Tickle Me Beads

PARTY SALE!

2009-08-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

We are so doing the party dance since school has started. Summer breaks are always wonderful but it sure does feel good to be back on a routine again. So to help celebrate.... we are having a party at Tickle Me Beads. Some come join in the fun and turn your day from drab to swell!

Tickle Me is on Vacation Aug 8th - Aug 16th, 2009

2009-06-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just a head's up, both Tickle Me Beads and Glassbeadle.com will be closed for vacation from Saturday, August 8th until Sunday, August 16th. All shipping will resume on Monday, August 17th.

No orders will be packed and shipped during this time frame. Emails will be checked and answered but at a much slower pace than normal.

See you soon!

Beading Daily BEAD STAR Jewelry Competition

2009-04-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hey there you jewelry designers. The deadline is coming up on May 1 for the BEAD STAR jewelry design competition. Here is your chance to get your designs featured in the 2nd Annual Bead Star magazine. I entered 2 designs last year and they both made the top 20 cut and my heart bracelet won an honorable mention. It was really simple and fun to do. I still need to enter myself. We better get bookin! -Cassie

Here is a You Tube video about it or go to www.beadstar.com

Another New Design Stamp..... Squares!

2009-04-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a new design stamp for stamping. Snatch it up in the stamping supplies section!

New Swirl Design Stamps now available

2009-03-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

There are new swirl design stamps available. Go check them out in the stamping section.

There is this
swirl pattern to choose from....

Or.... you might like this more whimsical swirl design.

Hmmmmmm.... tough call!

Smaller 1.6mm Alphabet Stamps Back in Stock. Finally!

2009-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

We finally got back in stock the smaller 1.6mm alphabet stamps. There were production problems and we haven't had any since Nov. 2008!

And... early next week, 2 different new swirl stamps will be available. Not a lot but better than a poke in the eye!

New Mini Ring Kits from Bead & Button Magazine now available

2009-02-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Yea... make the Bloomin Flower Rings designed by Cassie and featured on page 84 of the Bead and Button April 2009 magazine issue.

Plus.... for members of the Bead and Button community (it is free to register)...atwww.beadandbutton.com/videos
you can watch an on-line video of the rings being made.It is produced by the staff of Bead and Button.I had nothing to do with the making of this video and haven't had a chance to view it yet. When I checked a few days ago it wasn't posted yet. But I just looked and the video is available now. I'm going to try to watch it after I get this posted. -Cassie

And you know me on making the supplies available... PURCHASE A MINI KIT to make the rings exactly like the photos or order just the lampwork flowers.

Click here to purchase the mini kit that has all the needed supplies (except the plastic ring mandrel and magazine)

Click here to purchase just the lampwork flower beads.

Make your own fine silver head pins

2009-02-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to make your own head pins? How about fusing fine silver into rings?

These are all very simple to do. Tickle Me now carries the butane torches just for this purpose.

You will also need a heat resistant soldering board.

Cassie made a video for Beading Daily readers on how to make fine silver head pins. These are so easy to make. View below. The video is hosted on Youtube and doesn't have the best video quality but it has great information on setting up and using the torch along with making the head pins.

Wonder Rings

2009-01-28T21:01:00.001-08:00

Have you seen the Spring Issue of Step By Step Wire Magazine? I don't think it is due to hit the stands until Feb 2 but it is being mailed out to subscribers right now.

The directions to make the Wonder Rings start on page 33. These are so easy to make and so fun to wear!

You can buy the magazine, and everything off of the supply list here at Tickle Me Beads.com

Here is the supply list with the links of everything you need. If you go to the magazine link the supply list is also posted on this page.

Purchase the Step By Step Wire Spring issue 2009 magazine here

Lampwork Beads by Cassie Donlen

2 hole screw down punch

The Bomb in files - Grobet Brand

OR...... the economy file

1" Long Brass Screw Set

or 1" long Stainless Steel Screw Set

4x1mm sterling silver wire

Black Plastic Ring Mandrel

Pro Polish Pads

Power Max Wire Cutters to cut wire.

Stamping Supplies if desired

These Nut drivers are perfect for the Screw sets!

Or just a pair of flat nose pliers will work for the screw sets too.

New Bracelet Kit Available

2009-01-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

I finally sat down and made myself write up the directions for the Heart on A Wire Bracelet kit..

It is now available for purchase. This fun design features an interchangable lampwork heart bead. Swap it out for different colored hearts or any other bead that has a 1/16" size hole.

A great combination of stamping and wire work!

Fresh starts and new inspiration for the new year

2009-01-07T20:54:00.001-08:00

There is something to be said about turning the page and starting a new calendar. It can be exciting, scary and somewhat curious as we wonder what new things we are in store for.

I love the holiday season but when January comes around, it always feels good to be back on a normal routine and exciting to start a new year. I've given up on making "resolutions" as I never really seem to follow through on them. At least things that I write down. Although I probably should since all the experts say that if you don't set a goal then you won't achieve anything! I guess I have general goals in my mind that are always lurking. You know the one about eating better and exercising more. That one is always the first to go out the window as life gets busy and overwhelming with the to do lists.

But if being creative and coming up with new jewelry designs is a goal of yours, then I have something that might be right up your ally!

Go check out the scoop on this awesome monthly Czech Beads club. Each month you are surprised with a wonderful coordinating collection of Czech beads that arrive in your mail box. It is a great way to get inspired in the creativity department! I love love love designing jewelry with of course my lampwork beads but then my next love is Czech beads. I've seen a large sample of the monthly bead sets and they are fabulous. Just looking at them makes the wheels in your mind starting whirling on ways to use them. It would make a great monthly creative challenge.

-Cassie

Thanksgiving Sale.... Yippee!

2008-11-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

Yep, you read it right....from now until December 1st, get 15% off your entire purchase (before shipping)on everything at Tickle Me Beads.

You have to enter a code into the code/coupon box at check out. I think it is on page 2 of the check out process. So enter the word "turkey" without the quotes to get the 15% discount.

I love Black Friday shopping and thought I would pass along the fun to you.

And there is also a 10% off sale at Glassbeadle.com. This includes everything except the items on the silver page in the supply section. So yes, lampwork beads, jewelry, kits etc.

My shopping cart isn't fancy at Glass Beadle so the sale is more of a rebate of 10% off of your purchase before shipping. I will have to go in and manually give the 10% refund. The sale also lasts until Dec. 1 but I reserve the right to end it earlier if I get too overbooked.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Cassie

We Have a Winner!

2008-11-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Good grief!! I'm so sorry I'm just now getting to post the winner. It was an action packed weekend and I'm just now getting time on the computer.

I realized that the downfall for doing the contest on the blogger using the comments is that I don't recognize all the blogger names or have emails. So... it will be up to the winner to email me as I am not sure who the identity is.

I put all the names in a hat and hubby got to draw one out tonight.

The winner of the bead set is "Tooshila" who said she would be Betty Boop! A find choice I might add!!

Anyway... email me at cassie@glassbeadle.com or any of the other emails on the websites with your full name and address and I'll get the beads right out to ya:-)

Thanks to all for playing!

Free Beads Contest!

2008-10-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, the day has finally arrived. Way over due I might add. But anyway... here is your chance to win a fine set of lampwork beads. They are kind of funky and not the traditional beads. The big focal bead is kind of cool. It is about 1 1/2" long and has a really big hole. I was thinking that it would be perfect to string as a necklace. Also include are 2 yummy delicate but strong hollow beads and a few disc beads. And... an experimental purple heart. It has a glass loop but I added a jump ring so it would lie the right way when strung. I need to play more with this design.

So here is the deal.... simple as pie to play. Since Halloween is around the corner... I thought I would just ask a simple question.... I know most of us are all grown up but if you could dress up for Halloween or just for the day or find that inner child in yourself.... AND.... you could be whatever you wanted... No... you don't have to make or buy the costume. Your Fairy Godmother just waves her magic wand and you turn into whatever you choose...

What would you dress up as? Remember...don't put a lot of thought into it. Whatever pops into your mind. Just post a comment in the comments section. The contest ends at midnight on Friday Oct. 31st...

I'll do the drawing on November 1st and post the winner here on the blog. Remember.. this is for a fun set of beads and just for the heck of it...

Oh, what would I be.... the first thing that popped into my mind was Cinderella! Sometimes I relate with her when I'm doing all the grunt work around the house and the thought of having a fairy godmother and living happily ever after in a big honkin mansion with my prince is just too tempting! Especially since I don't usually "whistle while I work!" ha!

-Cassie

Stamped Name Pendants

2008-10-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

These stamped name pendants are fun and very easy to make!! They are very similiar to the free directions for stamped name pendants on the home page of Tickle Me Beads.com on the right hand side of the page under "important links".

The only difference is that these name pendants are about 1" tall. Use the 4x1mm silver wire strips and the 3mm tall alphabet stamps. To round off the edges, use either the economy file or the rockin can't get enough of Grobet files.

Last thing you need is a 2 hole screw down hole punch to make the holes and a 6.5 mm jump ring and viola... you have stamped name pendants!! Oh... if you need to cut the wire, use the Power Max wire cutters. They are the best and you will be soooo happy that you own these fine wire cutters!

All of the goodies can be found at Tickle Me Beads.com Just follow the free directions on how to cut the wire, file the edges round, and punch the holes. The directions even cover how to patina the letters!

Featured Product

2008-10-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hey guys... so I hope you have had a chance to look around Tickle Me Beads. There is lots to look at. I thought the blog would be a good place to point out some of my favorite things.

Have you noticed the interchangeable screw sets? These are awesome! Instead of riveting your jewels, use these screw sets to make the beads interchangable. You will find lots of examples on how these screws can be used in the kits section. As Martha S. would say, "These are a good find." Although I don't really pay much attention to her these days, does she still say that?

Yippee!! Tickle Me Beads is ready to launch!

2008-09-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Finally! It's here! My new behind the scenes project that has been taking up all my extra time. The shell of the website is done, and I'm excited to do the big reveal.

http://www.ticklemebeads.com/

Why another website? I've been wanting to grow the supplies area at Glassbeadle.com but my site just isn't set up for a big store front. I love the boutique feel of Glassbeadle and I hate to lose that. So the goal is to keep the Glassbeadle site all about lampwork beads and jewelry. All of the supplies, kits, and videos will eventually be moved over to Tickle Me Beads.

There is so much potential with Tickle Me Beads and I can't wait to tap into it all. But life is busy so I need to be patient and slowly let it grow. The goal is to get lots of classes and kits that are inspiring and helpful to "Tickle Your Imagination".

Right now the classes and supplies are focusing on an area that is becoming very popular in the beading world - wire work and stamping. These two areas open up a whole new avenue for creativity in your jewelry designs. Plus it is super duper fun! The store is stocked full with all sorts of fun tools and supplies and cool finds.

It will constantly be evolving. And the plan is to offer on-line classes both in jewelry design, lampworking, and even metal smithing with soldering etc. Now that will be fun!

Why the name Tickle Me Beads? Good question. We worked for days trying to come up with the perfect name. Even registered about 4 domain names! But one night when hubby and I were brain storming, 4 year old Caiden walks up to hubby and says "Tickle Me Daddy" about 3 times in a row. It just sounded so cute and we both said that is it! And Tickle Me Beads was born. It seems to fit the bill especially with the tag line of "Tickle Your Imigination". The word tickle is just fun and you know if you get tickled, you are gonna have to laugh. Maybe even cry from laughing so hard. That is how I feel about beads and making jewelry. It is just way too much fun!