recent features

Etsy Treasuries can be such a fun way to shop. 
It's like having your own clothing/home/seasonal/etc stylists right at your fingertips!  Items are grouped together by theme and you could get lost in all the fun arenas people put together.  But if you looking for something specific, treasuries can also help narrow down the great wide world that is Etsy.

They're also a lot of fun to create too!

Behind the Moon Beadworks (btmbeadworks on Etsy) was given some recent features as you can see below.

African Turquoise and Carved Wood Earrings

Green and Yellow Jewelry

Find the treasury here.

Long Fringe Silver Necklace

Inspiring , beautiful & unique!

Find the treasury here.

If you haven't perused an Etsy Treasury yet, I encourage you to give them a try.  Maybe even create one yourself!

shop re-opening

Happy New Year!

I hope all of you had joyous and peaceful holidays!    With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us it's time to redirect our attention to the up and coming year.  Behind the Moon Beadworks will be available at some new locations this year (more on that to come) yet remains convenient for all at our Etsy shop.  I hope you will stop by the shop and see the latest designs that will be appearing soon!

holiday shop 2014

Behind the Moon Beadworks will be at the Holiday Shop at South Butler Primary School in Saxonburg PA tomorrow evening from 6:30 to 8:30.  If you are in the area we would love to see you there!  Enjoy some yummy refreshments as you peruse the festive offerings of several local vendors and business owners. 

Support your local businesses this holiday season!

new to the shop

Hi friends!

I'm excited to let you know that my Etsy Shop is now re-open (after a few years hiatus) and new items are being added.  Here's a peak at some of what's new.

1. Earrings - Cream, Teardrop, Chandelier, Green, Pearl, Chain, Diamond, Long, Dangle, Swag, Silver, Sterling, Beaded, Handmade

2. Necklace - Triple Strand - Autumn, Orange, Gold, Green, Glass, Fall, Multi strand, Muted, Beaded, Handmade

3. Earrings - Carnelain, Jade, Wire, Wrapped, Gold, Fall, Orange, Yellow, Chandelair, Teardrop, Long, Beaded, Handmade

4. Necklace - Fringe Charm - Long, Chain, Sterling, Silver, Cobalt, Blue, Dangle, Beaded, Handmade

5. Earrings - Cherry Blossom - Pink, Gold, Citron, Chandelier, Lime, Sweet, Spring, Summer, Beaded, Handmade

Stop by the shop and see what's new!

october's opal

The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and inspiration.  It is said to enhance the imagination and creativity as well.

Regardless of any deeper meaning, it's just plain beautiful if you ask me :)
Fest your eyes on these fabulous beauties from a few fellow jewelry artists.

1. pink faceted opal
2. opal filigree ring
3. opal and emerald earrings
4. opal pendant necklace
5. opal and silver ring
6. opal and gold charm bracelet
7. peruvian opal earrings

Are you a lucky October baby?

Have a lovely weekend friends!

gold fever

GOLD FEVER

It seems that silver has had my heart for most of my life.

But lately there's a new kid in town...gold.  Sorry silver I didn't mean to cheat on you but surely there is room to love you both?  I'm crushing on gold's refreshing warmth right now.  Maybe because it reminds me of the sun.  Are there any other sun worshipers out there?  I don't mean tanners, I mean those that need the sun, like air, just to function.  Surely I'm not the only one?  And Gold, right now your subtle fire is warming me up and keeping me energized...bless your little heart ; )

I'm adoring these finds from fellow handmade artists on Etsy, be sure to check them out!

1. tangle earrings
2. glitter earrings
3. hammered bangles
4. infinity bracelet
5. leaf chain necklace
6. tiered necklace
7. stacked ring
8. leaf ring

And I've been wearing my own creation below like its my job :)  Love the way this one turned out!

Magnesite Teardrop and Gold Necklace

Have you been faithful to just one metal or are you poly-metal like I am becoming?

Mother's Day Shop Sale

  Hi ladies!

Every mom likes to feel pretty and appreciated.  

Help her celebrate the wonderful blessings 

of motherhood with a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewelry.  

We're running a sale in the shop starting today thru Thursday 5/2 

with 20% off AND free shipping!

Etsy Shop

Happy shopping!

Spotlight on color | Amethyst

Oh yeah, I totally put Prince in there!

Many of you probably already know that February's birthstone is Amethyst. 
Oh how I wish I was a February baby!

Amethyst can range from gentle violet to brilliant purple.

 Long known as the color of royalty, purple has many other properties you may not be aware of.

It is said to be the color of spiritual fulfillment and purpose.  If you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind.  

No wonder I've always been drawn to it :)

Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, 

it is believed to be the ideal color.

Even if you aren't a February baby, don't let that stop you from rocking this commanding color!

If you want to add some calm power to your look, go for Amethyst.  

Pair it with light or dark shades, you can't go wrong.

Find Amethyst in my Etsy Shop!

Sparkling Wines Earrings

A Review and Giveaway | A Behind the Moon First

Well looky here!  

I'm actually doing a review and giveaway!

Yes. Giveaway!

A little backstory....

I've been making jewelry since...well I can't remember exactly when, it's been so long ago...

but when I actually began thinking about selling it I subscribed to a couple catalog's and jewelry making magazines and came across some ads for Nina Designs.  It was love at first sight. 

I started following their blog about a year ago and saw an opportunity a few months
ago to become a blog partner. 

The time has finally come.

 They sent me some items to design with and share with all of you.  Score!!!
What a happy mail day it was when my little pretties arrived!

I was instantly smitten with their products.  There is no denying the exceptional quality.

Nina Designs has been in business for 25 years making high quality and truly unique jewelry components for artisans.  Each designs starts with a handmade sketch that is tweaked until it is ready for the market.  All the items are handmade and intricately produced in Asia by skilled silversmiths with extreme attention to detail.
Nina Designs prides themselves on being able to feed someone's creativity
and help enable their artistic vision.

The aspects of Nina Designs that really sets them apart in my eyes is the undeniable quality and 

the uniquely fluid designs of their products.

Here are a few of my favorite components from their store.

Now let's get to the giveaway!

There will be two winners, one for each pair of these earrings I designed using Nina Designs pieces.

Blue Apatite Teardrops

Golden Branches with Amazonite and Czech Glass

The Rules:  

(leave a separate comment for each for a total of 5 possible entries)

1. Follow the Behind the Moon blog

2. Follow Behind the Moon on Facebook

3. Follow Behind the Moon on Twitter  I'm at @BTMbeadworks

4. Visit my Etsy shop and tell which item is your favorite

5. Tell me which of the above Nina Designs pendants (numbered 1-6) is your favorite

The giveaway will run through Tuesday 1/29/13 and the winners will be randomly selected by one of my "little helpers" and announced on Thursday 1/31.

Good luck!

for the love of color

 
"What's your favorite color?"

I never could answer that question.  

There's no way I could ever pick just one. 

I simply love color.

Every. glorious. one.

And when you start putting them together in varying combinations?  

Well that's where the magic happens.  Emotions are stirred and souls begin to sing.

Here are a few combinations that I'm loving right now and a little bit about the feelings they bring out in me.

color pallette via and Capri Palm Earrings from my Etsy Shop

confident
courageous
secure

This is a great palette to wear for a job interview or any time
you need an extra ounce of confidence.

color pallette via and Red Howlite and Turquoise Bracelet from my Etsy Shop

playful
vibrant
energetic

Living it up on the weekend with friends?
Go for this fun combo and play all day in the sun.

color pallette via and Calming Waters Necklace from my Etsy Shop

tranquil
alert

patient
 
If your a morning person like me, this blend of colors will get your day started off right
Calm, cool, and collected.

color pallette via and Sparkling Wine Earrings from my Etsy Shop

romantic
deep
cozy

Cozy up on a rainy night with these rich colors.
Maybe even drink a little wine by candle light with your honey.

So....what's your favorite color? ;)

New to the Shop

Here's a bunch new lovelies that have found their way to my shop!

I'm busy gearing up for the Happy Days Handmade Holiday Market.

You know....creating new designs.....restocking some best sellers... and generally just having some fun :)

Get ready y'all, it's coming!  The market starts on October 20th.

{1} carved rosewood earrings
{2}carved rosewood bracelet
{3}spring fling earrings
{4}red howlite and turquoise bracelet
{5}red howlite chip earrings
{6}crystal rose and quartz bracelet
{7}olive crackle agate chandelier earrings
{8}olive crackle agate necklace

Support America's artisans and buy handmade this holiday season!

Finally getting close - the hair that is

Cobalt tank: New York & Co

Earrings: Drops of Rain - b e h i n d  t h e  m o o n  BEADWORKS (available on Etsy)

Necklace: Custom - b e h i n d  t h e  m o o n  BEADWORKS (email me for details)

Bracelet: Custom - b e h i n d  t h e  m o o n  BEADWORKS (email me for details)

 Five months ago I did this post about trying to grow out my hair and achieve those loose luscious curls I so often admire on celebs and several of you other bloggers!  I got a "body wave" that was more like a full on

"finger in an electric socket" perm.  Not that I minded it much once it started to relax but it was still tighter than I wanted.  Well my hair is finally showing some length gained.  And I curled it with a curling iron despite that my perm is still going strong.  I was actually able to get something close to what I've been wanting for a long time...which made me really happy.  

Me?
Happy with my hair? 
It's like an impossibilty and yet...I kinda am.

We recently had a Indian Summer weekend so we decided to have one last cookout at our house.  This is the prettiest I have felt in a good while so I had my hubby document it for me.  

Gee, I don't look stiff do I?  

Not used to posing for a pic ;)

Are you ever happy with your hair?

New to the Shop - Mabolo Wood Necklace, Spring Fling I Earrings, & Wood Agate Necklace

I've been busy adding more designs to my Etsy Shop including two new Unisex necklaces and a fun and flirty pair of earrings.  Great for summer birthdays and hard-to-find men's gifts!

Mabolo Wood Necklace

Yep, you've seen this necklace before in my Tough guy meets Teddybear post.  

My husband wears this one all the time :)

Wood Agate Necklace

 This straightforward/neutral design work well with just about anything!

Spring Fling I Earrings

Dangling Czech glass fringe make this pair fun and flirty!   

They are a great compliment to my Spring Fling Bracelet design.

New to the Shop - Carnelian Candy

 Beads always remind me of candy for some reason.  

When a new shipment arrives, I'm like a kid in a candy store and all those bright colors look so delicious.  The carnelian and coral I used in this pair is no exception.  I could just gobble them up!

Carnelian Candy

Have a SWEET day!

Snowflake Obsidian and Black Onyx

I've finally been able to begin listing some of my new designs on my Etsy shop now that my home showing is over.   

This week I've added my Snowlfake Obsidian and Onyx Bangle and Drops to the shop.

Onyx and Obsidian Bangle

 Spring is here and that means shorter sleeves, perfect for showcasing a great bracelet and this swinging bangle will not disappoint! I love the movement this bangle has!

  

Onyx and Osidian Drops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was immediately drawn to the sterling silver vase beads used in these drops.  Such an unexpected shape!

Snowflake Obsidian is one of my favorite gemstones.  I really love the dalmation semblance it has.  Perfect for so many pieces in my wardrobe.  

And the simple beauty of black onyx cannot be denied!

Happy Wednesday!

Behind the Moon First Home Show - April 2011

As many of you know I recently had my first home showing of my jewelry designs and I'm SSOO excited to report....
it was a success!

I worked really hard on all aspects of the show and sale and it seems that most of it worked out really well, I will tweak a few things here and there but my second one shouldn't be as labor intensive as the first (I know my husband and boys are happy about that).

It would not have been a success without the
support of my friends and family.
You all have been so encouraging since way before Behind the Moon was even a legitimate business and I can't thank you enough for coming.
And to those that brought guests...
A HUGE THANK YOU
for helping to expose my designs to some new eyes.
That alone is invaluable to me.

So here are some pics from the day.  Too bad it was such a gray rainy day.
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!

Me and all my lovelies. 
I had three main displays set up.  My mantle works so nicely as a display space  but I will be designing a single table scape for future home shows and craft fairs.

Onyx & Obsidian Drops, Onyx & Obsidian Bangle (Coming soon to Etsy) : Drops of Rain : Morning Dew Necklace, Goldlip Shell Earrings

 First Frond: Carolina Moon: Calming Waters
Blushing Bronze (Coming soon to Etsy) : African Bloom :  African Turquoise (Coming soon to Etsy)

 
Some pics of my designs.  
Yep I know.... I need to take the time to figure out how to better crop and edit in photobucket, 
but bear with me, I'm often in a time crunch!

Wrap me in Chains Earrings & Necklace : Spring Fling II (coming soon to Etsy) : Sands of Time
Royal Simplicity Bracelet (coming soon to Etsy) : Royal Simplicity Necklace (coming soon to Etsy) : Rose Quartz
 Pistachio Pearl : African Turquoise : Blushing Bronze (coming soon to Etsy)


More designs.
I'm loving the set in the very center.  Its called Royal Simplicity (coming to my Etsy shop soon!).

 

coming soon to Etsy 

Beaded Bookmarks

 I was able to premier my new line of bookmarks affectionately called "Book Bling".  

Also coming soon to Etsy.  They were a real hit!

 

The giveaway.

Anyone who brought a guest got entered to win these pretty chandeliers!  

Congrats to Tammy!

Carnelian Carnival : Queen of Diamonds : Golden Pear : Satin Sand Pearl

More Earring Designs

Wood Agate (coming soon to Etsy) : Mabolo Wood (coming soon to Etsy)

For Him

I debuted my "for him" line of men's necklaces.  

My husband has the Mabolo Wood, see Tough guy meets teddy bear.

Some happy customers
Friends and family made the day!  These gorgeous gals left with some gorgeous baubles :)



What could be better than great friends, good food, and jewelry? 

I'm looking forward to doing it again!

Etsy Treasury:Rain Rain Rain Rain

 I have been honored with another Etsy Treasury featuring one of my earring designs - Drops of Rain!

Check out the treasury here.

Its perfect for a day like today....more rain.

I'm loving the prints the curator featured in this Treasury.  Shows the true beauty of rain.

I feel like this little guy a lot of days

I think this one is my favorite, there's just something about a raindrop.....

Hope its sunny wherever you are :)

Etsy Treasury:There's Always Room for Ice Cream, Um Pistachio Please!

My Pistachio Pearl Earrings were featured in an Etsy Treasury!  

pistachio pearl earrings

A sincere THANK YOU to OhForCute for including me 

in this beautiful Treasury.  Take a look at all the georgous items in this treasury, 

I could eat them up!  Especially that pistchio ice cream lip gloss....yum!

You asked for it.....

As recently polled from my blog readers's......Blushing Rose Quartz is the preferred stone for Valentine's Day!  Take a look at these romantic rose quartz chandelier earrings...available now at my Etsy Shop.  

Thanks to all who voted!