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

CHARM CHAT PODCAST

Nichol, Rita, & Angie

*** THIS POST IS PINNED! SCROLL DOWN TO LISTEN TO THE LATEST CHARM CHAT EPISODE AND SCROLL A BIT MORE TO READ MY LATEST POST! THANKS!

 

I am so excited to introduce our new Podcast, Charm Chat. I have joined two of my very best friends, Nichol and Rita, to record our weekly discussions about everything charms. We hope you will listen to get all the latest news in the bead world, plus plenty of tips and tricks along the way. As longtime avid collectors, we are very passionate about beads and since we can't stop talking, we thought you might come along for the ride. There's a new episode every Tuesday and you can catch up any time. Take us on the road for your commute, listen while you work or go for a walk, or put in your Air Pods while you get your chores done. We are very portable! Find CHARM CHAT wherever you get your podcasts.

 

"It never ends!", the famous quote from ANY bead and charm collector. Just when you think you're done, a new collection drops and your wish list is full again. No one knows this better than we do. Our sisterhood was built on a bond of charms that has expanded to all aspects of each others lives. Join us every Tuesday as we talk about our love of jewelry and spill the beads on the latest happenings. If you are looking for a place where charm addiction is not only understood, but welcomed, you have found your happy place! We are Angie, Nichol, & Rita, and we will be here sharing our love of Pandora, OHM, Trollbeads, Elfbeads... the list goes on. You will learn more about these brands and pick up some tips on organizing, shopping, designing, and so much more! Welcome to Charm Chat!"

 

If you like what you hear and want more, check us out on Instagram for show notes and visuals (@charmchatpodcast) and feel free to email us at [email protected] to join the conversation. You can listen to the first 3 episodes right here, right now. I'll post future episodes weekly. Thanks so much for listening and stay charming!

 

 

OHM Beads Preview for April 1st Release

OHM Beads has another jam-packed Release Day coming up tomorrow, April 1st! There are so many incredible pieces to share from the new PARK COLLECTION (including a fabulous statement piece, a new clasp, bracelet stoppers and locks, 4 new silver character beads, and 5 new gorgeous glass) plus new bracelet options, Slim glass beads, OHM in Australia and Thailand EXCLUSIVES, 3 new collaborative OHM LAB creations, and finally an exciting BLIND BAG containing a mystery colour glass and silver bead. Wow, there is a lot to cover! If you follow me on INSTAGRAM (@dailycharmaddict) you can check out my IGTV video series which shows all the items being released, the prices, and the meanings behind them in one WELCOME VIDEO and 6 detailed closer-look videos. You can find them HERE under the IGTV tab.

In this post I'm sharing summaries of all the goodies and my personal Top Picks. I absolutely love everything and as usual OHM has really come up with incredible designs and extra bracelet and accessory options in this release. One day left to wait...and yes, I have been counting down!! Remember to click on any of these lovely photos to see them close up! All photos were provided by OHM Beads.

The Wings of Liberation is a stunning, over-size bead perfect as a pendant. So much intricate detail on this piece with plenty of oxidized areas to really show it off. Absolutely incredible! "It is time to spread the wings and feel the freedom of liberation"

Dragonfly-y is another addition to the OHM Y Clasp category. It is approximately 3 cm long. It can also be worn as a bead or pendant. "Two dragonflies in communion"

This release offers us 3 new bracelet accessories: two locks (one for the Chunky bracelet, one for the Skinny bracelet and bangles) and a new stopper. Hive-ity is larger to fit the Chunky bracelet. Hiver-ers will fit the Skinny bracelet. The Hive-ish stoppers will fit the Skinny bracelet over the narrow end, as well as OHM bangles. "We are in this hive together. Let's work to make room for everyone to live free"

The 4 new adorable silver character beads in the Park Collection are all little creatures with very human traits. Emperor Penguin is a short and stout version of the largest penguin variety. He looks and acts very much like Napolean, the military leader and Emperor himself, right down to the hand in the vest. He rises to the challenge and reminds us to never give up. Barista Buddy is a hipster chipmunk who loves coffee. With his cool felt fedora and to-go cup, you'll want to hang out and with this cutie. Hungry Hippo loves to eat and is a true foodie. Complete with a chef's hat and napkin in place, food is fun and this one wants to eat it all! Pull up a chair at the table and share a wonderful meal with Hungry Hippo. Panda Snack gives us the sweetest Panda who only eats bamboo. All the time. They are a bamboo gourmet!! In a Mandarin-style hat and Tangzhuang jacket, this bear is proud of his Chinese heritage. If you love pandas, Chinese food, or anything so much you never get tired of it, Panda Snack is a bead for you.

I am so excited for the new bracelet options this release! The OHM CHAIN BRACELET Is similar to the OHM Ball necklace. It is more delicate so it's recommended to wear only a few beads on this style. It would be ideal for stacking with other bracelets. Sizes range from 13cm to 20 cm and a clasp is required (Y clasp, OHM clasp, or an open work bead will work!). You can use the Chunky bracelet sizing chart available HERE to determine which size to order. A general rule is to subtract 3 cm from you typical bracelet size as the Y clasps are 3 cm. It all depends on your personal comfort and preference, how many beads you want to add, and which clasp you want to use. I also have an IGTV video going over CHUNKY BRACELET sizing, if you'd like to hear more.

The SKINNY bracelet is fantastic! Such a beautiful, and unique style of chain - I love it! It has the approximate thickness of an OHM BANGLE. All the same info as above (sizing, clasp needed, fewer beads and taking care opening and closing the S clasp hooks). Make sure when ordering your OHM bracelets to select the correct accessories, as mentioned above.

Next we have 3 new OHM SLIM GLASS beads. These narrower versions of their thicker counterparts are a beautiful way to add colour to your bracelets - while taking up a bit less room. Comfortable and gorgeous, SLIM DUSTBERRY, SLIM LIME, and SLIM ORANGE are all delicious and mouth-watering! I love how clear and shiny the glass is and the little dimples make them look refreshing and juicy!

We have 2 new Exclusives this April. OHM in Australia GUMNUTS is a pretty dangle of fruit from the Australian Eucalyptus tree. The silver gumnuts catch the light and provide movement on your design. The cluster hangs from a lovely bale of Eucalyptus leaves. I always appreciate a dangle bead with added interest on the bale. 

The Thailand Exclusive is ICE TEA CUBE, a very cool glass design. With its square shape and matte finish, this bead can represent actual Thai tea, usually brewed with sugar and added ice to cool off in the tropical country, or your love of tea in general. It is such an interesting design that I can't wait to add to my "drink me" bracelet design!

There are 3 new OHM LAB projects being released tomorrow. GIVE, PAWS OF LOVE, and MEMORIES IN SAND were all created in collaboration with OHMies:

AAN309 GIVE (Lab Assistants: Niky Savoia + Daniela Leppariello)
AAP072 PAWS OF LOVE (Lab Assistants: Maria Helena G. Giacomelli + Susy Gamarra)
AAN033 MEMORIES IN SAND (Lab Assistants: Paula Heanly + Clare Wall)

Each bead offers a way to remember: to protect the earth, to take care of animals, and to recall sweet memories of a beloved pet or day on the beach - it is up to you to attach your meanings to these creative beads. Also, as a way to give, until June 30th, 2021 20% of the sales from Paws of Love will go to support the Seattle Humane Society and until June 30th, 2021 20% of the sales from Memories in Sand will go to support the Marine Conservation Society (view here) & Royal National Lifeboat Institution (view here).

Finally, a very special BLIND BAG BEAD is being released. I am beyond excited for MASKED SELF! These are stunning glass beads with a shiny silver mask attached. There are a total of 8 possible glass colours and they are all incredible. I would be very happy with any one of them! The mask is beautiful and the OHM symbol is on the front. The added surprise of the unknown is such a fun concept to me and since I missed out on the Bead of the Month INNER SELF, I am really looking forward to being able to tear open the pouch to discover which bead has found me. I will be sure to share when I receive mine! Due to the nature of blind boxes/blind bags, there are no returns, refunds, or exchanges on any of the opened items. All sales are final! I feel the bead that is meant for me will arrive so I am content with whichever that will be.

You've probably already guessed my top picks for this release! Of course, I want them all but will have to budget. MASKED SELF will be my first purchase, with Dragonfly-y and the Skinny bracelet. I love the OHM EXCLUSIVES, and Paws of Love too. The Barista Buddy and Hungry Hippo are so hard to resist. I have plenty to choose from and am eagerly anticipating tomorrow morning. All of the OHMazing pieces in this release will be available at 12:01 PST, give or take. www.ohmbeads.com

Enjoy your shopping and make sure to check out all the fun of OHM IN APRIL! It's 30 days of GAMES and GIVEAWAYS! Follow my stories on INSTAGRAM to find out where the contests are each day!

OHM Beads BEADMAIL PROJECT

Going to the mailbox and finding a package from OHM Beads is one of my favourite things ever! I have absolutely fallen in love with this brand and collecting their phenomenal beads has become an obsession. I sadly missed out on their Bead of the Month project a few years ago where each month a unique bead was released. They had amazing designs and the packaging was really innovative and special. I have been able to gather quite a few of the beads before they are completely sold out but I still wish I had been around to participate in the launch "live".

Therefore, I am even more excited for the latest program OHM has created. This time they are releasing 3 bead designs, one each in April, May, and June 2021. Similar to a 3-month subscription box, the program is pre-paid and once the window for signing up is closed, registration will no longer be available. Joining the pilot project is $150 and the closing date is February 14th, so only 10 more days to sign on and experience the thrill of 3 Limited Edition beads being delivered right to you!

Here are the details from the OHM Together website:

"Get excited to receive new OHM beads in April, May, and June. The designs will only be available through this program. You will get one surprise beadmail package a month for three months.

ORDERS OPEN FEB 1ST
The three designs included in this purchase will be limited edition with an engraved serial number. OHM will only produce the quantity ordered.

ORDERS CLOSE FEB 14TH
The first Beadmail ships on April 1st, the second on May 1st, and third on June 1st. This is a Pilot Program for early adopters and does not renew. All sales are final. Free worldwide shipping is included."

I cannot wait to see what OHM has come up with for designs. I have no qualms about purchasing sight-unseen and am very excited to be surprised! I have every confidence that I will be delighted because there isn't an OHM Bead item I wouldn't want to have. If you're interested in signing up for the program just use the link above. Note this program is through the OHM Together website and not the regular OHM Beads website. 

Moress Charms: Faunas of the Fall Collection

 

Moress Charms was so kind to send me a few gorgeous charms from the Faunas of the Fall Collection to review. I had never seen these charms in person and I was absolutely delighted when they arrived. Each one is beautifully designed and the quality is exceptional. I was so surprised with the weight of the beads and the phenomenal detail captured. Moress definitely did a fantastic job with this collection.

The designs were created in collaboration with Bangkok artist Lili Tae and the translation of her exquisite drawings into silver does not disappoint. I was fortunate to receive 3 charms from the collection: Ocean Begonia, The Quadruplets, and Swimming Celosia. The accompanying illustrated information card for each explains the bead in a whimsical way, detailing the mystical story of its existence.

You can watch my YouTube video below for further information and to see a detailed look at these wonderful charms (and to find out my personal favourite!!!). Check out my IGTV and Instagram account @dailycharmaddict to see even more! Thank you Moress for the opportunity to review the Faunas of the Fall Collection; the beads I have are incredible and I love them so much! If you'd like to save 25% on this collection, use the coupon code ANGIE25

Visit MORESS CHARMS HERE