Hi! it's jean. I just got an email from Artbeads today and I, as a customer, was asked to review some of their products. You can do this too.
As I love Artbeads, and many of the designs in my book used materials and components from Artbeads, I said to myself, "Why don't you do a quick review of some of the items which you have obtained from this wonderful store on your blog today, and then post them on Artbeads later, after you figure out how to do it?" Many unique and wonderful beads and chain styles were running through my head as I said this to myself.
What you need to know about Artbeads is that it truly is a large, magnificent online store with great service, a dedicated staff of cool people who are delightful and fun, and most of all, no matter what level of designer you are, they have what you need. Whether it is a  book or a set of tools, or a kind of glue  or something more exotic, like free use of their vast inspiration library of projects, or finally,  those fabulous beads we cannot stay away from, Artbeads has it all. Frequently it is the only place to get something which just could be that perfect something which you need for the special piece of jewelry you are designing.
Everything you order arrives promptly and exquisitely packaged. I believe that Artbeads understands that opening a package initiates the relationship between a designer and his or her beads.  Therefore the packages are wrapped like gifts and the outer, brilliantly colored tissue is downright regal looking. You will also often receive a card giving you a discount on your next purchase, and you will receive a card showing you one of their lovely inspirational designs which you might wish to check out, to make for your own enjoyment.

I want to get to specific beads now but first I thought you might like to have an idea of what it is like to experience Artbeads, the store.

Here are some of the things which I have bought from Artbeads:

I own this pendant:  It is large, it is porcelain, and it is entirely backed with sterling silver and has a hefty rounded sterling silver bail on it. This has been in my bead box for a while as I want to make something perfect with it. It is a very dramatic statement simply on its own, but I cannot have it floating on my chest in mid - air, so I must come up with just the right idea which will be powerful enough to stand up to the design and shape of the specific pendant, yet not take away from the impact of it, which as I repeat is "stand alone".

To assist myself theoretically, I might consider the fact that Artbeads is having a sale on pearls this week (see above and follow my link)
and I might mull around about entwining some freshwater pearls and some Montana blue colored crystals, as well as some other Swarovski Elements from Artbeads in softer,  pale ocean-y colors.  I could make this look like an underwater seascape.
I am discovering that this isn't really a review, it is a contemplation.
However I do give this pendant 5 stars, review-wise, for its top notch quality, its appeal to the eye, and its uniqueness.

Speaking of the pearl sale, 

I have had the pleasure of using these Keishi pearls in a necklace which I made for Australian Beading magazine. Here are the pearls. above. This divine color is sold out but there are so many more to love and to choose from! Here is the necklace which I made:

I am beginning to think I like blue    (<--yes this link actually goes somewhere) a lot. Funny that I think of myself as a pink girl! At any rate, I loved the Keishi pearls from Artbeads --5 Stars!, and also used elegantly shaped graphic Aquamarine Swarovski Elements in 12 mm x 10.5mm.


Don't you just want to pass out in joy when you see this gorgeous  bead, shown below?  It is the quintessence of the culmination of generations of fine Swarovski Austrian crystal work. Picture a pair of earrings hanging delicately from your earlobes. Of course, the hole is shown horizontally and you would have to wire these vertically. I swear no none would be able to tell you were not wearing a queen's ransom of jewels with these Swarovski Elements on your ears.  The good thing is the reassurance that the beads will arrive to you unchipped and undamaged in any way, due to Artbeads mindful and careful packing I have mentioned. There is nothing more disappointing that getting a bunch of glittery beads which you have been waiting for, spending as much as you can afford (on a good note: Artbeads offers free shipping) and having some of your goods arrive damaged.

5 Stars for this Graphic Swarovski Element bead!

I also strung on tiny clear bicone Swarovski Elements from Artbeads, and a few dark Swarovksi rondelles, as well as an enchanting mermaid and nautilus clasp from Green Girl Studios and some precious art glass beads from my dear friend Kim Miles.

I love this necklace, and give the materials which I used from Artbeads 5 stars, once again. You can count on the high consistent quality of their pearls, and you can be certain you are not getting fake Swarovskis from this fine store. Perish the thought.

I am going to finish up for now by actually showing you one more product from Artbeads which I have purchased countless times. I want to point it out to you in case you want to wire up some fancy yet simple to make earrings using the Graphic Swarovski  elements beads which I just showed you above.

You will need TWO headpins , and TWO (NOTE: these are sold individually!)  ear posts, such as these

 or these

both of which are 6mm, with CZs.  I particularly like the square (or diamond shape) for this earring design because of the shape of the graphic crystal (the square, or diamond shape, is sold out right now but put your name on the list and they will get it in and notify you sooner than you can imagine!). I have only used the round myself, however I have used them in all sorts of colors, as they come in pink CZ, as well as semi-precious inlaid stones.  Just wire wrap the head pins neatly which you have chosen (try to choose long ones as the beads are long) and close the loop.  Open the post which you have chosen and hook the loop and dangling earring on, and close the post. Put on and admire yourself.  :)

Variations on this which would be great fun would be to have a collection of tiny Swarovski Elements in dark green colors  (or colors of your choice) wire wrapped on head pins and placed on a jump ring with the graphic bead in the middle, on the same ring. Simply hook the jump ring onto the post, and close. Make sure the jump ring you choose is not too thick for the hole on the ear post.
You will need two clutch backs (the ear posts do not come with clutch backs) as well.
I would choose sterling ear posts as I have shown. And head pins from the link I gave you above. I have tried tons of Artbeads head pins and they come through for me every time.

These CZ post earrings are incredibly versatile, can be worn day or night, sparkle like crazy, and make you look stunning. They give you extra allure!


When you are a jewelry designer, try never to skimp on the little details, even a little earring post, if possible. I absolutely love love love these, as Eloise who lives in the Plaza Hotel would say, and I give them...
5 stars!

This has been fun. As I have around eight billion things to review for Artbeads I shall stop now writing my blog. I hope you enjoyed this short meditation on certain things which I have bought from Artbeads and thoroughly enjoyed using!
thanks, jean