Hello, My name is Lori, and I'm a blog slacker!

Yikes! I didn't realize exactly how long it had been since I updated here until I was linking someone else to it. I do believe I am a blog slacker.

On the up side, that means I've been busy creating in my (nearly non-existent) free time. :)

Sara and I are gearing up for our big IUK Arts and Crafts show in November. We had a great time (and a good amount of sales!) at this show last year, and we're anxious to see how this year turns out. My former college roommate is a very talented chainmaille artist and she will be joining us at the show as well. Check her out on Etsy.

As for new creations, I've been posting several of them on the Beads by Lori and Sara Etsy Shop, but I've also set back a few that will be just for the show in November. Here's a look:

This is on of my new personal favorites. I adore the Harry Potter books (I'm an elementary teacher, cut me some slack!) and knew the instant I saw these lightning bolt toggle clasps I HAD to make something Harry Potter inspired. The end result is the Harry Potter House Pride Bracelets. They're available in the Etsy shop and there will be some at the IUK sale as well!

It's available, of course, in all four house colors:
L-R: Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff

Here's the Gryffindor bracelet, so you can really see the gunmetal toggle clasp:

Aside from showing my inner geek, I've been creating some new earrings. Here's a favorite from those, created to match the Frankly Scarlett bracelet:



They're available in the Etsy shop, and I'm currently working on making them in a variety of colors!



And now for a few that aren't up in the shop, just for a sneak preview!

Here's one of the (many!) wire-wrapped pendants I have been working on:

And another pair of earrings - I just LOVE how one side has a different finish than the other on these beads!


On that note, it's late, and I'm headed to bed so I can have plenty of energy to create tomorrow!

New Workspace!

I recently redid my office and studio area and now I have an awesome new space for creating! I'm a hobby scrapper and a serious beader (obviously!) so here's a look at where some of your Beads by Lori and Sara jewelry is created!


Here's my Cricut/scrapping area :)




Here's the wide shot of my beading area. My grandfather built the shelving to my design sketches for what I wanted in a creative studio.



This side is mostly supplies, with the exception of my finished bracelet rack up on top.


This side is mostly packaging, finished product and of course, my giant diet coke.

Custom Request: Red and Black

Trisha requested a design of a red and black bracelet - what do you think?

Lime Twist

Here's a look at a new citrus-inspired set that will be in the shop soon! Comment and let us know what you think!

Cane Glass in Progress :)

Working on a few new pieces tonight using some beautiful cane glass from our inventory. Here's what I'm working on right now :)


Square cane glass beads with red lining, topped with a silver-plated cube. These will be earrings :)




These will turn in to necklace pendants. Both are made with 3 stacked pieces of cane glass.




Purple cane glass earrings with white swirls. Obviously not attached to the earwires yet :)



Bright blue cane glass earrings withgreen, orange, dark blue and yellow stripes:



Cute little cane glass bracelet made with clear triangular beads with red lining. Stripe colors vary.


Leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite :)

Can't Stop the Serenity - commisioned charity piece

Custom Order: Childhood Cancer Awareness Bracelet

Here's a look at a custom order that was just completed!







And here's a glance at the matching earrings :)