Creative Bead Chat Appreciation Day

  Lisa Lodge of Pine Ridge Treasures came up with a terrific event: Creative Bead Chat administrator appreciation day! It's no surprise Lisa came up with the idea. As her blog says, she lives life with gratitude. And sharing appreciation, art, and beauty is a huge quality of Lisa. I'm honored and proud Lisa Lodge is my friend! :) 


If you are an international artist, or new to the handcrafted jewelry arts community, you may be unfamiliar with the Creative Bead Chat. Please, let me introduce you! 

The Creative Bead Chat is an open Facebook group with over 1,000 members providing:

"A home for creative component and jewelry designers 

to share new creations, tool tips and help build 

our creativity and sales ! A home for new designers 

as well experienced to share your experiences 

and ask questions. Ultimately we are a team 

and work together towards the goal of being proud 

of our accomplishments and accomplishing our dreams...

welcome to Creative Bead Chat!
Only rule...Treat others as you would like to be treated :-)

Also, to keep heavy advertising controlled...

I'm asking that manufactured supplies and/or second hand reselling 

of products be limited to two posts per week. 

 Please feel free to message me if you have questions....

Thanks and welcome! " 

                                                         --Melinda Orr

Each month the Creative Bead Chat features several artists on a first come, first serve basis. Information about your shop, blog, pinterest, and Facebook page is featured, and your shop icon is featured on the group page banner. It's a neat way to get to get your work out into the community and a great way to meet fellow artisans!

Recently, CBC hosted a "de-stash" sale: an all-day event offering the chance to post and sell stash goodies to other artists. It was a huge success, and it looks like a monthly de-stash day is in the works. I love the terrific treasures I purchased during the CBC de-stash. A couple items that arrived today in the mail this week are my Frida Kahlo style hand charms with infinity symbols from My Bead Therapy:

And, festive red holly leaves for Christmas designs from Baking Monster:

Creative Bead chat is supportive and fun, and there is a lot to appreciate. Today members of the group are blogging about the creative powers behind the CBC, and giving the administrators a shout out. Please check out the awesome, creative talents of the CBC administration:

Marla James:

Marla James's blog is "Marla's Mud Mess" and her shop, "Marla's Mud," is on Etsy. 

Melinda Orr:

Melinda Orr's blog is entitled "Melinda Orr Designs" as is her shop on Etsy: "Melinda Orr Designs."  

Karen Totten:

 Karen Totten's blog is "Starry Road Studio" and so is her Etsy shop, "Starry Road Studio."

Marla Gibson:

 Marla Gibson's blog is "Spice Box Designs" as is her shop, "Spice Box Designs" -- yet it is currently closed due to health issues. 

Keirsten Giles:

Keirsten Giles blog is "The Cerebral Dilettante" and her shop is "Lune Designs" on Etsy.

Cheers to Marla James, Melinda Orr, Karen Totten, Marla Gibson, and Keirsten Giles, five gifted and inspiring artists who make CBC an excellent group for the handcrafted community of jewelry & design artisans! For all you do, give, create, support and make possible: Muchas Gracias!!


Big Hugs, TJ 



Toltec Jewels is an author by day and jewelry artist by night. Her literary work is housed by the San Fransisco MOMA in a permanent collection of mixed media art and is published internationally in popular magazines, literary quarterlies, and university publications. She has won a number of awards for both her literary and jewelry art. A gemstone collector and jewelry lover, she is happiest making handcrafted jewelry with her family. 

She is also the creator of Jewel School Friends, a community of expert and new jewelry artisans taking inspiration from each other and Jewel School.  Join her at Jewel School Friends on Facebook for features on jewelry designers and bead artists,  support of independent artist entrepreneurship, fundraisers, contests and give-a-ways, and of course, beautiful jewelry!