Havana Beads

FISHY GIVEAWAY

2012-02-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

Well, its been almost a month since I moved to the Fish House art studio. Things are going great, lots of people coming and going since it high season here. For my first giveaway at the new studio, its only appropriate that it should be a fishy one. Here is Claudette the fish. I've also made a little bumpy bead to go with her. Leave me a comment for a chance to win. If you blog about this giveaway, come back and leave another comment for a second chance to win. Winner will be picked by random.org next Friday, March 2nd. GOOD LUCK!

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

Raida

PRESIDENTS DAY SALE

2012-02-20T07:44:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long! Time is flying by these days with the new studio with new walk in customers, my wonderful on line customers, and a bead show coming up at the beginning of March. Thought I'd do a small President's Day Sale today. Havana Beads will be having a 15% off the entire store sale today. Type in "PRESIDENT12" when checking out and receive 15% off your entire order.

Enjoy your day!

Raida

P.S. - COME BACK THIS WEEK FOR A LITTLE BEAD GIVEAWAY!

NEW GOODIES

2012-02-10T06:37:00.001-05:00

Things are getting back to normal after the move. I've been working on different color combinations for earring pairs and on some new designs and color combinations for new ceramic beads. Here are some new goodies I posted on Etsy.

I listed lots of new earring pairs on Etsy yesterday. Here are just a couple of new combinations.

GYPSY SKIRT PAIR

BRANDY PAIR

PURPLE PASSION WITH GUNMETAL WIRE

HONEYCOMB WITH GUNMETAL WIRE

PURPLE PASSION WITH COPPER WIRE

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

I SURVIVED THE MOVE!

2012-02-04T10:27:00.001-05:00

My goodness it's horrible to move! I planned this move down to the last detail. Had extra boxes, had extra tape, several sharpies to mark every single box so as to make it as easy as possible to unpack. I actually had two moves. One to my new home and one to the studio which I mostly took the bulk of the equipment, furniture, glass etc. the day before moving day and just left it there in a mess in my new studio. On moving day at 9 a.m. the movers arrived. I had run out of boxes, run out of tape, couldn't find one sharpie to save my life! Clothes started finding their way to empty suitcases, stacks of loose stuff in my trunk and my husbands piled to the roof. finally we were ready to leave with our two cars and the movers. What about Bear (our mini-Schnauzer)? I didn't have one inch in my car left for the dog. My son had to carry him on his lap with other stuff while my husband drove. It doesn't end there!

When we arrived to our new home, on the second floor, our furniture wouldn't fit up the stairs. We had to remove the front door. Some more furniture went in. Our head board wouldn't fit no matter what we tried. My husband and son had to remove the railing on the second floor landing and stand on the roof while I prayed (I think out loud, really loud) that they wouldn't fall off while the head board was maneuvered in. This nightmare finished at 8:00 p.m.

Alright then, that's over and now I can't find a thing for a week. I did organize my studio right away and I'm back to work lampworking. Here are some new pictures of my studio and beads I finally listed on Etsy today.

This is a picture of the studio the Saturday after the move. We moved on Thursday and on Friday I added the press on tiles to the top of the counter, cut the trim border and sewed the skirt for the counter. There was a huge Port Salerno Seafood Festival that Saturday that I didn't want to miss since 35,000 people were expected to attend. I think they did, since it was really busy and lots of fun. I have the jewelry displayed at the front of the store and the loose beads towards the back for my beady customers. I've since added a shelf on the wall and some art. I'll have more pictures later.

This is the other side of the room where I work. I had a couple of necklaces displayed there for the festival.

I had some ceramic beads I made the week prior to moving which I hadn't had time to post. I posted all of these this morning on Havana Beads.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

CHANGE IS GOOD???

2012-01-15T07:52:00.001-05:00

So they say that change is good. Well there's lots of change in store for our family and Havana Beads this month. We're moving to Stuart, Florida and I'm getting a new studio. I know that once everything is done it will be great, but moving your entire home and your studio all in the same month is really stressful. I'm really looking forward to my new studio, but I have so much work to do packing my accumulation of stuff to my new home that I'm a little overwelmed right now. The good thing is its a small studio but I still want it to look nice. You'll notice I took some pictures of the outside for my new blog header. I also took some pictures of my space when I first visited. All of this has been cleared out, including all the displays on the walls. I have to get the walls painted and all my equipment, glass, beads, etc. brought in. I'll try to post the progress as I go along.

This is the entrance to my new studio.

All of the walls are now clear of these displays from the previous tenant and are ready to paint. I'll probably have some simple shelves installed down the road and maybe some of my favorite paintings for inspiration will go on the walls.

This is a shelf on the wall which I plan to sew a pretty skirt and attach it to the edge so I can have storage underneath. The top will display trays of beads and some of my jewelry.

This is the window looking out from my studio.

This is the entrance to the Fine Art Gallery. I can spend hours in here. Beautiful works of art are displayed on two flours.

This is the hall way between the studios to the back of the property.

We have an amazing glass blower in residence.

This is the view at the back of the property. There's a little bar there and they have live music by the water, I believe on the weekends. More on that when I move in.

This is the entrance to the property. Next door is Finz Restaurant which has great food and is also on the water. Well thats all for today. I'll try to post some in the next couple of weeks if I can. I'll definately come back when everything is up and running and have some updated pictures to share.

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

Raida

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2012-01-13T06:46:00.000-05:00

The winner of the set of Honeycomb head pins is #18, Shel, congratulations! Contact me at havanabeads.blogspot.com with your address and I'll send these out to you. Thanks to all of you who participated. I really appreciate you visiting my blog!

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

Raida

NEW GOODIES ON ETSY

2012-01-13T06:38:00.000-05:00

Here's some quick pics of some new goodies on Etsy. I listed several ceramic pieces with different glaze finishes you can check out on Etsy.

No calorie "Bon Bons"

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

Raida

GIVEAWAY

2012-01-06T17:13:00.000-05:00

You guys know I can't just show you pictures of head pins I just love and not share right? Up for grabs is a set of my new Honeycomb Head Pins. I'm doing the giveaway early this month because my month is going to get crazy in the next couple of weeks. I'll let you guys know whats going on next week. For now, I'll pick a winner Friday the 13th. I always say its a good luck day. Just leave me a comment and I'll pick a winner through random.org next week. If you would like an extra chance to win, post this giveaway on your blog and leave me another comment that you've posted.

GOOD LUCK!

Raida

NEW BEADS ON ETSY

2012-01-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Just listed some new goodies on Etsy I'd like to share. I made some new heart focals with lots of flowers on them and a little earring pair with flowers. Some organic beads and also a new head pin color which I love since it's "BROWN". Here are the pics.

HONEYCOMB DROP HEAD PINS

SERENE

VIOLET BOUQUET HEART FOCAL

PINK BOUQUET HEART FOCAL

PINK BOUQUET EARRING PAIR

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T15:22:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Years. I started the year making some lampwork jewelry. I know I've been hoarding my lampwork beads. I'll have some new ones for sale this week at Havana Beads. I got on a roll and couldn't stop myself. Here are some pictures of the finished bracelets.

"BEST OF TIMES"

"BE MINE"

"SALSA"

Enjoy Your Day,

Raida

NEW BRACELETS

2011-12-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

I worked on a couple of bracelets for the Gentle Wind Designs store today. It's been a while since I made this type of bracelets. I used to make them all of the time when I first started lampworking. I made the heart focals and then made lots of beads I thought would look good with them. I like how they turned out. I have some more ideas for some other fun bracelets. These are all made in sterling silver and lampwork.

YOUR LOVE

PLAY TIME

Enjoy your day,

Raida

THANK YOU!

2011-12-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. I have to admit its very hard at times, but I struggle through those times and have faith that everything will be alright. Thanks to those of you that follow my blog and support me in my art I am able to create every day and I am grateful to you!

As a small thank you, I will be having a end of year sale through January 2, 2012 at Havana Beads. Type in "NEWYEAR12" when checking out and receive 15% off your entire order. Orders placed between December 30th January 2nd will ship on January 3rd. THANK YOU!

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

RAIDA

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! I hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. This is a picture of some of my little snowmen I have scattered all over the house. I love them! This is as close to snowmen as I'm going to get. It's been in the 80 every afternoon this week.

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

INSPIRED BY NATURE

2011-12-23T12:46:00.001-05:00

I was looking through the Internet for inspiration for a new color set of fossilized beads and head pins and came across the most amazing Colorado Canyon pictures. I've just added Colorado to my bucket list! Here are some pictures of the head pins and also some new floral earring pairs.

LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON

Pictures taken by Ben Hattenbach at The Luminous Landscape

FOSSILIZED CANYON TRAIL

VIOLET SPLENDOR

DON'T IT MAKE MY BROWN EYES BLUE

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

Raida

NEW GOODIES

2011-12-21T06:46:00.000-05:00

I've been working on new color combinations for my new line of "Fossilized" beads I've been making. I really like this new set in blues and green. I've also gone a little nuts making sugar beads in different colors. Can't have enough colors right? Here are some pictures.

Fossilized Seaside Glass Head Pins

Fossilized Seaside Glass Beads

Puffy Heart Head Pins

Light Turquoise Sugar Beads

Light Pink Sugar Beads

Teal Blue Sugar Beads

Lemon Yellow Sugar Beads

Coral Sugar Beads

Snow White Sugar Beads

Evergreen Sugar Beads

Cream Sugar Beads

Enjoy Your Day!

Raida

MORE BEADS ON ETSY

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

We're having such a beautiful sunny day for a change I have to take advantage and take lots of pictures. It usually doesn't rain much in December here in Florida but it hasn't stopped raining for two weeks. I was in the mood for flowers yesterday so I made some floral sets. I was looking through my sold Etsy beads and it seems I usually sell these at my shows and they don't make their way to my Etsy store. Here they are.

PINK MEADOW FLOWERS

VIOLET MEADOW FLOWERS

SWEET TANGERINE

FOSSILIZED MEADOW FLOWERS

(Thought I'd make new colors of this set)

Enjoy your day,

Raida

NEW GOODIES ON ETSY

2011-12-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

These new goodies where just listed on Etsy. Several earring pairs, focal beads and a set of Fossilized Sand Beads. The head pins are so popular I decided to make a set of beads the same way. Hope you like them.

FOSSILIZED SAND BEADS

WILDFLOWERS

SEASIDE MAGIC

CORAL DELIGHT

VIOLET SWIRL (LAST ONES)

BLACK AND WHITE DOTS

CRANBERRY SPARKLE BEADS

TREASURE COAST

VIOLET MEADOW

Enjoy your day,

Raida

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-12-13T06:51:00.001-05:00

We have a winner! The winner is number 10, Penny. Congratulations! Send me an email at havanabeads@yahoo.com so I can send these out to you. Thanks to everyone who participated, I really appreciate you visiting my blog.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

2011-12-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

As you can tell from my previous post I've been busy lately. On my way to the mail box this afternoon I realized I still have Thanksgiving decorations out. Oh boy, I'm really behind! So in the spirit of the holiday's, here's a little giveaway to get me on the right track. Just leave a comment and let me know how well organized (or not) you are this holiday season. I will pick a winner next Monday, December 12th via Random.org. Here's the present.

GOOD LUCK!

RAIDA

NEW GOODIES

2011-12-06T16:20:00.000-05:00

I took the day off from creating today just to list new goodies on both of my Etsy sites. If you have a store on Etsy or other on line store you know how long it can take when you have lots to list. Here are the goodies. There's a lot!

MOONLIGHT GARDEN

SCARLET

These are new head pins. I hope to have these head pins later tonight or tomorrow.

VIOLET SWEETIES

TURQUOISE SWEETIES

FALL HARVEST

HONEYSUCKLE VINE

TEAL ELEGANCE

BLUE BIRD EARRING PAIR

PISTACHIO EARRING PAIR

EARTHY RAKU DISC

WHISPER

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

CASUAL SMILE

WILDFLOWER SILVER SPARKLE

(I also listed an earring pair of these)

RAKU SILVER SPARKLE

(I also listed an earring pair of these)

PINK PETALS SPARKLE

RIO GRANDE

FOSSILIZED ROUNDS

RED RAKU

NATURE WALK

JAMAICAN SPLASH

OCEANS' LURE

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

DISPLAY YOUR BEAUTIES

2011-12-03T07:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day at Amy's Beads. Thank you so much for coming by to see me! Today I'll be at the store from 11:00 - 5:00 p.m. I spent the morning going through my things and making a list of things I need from the store since Amy has a 30% off discount throughout the store. I can get in big trouble!

So this morning I'm thinking about my table display and looking through Etsy at all the wonderful artisans that make jewelry displays. There are lots of beautiful displays, these really called to me.

I just love this necklace display. Look at the beautiful knobs you can choose from. This beautiful display is by Whitney King of Wreaths by Whit

This beautiful ceramic piece holds short or long earrings all along the rim. Plus you can store make up brushes or other goodies inside. This earring holder is by Jonna Marissa of Jonna Marissa Creation.

How pretty is this bracelet display. Lots of tiers to display your bracelets and a lot of different colors and styles to choose from too! This display is from Melanie at The Woodshops Daughter.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

AMY'S BEADS - TRUNK SHOW

2011-11-30T05:05:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm working hard this week on new beads for my last show of the year at Amy's Beads. Here are the details:

Amy's Beads
220 South University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 530-2029

Friday 11:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Come by and say hello. I'll have some wonderful giveaways for my beady friends!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

(Both Etsy shops will be closed on Friday & Saturday for the sale.)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING - A THANK YOU SALE

2011-11-24T06:49:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful today. Every year I cook dinner for my family on Thanksgiving. One wonderful day spent with my boys, husband, my mom, brother, sister and their family. Every one's daily responsibilities go away and we have a wonderful time just enjoying each other. I hope everyone a special day today, filled with happiness and love.

To all my wonderful customers I thank you for your continued support, it means the world to me! I have added a 15% discount code at Havana Beads and Gentle Wind Designs for those that still have some shopping to do for the holidays. I also discounted several of my beads so you can further discount them with the coupon. Type in "GIVETHANKS11" when checking out to receive discount. Sale runs through Sunday, November 27th.

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

SBS Wire Jewelry

2011-11-22T06:35:00.001-05:00

Just received my copy of Step by Step Wire Jewelry, December 2011/January 2012 issue. I am so thrilled to have a set of my Amber Leaf Sparkle Head Pins and one of my Ceramic Connectors featured on Page 6. Months ago I was contacted by the magazine to submit some new items for review that might be featured in the magazine. I sent several pieces that I was working on at the time and kept my fingers crossed that one of them would make it in the magazine. Here is a picture of the two pieces featured in the magazine.

Ceramic Connector Piece "Trinket Keepsake"

"Amber Leaf Sparkle Head Pins"

There are some really beautiful Step by Step pieces in the magazine that I really want to try to make. I'm not sure if the magazine is out in stores yet. I subscribe so I get mine a little early. It's well worth a look inside.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

NEW JEWELRY ON ETSY

2011-11-15T12:40:00.000-05:00

I've been hard at work making new jewelry for my Etsy store Gentle Wind Designs. A few things have been trickling in in the last few months, but this time I had a lot of new things to add. Can't have an empty jewelry store for the holidays. Here's some of the pieces I posted this morning.

BLUE CHICKADEE

SWEET BIRDS NEST

ROSIE

SWEET LOVE

PHARAOH

MORNING BLOOM

PRECIOSA

ACORN TREASURE

JOURNEY

ANOTHER PICTURE OF "JOURNEY"

MATCHING EARRINGS INCLUDED WITH "JOURNEY"

MORNING DEW

WINTER BLOOM

MATCHING EARRINGS INCLUDED WITH "WINTER BLOOM"

Enjoy your day,

Raida

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2011-11-13T07:37:00.000-05:00

First, I'd like to thank everyone that came out to see me at the Westminster Academy Christmas Boutique. I have such wonderful customers! It was such a pleasure seeing you again. Now for the winner of a set of my head pins. The random.org picker choose number nine which is Lana from Something Unique. Congratulations Lana! Email me at havanabeads@yahoo.com with your address and I will send these out to you next week.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday,

Raida

NEW STYLE HEAD PINS & CERAMICS - DON'T FORGET GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

A while ago I made these "dug out of the earth" beads which I wasn't sure if anyone would like. They looked like fossils with little holes all over. As it turned out I sold them and then went on to something else and totally forgot to make more. Go figure! Anyways, I decided to revisit this technique and made some head pins in the same way. Here are some pictures of some new ceramic goodies and the new head pins on Etsy.

DON'T FORGET TO GO BELOW (WAY BELOW) TO ENTER MY HEAD PIN GIVEAWAY!

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

Westminster Academy Christmas Boutique

2011-11-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

This weekend I will be at the Westminster Academy Christmas Boutique selling my jewelry pieces. This is a great craft show with lots of wonderful artisans. If you'd like to come by here's the info.

WESTMINSTER ACADEMY

Christmas Boutique (Will be selling Jewelry only)

Friday, November 11th, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ($5.00 Admission/Preview)
Saturday, November 12th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ($2.00 Admission)

5601 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hope to see you there,

Raida

NEW GOODIES

2011-11-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

I finally got out the camera and took some pictures of some new beads. Here are some new beads I just posted this morning on Etsy.

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or is this time of the year extra busy? Well it's been a while since I had a giveaway and I know you're working extra hard making holiday gifts and craft show jewelry. I will be giving away one set of my lampwork head pins. Head over to Havana Beads and let me know if chosen which set you would like to win. I just made a bunch of them to choose from but you can also pick one that's been sold. Come back here and leave me a comment with the name of the set you'd like to win. I will pick a random winner on Sunday, November 13th. GOOD LUCK!

Here are just a few of my newer ones.

ENJOY YOUR DAY,

RAIDA

HEADED FOR GEORGIA

2011-10-25T06:44:00.001-04:00

I'm headed for Georgia! This will be my last show with Intergalactic this year. Here's the info.

Saturday, October 29 and
Sunday, October 30th

Gwinnett Center
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, GA 30097

10:00 a..m. - 5 p.m. each day

$2.00 off Admission

Etsy stores will be closed until Monday Night, October 31st.

If you're in Georgia come by my booth and say hello, I'd love to meet you.

New Butterfly Necklace Kits which will be available at the show. I have them with different color butterflies and handmade silk cord. These are really easy to put together and they come with Step-by-Step instructions for the beginner. They make great holiday gifts.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!!!

2011-10-21T10:21:00.000-04:00

After four days of torrential rains and a tornado in our county, the sun finally came out yesterday. I have to admit I'm not prepared for a tornado. We know how to prepare for hurricanes, but I haven't a clue what to do if a tornado is barreling down my street. Our family home is safe but many homes in Plantation, Florida were damaged and some destroyed. I'm praying for you guys!

I was able to go outside yesterday and take some pictures of beads and a necklace I made during all the rain. Here are some beads I just posted on Etsy.

Last one of these in this color.

Pistachio Green Leaf

Creme Brulee Swirl

Blue Jean Swirl

Sweet Sixteen Swirl Beads

Dark Violet Raku Cones

Ivory Raku Cones

These are new Flower Burst Focal Beads. These are so much fun to design with. The first batch I made went to a necklace I made and is shown below. They're great as a focal or combine several of them or even mix them with other beads. I think a bracelet with one as a focal would be really cute also.

I know it's no where near Valentines Day but when inspiration comes I just grab it. These are hand formed and not made with a mold.

We all need a little smile from time to time.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

Down The Street Bead Show This Weekend

2011-10-12T07:08:00.000-04:00

This week has been a busy one working to stock up my trays for the last Pompano Beach bead show this year; The Down the Street Bead Show. Here's the info:

Down the Street Bead Show

October 14 – 16th
Elks Lodge
700 N.E. 10th Street
Pompano Beach, FL

Friday from 12 - 6 p.m.
Saturday from 10 - 6 p.m.
Sunday from 10 - 2 p.m.

Click below for a $1.00 off Admission coupon
$1.00 off Admission Coupon

Here's a little collage of some beads I'll have available and some new things I've been working on.

Hope to see you there!

Enjoy your Day,

Raida

CERAMIC KILN REVEALED

2011-10-07T20:13:00.000-04:00

Some new ceramic beads just out of the kiln. I made more of my little birds since they were so well received last time. Some new pendants, connectors and toggle. These are all available on Etsy.

I made this little set in pistachio, aqua, baby blue and antique rose

I made this heart in antique rose also.

Enjoy your evening,

Raida

NEW GOODIES ON ETSY

2011-10-05T08:15:00.002-04:00

Lots of pictures today! I've been so busy making, I haven't had much time for sharing with you guys. There's so many steps to running a small business when you're the sole employee and creator of your products. I'm not complaining, I love being the boss of "me", but there's no such thing as a 40 hour week when you're self employed. Is it worth it, definitely! Here are some goodies I just listed on Etsy.

Had to show you the back of this bead. The colors are amazing!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

ETSY AUTUMN ART BEAD TREASURY

2011-09-28T19:01:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Etsy Art Beads Treasury by Heather Powers. To view the treasury on Etsy and contact the individual artist go HERE. What an honor to be among all these wonderful artist! My lampwork head pins are on the bottom row.

Enjoy,

Raida

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE

2011-09-28T08:21:00.000-04:00

I want to thank all my wonderful customers who visit my Etsy site with a little sale this week. It's a customer appreciation sale at Havana Beads on Etsy. To get a 15% discount on your entire order type in APPRECIATE11 in the blue box on your invoice when checking out. Sale ends Friday, September 30th. ENJOY!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

2011-09-26T10:02:00.001-04:00

Still tired from a very busy weekend at the Intergalactic Bead Show. I want to thank all of the wonderful ladies who came by to say hello. You guys are the best!

Now for the giveaway. There was a huge response to the Bead Soup post totalling 94 comments, wow! The random number for this giveaway was number 68 which is Claire Maunsell. I decided to do two more random giveaways which will include one of my little ceramic birds.

#68 - Claire Maunsell - Canyon Echoes head pins and Little Pistachio Ceramic Bird Set
#28 - Lorelei Eurto - Little Ceramic Bird
#45 - Michelle Mach - Little Ceramic Bird

Please contact me at havanabeads@yahoo.com with your address so I can send these to you.

Congratulations to all my winners and thanks to all of you who participated, I really appreciate it! I will be having more giveaways in the future so come back and visit.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

INTERGALACTIC BEAD SHOW - POMPANO BEACH

2011-09-22T07:56:00.001-04:00

Hope every one's having a wonderful week. I'm running around this week getting everything ready for the Intergalactic Bead Show this weekend so this is a short post. Here's where I'll be:

Intergalactic Bead Show

September 24 and 25
Emma Lou Olsen Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street
Pompano Beach, FL
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m each day

Click below for a $2.00 discount
$2.00 off Entrance

Both Etsy stores will be closed Saturday & Sunday.
Here's some goodies I'll have with me.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BEAD SOUP REVEAL & SEPTEMBER BEAD GIVEAWAY

2011-09-17T05:20:00.003-04:00

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I would first like to thank Lori Anderson of Pretty Things for hosting this event. I can't even image the countless hours she spent putting this event together.

My Bead Soup partner is Rebecca Watkins of Artybecca. Rebecca is a polymer clay artist. When I first received Rebecca's beads I thought "This will be a piece of cake". Her beads are beautiful! But as I started to put ideas together I realized I was out of my comfort zone and needed to thick outside the box. My first thought was to put the toggle at the end of the necklace and have lots of beautiful beads dangle from them. But as I laid my beads down I realized that the bird on the toggle wasn't designed to have the holes facing down. I then thought of using three strands going up but that didn't look right since the holes are evenly spaced. I finally decided on decorating the holes and not using them in the traditional manner. Rebecca sent me two toggles to use. I wanted to use the larger one, but after attaching all the seed beads I had they wouldn't fit through the hole. The smaller one fit perfectly and I actually like the contrast. I think I'll make a ceramic piece in a solid color and use the other toggle with that later. I added some of my own lampwork beads, wood beads, antiqued brass wire and vintage antiqued brass caps, Vintaj leaf and a silk cord. I had some beads left which I used to make a pair of earrings.

I'm so happy with my final piece and with everything I learned creating it. What I thought was going to be easy, really pushed me to thick outside the box. Thanks Rebecca, I really enjoyed working with your beads!

GO ALL THE WAY TO THE END TO ENTER MY SEPTEMBER BEAD GIVEAWAY! - A winner has been choosen

My Bead Soup from Rebecca

To visit other participating blogs please go to Lori Anderson of Pretty Things here: Bead Soup Blog Party to link to other sites.

September Bead Giveaway - A winner has been choosen

All comments will be entered for a chance to win this months bead giveaway. For additional chances, leave an additional message if you follow my blog, if you Like me on Facebook, or if you've posted this giveaway on your blog. I will pick a random winner on Monday, September 26th.

Here's the prize..........

Handmade Lampwork head pins "Canyon Echoes" and

my little pistachio green ceramic birdie with coordinating beads

GOOD LUCK!

Raida

New Beads

2011-09-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

I've been so busy lately making beads for the upcoming Intergalactic Bead Show September 24-25th I haven't had much time to blog. I have some new beads and jewelry in my Etsy stores and some new ones I have to take pictures of today. I've also been working on my Bead Soup project for the Grand Reveal this Saturday. Come back and visit on Saturday to check it out. I'll also be posting this month's bead giveaway on Saturday for all those that leave a comment.

Thanks for stopping by,

Enjoy your day,

Raida

GARDEN TOUR

2011-09-07T11:55:00.000-04:00

I was outside today taking pictures of some head pins and thought you guys might like to see some Florida blooms. This isn't the best time of the year to show off Florida gardens. There's way too much heat and too much rain (yes, way too much rain). Still some things love these conditions and are actually at their best. Here are some pics. Hope you enjoy.

Plumbago

I caught two bees nectar diving here.

This is a pretty vine growing at the back of the house. Not sure of the name.

These are lemons. My tree is packed with these. They'll be turning yellow in the next couple of weeks probably. Anyone have a good recipe using lemons they'd like to share?

These are Tangelos. They are a hybrid of mandarin oranges and grapefruit also know as "Honeybell".

Cherries Jubilee

Cherries Jubilee as tall as my house!

These are Star Fruit. When you slice these they have a great little star shape. I've only seen these in salads. Don't know what else to do with them other than just eat them as a fruit.

My husband's pride and joy "Avocado". These are huge! Unfortunately, there are only 5 of them this year.

Not sure the name of this plant but it's blooming like crazy.

Hope you enjoyed the tour,

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

2011-09-05T14:28:00.001-04:00

Hope every one's having a wonderful day off. I'm cleaning my studio some today and taking pictures of some new head pins and earrings I made yesterday. But all in all trying to get a little rest. Here's some new things I've made.

GALA EVENT

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS LEAVES

BLUE LAGOON DROPS

Some new earrings I made with my new mini lampwork faceted beads. These brass pieces where colored with Missficklemedia patina. She has a wonderful Etsy store filled with beautiful patinated pieces you can purchase or you can purchase her patinas and tutorial and try for yourself like I did.

Enjoy your Day,

Raida

Winner of Freaky Beads

2011-09-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

The random winner of a baggie of my "freaky" bone beads is:

#11 - Cilla - Tell Your Girlfriends.

Email me your address at havanabeads@yahoo.com so I can mail these out to you. Congratulations!

Enjoy your evening,

Raida

BEAUTIFUL DRESS FORM

2011-09-02T17:03:00.002-04:00

I am so excited, I finally found a dress form that I can custom make. I will have to work on it but I think with my limited sewing skills I might be able to pull it off. The dress form pattern is from Jackie Westlund at 4 My Favorite Things on Etsy. If you'd like to see other dress forms go to Lauri Evans Designs blog. She has a beautiful blog with lots of eye candy. Here is a picture of one of Jackie's finished pieces.

Permission granted to use picture by Jackie Westlund

Raida

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE

2011-09-01T07:18:00.003-04:00

Both stores have sales this week, including Labor Day. For lampwork and ceramic beads head over to Havana Beads and use code: "LABORDAY11" in the little blue box when checking out to get 15% off entire order. For handmade jewelry head over to Gentle Wind Designs and use code: "LABORDAY11" in the little blue box at check out to get 10% off entire order. Here are some pictures of new items in the stores. By these colors, I'm obviously in Fall mode.

AUTUMN DROPS - Head Pins

AUTUMN SPLENDOR

PEACH SANGRIA

I'll have to dream of fall since we don't see much difference between summer and fall in South Florida.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

P.S. - Don't forget to enter my "freaky beads" contest below. Winner will be announced tomorrow tonight.

FREAKY BEADS - AND A GIVEAWAY

2011-08-29T15:27:00.000-04:00

Last week I purchased a bag of "Freaky Beads". The look of the beads themselves aren't freaky, I'm the one freaking out. The purchase of these beads went like this.

Excuse me sir, how much is that small bag of beads, $$$$.
I look at them a little closer. They're really organic looking, really cool and old looking. They look like wood.
Excuse me sir, what are these made of; are they wood?
They're bone.
I gasp. All of them!
Yes, and I have a way bigger bag of them. Would you like to see it.
That's o.k. I walk away.
Can't stop thinking of those beads, they're so cool. I'm thinking of things to make with them.
I inch my way back down his table.
O.k. can I see the big bag.

So to understand why I'm freaking out you have to know me a little better. For the past three years I've been trying not to eat meat. I did really good for over a year and only ate seafood and veggies. That was a start. But little by little chicken and turkey have started to appear in the evening menu. I'm trying.

So here are some pictures of my large bag of "Freaky Beads".

Earrings I made with my "Freaky Beads"

I took a handful and put them in a baggie to give away. If you would like to share some of my "Freaky Beads" let me know what are the strangest beads you've ever purchased. I will pick a random winner on Friday night.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

LABOR DAY SALE!

2011-08-28T07:40:00.001-04:00

Labor Day Sale all week at Havana Beads. I have soooo many beads its time to have a good long sale for my wonderful customers. I'll keep adding beads all week so check back often. Here are some new beads I added recently.

PRALINE SWIRL

VIOLET MEADOW

SEASHORE DREAMS

FALL LEAVES

VIOLET MEADOW LEAF

ROLLING BROOK

For my East Coast Friends going through Hurricane Irene, please stay safe!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BEAD SOUP BEADS SENT TO MY PARTNER

2011-08-26T08:03:00.000-04:00

My blog hop partner Rebecca of Artybecca has now received the beads I made for her for the Blog Hop Party. Here are a couple of pictures of the beads I sent her.

I made a large focal with transparent and silvered glass and added coordinating beads to match. I included a black hand dyed silk cord, picasso finished czech glass beads and my own handmade sterling silver clasp. See previous post for the beads Rebecca sent me.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

LOTS OF PICTURES - BEFORE HURRICANE IRENE PASSES THROUGH

2011-08-25T18:04:00.000-04:00

First I want to thank all the wonderful ladies that came by my booth this past weekend in Georgia. You made me feel so welcome and I really appreciate it. Southern hospitality at its best!

I finally made it outside to take pictures of the beautiful beads my blog hop partner Rebecca of artybecca sent me. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irene is sending some heavy winds and rain our way so not much sun to take good pics. Here are my amazing Blog Hop beads.

POLYMER CLAY BEADS BY REBECCA OF ARTYBECCA

Some new ceramic and lampwork beads I posted on Etsy. Some of the ceramic beads have a couple of different styles and colors so check the Etsy store for more pictures.

RUSTIC BLUE BEE

BEE TRUE

New necklace on Gentle Wind Designs with my Bee Ceramic Pendant. I was inspired to make this necklace by Cherrie Fink's necklace "Sedona Swag" featured in this months Stringing Magazine. Cherrie was my Blog Hop Partner on the last Blog Hop Lori had and we've kept in touch and developed a long distance friendship. Check out her blog at En Lalumie're to see her necklace and all of her beautiful jewelry pieces.

PISTACHIO BUTTERFLY

ANTIQUE ROSE BUTTERFLY

TENDER HEART

ADOBE TREASURE

ALASKA LANDSCAPE

TEAL ELEGANCE

JUST FOR YOU

DREAMING OF YOU

OCEAN TREASURE 1" LENTIL

SEA SPRAY

OCEAN TREASURE SPACERS

LITTLE GHOST

REMEMBERING YOU

OUT ON A LIMB

BLUE VINTAGE ROSE

MARIGOLDS TOGGLE/CONNECTOR

Well that's all for today.

Raida

GEORGIA ON MY MIND

2011-08-16T06:02:00.002-04:00

I'm headed for Georgia! I'm so excited to be doing the Intergalactic Bead show in Georgia this coming weekend. Here's the info.

Saturday, August 20 and
Sunday, August 21st

Gwinnett Center
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy
Duluth, GA 30097

10:00 a..m. - 5 p.m. each day

$2.00 Admission Discount Coupon

I hope peaches are still in season. My husband and I have a great place in Lizella that makes the most wonderful peach ice cream. I'll take some pictures when I'm there.

If you're in Geogia come by my booth and say hello, I'd love to meet you.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY PARTNER

2011-08-16T05:51:00.000-04:00

My partner for the bead soup swap is the wonderful polymer clay artist Rebecca Watkins of artybecca or Artybecca on Etsy. She makes the most amazing polymer clay beads. Can't tell you much about the beads I sent her since they are in transit. But I'll tell you it's one of my favorite style of beads to make. Once she receives them I'll post pictures of the beads I sent and the ones I received.

Mini Pumpkins - Earring Pair

Little Mummies - Earring Pair

Enjoy your day,

Raida

FINALLY I HAVE INTERNET!!!

2011-08-11T13:47:00.000-04:00

On Monday morning my Internet and cable service went out. Finally after endless calls and visits inside and outside of my home they fixed it today. I am sooooo happy! So here are some new pictures of beads I made.

MINI ACORNS - Great for Earring Pairs or Charms

PINK BONNET EARRING PAIR

TEA FOR TWO EARRING PAIR

WAVE FOCAL BEAD

WAVE EARRING PAIR

SHELL EARRING PAIR

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

RAIDA

We Have Our Winners

2011-08-10T18:37:00.002-04:00

Sorry it's taken so long to post these but I've been out of Internet service for three days! I'm posting this with my phone. The winner of the trinket keepsake and birdie is Alice and the winner of the ceramic toggle/connector is Penny. Contact me at havanabeads@yahoo.com with your address so I can send these prizes to you. Congratulations!

Enjoy your evening,

Raida

DEEP PURPLE

2011-08-07T12:32:00.000-04:00

I have this strange fascination with purple. I love the color, really I do. I love purple, violet, lilac, etc. I love making beads and jewelry with these colors. Yet, I don't have one item of clothing in this color. STRANGE! Well here's a new bracelet I made yesterday with one of my favorite colors, deep purple.

I made this with my lampwork beads "Wildflower Meadow", some natural amethyst, wood beads, suede and some funky rubber O-rings from Amy's Beads scattered around for good measure.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

NEW BRACELET

2011-08-05T19:56:00.000-04:00

Worked on a new bracelet today with some of my new lampwork and ceramic beads. I wanted to try my new ceramic toggles. I think they can also be used in a necklace. I'll have to try that later on when I make more of them. I really like the rustic look of this bracelet.

BLUE FOREST

Don't forget to go below and comment for a chance to win some of my new ceramic beads.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY

2011-08-03T20:15:00.001-04:00

O.k. after all those previous pictures we'll make this short. I think it's time for a ceramic giveaway. Here is a picture of my trinket keepsake and my little brown bird up for grabs also a second winner will win the toggle/connector. Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment here on my blog.
2. For an extra chance, blog about it and come back and let me know.
3. Comment on my facebook page Havana Beads.
4. If you follow my blog or just joined, let me know for an extra chance.

Two winners will be chosen next Wednesday, August 10th. I use random.org to choose my winners. Here are the goodies.

GOOD LUCK!

Raida

UNLOADING THE CERAMIC KILN

2011-08-03T20:00:00.000-04:00

I have to say unloading the kiln of ceramic beads is like what I felt on Christmas morning right before I got to see my presents. When you lampwork you get to see the results the next day. When you do ceramics, at least the way I'm doing it by making sure I fill my little kiln to save on electricity, I'm having to wait a whole week. I was dying this morning to open the kiln and see my babies. I've been working on them for a week! Here they are, lots of pictures.

SAFFRON BUTTERFLY

SALTWATER TAFFY

STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE

CURVED BRACELET CONNECTOR

CHOCOLATE PISTACHIO

RUSTIC EARTH

TENDER HEART

MAYAN TOGGLE/CONNECTOR

RED CEDAR BUTTERFLY

BLUE BAYOU

MARIGOLDS/TOGGLE CONNECTOR

AQUA FLOWER BUTTONS

FOREST GREEN FLOWER BUTTONS

RUSTIC SEASHORE DREAMS

AQUA SEASHORE DREAMS

MAYAN CHOCOLATE CONNECTORS

MAYAN BLUE CONNECTORS

ENJOY YOUR EVENING!

RAIDA

SATURDAY AT AMY'S AND NEW GOODIES

2011-07-31T11:33:00.000-04:00

I have to share the great day I had yesterday. I went over to Amy's Beads to play with paper and resin. I had the pleasure of spending the day with Luci our teacher and "PAPER GODDESS". I made two pieces one with a copper heart which I warn you copper is very reactive so keep this in mind when choosing it as your base. My paper was red and the copper turned it this beautiful blue color. Still happy with the results. I also made a pendant on brass with a lovely pair of birds from a very talented artist on Etsy, Art Cult. The little butterflies are 3-D. And last but not least my paper rose. I don't think this is part of the class but Luci showed me how to make it anyways. Isn't it the sweetest!

Contact Amy's at 954-530-2029 for information on this class. I believe it's every other Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Come early though, you'll need the time to pick out your components and paper and to let the pieces dry some before you take them home.

AQUARIUS

GOLDEN MEADOW

PEACHES AND CREAM

OCEAN MIST

WILDFLOWER MEADOW

NORTHERN LIGHTS

These are earrings I made with my Northern Lights Beads and some great components by Susan Lenart Kazmer

These are made with Ocean Mist and also with Susan Lenart Kazmer components.

"PLAYFUL"

I know what you're thinking, I don't make colorful beads. Well, every once in a while I take out all the colorful rods and go at it. This project took me a while to make and since I am more of a neutrals type of person I left it on my work table for a while before I finished it. Could be all that bead wrapping I was dreading. It's a long necklace and I'm sure someone will give it a great home.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HANDS OFF!

2011-07-27T17:59:00.000-04:00

I can't keep my fingers out of the new ceramic bead stash! I'm in real trouble here. Here's a little bracelet I made today with one of my ceramic links and one of my lampwork beads. Also a new color combo in the lentil beads.

This is "Bear" he goes outside with me to take pictures of beads and jewelry every time I go outside. Not sure what he's doing here since that pool pole isn't much of a hiding place.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

New Happenings

2011-07-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

Last week I finally did a full load of ceramic beads in my Little Paragon kiln. I took pictures of the beads before they went into the kiln and wrote little notes on a pad with the different glazes I used. When they came out there were some I really liked and some where just o.k. I took pictures of the finished beads and matched them with the pictures and the glaze information so I can repeat the good combinations. Here's my little full kiln and some of the finished pieces. Also some picture of new lampwork beads I posted on Havana Beads today. Lots of pictures today.

I purchased these little tags from Office Depot and put one of my little round stickers on it and stamped them. I used one of my little baggies to keep the card clean. To keep the pieces in place I used these little glue dots I purchased at Michael's called Zots. They hold the pieces in place and come right off.

I made this bracelet with some of my new ceramic links, leather and one of my lampwork beads. I dangled one of my ceramic leaves with copper beads and a faceted blue czech glass bead.

Some new lampwork beads I posted today on Etsy.

Have a great Evening,

Raida

TRUNK SHOW AT AMY'S BEADS

2011-07-20T07:12:00.000-04:00

This week has been a little crazy preparing for the trunk show at Amy's Beads this weekend. I'm working on a new tray of 1" lentils with coordinating beads and I'd forgotten how long it takes to fill one of those trays from scratch. I have some new ceramic beads that are going in the kiln today and will hopefully be wonderful tomorrow when they're done, fingers crossed. Here's a little collage of some of the things I'm bringing along. Hopefully I'll get some pictures of the new tray and some of the ceramic beads before the weekend to share. Havana Beads and Gentle Wind Designs will be closed on Friday and Saturday this weekend for the show. Here's the info. on the Trunk Show.

Amy's Beads
220 South University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324

Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hope to see you there,

Enjoy your day,

Raida

New Jewelry and Fishy Beads

2011-07-15T07:12:00.001-04:00

The clay pieces where starring at me "make something with me". Here are a couple of pieces with my new clay links and birdies. Also, a couple of new fishy lampwork beads.

FOREST TREASURE - New Ceramic beads, large hole lampwork beads, czech glass and beautiful hand dyed silk cord in green and hints of blue.

RUSTIC CHARM - Antiqued brass, pearls, glass beads, handmade ceramic bird, one of my handmade lampwork head pins for a little dangle.

This is "ROMEO"

This is "JULIET"

Enjoy your day,

Raida

Beautiful Bracelet Giveaway at En La Lumie're

2011-07-15T07:05:00.000-04:00

Head on over to Cherrie's blog Enlalumiere and leave a comment for a chance to win this beautiful bracelet. Cherrie is a wonderful jewelry designer and was also my bead soup partner this year.

Raida

WE HAVE A WINNER

2011-07-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the delay! I've been out of Internet service since yesterday morning. Now for the lucky winner. The winner is "Camille Grizzaffi Petrocelli". Thanks so much to everyone who commented here and on my Facebook page, I really appreciate it. Camille please contact me at havanabeads@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

New Beads on Etsy

2011-07-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

I've been playing with glass again! Not that I have the time, but I love to mix different types of glass to see what I get. Not very productive when you get an ugly batch! Not this time, I think these are keepers. I better write down the glass combinations so I don't forget. Unfortunately, that happens often. What do you think of my new goodies?

OCEAN MIST - Blues, turquoise, violet and white

DEEP BLUE SEA - Amazing blues, brown and white

TIE DYED - Blues, greens, violets, yellow ochre

Don't forget to go below and leave a comment to enter my Beach Time Giveaway.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BEACH TIME GIVEAWAY

2011-07-07T17:42:00.000-04:00

Thought you guys might enjoy a Florida conch shell of your own. I love making these shells and I'm sure you guys will think of something wonderful to make with it. If you don't make jewelry, don't worry I'll make it into a pendant that you can wear with your favorite necklace. Here's how to enter:

1. Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite beach.
2. For another chance follow my blog. If you already follow, leave a second comment letting me know.
3 Like this giveaway on my Facebook page for another chance to win FACEBOOK LINK.
4. Blog about it to your followers, and leave me another comment.

I will pick a winner next Wednesday evening the 13th of July.

CARAMEL CONCH SHELL

GOOD LUCK!

Raida

NEW BEADS ON ETSY

2011-07-07T06:34:00.001-04:00

I spent a good portion of the day yesterday taking pictures and adding beads to my Havana Beads Etsy shop. I've had some large orders from local customers that have really kept me busy lately and I'm really grateful! I have a new size lentil focal that I think will be popular. This lentil is larger than the standard 18-19mm for bracelets and necklaces and smaller than the focal lentil I use for my floral focal beads. This is a 1" lentil focal bead. Here are some pictures.

EMERALD SEAS - 1" Lentil

EMERALD SEAS - Coordinating Beads Sold Separately

MONTANA BLUE - 1" Lentil

MONTANA BLUE - Coordinating Beads - Sold Separately

WAVES - 1" Lentil

RAINFOREST - 1" Lentil

RAINFOREST - Coordinating Beads - Sold Separately

SEASIDE DREAMS

The following three beads are all red earthen clay. These are some of my first pieces from my new kiln.

TRINKET KEEPSAKE - CONNECTOR

WHAT A HOOT!

LITTLE BROWN BIRD

FOR YOUR LOVE - LARGE LENTIL FOCAL

DREAMS COME TRUE - LARGE LENTIL

STILL THE ONE - LARGE ROUND FOCAL

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY & STORE SALE

2011-07-02T07:40:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July weekend! To celebrate I'm having a sale at both my Etsy stores. Type in "4JULY15" when checking out and receive a 15% discount on your entire order. Go here for Havana Beads and here for Gentle Wind Designs.

Enjoy your weekend!

Raida

SHOW PICTURES AND SOME NEW BEADS

2011-07-01T09:12:00.000-04:00

Show was wonderful last weekend. Got to meet lots of new people and even got to meet some of my Etsy customers who came by. Thanks guys, I loved meeting you in person!

A good friend of mine Melody designed my new business cards and made me this great banner to drape over my table. Of course it didn't match my old table cloth so I went out looking for some fabric to match it. My goodness has fabric gotten expensive. So I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and in the clearance section found this great woven fabric in the perfect color to match my banner. I bought two very long ones and sewed them together in the center so the banner would cover the seem. Then I was able to get a smaller one to drape over the table and the top of the banner. With coupons and a little sewing work total cost $38.00. Unfortunately and fortunately when I got to the show my usual 8' x 3' table was replaced by two 5' x 4' tables. The table cloth was obviously a little short but I wasn't going to complain about getting extra free space so I made it work! Here are some pictures.

The rack in the center of the table holds a great deal of my focal beads. My brother Eddie made it for me. Last year I met Kimberly, from Kimberly's Corner at the show and she was gracious enough to allow me to take a picture of her lampwork racks. You can check out her beautiful borosilicate beads and her show schedule at Kimberlys Corner.

This is my friend Michelle McCarthy of Firefly Design Studio. We've been to several shows in Pompano Beach. Michelle's a wonderfully creative ceramic artist, please check out her shop on Etsy Firefly Design Studio.

Here's a couple of pictures of her clay beads. The fish in the center has a hook through its mouth, adorable!

More of Michelle's ceramic beauties.

Some of my new florals listed on Etsy.

New funky matte rounds, Rio Grande.

Some new head pins for the Etsy shop.

I've been doing a lot of beach going lately so I'll be making different shells to add to the Etsy store. Here are three new Conch Shells.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

Intergalactic Bead Show

2011-06-22T14:09:00.002-04:00

This weekend is the Intergalactic Bead Show in Pompano Beach, Florida. If you're local this is the info. to the show.

Intergalactic Bead Show

June 25 and 26
Emma Lou Olsen Civic Center
1801 NE 6th Street
Pompano Beach, FL

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Both Days)

$2.00 Discount

Here's a little collage of some of the beads that will be available. I've also made lots of new jewelry for a little inspiration. If you're liking that new rustic looking dragonfly pendant it's from the first run of my new kiln. I think I need to run the temperature a little higher to get a glossier finish. I loved the "dug out of the earth" look so much I made a necklace with it. I think I need to re-fire them though. Maybe I'll keep some with this finish.

Hope to see you there,

Enjoy your day,

Raida

LARGE FLORAL LENTILS

2011-06-16T17:25:00.000-04:00

On June 25th & 26th I'm going to be at the Intergalactic Bead show in Pompano Beach, FL so I'm working very hard to fill bins with beads. At my last show in Miami these large floral focal beads where really popular and there where some I never got around to photograph. I'm trying to take as many pictures so I can remember the different styles. Even though I hate to admit, I'm not too fond of repeating these floral beads. Some are similar but they're never exactly the same unless I get a special request and even then I can't make the base bead exactly the same. I just let that part do it's thing and stand back and say "That's Pretty". These are now listed on Etsy.

"NATURE'S VOICE"

"SERENDIPITY"

"SUMMER DAYS"

"ONLY YOU"

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BIRTHDAY PRESENT AND SOME NEW BEADS

2011-06-15T16:03:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share a picture of my birthday present this year. This is my new Paragon kiln. This kiln will be dedicated to ceramics only since my other Paragon kiln is used just for lampworking since it has a lampworking door. I've been worried that using the lampworking kiln for ceramics might overwork the kiln and break right before some big show. That's how these things always happen. I got the kiln last week but it had some special electrical needs of which I know nothing about. My hubby was out of town last week so I had to wait until today to get it up and running. I made a small amount of beads to try out just in case somethings off. I made some more lampwork floral beads and finished three of the viking knit sets which are now listed on Etsy.

This is my test run. Finger's crossed!

This is a sample of what you can make with the Viking Knit Sets. After making this bracelet I realized that I would only use three rondelle shaped beads when I made it again. You can just adjust the length by using a longer viking knit if you need it longer. The kit includes only three rondelles but if you want four I can do a reserved listing for any additional ones you need.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-06-11T12:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in my giveaway and thanks for the Birthday wishes! The winner of the Cranberry Sparkle Beads is Mitzi. My son Jason pulled out your name from the blog and Facebook participants. Mitzi contact me at havanabeads@yahoo.com so I can get this set to you. Congratulations!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

GREAT NEWS!

2011-06-09T20:18:00.000-04:00

Great news, my beads are now available at Amy's Beads! Amy's got a wonderful store with the friendliest staff and great classes. Go check it out at:

Amy's Beads
220 South University Drive
Plantation, FL

Here's a similar viking knit class my friend Alicia is teaching using some of my lampwork beads, caps and sliders.

I've made these kits in black, turquoise, pink, ivory, and violet. You can purchase them at Amy's or online on Etsy as soon as I get some more done. I'll also have some at the Intergalactic Bead show in Pompano, June 25th & 26th.

Enjoy your evening,

Raida

Don't forget to enter my giveaway below........

NEW BEADS AND JEWELRY ON ETSY

2011-06-07T16:59:00.000-04:00

Some new flower beads and a new set of honeysuckle sparkle beads went up on Etsy today. I also have two new jewelry pieces on Gentle Wind Designs. I'm going to share a bracelet I made with my new Raku beads which I'm hoarding and I'm not sure if I want to give up. I made the mistake of making it with all the colors I wear and dangling a dragonfly which I promised myself to make something with for myself when I bought it. I'll share it here with you so you can see the beads in a jewelry piece.

Buttercup Pillow Shaped Beads

Tropicana pillow shaped beads

Honeysuckle Sparkle

This is one of my vintage skeleton keys with a floral bead. I've also dangled periwinkle beads I made with a trail of fine silver around them. I've also etched these.

C'est La Vie - Paris, I'll return one day!

Lampwork beads are frosted/etched barrel shape with a spiral indentation in them. Hard to tell in the photograph.

This is the bracelet I don't want to give up. I love that Hilltribe dragonfly! Well, just in case I don't sell it you can see my raku beads in a piece of jewelry. I really love these raku colors.

DON'T FORGET TO GO BELOW AND LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A SET OF MY CRANBERRY SPARKLE BEADS!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

2011-06-06T11:23:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking lately of a present I'd like this year for my birthday. My birthday is coming up on Sunday the 12th. I'm leaning towards a new small kiln. I have two in mind, the Paragon Express-1193 and the Paragon Caldera XL. I mostly want this kiln to play with clay. Anyone have any experience with either? Well now for the giveaway. Leave a comment for a chance to win a set of my Cranberry Sparkle beads. Extra chances if you follow my blog or follow me on Facebook. I'll draw a name on Saturday the 11th of June. GOOD LUCK!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

NEW BEADS

2011-06-03T07:19:00.002-04:00

I've been so crazy busy lately I haven't been able to post new goodies here on my blog. Here's a quick post of some new beads available at Havana Beads.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE

2011-05-28T06:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping in and checking out my blog. I've been making lots of floral beads lately for my Havana Beads store on Etsy. I'll be working next week on more lentils and rounds for the shop. I'm having a sale this weekend at Havana Beads and Gentle Wind Designs. Take 15% off your entire order when checking out by using the coupon code "MEMORIAL11". Sale ends Monday, May 30th. Here are a couple of the floral sets and a new bracelet.

"Crossroads"

Enjoy your weekend!

Raida

New Goodies on Etsy

2011-05-21T08:01:00.001-04:00

I made some fine silver beads this week and thought I'd make some bracelets to showcase them. They seem to call for a more elegant design so I went with my gut feeling and I'm pretty happy with the results. I'll be working on some more of these next week to post on Havana Beads.

Midnight Whisper

Calla Lily

Moonlit Fantasy - Reserved on Etsy

Some new Lampwork beads on Havana Beads, Etsy.

These lentils have flowers on both sides. Each lentil has 12 flowers.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

ART BEAD SCENE BLOG - HUGE GIVEAWAY

2011-05-17T13:02:00.000-04:00

I was contacted by Erin Praiz-Hintz, contributing editor of Art Bead Scene blog a couple of weeks ago to let me know that she was doing a huge giveaway which included artist and vendors from the Beads 2011 magazine and would I like to participate. I am a loyal follower of Art Bead Scene and love all of their informative posts so I said definitely. OMG I just went over to see what else Erin had received for the giveaway and I'm still stunned by all the goodies. This is huge; one person gets everything! Get right over there and comment, post, facebook, join, whatever, but get over there. Here's the link Art Bead Scene. Here is my contribution to the Art Bead Scene giveaway.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

Bead Star Contest

2011-05-16T16:08:00.001-04:00

A quick reminder that voting for your favorites for Bead Star 2012 magazine ends tomorrow. So head on over to Beading Daily and vote for your favorites. My pearl necklace made it to the finalist in the "Pearl" category. If you like it, I would really appreciate your vote. THANKS!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

2011-05-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

I've been asked by some customers for larger round beads, 14mm or so. So I made these three sets that are larger than my normal 12mm x 8mm. I love how these turned out. They're colorful yet have an organic feel to them I think. I also made a floral focal bead and it's loaded with flowers. It's also lightly etched. I've obviously been thinking of the mouse lately. You know who I mean, fun, joy, vacation, yeah! Mouse ear head pins for those of you that love the mouse as much as I do. Also got around to making a couple of new jewelry pieces today and finished a necklace I wasn't totally happy with the length from the Bead Soup Hop.

These are all the same bead. Different views.

Love these!

This ceramic piece is from Spirited Earth with Czech glass beads and my own handmade copper clasp.

This is my necklace from the Bead Soup Hop which needed a little adjustment on the length of the silk cord. Now I love it. I have all the jewelry listed on my Gentle Wind Designs Etsy store.

These are my handmade etched copper plates and my lampwork raku beads.

Thanks for stopping by!

Raida

NEW GOODIES ON ETSY

2011-05-10T06:46:00.000-04:00

I've been working on some new head pins in bright summer colors. I made a set in transparent glass with silver sparkle. Also, a set with hand shaped beads which have a nugget type shape in a dark red color, partially encased and beautiful raku colors underneath. I haven't made Pandora Style beads in a while so I made some for the shop.

The little heart on the plum headpin wasn't intentional and I wouldn't be able to make it again if I tried on such a small scale. I think it's pretty cute.

These fit the Pandora, Biagi and troll bracelets and necklaces.

These hoops are 18ga sterling silver with my Raindrop beads. The beads have movement to them. They are available in my Gentle Wind Designs Etsy store.

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Raida

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-08T08:17:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post to wish all moms a wonderful day today! I'm getting together with my boys later, I can't wait.

Eric, Me and Jason

Enjoy your day,

Raida

LOVELY SETS OF THREE TREASURY

2011-05-06T07:15:00.000-04:00

Look at this lovely treasury by Dolls and Bunnies at Etsy. She has the most adorable little dolls I've ever seen. The soy candles and those little bird nest tags are just wonderful. My little lampwork bird with companion beads is featured in this treasury. Click the title of this post to view the entire treasury and see each individual store. Love it!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

New Beads and Jewelry

2011-05-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

A new little guy is appearing on my Havana Beads Etsy store today. He's ivory with little wings, tail and beak in raku. I made two little companion beads to match. All three beads have been etched so they have a matte finish. Hope you like him.

This new necklace has 15 stands of seed beads on either side and gather into pretty copper cones. This design started with the ornate copper focal bead and took off from there. I added a thick copper chain and a handmade copper clasp to finish the piece. This piece is available at my Gentle Wind Designs site.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BEAD STAR FINALIST

2011-05-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

I just found out that I have been chosen as one of the finalist in the "Pearls" category for Bead Star Magazine. Yes, I did say pearls. My glass piece didn't make it but I'm really thrilled to have made it in a category which I normally don't work in much. Don't get me wrong I love pearls but I mostly love my glass and metals. This years voting is a little different and I'm not too thrilled about it. To be able to vote you have to sign in to the site and be registered to the Beading Daily Community I believe. I haven't voted yet since I want to contact all my bloggy buddies and see if they made it first. If you would like to vote, and I hope you love my piece - fingers crossed, you can go to this link here Beading Daily - Bead Star Finalist. Remember you have to sign in first.

I was on vacation in December of last year when I sketched the design of this necklace on a scrap piece of paper. Of course it changed somewhat when I actually found the different components, but it pretty much looks just like the scrap piece of paper looked. It all started with the mother of pearl focal. I added more mother of pearl beads and two different color pearl strands to coordinate with the focal. There are tiny seed beads in copper and cranberry throughout which you can't see very well in the picture. I added copper chain links on top of the focal and added a spray of pearls and mother of pearl beads. This necklace looks so pretty and elegant when worn.

SPRING BLOSSOM

Enjoy your day,

Raida

MOTHER'S DAY SALE

2011-05-02T09:46:00.000-04:00

I think it's time for a sale. Both Havana Beads and Gentle Wind Designs have a 15% discount coupon available. When checking out of either store use coupon code "MOM2011" and it will automatically discount 15% off your entire order. Coupon is available until Friday, May 6, 2011. ENJOY!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2011-04-29T06:42:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to all who participated in my giveaway. The winner of the head pins is number 8, Copper Diem. Email me at havanabeads@yahoo.com with your address and I'll send these right out to you. Congratulations!

Enjoy your day,

Raida

BACK TO BASICS

2011-04-27T18:03:00.001-04:00

My favorite thing in the whole wide world growing up was a new box of crayons. I still remember the thrill the first year my mom got me the big box, you know, the one with the sharpner built right in. I've traded in that box of crayons for a box of glass. I get such a thrill when I receive new colors I've never tried. It seems like nothings changed!

I had lots of fun making the following beads. I thought I'd make some bumpies and polka dots with the colors I picked to work with. These will be a lot of fun in jewelry. I made them in pairs so they can be used in earrings or in bracelets or even as accents in necklaces.

Enjoy your day,

Raida

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-24T07:34:00.000-04:00

Hope you guys have a wonderful Easter Sunday with family and friends!

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Raida

2011 Buyers Guide - BEADS

2011-04-22T10:28:00.001-04:00

I am so thrilled to have my head pins featured in the 2011 Buyers Guide - BEADS. I would like to give away a set of my head pins to one lucky winner. Leave a comment below and be entered to win. If you follow my blog leave a separate comment and be entered twice. I will pick a winner next Thursday, April 28th.

These are the head pins you'll win. GOOD LUCK!

Raida