BESTeam Feature :: Plum Beadacious

My first thought when stopping by Plum Beadcious' shop was how instantly I was drawn in and what I was looking at was not only beautiful it's also original and even fun! LeAllyson is the woman behind this artisan jewelry shop. About seven years ago LeAllyson's daughter introduced her to the craft of beaded jewelry making. She was hooked and has been making jewelry since and selling her creations for about five years.

A move last January from Missouri to Colorado has made rebuilding LeAllyson's inventory necessary. This move has also given new found inspiration; she finds that Colorado has ignited her creativty even more.

A variety of materials can be found in the pieces created by LeAllyson including lampwork beads, crystals, Czech glass beads, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones. Affordability is a priority in an effort to make it possible for anyone wanting to adorn themselves with something beautiful. This is achieved by utilizing findings that are brass, silver plate, copper, pewter and other metals. Sterling silver and gold fill can be found in some pieces. You should have no surprises as to what your piece is made of because LeAllyson makes every effort to clearly describe the materials used.

A selection of my favorite pieces

Antique Brass Owl Trio Pendant Green Czech Glass Necklace

Dark Purple Crystals on Contemporary Modern Silver Plated Earrings

Hibiscus Bouquet Necklace - Lucite Flowers, Antique Brass

If you enjoy these pieces of wearable beauty as much as I do, stop by Plum Beadacious {click here}.

Other places to find Plum Beadacious are on facebook, blog where you can sign up to receive a newsletter and Plum Bedacious' website at www.plumbead.com

BESTeam Feature :: Ms Formaldehyde

With all of the rain and gloomy days that have graced the presence of the Midwest it is a welcome break to take a peak at the Etsy shop Ms Formaldehyde. A shop deemed to be that of tiki oasis jewelry and hair accessories offers some sunshine in the mostly cloudly skies covering Illinois.

An unemployed science girl, Kelly from San Diego, loves and finds inspiration in tiki, Polynesian, Hawaiian and Day of the Dead. She makes carved and sugar skulls which can be seen incorporated into her flower and feather creations. Kelly's accessories have feels of gothic, pin up and burlesque that are no doubt one-of-a-kind works of art.

With a love of custom orders and the ability to fulfill wholesale requests, Ms Formaldehyde would be the perfect choice for a bride looking to have unique accessories for her bridal party.

A selection of items from Ms Formaldehyde

Zombie Green Turquoise Skull Day of the Dead

Raspberry Lemon Spring Orchid Barrette

Hello Kitty Rhinestone Peacock Feather

If you are looking for one-of-a-kind accessories, Ms Formaldehyde is definately the place to go. Stop by Kelly's shop now {click here} and then don't forget to check out her blog as well.

BESTeam Feature :: Our Home To Yours

As I've grown up I've become closer to my Mom. Having gone away to college and now living just a short 20 minutes away from my family I've come to learn that all too often Mom really does know best. Be it my meltdown over my first attempt at cooking a chicken in my Crock Pot to the simple chats to catch up, I know I can always count on my Mom to be there. The thing I know I always find in my Mom is a shopping buddy! Sometimes I have to wonder if many are quite as psychotic about shoes as we are. Much like my mother and I, Debbi and Amanada share a passion that they have chosen to share with the world. They've combined their creative forces to bring the world Our Home To Yours.

Debbi grew up the youngest of 10 with a artistic spirit mother. Many summers were spent at art shows cultivating a desire for Debbi to one day participate in her favorite show the Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo, NY. Now located in North Carolina, with 10 children of her own spanning the eastern seaboard, Debbi offers her creativity to make up part of Our Home To Yours.

One of Debbi's daughters, Amanda, comprises the second half of Our Home To Yours. With a Masters in Graphic Design and a passion for yarn, Amanda has been crocheting like crazy. The 15 minute distance from Amanda and her mother most likely make this a very successful collaboration.

One-of-a-kind is the speciality of this duo. Seeing something more than once is a rarity becuase these two like to try new things and feel that if you wanted to blend in, you wouldn't be shopping handmade.

A Sample of Items

Hearts of Green Dangle Earrings

Handmade Crochet Brown and Yellow Fringe Scarf

One of a Kind Custom Painted Wedding Banner

For one-of-a-kind with the loving touch of a mother-daughter duo, head over to Our Home To Yours. Be sure to also check out their Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

BESTeam Feature :: Your Daily Jewels

I remember going to my brother's physical therapy sessions when we were younger. His therapist, a die-hard Cubs fan, would give my brother a prize at the end of the session as a reward. I clearly remember a white baseball card book with a letter 'C' in that lovely Cubbie blue. Maybe I remember it because this particular time I was fortunate enough to get a prize along with my brother just for being there. These prizes obviously made an impact which is why I immediately recalled this story when I read Your Daily Jewels profile.

Norah, a physical therapist from the east coast, began her jewelry creating when she needed a simple reward system for the children she works with. A story accompanied each creation detailing the significance of each bead and stone used. The rewards were a success and the birth of a new creative outlet began.

Don't think the story ends as a reward for her patients. You too can wear these gorgeous handmade, semiprecious, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Each piece bursts with color that demands attention. Norah's aim is "to create modern, glamorous and affordable jewelry that women will be happy to wear everyday". I can't imagine any not being delighted to wear jewelry from Your Daily Jewels.

Here are some of my favorite pieces that can be found on Etsy

Pink Sapphire Swarovski Flower Bouquet Earrings

Teal Blue Fire Agate and Lemon Quartz Bracelet in Colors of the Shoreline


Antiqued Silver Flower Petal Pendant Necklace with Fresh Water Pearl Stamens

Aside from checking out Your Daily Jewels {click here} you have the opportunity to be entered into monthly give-aways simply by following the shop on Facebook. Norah's original store consisting of jewelry that has been reconstructed from vintage or broken jewelry can be found at http://www.pjclarke.etsy.com. Don't forget to show your support by checking out Norah's blog at http://www.yourdailyjewels.blogspot.com and following on twitter at http://www.twitter.yourdailyjewels.com

BESTeam Feature:: Alexander's Designs

This week I bring you a husband and wife team that comprises Alexander's Designs. Here you will find truly unique jewelry created from a blend of Swarovski Crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter and gold. The variety of bold colors and simple beauty will be sure to please a broad range of shoppers.

This team loves to create with their hands doing anything from construction work to jewelry making. They certainly sound like a versatile team! Jenny loved drawing and painting for many years until she discovered beads and her love of jewelry making in 2002. Since then she has been creating her own jewelry line with great pride and pleasure coming from seeing others wearing her art.

In 2005 Jenny's husband, Skip, caught the jewelry making bug after attending a lamp work bead class with her. Together they have taken classes in Fused Glass and Borosilicate Glass. They spend many hours working on their skills to bring you beautiful, high quality glass art beads and pendants!

If the beautiful pendant pictured above is appealing to you be sure to head over to Alexander's Designs {click here} and find something that will be sure to be one-of-a-kind!