Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

NEW OHM Beads RELEASE | CRIKEY

I am so excited to preview the new OHM Beads Australia EXCLUSIVE bead, CRIKEY. This wonderfully oxidized and detailed crocodile is such a fun addition to the OHM 'down under' collection. Inspired by that famous Australian exclamation made popular by the Aussie wildlife expert Steve Irwin, CRIKEY is a fantastic name for this beguiling croc.

With his weathered skin and very sharp teeth I think CRIKEY is a perfect version of its real life counterpart. Since this is OHM, we also have a crocodile hunter style hat (complete with a band of souvenir teeth), a boomerang, and that incredibly sly grin. My favourite part is the expression conveyed by those eyes - they seem to be looking right at you!

I admire OHM artists and wax carvers for their phenomenal talent and ability to create a personality through small details. Nothing is overlooked!!! CRIKEY is full of texture and character and he is a wonderfully stylish bead to add to my bracelet designs. I adore him!

CRIKEY will be available JUNE 4th from OHM Beads and OHM in Australia (US$55/AU $77)

OHM Beads Weekly Theme

Since the beginning of the year, OHM BEADS has offered us a WEEKLY THEME prompt to inspire our bracelet designs. You can play along on Instagram using the hashtag so people can find your photos. Interpretation is totally up to you and it's all for fun; there is no right or wrong!

I post the theme and prompts each Tuesday on my IG account dailycharmaddict so you can check there if you'd like to know. It is always an enjoyable activity to think of a design that works, using the beads I have! If you need a little inspiration, this is a really fun way to join the community and get those bracelets designed!

The @ohmbeads Weekly Theme for May 25th - May 31st is 'Diamond' so find your beads that make you think of Class, Looks, Luxury and use #OhmLuxuryGoods

You can see my example above. I also posted an IGTV video on my account showing each bead more closely and sharing why I chose them. I love this design and it also happens to be quite appropriate for International Wine Day!

Have fun!

OHM Beads Bead of the Month (BOTM) Collection - Part 2

In February I wrote the post below about OHM Beads and collecting their Bead of the Month beads. I included a YouTube video of the first 7 BOTM beads I was able to purchase. Now I'm back with a NEW VIDEO sharing the next 4 beads I was able to add to my collection. I am completely devoted to this company, their jewelry and beads, and am now more passionate than ever! Many of these special edition beads are still available and I am so excited to be able to share them with you. 

"If you follow me on Instagram @dailycharmaddict, you may be well aware that I have become a huge OHM Beads collector. Ever since I was first introduced to the brand by Nichol @myprettycharmedlife and Emily @fashionstoryteller, my passion for the beads and the company has grown exponentially. True to my nature, I have become completely engrossed in learning everything, studying the catalogue, and choosing my favourite new additions. I love the original and creative designs as well as the meanings behind the beads. It has been so fun to discover and explore a new twist on the standard charm bracelet.

One of the experimental projects OHM started was the Bead of the Month (BOTM). Over 4 years (beginning in June 2015) a new Limited Edition bead was released every single month, 55 in all. Each bead was serialized and engraved with an individual code. A mini certificate of authenticity was included and in many cases the beads came in phenomenal specialized packaging.

While the project is now over and most of the BOTM beads are sold out, some are still available and it's possible to purchase them, occasionally at a discount! While I was too late to discover the fabulous world of OHM Beads BOTM when it originally launched, I am so pleased I have been able to collect more than a few of them. Every single bead received has been a complete delight! Each more imaginative than the last, the designs add so much beauty to my bracelets. The fun of the whimsical packaging adds to the experience and the often touching and thought-provoking descriptions and meanings behind the beads offer another layer of enjoyment."

You can watch my YouTube video below to see Part 2 of my collection, the next 4 beads I have been able to purchase. I include a close-up view of the fabulous detail in each bead as well as the really clever packaging.

Please visit OHM BEADS here to see the BOTM beads which are still available to purchase. I am waiting for another to arrive and I'm excited to say I expect to be filming Part 3 soon!

OHM Beads Beadmail Project Take Two!

I shared the exciting new BEADMAIL project from OHM Beads in February (in this post) and I've already received the first bead! It is an incredible design based on the popular Bunny Reaper bead. In this very large and detailed sterling silver bead we can see rabbit ears poking through the top of a cracked Easter egg. The cutest bunny feet are already free of the shell, and one beady eye and some teeth are peeking through. There is so much expression in that one eye, I love it so much!!! I am DELIGHTED!

Beadmail No. 2 is still a mystery but should be arriving shortly. The thrill of opening these blind bags is so addictive and fun! The first round was such a success that OHM has launched BEADMAIL TAKE TWO!!! I am beyond thrilled to be able to continue the excitement for another 12 months!

Yes, this time we have options! There are two ways to join the fun: $65 a month (cancel any time) or SAVE $15 a month with a 12-month commitment. Here are the details...

OHM BEADMAIL PROJECT

Receive ONE new surprise design from OHM every month!
These designs will be limited edition with an engraved serial number. OHM will only produce the quantity ordered. Certificate of Authenticity included. Packaging and design material may vary.

Beadmail Subscription: Option 1: $65 / month (cancel at any time)
or
Save $15 per month by committing to a year of BEADMAIL

Option 2: $50 / month (with a 12-month commitment)
* Your first order will be charged when you sign up.
* Future orders will be processed on the 1st of each month.
* Beadmail will ship on the 1st of each month (starting July 1st)
* Orders will be shipping 6-8 weeks later

If you love surprises and getting a package in the mail every month, then OHM Beads BEADMAIL is for you!!! You can get all the details and sign up at ohmtogether.com

SIGN UP BY THE 15th IN TIME TO RECEIVE the next BEADMAIL!! 

I consider this a gift to myself every month and an incredible value. The bunny egg bead is so large and beautiful, it's an instant collector's piece! I knew I would regret missing out on these wonderful, and very special, OHM beads. The OHMily community has been fantastic and it has been really fun sharing that first bead together. I can't wait for more!

PANDORA BRACELET Asia Design

I was inspired to make a Pandora Asia bracelet design because of the new Mahjong Dangle Charm. This gorgeous charm is a symbol of good fortune and includes the Chinese character for "get rich" in hand applied red enamel with a sparkling stone on the front. There is a thick layer of transparent red enamel on the back overtop the Pandora crown logo. I can't decide which side I love best! The bale is a pavé of clear cubic zirconia and it really sparkles on the bracelet! Here is my video showing all the other charms I picked to style this Pandora Barrel Clasp bracelet, including two fantastic OHM Beads from the Chinese New Year Collection.