3-Day Only Jewelry Sale

Fine Print: The discount/sale prices are not valid with any other discount or coupon offer.

For Auld Lang Syne

If you gave or received a gift from Laura Bee Designs this holiday season, it was cut, sewn, packed, and shipped by the team above. Thank you so much for your business and support during 2009! We closed the year with record November and December sales, and we are so grateful!

Pictured from left to right: Kaleigh, Rebecca, Laura, Ashley, Kim, and Debbie. Photo by Sandi Heinrich.

Also a part of our team in 2009 are Marissa and Libby, who, while they have moved on to further ventures, will always be part of the LBD family.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

I made this purse for a bride who was getting married near Christmas in Chicago. She chose Christmas green as her main wedding party color.

The lace overlay is a piece of the bodice from her mother's wedding dress. I think it makes for an icy winter wonderland look that is perfect for the season.

Gift Certificates

We offer gift certificates in any amount. Order here.

Winter doldrums are just around the corner. Seattle without the twinkle of holiday lights is the grueling time for our weather. It's the perfect time to visit our studio to look at pretty colors and bright patterns for some relief from the gray skies.

Purchase a gift card worth $100 or more, and we'll
tuck it into a free mini wallet and wrap it in a gift box.

I'm already looking at new materials for spring bags. It the midst of the holiday festivities, it's fun to think about warm, sunny weather and wardrobe.

Last Minute Personalized Gift Idea

We just restocked our Window Photo Necklaces and I've been mulling over new ways to use them. Of course you can easily shrink and print a digital photo as I did above and below.

But how cute would it be to shrink down a child's drawing, or to insert a favorite literary quote in a pretty font?

Or you could even make a little deck of decorative papers to give with this necklace for a whole wardrobe of jewelry options.

We have several of these in stock in our shop right now. $24, available in blacked silver, or bright silver. They are two-sided, so the options really are endless.

Don't forget our extended holiday hours, which you can see here.

Wonderful

Photo courtesy of TV Guide.

I recently caught It's a Wonderful Life by accident on television and it had be years since I'd seen it. I found it much deeper and darker than I remembered.

It's a classic for good reason - it shows a flawed human being dealing with his choices and finding redemption in those around him. Plus the movie is great fun; I hope that my guardian angel is as funny and cute as Clarence.

Christmas Crafts: Felt Trees

Gumdrop Christmas Trees, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Last year I posted a link here to felt trees handmade by the visionary behind the Thompson Family Life Blog.

Somehow that tutorial stayed stuck in my head for a whole year, so I decided to make some trees for the store using similar techniques. I added raffia flowers that I've been addicted to making ever since I saw this tutorial video by my idol Cathy of California.

So these gumdrop trees are really tributes to two of my favorite bloggers. Thanks to all of you who share your crafts and tutorials on the web. You are my endless inspiration!

Holiday Production has its Hazards

We're going full steam ahead on holiday production right now to get all of our Christmas orders done in time.

We use rotary blades (see above) for much of our cutting, and Ashley used this one well past its prime. Who knew that a piece of steel could break in half mid cut!

Video: A Tour of our Christmas Decorations

Inspiration: Cathy of California

Photo courtesy of Cathy of California.
Click to enlarge.

One of my favorite blogs for crafty inspiration is Cathy of California. Although I've never met Cathy, I can't help but feel that she is a kindred spirit. Her lovely posts of vintage craft books, design ideas, and kitschy graphics are genius.

You should visit her site here for some delightful eye candy. Thanks Cathy!

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with Strings

Have you put up your Christmas tree yet? We have two up in the store - one is cotton candy pink, and the other retro white. I enjoy the holiday season as a time to embrace every corny, sweet feeling I can.

I'll definitely be hosting a sing-a-long screening of The Sound of Music (TSOM). I'll be the only one singing as my husband and dog look freaked out on the couch next to me.

(PS - I thought I was the only one who did this until I saw the Will and Grace episode that is all about a TSOM sing-a-long and I wished I could dress up like Leisl and join my kindred spirits. Then came the hilarious, catchy Gwen Stefani song, video here.)

Image courtesy of Fanpop.

I don't think TSOM is technically a Christmas movie, but it's usually on TV at this time of year. The unapologetic schmaltz of the film makes me happy every time I watch it.

Another thing that makes me happy: Amy Karol, crafty inspiration, author and blogger of Angry Chicken, is coming to Ballard this Thursday. Get the skinny here.

Order Deadlines and Such

To get the latest scoop on our expanded holiday hours, order deadlines and more, check out our recent store e-newsletter here.

Clear Birdie Jewelry Tree

Photo courtesy of Umbra.

The jewelry organizer is crafted of clear lucite and makes a great gift for any woman in your life. $21 each, available in our store

Video: Laura Bee Designs for the Holidays

Party Pictures in Video Form

Mark Poulin Charms: Under the Sea

Tiny little charm necklaces - $22 each.

Sparkle Ring & Sculptural Ring Dish

We just received this chrome ring dish from the geniuses at Umbra. It's cute and functional. Set it by the sink to keep your rings safe when you wash the dishes, or keep it on your dresser as a little catch-all. $8.50 each.

In the dark days of winter, sparkling rings and jewelry can brighten up any day or outfit. Here's a floral and crystal ring from Kole. It has a comfortable stretchy band. $18.50.

Quickie Photo Shoot: Our Gift Wrap

Kaleigh wore these adorable striped gloves today, so we had an inpromptu photo shoot of our gift wrap.

Floral Wallpaper + Old Timey Pug

Pug with Flower Wallpaper, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Bridal Party Wristlets and Clutches

The bride above got married a few weeks back here in Seattle. She ordered silk wristlets for her bridesmaids, and had us make a modified Celeste Clutch for her own bridal purse.

We used materials from the bodice of her mother's wedding dress for the bridal bag. The tiny covered buttons, velveteen ribbon, and creamy lace made lovely embellishments on the one-of-a-kind clutch.

2009 Party Staff

Sandi Heinrich, professional photographer and friend, took lots of great pictures of our party on Saturday that I'll share with you soon.

First up, here's a shot of the LBD team! Our anniversary party is the one time during the year when we all work together, so the event is especially fun for the crew.

From left to right, Kaleigh, Rebecca, Laura, Ashley, Kim, and Debbie.

Signs

The sign in our window says it all. Come celebrate with us tomorrow (Saturday) night.

The sprinkles of rain on our new A-board show us that it is November in Seattle.

How do you like our Umbrella Girl? We took her from our little notepads, and put her outside of the shop to entice customers inside.

Glam for Good: Featured Non-Profit #3

We're featuring this new design in our Glam for Good Collection.

This week I'm announcing the three not-for-profit organizations that will receive your money, should you purchase one of our Glam for Good extra-special bags at our November 7th party.

While each year we donate to about fifty auctions, Our Glam for Good bag collection is our way to do a year-end grand finale of fundraising for some of our favorite organizations.

NW HARVEST

Serving our region's hungry children and adults, NW Harvest is answering the growing need for nutritious food. Fruit and vegetables accounts for more than 65% of the food they distribute!

Their mission is as follows, "Northwest Harvest, Washington's own statewide hunger relief agency, provides a proven, successful, and cost-effective model for getting nutritious food to those who need it.

We strive to be the most efficient hunger response program in the state of Washington, with more than 93% of our budget going directly to food distribution."

New Woodland Creatures from Mark Poulin

We just received a new batch of these best-selling enamel pendants from Mark Poulin. These three images are new additions to this line of tiny charms. All styles are $32.

Acorn and Oak Leaf Necklace

We just have one of these fall-themed necklaces for sale, and it's sure to go quickly.

Made in France of the finest components, this necklace has three small charms - an acorn, oak leaf, and Swarovski pearl drop - all strung on a vintage-style chain. $42.

Faux Bois Hoodie

Otis the Pug: Halloween 2009, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

This is the costume that Otis wore in the shop on Friday. I made it out of orange polar fleece and wood grain fabric.

My husband Jeff is a woodworker, so I thought that the lumber theme was appropriate.

Halloween Hangover?

Otis the Pug: Halloween 2009, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Otis did double duty this year, wearing two costumes in the store. Here he is as a carrot. Click on the image to see the Lumber Hoodie I made him.

Glam for Good: Featured Non-Profit #2

Ashley adopted her Puggle Tucker through Seattle Pug Rescue.

This week I'm announcing the three not-for-profit organizations that will receive your money, should you purchase one of our Glam for Good extra-special bags at our November 7th party.

While each year we donate to about fifty auctions, Our Glam for Good bag collection is our way to do a year-end grand finale of fundraising for some of our favorite organizations.

Seattle Pug Rescue

We love all animals at Laura Bee Designs, but Ashley and I have special places in our hearts for our own dogs. Ashley's dog Tucker, dressed up for Halloween above, is a rescue Pug/Beagle mix with special needs. Like other "Helping Hands" dogs adopted through SPR, his extra medical expenses are covered by the organization.


All-volunteer SPR takes in owner-surrender, stray, and puppy mill pugs and pug mixes, gives them medical care, and then works tirelessly to re-home the dogs. With the gloomy economy causing many people to lose their homes and incomes, the SPR intake of dogs had doubled in 2009. Small rescue organizations need your help, now more than ever.

Learn more about adopting a dog through Seattle Pug Rescue here.

Glam for Good: Licorice Squares Katherine

Here's a one-of-a-kind bag that we'll be selling in our Glam for Good collection at our party on November 7th. It's a twist on our popular Kate design, which is a large bag that is loaded with pockets.
We've used a stunning art nouveau style olive green ribbon and vintage buckle as the embellishment. Other details include silver rings and olive moire lining.
The bag is built with our Premium Licorice Squares faux leather, which is both soft and durable.

Introducing Dolls for Friends

Check out these sweet new critters from Vancouver, WA's Dolls for Friends.

Each one is unique with special little details like bow ties and floppy ears. We'll debut these at our party on November 7th.

Glam For Good: Featured Non-Profit #1

Photo courtesy of Mercycorps.
To learn more about the image, click here.

This week I'm announcing the three not-for-profit organizations that will receive your money, should you purchase one of our Glam for Good extra-special bags at our November 7th party.

While each year we donate to about fifty auctions, Our Glam for Good bag collection is our way to do a year-end grand finale of fundraising for some of our favorite organizations.

MERCYCORPS

Northwest-based Mercycorps is an amazing organization. From sending books to schools in Zimbabwe to aiding in the disaster relief efforts Somoa and Indonesia, they are do going good all over the world.

Their mission is as follows, "Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities."

New On Our Website: Truffle Wristlets

This bronze metallic premium faux leather is rich, but not at all gaudy. You can order your very own customized version here on our website for $32.

You can choose your very own embellishment from the trims above, and we will coordinate your lining.

Don't forget, we're having a $7 off website orders over $40 on our website until October 30st. Enter the code LUCKY709 when you check out online.

Party Debut: French Barrettes and Hair Clips

These little barrettes combine sparkling clear crystals with faux tortoise shell for a pretty look that can go day to night. Prices start at $6.

Party Debut: Alaska Gadgetry

We'll debut this new line of vintage image jewelry at our Anniversary Party on November 7th.

Handmade of resin in Alaska, these pieces have a charming old-fashioned quality. In addition to the earring and necklace show here, we have barrettes and money clips as well. Prices starting at $14.50.

Button Thursday: Woodland Birdie

Tiny Bird Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

I've been going through my stash of extra-special buttons and brooches that I've saved throughout the year. I will use some of the best goodies on our Glam For Good collection for our November 7th party.

In looking through the notions, I found this little bird button that is so sweet and pretty. I think she'll look lovely atop a silk wristlet.

Licorice Squares Wristlet

From our new Premium Collection of faux leathers.

Hats & Scarves in Stock Now

Rain has arrived in Seattle, and hats and scarves have arrived at Laura Bee Designs.
Stop by our shop for stylish designs ranging in price from $18-$34.

Button Thursday: Dreamy Pearl Snowflake

Faux Pearl Vintage Button, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Check out our latest online newsletter here. We have a little coupon in there for online shoppers only.