When you hear the word "beads," do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads?beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word "beads" may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you're a product of the 50's, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you're a product of the 60's, you may think of "love beads," which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it's difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer ApplicationsBeads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can't actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school.
In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.Modern BeadsNow that we've strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today's jewelry scene? They're everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.
Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins?yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you'll find beads everywhere.The Many Faces of BeadsAnother thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads.
Today's beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today's look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality. The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn't want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you're auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.
Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It's everywhere, and it's calling your name..
M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/beads.htm and http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.Southern Living-featured Designer to Showcase Original Purses at Prestigious Lyndhurst Estate Art Show
Boynton Beach, FL (ContentDesk) May 16, 2006 -- On May 19-21 in Tarrytown, N.Y., at the Lyndhurst Estate, up-and-coming purse designer Dede Atkins will feature purse designs that recently caught the eye of Southern Living magazine editors. The June 2006 issue of Southern Living magazine is set to feature an exclusive interview with the South Florida artist/fashion designer, along with a photo spread of her signature classic wood-box purses.My purses are for those individuals who dare to be different and who dont mind attention because they will get it, said Atkins, who founded the company De-Zines by Dede in 2002. Whatever purse you wear or carry, people stop to look and comment even men.Last winter, Southern Living discovered www.dedepurses.com and sent both a photographer and a journalist to Atkinss studio in Boynton Beach, Florida, to profile the artist, whose purses have evolved to mixed-media designs, including sophisticated...
Southern Living-featured Designer to Showcase Original Purses at Prestigious Lyndhurst Estate Art Show
Watch Out For Women With Purses!
Many of us have seen the emails that warn women not to park near a van; that your elbow is the strongest part of your body; be aware of your surroundings, etc.
These are all valid points.
However, when faced with real danger will you remember that email you skimmed last year?
Not likely. You need to practice self defense techniques.
Why do you think schools have fire drills? Hopefully by walking the children through an actual emergency, they will remember what to do.Your best defense is to avoid situations of vulnerability.
I am always amazed at the number of females walking or jogging alone, both early morning or late at night, when it is dark outside.
Or the mother with her baby in her arms, toddler in tow, carrying shopping bags.
Her position is screaming, "I am helpless against defending myself at this moment."
Ladies, use a shopping cart or stroller to keep your hands free.Your Purse Doubles As a WeaponYou have...
Lucite Purses - Brief History and Buying Guide
Lucite purses got their start in the early 1950's, when post war technology came up with the idea for a higher class of plastic called "lucite". This material was ideal for use in boxy style handbags and could be manufactured in opaque or translucent color. Decorations were easy to add and included confetti, shells, flowers, or just about anything else you could stick on a handbag! These purses became all the rage of bigger cities such as Miami and New York City. It was love at first site between handbag companies and lucite purses because they could be made into unusual shapes easily. The most expensive lucite purses were made by Wilardy of New York and were showcased in major department stores throughout the country.
Of course with popularity came replication and many cheaper versions were made. Do you think you have found a genuine vintage high quality lucite purse? The best of the designers were Rialto, Llewllyn, Gilli Originals, Patricia of Miami, Evans, and Myles and Maxim....
Lucite Purses - Brief History and Buying Guide
Handcrafted Cigar Box Purses
A cigar box purse is not just a purse; it is a piece of art. A real conversation piece, a cigar box purse has a charm and beauty all its own! Made from authentic cigar boxes, these purses can even feature photos and collages of your family and pets. Many even pay homage to a bygone era with vintage images of advertisements, ladies, dancers and animals.Most cigar box purses still display the wood burned logos on the sides to serve as a reminder of the roots of your beautiful purse. They can also be lined with luxurious fabrics. You can find them with tassels, beads and all sorts of embellishments.
The handles are also numerous in design: beads, bamboo, brass and so much more. These purses are as diverse as the artists that create them!If you would like more information about cigar box purses (http://cigar-box-purses.crazyaboutscrapbooks.com/), be sure...
Handcrafted Cigar Box Purses
JP Lizzy Designs Unveils Its Latest Collection of Fashion Forward Diaper Bags, Totes and Purses
Denver, CO (ContentDesk) October 24, 2005 -- JP Lizzy (www.jplizzy.com), a fashion forward manufacturer of baby-friendly tote bags and purses is pleased to announce the launch of its winter 2005 collection.
Made for todays discerning and busy women, the line is the perfect blend of form and function with stylish shapes and patterns that meet the needs of mothers, businesswomen and gals on the go.
Four new designs are available in both totes and handbags and prices range from $42 for purses to $94 for totes and diaper bags. The collection features a little something for everyone -- from the classic black and robins egg blue Tiffany set to the sassy apple green and giraffe print Giraffe set to the green, brown and blue argyle Diana bags, the winter 2005 JP Lizzy line is a best bet for any shopper, mom or not. The collection also features a chocolate brown and pastel striped bag adorned...
A Brief History of Handbags
A Brief History of HandbagsHave you ever wondered about the origin of handbags and purses? Handbags have been essential to daily life ever since people have had something precious to carry around with them and only the items have changed over time. The very first mention in written literature comes from the 14th century, even though Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches carried around the waist. Bags were attached to what were called "girdles" which were fastened to the waist. Embroidery and jewels adorned these articles and were used to show status - the richer the person, the more elaborate the bag. More information on medieval clothing
In the 16th century, handbags took on more of an air of practicality with the use of everyday materials such as leather with a drawstring fastener on top.
During this period, cloth bags were used that were made larger and used by travelers and carried diagonally across the body. The 17th century saw more variety and both fasionable men and...
A Brief History of Handbags
This is Not Your Grandma?s Craft Store
sarah1980.com, the world's newest independent craft supply retailer, is pleased to announce the opening of its online store. Today's DIY movement doesn't mimic trends - it starts them. So forget the cross-stitched bunnies and teddy bears in dresses, sarah1980.com retails contemporary craft and sewing supplies needed to make fabulously funky and exquisite originals.sarah1980.com specializes in handbag/purse making supplies including a wide variety of handles and magnetic closures, beautiful printed textiles, fresh handbag patterns and saucy embroidery patterns. Whether just starting out or an experienced DIY style maven, sarah1980.com offers everything required to express your own style.Leah Kramer, Owner of craftster.org says:"There are a lot of people who are trying to move away from buying clothing, or purses or accessories that it looks like everyone has the same thing and bought it from the same store. So, I think it's just becoming cool to have and make things and wear things that...
This is Not Your Grandma?s Craft Store
Bellissima Publishing, LLC Announces New Law Book Series By The Unknown Attorney
JAMUL, CA (ContentDesk) September 15, 2005 -- If you are involved in a nonprofit corporation, or if you are thinking about becoming involved in a nonprofit corporation this is the book for you. If you have ever been involved in a child's sport's team, this is a must read for you.Listen to what one reviewer has to say about this book:Reviewer: San Diego, CA "This book should be read by everyone involved in a nonprofit organization from participants/members to the group administrators. This revealing...
Beads?A Sign of the Times? Bellissima Publishing, LLC Announces New Law Book Series By The Unknown Attorney silk Purses
The Little Necklace That Could: My Little Pretty's Necklace Makes National Debut in America's Next Top Model Ad Campaign
Los Angeles, CA (ContentDesk) March 29, 2006 -- Chances are you have noticed the Americas Next Top Model national ad campaign, which features 13 model hopefuls in a fairy tale setting. Another fairy tale came true for My Little Pretty, whose necklace is featured on aspiring model Kathy. Designer Kristy Nuttalls pretty pink flower necklace is now inside the pages of major magazines, plastered on billboards, on the side of buses, and even in Times Square -- quite a feat for an independent jewelry...
Beads?A Sign of the Times?
CDMWorld.com receives 5 Star Award for AdDriller Adware Removal Program.
CDMWorld.com, Inc. http://www.cdmworld.com has been awarded a five star rating from Hotsoft32.com http://www.hotsoft32.com for the CDMWorld application of the adware removal program called AdDriller, http://www.addriller.com released on October 6, 2004.AdDriller is a new generation of adware removal program. The AdDriller program will...
Beads?A Sign of the Times?
VIDCAT Makes Fashion News History...Launches Special Edition DVD "Fashion Flashbacks!"
(ContentDesk) May 8, 2004--The Video Catalogue Co., Inc. (VIDCAT) is releasing the Special Edition DVD of one of its most popular video titles Fashion Flashbacks! The one-hour compilation of classic B&W fashion newsreels from the 1950s-1960s features the top designer fashions and looks of both decades. Highlights of the program include psychedelic Pucci dresses, Mod Pierre Cardin ensembles, Rudi Gernreich bathing suits and Christian Dior floral dresses. The Special Edition DVD version of Fashion...
Beads?A Sign of the Times? VIDCAT Makes Fashion News History...Launches Special Edition DVD "Fashion Flashbacks!"
Why Sleep on a Round Mattress?
A round mattress, like any other mattress, is just another way to get a good night sleep, isn't it? Or is a round mattress more? Is a round mattress in some way even better? The ancient Greek Philosopher Plato, might have said, "Sleeping on a round mattress would be the ideal mattress." Certainly Buckminster Fuller, the inventor of the Geodesic Sphere would have preferred a round mattress to the conventional square. In fact, what better addition to a round house, than a round mattress? A...
Beads?A Sign of the Times? Why Sleep on a Round Mattress? mattresses