CHARMS, Ad Infinitum

Can't decide? Want them all? Anxious buyers often express their frustration at having to choose charms from a seemingly endless collection (like Outlander). The problem of course, is simple: the bracelet's length is finite and can fit only so many dangles. Or so it was thought.

Not true.  For some time now, the ability to attach charms to lobster clasps has been available to customers. This allows them to change or rearrange charms at will. If you fancy a particular charm one day, it can simply be switched out with another on the chain. This results in a fully customizable and chunky bracelet! 

Retro-fitting an existing bracelet with clasps is easy. It is available for a minor surcharge when all charms from a collection are purchased to add to the ones already on your bracelet. Contact me at maryfaithpeace@gmail.com if you are interested in this option. 

Go ahead. Start collecting charms!

ADDING TO

THE OUTLANDER FAMILY....

 

Many of you know of my fixation with Diana Gabaldon's time-travel epic, Outlander. I keep finding small mementos of the book in charms I pick up from all over. Worthy additions to my charm bracelet indeed!

SOURCE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/110634928/outlander-gabaldon-themed-charm?ref=shop_home_active_3

What are you waiting for, Sassenach?

Your Very Own Outlander Celtic Link Charm Bracelet
 
 

You've probably seen the pictures and wondered, "Where can I get one?" Only to discover (once you found it) a mile-long list of instructions for you to complete - before you could get one. Nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of you while walking through the customization process;
watched while you battled with yourself over which charms to pick; quietly listened to your suggestions to improve the overall design and basked in the 
glow of wondrous feedback!

While I cannot do anything about the lengthy set of instructions (it stays - the price of creating a custom piece) I can ease you into it with this video:



It will particularly aid utterly lost and long-suffering DH's entrusted with Anniversary, Birthday or Christmas presents.

Fear not. I've got your back.

An Outlandish Way to Keep Warm

Shared with permission by PB.

 Many of you know my obsession with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series prompted all the creativity with clay mini books. It seems I'm not the only one. Behold, an "Outlandish" jacket created by my friend PB, featuring all recurring themes in the books AND which she accessorized with matching book beads (not shown). She even got Herself to sign it! A truly collectible, precious work of art. Nuff said.

AN OUTLANDISH KILT PIN

Several of you have been requesting a kilt pin or brooch featuring your favorite books, for sometime now. Believe it or not, I've been designing one for months! Somehow, all my attempts seemed lacking. Until now. I chanced upon an intricately cast Scottish thistle in one of my searches and eureka! The design of the pin just clicked!

Since kilt pins are supposed to weigh down the lower front apron, this one is loaded with charms, chains, book beads and various baubles. A few of these are fixed (as in immoveable), but the rest are detachable and re-positionable! 

 I especially love the touch of color provided by the Stones of Protection circlet. Also included are a jumbo (9 mm) FW pearl and an opal AB glass cube.

Karen Henry, a great resource for all things Outlander (news, info and trivia), has a wonderful article on the Stones here. I substituted faceted glass beads in lieu of the real gems. I did however, include a treat: a real Lapis Lazuli rough- cut cube! So, whether its a kilt, shawl or Pashmina, pin away!

It took an Outlandishly Long Time

I started in May (2012). And just now finished. What, you say? The monumental task of re-sculpting the entire Outlander series of Book Beads!

Every book/edition has been re-done. In sharp, crisp, vibrant colors! It's part of the ongoing store remodel. So watch out for new (& old) designs based on Jamie and the gang in the coming weeks. Time to play!

VARIATIONS on the theme by DOCTOR WHO

  

As Book Beads are so versatile, I've started playing with my newest collection: Doctor Who. 

It can be made into a cool UNISEX leather cord necklace:

or for thread & fiber artisans, stitch markers:

Turn heads with these earrings:

 

Either way, show your affinity for the your favorite doctor (10th or any). Collect them all! For details, see Just Charming!

For Sci Fi Lovers: The Doctor is In!

THE DOCTOR WHO COLLECTION

Published since the 1960s, there are literally hundreds of Dr. Who books in print! I tried to choose representatives (and my favorites) from each era, including recently published editions (2005 onwards). The result: a timeless collection for any Dr. Who fan!

The set features seven (7) interchangeable Dr. Who miniature book pendants. The collection includes 13 beloved titles in the Dr. Who series, split into 7 books (I’ve collaged different titles in the front (F) & back (B) of each book bead):

1) Alien Bodies (F) with The Burning (B)
2) The Adventures of Henrietta Street (F) with The Banquo Legacy (B)
3) The Tardis Handbook (F) with The Evil of the Daleks (B)
4) Lungbarrow (F) with Nightshade (B)
5) Illegal Alien (F) with Matrix (B)
6) Wolfsbane (F) with Father Time (B)
7) Interference (F & B)

Constructed of polymer clay, each double-sided book has page ridge detail  etched on three sides. The Dr. Who mini book charms are then sealed, before repeatedly being glazed (minimum 3 coats) to a glossy finish, making them not only durable, but also water-resistant. It takes about 2 weeks, from start to finish, to complete a custom book. With a built-in hole for a headpin, each bead pivots freely and is easily identifiable. 

Check out Just Charming! for more details.