On our recent vacation in Maine, I visited Freeport for the first time. I had wanted to see the Beadin' Path and L. L. Bean. We went on the rainiest day possible which turned out to be the busiest day as well. That gigantic parking lot at L. L. Bean, which was empty when we arrived very early in the morning, was completely full by 10:30 AM. I had no idea what a nice and cute place Freeport would be. And best of all, I was able to visit the new and expanded Beadin' Path, and what a treat that was. The photo above is of some of the wonderful beads I took home from there. I am working with some of them this morning, which prompted me to get this post written. I had been planning on it for some time.

Those lovely greens and dark burgundy/orange reds are their sea glass, and the teal leaves are lucite. They come in every color imaginable.

In fact the store is wonderfully organized by color for each different category of beads. And well stocked, indeed!! I have more pics that I am saving for my newsletter which should be coming out soon. Meanwhile, I am enjoying a rainy day at home beading.

Use the Muse III

I might use one of my small toggle clasps

and add in some of my terracotta raku beads

My Use the Muse III kit arrived a day ago and here is a picture of the lovely beads that are in it and some of my own creations since you can add all you want from your own stash. The Muse, of course, is not included in the photo. I really like the color palette. And I am a great fan of the Copper plated pieces from Tierra Cast that ArtBeads has contributed. So the kit is really going to be an inspiration for me. I am on my third time participating in Scarlet Lanson's inventive and exciting challenge for beaders. If you are interested in participating you can go to her website and purchase the kit for a very reasonable price. The deadline for getting your kit order in is Monday September 29. Last time they ran out early so if you want to participate you should do it soon. Once you get your kit, you have until Monday October 19, 2009 to submit your photos by email to Scarlet. She includes very specific details on how to do this. I especially like this challenge because it is so well organized and because Scarlet has such good taste in beads. Her picks have been fabulous each time.

New Toggles Still warm from the Kiln

I just got these toggles out of the kiln a few minutes ago. Oh, the small kiln I have is such a pleasure to use.
Some of these are on their way to new homes and some will be on my Etsy store by Monday.

And speaking of my Etsy store. My Labor Day sale was a great success. I want to thank all of you who looked and purchased. It was my first sale and it was such fun I will try one again. Again many thanks to all of you.

40% off Labor Day Weekend Sale in My Etsy Shop

I have been adding new pieces to my Etsy shop for my 40% off Sale through Labor Day. Every piece in the shop is marked down 40% and the prices you see reflect this discount. I hope you will stop by and see what I have. I will be adding pieces again tomorrow and on Labor Day. These pics are of some of the pieces I have just finished adding.

Large Thistle Pendant with Sterling Silver Bail

Victorian Vase Style Pendant

Green Square Beads

And there is much more.

Thank you to all of you who have already visited and picked out your favorites.

MaryHardingJewelry and MarshaNealStudio Etsy Sales Today

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SALE ON MaryHarding's ETSY SHOP
and my friend Marsha Minutella's MarshaNealStudio Etsy Shop

We are both in the mood for a sale and want to make room for new work that will be coming soon in our shops. I hope you will stop over and join us in our exciting discounts for this very special weekend that honors all our labors.

40% off the listed price will go into effect at Noon Thursday Sept. 3 and continue until 12Midnight on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7th . Prices listed will reflect the 40% off sale.

For example, the Vintage Heart above is now listed at $12.00. Once the sale begins it will be only $7.20.

Here are the rest of the price breaks you will see:

$30.00 will be $18.00

$28.00 will be $16.80

$26.00 will be $15.60

$24.00 will be $14.40

$22.00 will be $13.20

$20.00 will be $12.00

$18.00 will be $10.80

All sales will be shipped out on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.

New on Etsy

Ceramic Pendant

Young oak leaves pendant

Fused glass ring on Sterling silver plate band and bezel

Vintage ceramic heart pendant

Fused glass ring


I am planning a 40% off of all my ceramic pieces on my Etsy Shop for the Labor Day Weekend beginning on Thursday, Sept. 3th through Tuesday Sept. 8th. I will have all the prices marked down by sometime on Thursday and will issue you a revised invoice if you get there before the prices are marked down on Thursday. The new fused glass rings are the only pieces that won't be marked down. Happy Shopping!!