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

OHM Beads: IMPERFECT ANGEL

Tomorrow, August 19th, 2021 is Release Day for OHM Beads IMPERFECT ANGEL. I had the honour of designing this piece and having it brought to life by the incredible team at OHM Beads. The idea was conceived almost a year ago when I noticed that many people were struggling with the perceived expectation of impossible perfection from social media. I wanted to create a bead that would be a reminder that we are all unique individuals and that good enough is good enough, and we must embrace ourselves for who we are.

What, I asked myself, is always depicted as beautiful and flawless? My answer was 'an angel', and the reality is that no one is perfect, not even angels. Thus IMPERFECT ANGEL was born and is now a sterling silver bead to wear on a bracelet or necklace to help remember that what we see is not always Truth and we can each be a bright light, a guardian, and a positive force in life.

There are so many sweet details added to Imperfect Angel by the phenomenal artists and craftspeople at OHM Beads. From the magnificent wings that aren't quite even to the treads on the soles of the sandals, this casual angel is happiest as is. Imperfect Angel has been pre-viewed since the end of July and the reception has been overwhelming and touching. The bead has captured hearts and the meaning has certainly resonated with so many. I am so happy to know that Imperfect Angel will be truly loved by those who share in the good, real, imperfect spirit of it, remembering to celebrate the unique beings they are in the world.

This bead is part of OHMistry Project and will be limited to 111 signed and serialized pieces. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with the special packaging I designed. It is an unthreaded bead and will fit a variety of charm bracelets and necklaces. Visit OHM Beads website tomorrow at 10:00 am Pacific time | 1:00 pm Eastern to order one of the Limited Edition beads.

IMPERFECT ANGEL (US$65) AAX113

Of course, a huge thank you to OHM Beads for making this an experience a dream come true!

OHM BEADS AUGUST 2021 RELEASE

The OHM Beads August 2021 Release has launched and I am delighted to share all the new beads. Watch my YOUTUBE VIDEOS below to get all the details (inspiration, meaning, price) and see my bracelet stylings with these news designs. They're all OHMazing! Check out these beautiful release photos, curtesy of OHM Beads.

FUN ZONE is the largest collection, consisting of 4 silver and 2 glass. Designed by Dubai based artist Mai Yunacunn, these circus themed beads are certainly sweet and fun additions to any bracelet.

CLOWNING AROUND

PUFF A STAR

PUFF A PUFF

PUFF A HEART

CANDY CLOUD

SWEET SPECTRUM

 

 

The next collection is HIPSTER, 4 new music inspired silver beads. Take a walk down memory lane with these listening devices from the past. They happen to style very nicely with the BACK TO SCHOOL Collection!

BOXED EMOTION

PERSONAL BUBBLE

DISTANT WAVES

MOVE ABOUT

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL is the final set of beads. There are 3 silver beads in this collection: a full backpack, an educated owl, and a trio of skateboards!

GOT YOUR BACK

WHOOO HAS CLASS?

BOARDING

 

There is also a new OHMlab release, MAZE OF LIFE. This piece is one of my favourites, a mind-twisting bead of stairs representing our journey through life. Lab assistants can be found on Instagram: @chenggggs_collection (Myra Cheng Moon), @niyumes_collection (Nicole Cheng Moon), and @natasha_c.m (Natasha Cheng Moon)

"Our journey through life is often a labyrinth of choices and potential directions. Choosing this passage or that staircase may lead you to an unexpected turn, down instead of up, around another corner, and into a room full of more doors, hallways, and staircases that offer more unknown options. Sometimes you're just climbing in circles."

 

OHM BAR

 

There is one new accessory in this August release, OHM BAR. This is a clever, multi purpose item which can be used as a 'Y' clasp on chunky and skinny bracelets. It's aproximately 3 cm long  and can also be used on drop necklace stylings or connecting items together. Most Beads fit over the narrow end, one end is slightly wider. Play around and have fun experimenting!

I hope you enjoyed this overview of all the new items in the August 5th release from OHM BEADS. There are also 3 new OHMistry Project beads being released each Thursday during August. First up will be ELARA THE KITTYCORN on the 12th, IMPERFECT ANGEL on the 19th, and OCTOHUG on the 26th.

I will do another separate post about these 3 lovely beads. You might be interested to know that I designed IMPERFECT ANGEL and I am so thrilled to see it come to life in sterling silver. It has been an incredible experience, almost a year in the making. More to come...

OHM BEADS OHMISTRY PROJECT: STAY GROUNDED

OHM Beads has a wonderful program whereby they partner with artists to create unique designs. It's called OHMistry and it is always exciting to see the final step of the process and watch a piece of artwork develop into a fantastic bead!

I am so thrilled to be able to share this preview of STAY GROUNDED, the incredible art of Elina Lukas (@eliinake on Instagram) brought to life in sterling silver. This piece is a statement bead, a very large showstopper that looks impressive on a bracelet and as a pendant. It rests flat on the wrist to show off every petal of the lotus flower. There is so much detail in this exquisite design; a beautiful blossom with a centre of stars and a heart, oxidized touches throughout, and an inspirational reminder message underneath: STAY GROUNDED.

The meaning behind STAY GROUNDED is just as lovely as the bead itself, shared in the words of Elina in her description:

"As you get older, you start rushing through life. You forget to stop and take in the beauty around you, dismissing it as an ordinary occurrence. You rush to meet deadlines, to keep up with your plans, to hit the next goal, to get to that sweet Goldilocks spot where you can finally relax. You rush to live life until it becomes too much. Too overwhelming. Too self-consuming. Too anxious.

Let this bead be a reminder to stop, take a breath, and reconnect with the here and now. Let it be a reminder to stay true to who you are. To stay grounded."

This limited-edition release of STAY GROUNDED is part of Project OHMistry and is limited to 111 signed and serialized pieces. A certificate of authenticity is included with the special packaging designed by Elina.

Eliinake is a Portuguese based artist with a love for simple things. Taking inspiration from nature, space, and dreams, Elina creates illustrations that capture life's simple yet beautiful details.

STAY GROUNDED releases on JUNE 10TH, 2021 at 10:00 am Seattle, WA, (USA) Pacific time at ohmbeads.com. As this is a limited release of 111 pieces it has a high expectancy of selling out VERY quickly! I know from experience that it is best to be ready at release time to avoid any disappointment. It is so wonderful to be able to share in the excitement, support an artist, and have a fascinating LIMITED EDITION piece to add to the collection. STAY GROUNDED will surely be a treasure to enjoy for a lifetime!

OHM BEADS
STAY GROUNDED
AAN034
(US $150)

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.

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 Bead of the Month (BOTM) Collection - Part 1

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 1 of my collection, the first 7 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.

To see which BOTM beads are still available (and which are ON SALE!) visit OHM Beads and if you are making your first purchase you can save $10 by using this REFERRAL LINK to get there.

I have had so much fun collecting these beads and hope you enjoy learning more about OHM and the BOTM project. I expect to be filming a Part 2 soon!