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

OHM BEADS APRIL 2022 RELEASE

 

It's OHM Beads Release Day and I'm thrilled to share a closer look at the three incredible new collections available TODAY! We have spectacular new designs and some very exciting materials for April. Thank you to OHM Beads for gifting me sample beads to enjoy and style. Watch my YouTube video above (from preview week) for a 360 degree look at these wonderful new pieces and for all the information, including pricing.

First up is the OHM Southwest Dreams collection designed by Nichol Orozco, (@myprettycharmedlife on Instagram and YouTube). Five beautiful silver beads are featured in this collection based on the icons of New Mexico and life in the desert.

Running Through The Desert and Howling At The Moon offer us wonderfully textured and beautifully detailed sterling silver pieces. These two 'button' shaped beads are double-faced and have lovely silver work on the sides. Scenes of the roadrunner & sun, coyote & moon, the Zia symbol and yucca plant, mean any view of these beads gives us something amazing to look at. Choices is a graphic and stunning representation of the Zia symbol and Tumble is an openwork design of the mysterious tumbleweed!

The largest bead in the Southwest Dreams Collection is the breathtaking FLYING HIGH. With its jaw-dropping, intricate silver design surrounding a gumball-sized Turquoise gemstone, this is a showstopper heirloom treasure sure to captivate every bead lover. It is truly magnificent!

Southwest Dreams Stack

OHM LILAC

The OHM LILAC Collection consists of two new pieces, one silver and one stone! LILAC DREAMS is a stunning dangle of lilac blossoms and buds suspended from a detailed leaf bale. There are (by my count) 10 flowers on 4 jump rings and there is so much movement with this bead. Definitely watch the video above to see its magic! 

LILAC STONED is an exciting new design in this release. The fantastic, faceted reconstituted Turquoise stone is a deep, luscious lilac, as rich in colour as the flowers themselves. Veins of gold and blue are threaded throughout the bead but of course, each one is unique and shades will vary.

LILAC STONED

The OHM REVEUR Collection gives us a selection of SIX new glass designs, all built on a black core with the addition of white, red, or both. They are a dream!

OHM Reveur

I hope my enthusiasm for this April 2022 Release comes through in my video and post. I am absolutely thrilled with each collection, and each piece. These are all extraordinarily exquisite and versatile designs. They are very wearable and will work well with other OHM Beads in my collection. I am sure the OHM Reveur glass beads will be on my arm frequently, as will the Lilac pieces, and every bead from the Southwest Dreams Collection. Watch for more photos of all the beads on my Instagram account (@dailycharmaddict) as I continue to build bracelet designs incorporating my newest treasures.

*Some of the photos used are courtesy of OHM Beads

OHM BEADS Preview: January 2022

Welcome to the OHM Beads Preview for the January 2022 Release! We have 3 NEW silvers available on January 11th, two for worldwide release and one OHM in Australia Exclusive.

TIGER TWO-STEP is the next in the series of fantastical articulated Chinese Zodiac animal masks and is rich with lovely oxidized detail. It is just incredible and perfect to wear in this Year of the Tiger.

HEARTSTRING is a very unique and clever bead featuring a shiny silver heart shaped kite joined to its handle with a fine "kite string" chain. This interesting design can be worn as a two-piece bead on a bracelet, alone or tucked around another. It can also be showcased as a dangle pendant or even as a clasp for our Chunky and Skinny bracelets. It is SO sweet and I just love it!! This is an OHMlab Project bead created with OHMlab Assistants.

The OHM in Australia Exclusive AUSSIE LOVE is a new addition to the word block collection and includes a delightful and adorable koala bear in place of the O in LOVE. It is very cute and the perfect way to show love of the country AND the cuddly marsupial so important to Australia.

These gorgeous close-ups and styling photos are all curtesy of OHM. I also included my bracelet stack and how I used two of these new beads in my designs. Thank you to OHM for gifting me these pieces!

OHM Beads in 2021: A Year in Review

I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at 2021, in OHM Beads! Of course, there were many more beads released this year than will fit on a stack so I have selected some of my favourites to share on my bracelets.

January gave us a huge offering of new designs, from new dinos and bones in the Rawr Collection, to the beautiful self-care items in the Beauty Collection, to the gorgeous beads in this year’s Chinese New Year line. There were also some individual items, the OHMlab Luna Love, and another OCTO bunny (Skully).

We were also inspired by the OHM 52 prompts, an ongoing weekly theme to challenge our creativity.

The innovative BEADMAIL Project launched in February with a Pilot program. I was so excited to be the first one to sign up for Beadmail and No. 1 has a special place in my bead heart. GOTM came a bit later to the delight of glass lovers and both subscriptions are continuing.

In March we had a trio of glass from OHMlab assistants MccTrudy, MccJordi, and MccTrish plus an apropos Dr. Bunny design in Thailand.

Another big release arrived in April with the Park Collection. The incredible Wings of Liberation, Dragonfly-y clasp, new locks and stoppers, 4 adorable character silvers, 5 new glass, 2 new bracelets, plus 4 new slim glass, and regional exclusives with Gumnuts from Australia and Ice Tea Cube from Thailand. But wait, there’s more! Three new OHMlab projects (GIVE, Paws of Love, & Memories in Sand) plus the blind bag surprise Masked Self! Phew! So many great choices!

In April we met Quokka from Australia and in June they were joined by Crikey. In July they both met Cocky!!

The Fun Zone was a huge success in August and one of my favourite releases. We also got our groove on with the OHM Hipster Collection and were perplexed with the OHMazing Maze of Life OHMlab project. Then we went Back to School and made great use of the OHM Bar.

September found us dropping the F Bomb and feeling royal with our Crowned crown from Thailand.

The very addictive Mother Lord arrived in October, a fantastic blind bag with the most gorgeous silver and glass. We also discovered the equally enthralling Yutoos Totems (another blind bag bead); super fun to collect.

In November we enjoyed some homestyle designs with 8 new silver beads based on domestic items that we can’t live without. The detailed Watch This is my favourite from the collection but they all struck a chord with me. The release day also included the adorable Coop from OHM in Thailand.

For the last month of the year OHM revealed 2 new exclusives from Thailand and OHM in Australia. Suphannahong and Kangarohm sailed and hopped into the bead world. The cute and cuddly Behemoth also flew into our lives in its glowing glass jar.

OHM also launched several Special Projects in 2021. One time runs, pre-orders, OHMistry Projects, custom orders and OCTOs became available throughout the year. Do you recall Kiss Me I’m Irish, Catprechaun, XOXO, Russian Bunny, word block custom beads, Biscuits, Shroomies, Stay Grounded, Elara the Kittycorn, my own Imperfect Angel, and Octohug all making their debut this year? Woot Bear Francis and Mouse Girl were also introduced.

We celebrated all year with special events like OHM in April, OHM Dot Sale outlet sales, free shipping days, OHM’s 13th birthday, George’s Australian Flash Sales, an incredible Black Friday series of events, and of course Beadmas, to name a few.

What an incredible year it was in OHM Beads bead land and I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful company as an OHMbassador and the OHMily community. For me personally this has all been such a dream come true and has filled my life with such joy. Thank you OHM Beads for all the beauty and fun you have bestowed. This is the reason I also added my OHM logo tattoo to my wrist in 2021 so that I never forget the indelible mark they have left on my heart!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look back at the year in OHM Beads and remember all the phenomenal designs that have been added to the regular collection. They’re all there waiting to be added to yours!!!

If you’re new to OHM Beads, please enjoy 10% OFF your order with the DISCOUNT COUPON CODE: ANGIE
This is a one-time use code so load up that cart!

I wish you all joy, health, and happiness in 2022 and may all your bead wishes come true!!

OHM Beads NOVEMBER 2021 RELEASE

There is a new OHM Beads collection coming on November 4th and I feel this one was just made for me! Every single piece is a perfect tiny replica of tools, gadgets, small appliances, and even a car, most of us take for granted but use every day. OHM has created gorgeous beads to adorn our bracelets and given us lovely reminders with the meaning behind them...I love that! No detail has been overlooked in the design of these beads, 8 silvers in the worldwide release, plus one OHM Thailand EXCLUSIVE, COOP.

For an in-depth review on video, plus more photos from OHM and my own bracelet stylings, pop over to my Instagram account (@dailycharmaddict)

OHM Release Day: NOVEMBER 4, 2021

AAE126 SO STEAMED (US $55 /€ 57 /฿ 2,100 /NT$ 2,020 )
 - an adorable iron, complete with textured detail and a super shiny base plate with steam holes. "Next time you feel stress building in yourself, touch this iron on your bracelet and let the creases spiral out smooth. Iron the mind. Ohm."

 

AAE127 IT SUCKS (US $40 /€ 41 /฿ 1,500 /NT$ 1,470 )
 - cute canister vacuum with coiled hose as a bale. "To celebrate the potential suckage of vacuuming, OHM offers this sweet little canister vacuum cleaner bead. The small hose wraps around your bracelet like a silver hug, and the marvelously detailed canister tucks nicely underneath. You can almost feel it vibrate on your wrist. Our little vacuum may not scare the cat or swipe your carpet to barefoot fluffiness; but it IS a lovely reminder that some tasks may suck, but the rewards are many with just a little imagination."

 

AAP074 MEMORY MAKER (US $65 /€ 67 /฿ 2,400 /NT$ 2,390 )
 - fantastic, large camera bead with every small detail added. "Remember the surprise and anticipation of getting your developed photos back from the drugstore! OHM remembers that fun too. We have created a vintage SLR camera based upon a classic model that is wildly popular in its heyday and coveted by today's hipster generation. The textures and details of this vintage MEMORY MAKER are stunning and will open albums full of fond memories tucked away in your heart. What else is a bead but a memory?"

 

AAE131 WATCH THIS (US $40 /€ 41 /฿ 1,500 /NT$ 1,470 )
 - a beautiful watch with metal link bracelet. "A watch is more than a time-keeper. It's a symbol of tradition encased in a showpiece of ingenious craftsmanship. OHM is proud to add our ingenuity to this brilliant lineage and invites you to WATCH THIS. The handsome face based upon a classic Italian design will be forever holding a moment for you take whenever you need it. The silver watchband is a vintage rivet-link style made famous by the world's most coveted timepieces on history's most famous wrists. When you step out wearing this watch on your bracelet, know that you have time, this time now."

 

AAE132 POCKET KNIFE (US $40 /€ 41 /฿ 1,500 /NT$ 1,470 )
 - perfect multi-tool pocket knife with wood grain detail and knotted rope bale. "OHM is interested in your preparedness. Remind yourself with this beautifully crafted little camper or scout knife bead -- with the four traditional tools -- which hangs from a scout-required bowline knot. You and your bracelet are hereby authorized to tote the magnificent little POCKET KNIFE anywhere that pleases you. And you don't have to keep others at arm's length around you; you'll want to show off every minute detail."

 

AAE133 REMOTE CONTROL (US $40 /€ 41 /฿ 1,500 /NT$ 1,470 )
 - exactly like your remote, complete with HDMI cable bale. "OHM has created this elegant universal remote bead to hang beautifully on your bracelet. You always know where it is. You also always have the control to change the outcomes of your day and your life. Nobody else can push your buttons, mute your volume, or change your channel. You make the choices. Where is that pesky remote? You've got it... under control."

 

AAE125 BEAT IT (US $45 /€ 47 /฿ 1,700 /NT$ 1,650 )
 - the stand mixer bead of your dreams. It's a good thing! "OHM celebrates all things culinary with our nod to the countertop mixer. This adorably detailed miniature mixer on your bracelet shows the world that you too love to mix it up with the best of them. No challenge intimidates you as you whip through them in seconds and come back for more! Just BEAT IT!"

 

AAE123 GOT POT (US $60 /€ 62 /฿ 2,200 /NT$ 2,210 ) - perfect pressure cooker replica. "We are ALL like multicookers, under pressure every day with deadlines and expectations. Sometimes we simmer slowly, and other times, we build up steam and need release! OHM's multicooker on your bracelet is a charming reminder that pressure can be productive and yield delicious results too!"

OHM Exclusive
AAP075 COOP (OHM in Thailand) (฿ 2,400) - sweet mini car to wear on your wrist. "Lhong at OHM enjoys seeing the things they love and adore, scaled down to such a small size as to be worn as an adornment on their wrist! The collection of things you love makes us smile. No matter what form they are, it is the act itself of collecting that matters. This small car was an ambition of theirs from a young age. They grow up to earn enough money to get their own. Although it is not suitable for everyday use, many people say it is only suitable as a second car, but it is the only car they need. A companion forever."

 

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!