Bliss & Beads: Reflecting on My First Year

My first year has been interesting to say the least. To be honest, I shared my initial inspiration pics and publish date long before I even looked at beads. Somehow, I was able to go live the day I promised with a swath of bracelets for my Bead Babes to shop. I had show stoppers like Terra's Harmony and  Terra's Elegance, classic bracelets with the 8mm-10mm beads, to even the smallest of beads in the Grasslands designs. For first collection back in action, I feel like I really hit it out of the park.

I reflected on 14th Street Crafts and hit each one of my new goals: Cohesive designs, multifaceted collections, and most importantly cost-conscious elegance. A Bead Babe could easily pair Terra's Elegance with a Green Grasslands, and pair it with Shoreline or Timber's Essence. Each piece could be paired with another, PAIR that with the ability to dress it up or down; I strived to make my initial collection appeal to a variety of crowds and fashion circles. 

Shortly after Terra & Tide debuted, Halloween was knocking on our front door. Inspired and fired up, I took inspiration from ScoobyDoo, a classic fall favorite to keep on the TV. While the whole Gang is iconic in their own right, to me, Daphne screamed a fun Halloween collection. I used purple iridescent beads, pink ands purple glass, and purple ceramic. The iridescent beads glimmered in the sun catching your eye enticing you to come closer, just like the Haunted Treasure of Crystal Cove. 

While I had a more polished collection named Noir'Elle planned for the holidays, I stumbled upon an opportunity like no other: a new small business craft store was opening here in Genesee County. I saw an opportunity to expand my reach and grow the Bead Babes Family. The Majestic Wolf Craft Store brought so much opportunity to Genesee County Small Crafters, and I had to join in on the fun. But one thing was for sure: I didn't have anything to stock; but an opportunity like this needed something NEW, something FUN, something that would draw attention to whoever passed by. Terra & Tide may have been new in the fact that it was a complete collection, but I needed something even bigger. So started the most frustrating collection I have ever made: The Mosaic Sands Collection. A rainbow collection, a collage of color and life. Sky Blue Jasper that makes you feel like you're flying, African Turquoise as dark green as the jungle itself, Imperial Jasper as vibrant as royalty itself. These beads stumped me to say the least. Terra & Tide was safe for me, my closet and jewelry being greens, browns, and golds. But Mosaic Sands had color. I spent many a frustrated night making the collection come to life and I was never happier than the day they were done and available for sale at The Majestic Wolf. 

Before you knew it, we were knee deep in March, and the 17th with its pinchy fingers looked me excitedly in the eyes. Up until almost the 10th I had no plans to make a collection, but thanks to my husband giving me inspiration for a green and gold arrangement; but you know we can't have a collection without a challenge! While beaded bracelets as a whole might have been old news for Bliss & Beads, gold chains were not. Flourish & Bloom's Gilded Moss Series B-III was the first of many. Series B-III was composed of 3 gold strand chains each adorned with green hearts. Cutting each strand on just the right ring while not compromising the adjacent, keeping each strand the same length, confirming that each strand and each bracelet had the same number of green hearts, proved time consuming. While most bracelets take me thirty minute each, Series B-III took closer to an hour each. Even though I found the process more lengthy than beaded bracelets, the challenge was worth while and I feel like I was able to create a new look for Bliss & Beads. 

To make the collection even more exciting was the two-part feature to the Gilded Moss Series. Gilded Moss had two sets. These sets were identical in all ways except the type of green beads that were used. Bliss & Beads Gilded Moss Series B featured Moss Agate while The Majestic Wolf's Gilded Moss Series A received the Burmese Jade designs. But that's not where Flourish & Bloom ended. Flourish & Bloom also marked the start of Bliss & Beads Year 2.

 Year one established an amazing foundation, a website, a store front, and countless opportunity and feedback. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I am thankful for the lessons and the chances I got this past year, but I cannot wait to show you Bliss & Beads Year Two. From the Great Lakes Game Day collection, Cosmic Elements, to Noir'Elle that will get a face lift from what was previously advertised, I will have bigger beads, bigger designs, but don't worry, I'll have the same great quality. 

Late Fall 2025 Bliss & Beads will expand into essential oils, check back later for more information on Bare Earth Essential Oils, 100% oil with no additives. Bare Earth with feature a Bliss & Beads staple lava rock design that will be available to purchase along side Bare Earth Oils. Designs and Oil Scents will be announced closer to November 2025. 

Looking back, my first year with Bliss & Beads has been a whirlwind of creativity, challenges, and unforgettable milestones. From the earthy elegance of Terra & Tide to the bold vibrance of Mosaic Sands, and the intricate charm of Gilded Moss, every collection told its own story — and taught me something new. I’m endlessly grateful for every Bead Babe who has shopped, shared, and supported this dream. Year Two is already brimming with fresh designs, bigger statements, and even more ways to bring beauty into your everyday. Whether you’re here for the bracelets, the upcoming Bare Earth Essential Oils, or simply to see what’s next, I can promise this: the best is yet to come!