prices! The lowest they'll be for a long while....boooo hoooo! :(

Etsy beads:
Well, didn't get pics and details up for those yet and I have a busy evening. Here's hopin' for tomorrow!

And finally:
PLEASE sign up for my new Newsletter on my website. Scroll down to the bottom/left and sign-up! Please, oh please! :)

SALE SALE SALE!

2011-01-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been editing and posting, editing more and posting more! I have LOTS of goodies on my website that are just about to make their appearance....and they are ON SALE! Everything on my website (which includes lots of charm necklaces and some earrings that haven't appeared on the site before!) will be anywhere from 10% to 20% off! (Sale will end Sunday evening....so get while the gettin's good!) I only have one of each item in stock, but if you see something you love and it's sold, e-mail me. I'll do my best to make something similar at the sale price for ya. However, as I stated in my previous blog post, my silver stash is quite small at the moment!)

I also will have some bead sets up on Etsy by this afternoon. There is one set listed there already, but just some cute little spacer beads. So, if you're a jewelry designer, please make sure you check that out! :)

Give me a BIT more time....an hour? Two max. Then VOILA!

New Stuff Comin' Soon

2011-01-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm busy editing photos! My website will have some new stuff up pretty quick.....and it'll be ON SALE! Gotta clear out the inventory to make new for some REALLY new stuff. :)

Busy time around here, but I hope to get to the torch next week. The price of silver, as most of you know, has gone WAAAAAAAY up, so my bracelet stash will be slim for awhile. This drives me crazy because I LOVE making bracelets with shiny, silver beads to go with my sparkly, glass ones. I'm just too broke. So, if you're lookin' for something like THIS:

Or THIS:

....unfortunately, you'll not see such lovelies any time soon.

BUT - the good news is...I still will use lots of crystal and other yummy beads and stones to create lovely goodies! So keep your eyes peeled and check out www.bucklebottom.com FREQUENTLY. :)

Sunday Silence

2011-01-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thinkin' too much

2011-01-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thinkin' it's sale time again......but gonna do it differently. Valentine's Day is approaching and I need some motivation to get some pretty, feminine beadies made. The Christmas season nearly devoured me, but I honestly was so so thankful for all the wonderful opportunities I had. I'm thinkin' maybe I need to try and keep that "mojo" flowin' somehow.

A sale always seems to help, I think. Makes me feel "on top of my game." Helps me stock up on goodies. Means I gotta make beads, take pictures, get off my hiney.

So. I'm going to set aside some time and dedicate it to making some pretty pink? Red? Floral? beadies. But I'm thinkin' I need some inspiration from you.

Me thinks I think too much.

HAPPY TWENTY ELEVEN!

2011-01-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a blessed and happy 2011!!

Blissful Boro

2010-12-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just can't express how much I'm in love with this glass. I got to play with it again last night and just LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it! The colors are so amazing....and I only have a little bit to play with. (C'mon Santa! Bring me some BORO!) :)

Anyway.....I probably won't get to the torch again for a couple weeks. It'll be a much needed breather from pretty much anything BuckleBottom. Although the past few months have been WONDERFUL! Seriously. I've met so many great people, made some new connections and have learned some valuable lessons. Thank you to those who have helped me grow this year!!

So - BuckleBottom Beads is closed until 2011!! :) I wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and the Happiest of New Years!! I'll be in touch in January!

BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!
Haley

WHEW!

2010-12-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

What a busy week!! I feel like I haven't stopped once! However, that's not really the case. I stopped LOTS at the beginning of the week, which is why I COULDN'T stop towards the end!

Custom orders are almost complete. One more boutique left in the season. The rest of the "work" I do will be gifts/personal/fun.

Had a big 'ol boutique today - waaaaaay out in the "sticks." Wasn't the best turn out but the women there were awesome. Supportive, wonderful women. I enjoyed the day.

Now on to a more personal venue. I will be co-hosting (sorta) a boutique at a good friend's house (www.giggleboxgirls.com) on Saturday. A "street boutique" if you will. :) It should be a BLAST! Come! Please come!

Sale Ends Soon!

2010-12-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

My sale will end this evening.....so grab your goodies at 20% off as soon as you can! Go HERE to enjoy the savings! (I've continuously added things this week - bracelets and Christmas charm necklaces!) And rest assured....this is NOT the last sale of the holidays!

A HUGE thanks to those who have purchased and been my "testers" for my new shopping cart. I appreciate you and your business! And those of you who just called and said "I WANT THIS ONE!" I love and appreciate you, too! ;-)

Much love and Christmas cheer!
*************************************************************

More!

2010-12-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

I listed more sale items..... GO HERE! :)

Jingle All the Way!

2010-11-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

See previous post for details.

JINGLE BELL SALE!!

Let the savings begin! (From now until December 5th, with more items added daily!)

BuckleBottom Does Cyber Monday!

2010-11-28T17:02:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Cyber Monday, where deals are posted all over the internet. Since I missed my original sale date last week, I think it's appropriate to post this sale TOMORROW! Woot!

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

I will be posting items throughout the week on my JINGLE BELL SALE page, so don't just stop by once! I'm starting with 20% off select bracelets and will be adding tile pendants, earrings and my "solo bead" necklaces as the sale progresses. Sale ends Sunday, December 5th at 11:59pm Arizona time. Get a great start on those stocking stuffers, teacher gifts and unique items that you can't find anywhere else! AT A GREAT PRICE!

There is only ONE of each of the items you see. However, if you see an item that you want and it is marked "SOLD," just let me know. I will do my best to recreate what you see. (Due to the handmade nature of the glass beads and jewelry or the availability of certain jewelry parts, please know no two items will be exactly alike.) These would be "custom order" items, so please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. I can't guarantee a Christmas delivery, but will do my best. If you don't want to wait, grab the original item fast! :) I will try to keep up with updating my website as the items sell.

One last thing. Since I don't have my shopping cart up and running yet, please just click on my email link below the item you'd like to purchase and send a quick email. I will then send you a paypal invoice and we can go from there. If it's a custom order, I'll get back with you on a time frame.

HERE IS THE SALE!

Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I'm Sorry!

2010-11-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I know....I know....I said the SALE would be today.....

But I didn't get it done. I thought I'd be able to get pictures taken yesterday and posted last night, but, I....uh....was a slacker. It's not that I sat on my duff and didn't do it, but my daughter decided to come home after her Thanksgiving feast at school (with a friend) and then I was invited to spend some time with a friend who was visiting out of town..... So, it didn't happen yesterday. And I already knew that today would be shot. So -

I'm sorry if you were anticipating it.

BUT

I will make it worth your while. I will -- I WILL!!! -- be back after Thanksgiving with the best sale I can possibly manage. Next week will be the sale of all sales! Just watch.... :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!! Many many blessing to you and yours.

Peace out ~

Seriously?

2010-11-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Seriously. This is the first time I've sat down at my computer (for anything other than google maps or a quick email check!) since Friday. This weekend was C.R.A.Z.Y!!!! Some of it good, some of it great and some of it just plain busy!!

But I'm here. I'm alive. And I'm ready for a nice little reprieve from the busy.

However, before I go....I'd like to offer a little SALE. I toldja I would, so I will. Keep checking this blog because I will let you all know when it's ready to go and what it will entail....soon....by, like, tomorrow. :) Just gotta get some pics taken and up on my website...or Etsy. Haven't decided where the sale will be yet. Probably website.

CHECK BACK SOON! YAY!

A Biggie!

2010-11-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be in a vendor fair this Saturday from 5-9 in the Synergy Chiropractic office (Safeway plaza) on the corner of Queen Creek and Power. I really hope anyone nearby can make it. There will be raffle prizes, yummy goodies and, of course, LOTS of opportunities to holiday shop. I'm really looking forward to it....but am a tad nervous! It's the first time I've been in something other than an open house boutique. This will be my cue as to whether or not I should do MORE.

Wish me luck!

Today is Tuesday

2010-11-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

And I'm recovering. I was up late last night. I was wired (or as my MIL says "jacked up") after a productive boutique at a new friend's house. I'm one of those people that come home from something like that and instead of crashing, I go bouncin' off the walls for awhile. And last night was no exception. Especially since it was fun! I really had a nice time last night and I made a bit of money, too! (Thank you to all who came, shopped and chatted!)

A big shout-out to my new blogger friend, Ashley. She featured me on her blog and I'm just thrilled! Thank you Ashley! I hope we can chat again!

So. Today is Tuesday. And I'm going to just rest. :) I'll be back later in the week with some more pics and maybe start getting a Thanksgiving sale going. Hm. Gotta think about that. WOOT!

Unveiling

2010-11-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Charm Necklaces

Tile Pendant
Glass Bead
Charm(s) - optional

These are my new creations that were a HIT at the last boutique I was in. Choose your own design (a "build-your-own" kinda thing)!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those graphic designers that have provided me with such awesome digital designs to use in my tile pendants. THEY ARE NOT MY OWN. However, I'm allowed to use them in my jewelry, with my beads and with my new designs. I HEART THEM! (I'm also working on learning how to do them myself.....so hopefully NEXT Christmas I can claim some as my own!)

I will have LOTS of these listed on my website very, very soon.....and probably a drawing or two for a free one! STAY TUNED!

Mad dash

2010-11-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post of my cuties from this Halloween:

Two More!

2010-10-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yes - two more.

Two more.....what?

Well, two more boutiques.

Two more nights to stress about.

Two more ways to earn some Christmas money.

Two more weeks until I'm UBER busy again.

YIKES! :) Makes me happy.

Sunday Silence - on my birthday :)

2010-10-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

TGIF

2010-10-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's been Fall Break. Needless to say, I've gotten nothing done other than a few pumpkins for a custom order. I need to keep my groove a-goin' too! I have another boutique comin' up. YAY! My new pieces are going fast! I will try and get some pictures up in the next week, but there are no guarantees! Obviously my blog gets neglected when other things are cruisin'. Sorry about that.

If ya'll could do me a favor? Leave me a comment on whether or not I should do a newsletter. I'm debating on doing one, even though I'll probably have a hard time keeping up with it for awhile. I've found a couple sources I could utilize. I'm thinking that this blog is kinda my newsletter, but I may reach more people with an official one. I dunno. What do YOU think?

So, back to the family! I'll be back soon....ish. :)

Sunday Silence

2010-10-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

Screaming in Pillows

2010-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I had one of those nights. I tossed. I turned. I grunted and fumed. I wanted to scream in my pillow! Do you ever have those nights? You KNOW you should be sleeping. You KNOW there really is nothing keeping you up. It's just your crazy head spinning and spinning and spinning......

And JUST when I'd start to doze......

"Momma!! Momma!! MOMMAAAAA!!!!!!!"

It's a good thing he's so darn cute.

I don't know what The Bears problem was, but he was NOT happy. And NOT sleeping. "All done, Momma! ALL DONE!" All done, what? Sleeping? Being in his crib? All done being a sweet baby boy and turning into a TWO year old? Ack. All of the above.

Now *I* want my Momma.

I'm gettin' it done, though. Really. I am! Boutique is THIS Saturday at 4:30. I. Will. Be. Ready. Promise.

Wanna come? In the area? Send me a quick note, comment or something. I'll fill ya in. I WANT YOU THERE!

S to the L to the......

2010-09-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

.....A-C-K-E-R! And that spells SLACKER, yo. But just a blogging slacker!!

I'm soooo busy. I'm soooooo sorry. And I'm soooooo not gonna be writing much tonight, that's for sure! But I'm still here. I'm still alive. I'm still whippin' out beads as fast as my little torchie-poo will let me! And ideas are spinnin' around in my head, too. New ones. Cool ones (I hope!). Ones you'll just have to wait and see about!

I'm ending that in a prepositional phase!

What's up with that?

I don't know, but I don't have time to find out!

Love yas!

OH - and reminder.... October 2nd! Boutique baby! Contact me for details!

So much to do......

2010-08-31T09:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've got a month left. One month until the first boutique of the rapidly approaching holiday season! I suppose it could be my ONLY boutique, as it has been in the past, but I'd like to think positive. The first of....few. I don't wanna be TOO busy, ya'll!

So, I'm off. To fit in things that I didn't fit in last year. To do things in this nasty, sticky hotness of Phoenix. (Who said it was a DRY heat, huh?!?) To triumph over torches, melting glass and sterling silver! HERE.......I.......GO!!!!!!!!

Sunday Silence

2010-08-29T11:08:00.002-07:00

Sunday Silence Sunset

2010-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Winnah winnah!

2010-08-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks for playin', folks! :) I'll do another drawing soon! In the meantime, please keep reading! XOXO

Fair and Square!

2010-08-21T21:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I wrote all six names on individual slips of paper, folded them up, put them in a hat and my Bubbas (7 year old daughter) drew out a square.....

And it's the ONE PERSON who literally remained anonymous! LOL! But, the peppermint or pumpkin earrings are yours if you e-mail me in the next couple days. If I don't hear from you, say, by Monday morning, I will draw another name. So "YOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!" Will Miss (I assume) Anonymous please stand up?

Thank you ALL for the wonderful comments! They made my heart sing!

Crankin' Away

2010-08-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

So, yes. I've been making beads! Not a lot at one time, but a handful. That's good, right? I hope so.

I've also been staying up until close to 1 in the morning because I can't turn my brain off. I have a little over a month to prepare for a boutique I'm participating in and I just can't get a handle on it. I have too many ideas, too many wants, too many wishes. If you were me and trying to make jewelry to sell, what would you make? What colors? I really wanna know what people are just DYING for this year and only so much internet research will help. I wanna know what YOU want. I wanna know what YOU are making. I wanna know what YOU would snatch up and say "YES! This is IT! EXACTLY what I want! You're AWESOME, Haley!"

Okay, okay. You don't have to say the last part. You can if you want, though!

Come on people! Help a girl out. :) Tell ya what. If you've read this far.....I'll make it worth your while. Leave a comment to get entered into a drawing (you have until Saturday at 9pm Mountain Standard Time) to win a cute pair of earrings! You'll have a choice - cute pumpkins for fall or peppermint candies for Christmas! (They'd make fun, unique gifts!)

Tiny pumpkins with Vintaj findings

Tiny peppermint candies with sterling silver findings

So, leave a comment answering "what should Haley make?" and please make sure you're specific (colors, styles, etc.) Remember, I make glass beads, not miracles. HA! If you have NO CLUE? Leave a comment anyway. I won't be making "judgements" on who left the best, most creative comment. I'll just put your name into a hat! How's that sound? You could just say "Hi! 123456789!!" But, to be honest, I'd much prefer if you said SOMETHING rather than that. I MIGHT just draw another name if you do that. Just sayin'. LOL

So, leave your comment!! You have 'til Saturday night! Be creative! Have fun!

Sunday Silence

2010-08-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Definition of Addict

2010-08-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

Websters has this definition: "to habituate or abandon (oneself) to something compulsively or obsessively: a writer addicted to the use of high-flown language; children addicted to video games."

This is MY new addiction. YUM!

I thought that if I tried it once in this awful, horrible heat that I wouldn't care to touch it again for awhile. That I could make due without.

I. Was. Wrong.

My kiln is all heated up. I'm in my swimsuit because that's the only way to survive it. Babe is asleep. Oh, Boro.....how do I love thee?

I'm goin' in.........

BORO BABY!

2010-08-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

I tried it! For the first time evah! I tried boro frit with pyrex clear...... I adjusted my kiln, tried to get my poor little torch to get as hot as it could and jumped in the pool and torched wet so I wouldn't completely melt myself! I'll show you beads tomorrow.....they gotta chill (literally and figuratively) in the kiln. I have NO idea how they'll look!

Back tomorrow with pics.

Sunday Silence

2010-08-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

School already?!

2010-08-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

School started for my eldest monkey on Monday. I thought I was sooooo ready for her to go back, but..... Well, I miss her during the day! I knew she drove me nuts while tormenting her younger brother, but I didn't realize how much she was entertaining him!! He's a little "attention hog" now! (He also screams when his sister gets out of the car!) It's funny, yet not.

The good news is the beads are back! I haven't actually sat at the torch yet (still hot out there, people!), but I've started organizing my stash, getting ready for holiday boutiques and ordering more findings online. I hope to be FULLY PREPARED by October because that's when the shows start for me. I'm hoping to be a part of more this year. First one is October 2nd. Let me know if you're interested in coming!

I probably won't be having another big sale until later on, but I will be posting specials from time to time. I'd also like to do a contest. I need followers, folks! COME ONE, COME ALL! You gotta be a "follower" to get the good deals, I'm tellin' ya.

So until I actually have some stuff to show ya, I'll probably be fairly silent....like Sunday Silence..... Do you like those posts? I hope to keep 'em coming.

Sunday Silence - General Sherman

2010-08-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday Silence

2010-07-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Gotta be a bit show-offy!

2010-07-21T23:10:00.001-07:00

It's late. I should be in bed. But I took these pics today and....well....I'm really lovin' this chunky bracelet. I'm SOOOO gonna have to make it again. (This is for my step-mom, my dad's wife, my....buddy. :) ) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 'Ita! I even think (please don't correct me if I'm wrong cuz it'll hurt my feelings - LOL) that my pictures are slowly but surely getting better. (And don't compare these to the camera phone photos - those don't count.)

And can I have any more parenthesis in my post? Yikes!

Starring "Joyful Heart":


Joyful Heart bracelet

Dem dere are BIG beads. :)

Double-strand! Whoa!

I hope you like it. Please leave comments if you do. I need comments. I never get any. I think this blog background reminds me of a granny nightgown. Okay, you were paying attention. Also, PLEEEAAAAASE subscribe. It honestly gives my ego a nice little boost. :)

How to pass the hot summer days?

2010-07-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we swim. We read. (Okay, *I* read.) We watch movies. (I heart Netflix!) And we craft. This was today's project:

I decided to teach my 7 year-old how to make those friendship bracelets out of embroidery floss. :) She has done similar things in Girl Scouts so she caught on really quick. I tried adding beads to mine, but I think I need to do a different design..... I'll get back to you on that. Hee!

Finished project for her BFF:

(Sorry, blurry phone pics!)

I'm Back!

2010-07-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! You know you've had a wonderful vacation when you really, truly hate it when it ends. I love the beach. I do. I'm pretty sure I could live on the beach, even in cold, stormy weather. But, I've never lived on the beach, so I don't know! I wanna try......

Anyway. I get so much inspiration from my vacations to Oregon. I just wish I could put that inspiration to good use. But not only did I come home from vaca to 112 degree weather, our A/C went out upstairs, too. So I'm not just hot outside, I'm hot inside. (Not too bad - I'm so glad we have TWO units!) We did have to sleep downstairs last night. Good thing we have gotten used to the four of us in close quarters due to our first ROAD TRIP! (And thank God for our dear friend who saved us from this crisis! WHEW!!)

Which leads me to the road trip. It was interesting (ask me about 4 new tires, horrible diaper changes and the amount of pit stops!) but it was so fun, too! I'll post some pictures soon. It was our first as a family (longer than a day) and we survived! Definitely funny stories and stressful moments after three days (6 if you count there AND back). Well worth it, I say.

I am working on a "Summer Savings Sale" so bear with me while the bead/jewelry photos are sparse for now......

Hope you're having a great summer!

SUMMMMMER!!!!!

2010-06-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing! It's definitely a love/hate relationship...... It's HOT. My kids get BORED. I can't TORCH.

BUT. We get to go to the BEACH! I have time to spend with my KIDDOS. There is a LAZINESS about life that I just love.

So, it will remain quiet here for awhile, at least on the bead front. I'll letcha know how the BEACH goes....cuz that's comin' up soon!! WHOO HOO!! :P

Happy Summer!

Etsy!

2010-06-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

I love Etsy. I find waaaaay too many good things there. I buy waaaaaay too many good things there. And now I've actually listed some things there - after being gone for quite awhile.

This was the before pic, however:

The AFTER looks much better!

So check out my Etsy store for my newest goodies!

Wish me luck!

Camping and Nervous Nelly

2010-06-11T10:03:00.004-07:00

I've probably called myself "Nervous Nelly" a hundred times in the past three days. My daughter is going camping this weekend and I'm not. She's going out-of-town to camp. It's just nerve-wracking for me. I know when she comes home I'll be excited for her and wishing it had lasted longer (it'll definitely be peaceful here without her!), but for now.....I'm Nervous Nelly.

It's so hard to let your kiddos "fly" on their own, isn't it? I know this will be great for her, a learning experience and soooo much fun for her! But, still.....
And pray for her safe return.

I trust who she's going with. I trust they'll be safe and protective. I do, really!

But I'm a mom.

And maybe a paranoid freak.

It's Official

2010-06-09T11:20:00.003-07:00

I'm going to focus on THIS blog and make it my permanent blogging home. :) I have utilized wordpress for the past couple years, but I really like the "perks" of blogger. Plus, I am hoping to broaden my reader base because, let's face it - I'm not the glassy gal ALL the time. My faith, family and friends come first and that's what I wanna share. (Yes, there will still be glassy posts, too!) I just know I tend to post more about me and my LIFE rather than my ART. Not that I have to change blogging venues to do that.

The fact is: I like the cute templates that I can add to blogger.....for free. :)

Creative Juices

2010-06-08T10:35:00.003-07:00

I have two blogs. One always neglected and one often neglected. I REALLY want a decent, fun to read blog. I truly do. I'm not a horrible writer, nor do I have an extremely boring life - two things I feel make an awful blog. LOL! I have cute stories to tell, fun glass goodies to share and a quirky sense of humor that makes, well, ME laugh. And I know my friends and family find me somewhat amusing at times.

And since my hard-drive crashed on my computer with no back-up (SOB!), I will have to take a zillion pictures and will post the funny ones....so.....

......

......

....what to do. Do I continue with my current blog that has a boring look but lots of posts. It has pictures and updates, but no character or goal.

To start over and have a goal, an achievable destination?

Or try to revamp the old, hoping to reclaim my original motivation?

Food for though. Juices for creativity. Where's the outlet?

Still trying!

2010-01-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

I have all this creative energy! I will be changing to this blog soon. Stay tuned!