Sweet Bead Studio — Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

Peach of a day!

by Cindy on August 9, 2010

Come join me for a down-home festival, in a sweet little town on the Eastern Shore. We discovered Berlin earlier this year when we went for the town Easter egg hunt (posted about it here). The 2nd annual Peach Festival took place today, a tribute to the peaches that helped shape the economy at the last turn of the century.

Coming from the suburbs and hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital, my husband and I truly enjoy the small-town community feel in Berlin. I think I spoke to more strangers today than I would in a month back home. Maybe an exaggeration, but if you live in the city, you can appreciate what I mean. Let’s take a look at the festival, and some good ole-fashioned fun…and just imagine you can hear the fiddler playing….

Strolling down main street, you can see how the whole town got involved. There was a window-decorating contest going on between the businesses. Here are a couple of my favorite windows –

There were plenty of activities for the kids: ice cream shaking and making, a peach toss, and a pie-eating contest!

A local waterfowl artist creating a decoy from wood –

While stopping to enjoy some peach crisp, we discovered not one, but two baby birds who left the nest to attend the festival –

You have to see the peach crisp….sorry to do this to you. Yes, it was scrumptious –

Just look what I found in one of the antique malls! This dear book (almost 100 years old) features FOUR little boys. And would you believe the boys are playing by a peach tree…

Thank you for coming along with me, and visiting one of our favorite American small towns. Have a great week!

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Ocean-Inspired Jewelry!

by Cindy on August 6, 2010

I have summer jewelry on my mind still, as I mentioned in my last blog post. Living here at the beach for the summer, naturally I chose ocean-themed components when selecting beads for Artbead’s Design Partner program. It was easy to find the perfect inspiration when perusing the many pendants available.

Ocean Blue features a beautiful Hill Tribe sterling silver sand dollar pendant. In keeping with a classic circular shape, I added some great lampwork discs by Blue Seraphim. Just look at that metallic sheen on those chunky discs! This piece was oxidized and tumble polished for a rustic appeal. Can’t you just see wearing this one with your favorite strappy sundress or a crisp white cotton top?

My next piece once again features a sand dollar pendant, this time a stunning copper pendant with an incredible patina. With a focal like this, I knew simplicity would be the key. I wire wrapped some brown turquoise beads and added a second strand of pure copper chain. A gorgeous, etched lampwork bead by Kim Typanski was added off to the side. Again, the chains were oxidized and tumble polished. The hand forged clasp was created from heavy-gauge wire.

Ocean Blues has sold, thank you. Copper Sands can be found in my Etsy shop.

Now speaking of Artbeads, a fun new contest was just announced! You can enter for a chance to win a “Bead Genius” prize package (including a $100 gift card AND $150 worth of beading supplies) by taking a short quiz. Check your bead knowledge and enter for a chance to win Uh oh, I think I need to head back to school as I only scored a 7 out of 10! Contest open until September 16th.

Thank you taking a moment out of your summer day and spending some time here at sweet bead studio.

*Components were provided free of charge by ArtBeads for review in their Design Partner Program.

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Wednesday Wishlist {esty}

by Cindy on August 4, 2010

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by after my long absence! I have been away simply enjoying SUMMER. It’s that time of year when a few of the blogs are starting to mention (gasp!) fall colors, cool weather and boot shopping! Okay, hold on here. Wasn’t it just yesterday that everyone was dreaming of warm weather and snapping pictures of every blooming bud spotted in their gardens? We were all wishing for summer time. Therefore I am not going to rush through one single day of summer. Anyone with me? 🙂 On that note, I thought I’d share some wonderful finds on Etsy….just a little reminder that it is still easy, breezy, summer time. You can click right on the pictures for more info.