The Beadcage December 2009 Newsletter

This is the time of year, when even if you don't buy gifts all year long, you will be buying gifts. Sometimes you get so tired, bored and desperate for a gift that anything will do...and you say the phrase, "it's the thought that counts". True, sort of, but is it better to get a gift that you really don't like from someone than to get nothing at all? Nevertheless, you can't put a price on the thrill you get when you give a gift that makes someones face just light up. For me, I'd much rather give a gift that makes someone so excited that they jump right out of their seat. This year I have succeeded in stocking just those gifts and pricing them in a way that will put a smile one your face too.

#1 Do they burn candles, does their home smell like potpourri or plug-ins? They are a great candidate for a fragrance lamp.
#2 Are they sentimental about birthdays and keeping things passed down to them? They are sure to love our charm bracelets from Chamilia and Trollbeads. Each bead can represent a special time or event in their life. This high quality jewelry is made of Sterling & 18kt gold, just perfect for an heirloom candidate.
#3 Do they have hang nails? Do they like manicures and pedicures but have little time for the pleasure? Do they like exquisite spa quality bath and body products? They will love One Minute Manicure. This is a salt scrub in a light oil that removes dead/rough skin and moisturizes all in one. When I worked as a nail tech and esthetician I would use this to make sure everyone's hands and feet looked and felt great before they left. This a a product people find they cannot do without and wish they would have know about earlier.
#4 Are they traditional and classic in their style? Then John Medeiros, jewelry provides that timeless look and comes with a lifetime warranty to match. It looks very rich, and no one will ever know it didn't break the bank.
#5 Are they someone who loves jewelry that matches, but just can't make up their mind on one color? I would suggest our newest and hottest line, Magnabilities. This jewelry can be changed everyday and each insert jewel (middle of the pendant) is an amazing low of only $3.50) The possibilities are endless. You will have a blast choosing from our hundreds of options.
#6 Does the person love things that sparkle? Well, it doesn't get more sparkly then our Sorrelli jewelry. Sorrelli is an Italian brand which is designed with set Austrian crystals and semiprecious stones and is a true show stopper. The product is also guaranteed.
#7 The person loves monogrammed items and personalization. I have dozens of various "initial" monogrammed products including: coozies, notepads, pens, stationery stamps, etc. I also carry our much sought after fold and go bags which can also be monogrammed. All of these are value priced and are sure to put that smile on someones face.
#8 We all know someone who loves shoes! For that shoe hound, I now carry several kinds of shoes. All of these pass my standards for fashion, quality, comfort and price. The latest's arrival, which you will find me wearing is the Lindsey Phillips ballet flats. These are made from high quality soft leather, with comfortable cushion insoles. These feature changeable medallions allowing you multiple looks with just one shoe. You will want to get a pair for yourself when considering any of these shoes as a gift. * Hint * Make sure that you get 1 size larger than what they wear, these run small.
#9 Does the person enjoy beading? I think a gift certificate is a good choice. If they are a beader like myself, they just love picking out beads for themselves. A gift certificate with a note telling them how much you know they will love buying beads or taking classes at The Beadcage is the perfect gift.
#10 Is this person trendy and fun with a bold style? Are they a watch person? Do they have to have the hottest new fashion item available? Then look no further than S.T.A.M.P.S. Watches. These have been in Europe for ten years and are the new rage created by some of the same folks that started Swatch Watch. They are new to the US. With many styles to personalize with, this is the perfect high fashion gift for them.

OK, I know you can do it. Get a piece of paper and write down the names of the people that you need to get a gift for. Then either investigate for yourself or call someone that knows them and question them about the persons likes.

Now start enjoying the holiday season. Take in the holiday music, the beautiful decorations, and even the smells everywhere you go. When I was little my mom would boil a cinnamon stick with orange slices and a few other things in a pot the stove. Those smells bring back such wonderful memories. Now all I have to do is light up a Christmas fragrance in one of our Lampe Berger's and you can experience the smells of the Holidays here at The Beadcage with me or at home with your family.

Another thing that I have always loved at the holidays is baking sugar cookies. I don't have a favorite recipe but every year I'm looking. Which brings me to the next subject. On Saturday December 12th at 2:PM we will be holding a sugar cookie judging contest. Bring in your best recipe along with a dozen you have made and we'll judge them. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate and their recipe posted on our website. If you use some one's recipe it's OK, you are still eligible but please give them credit. They will be judged on appearance, texture, creativity, and taste. So let the baking begin!

We typically do not do beading classes during the month of December as I convert our classroom into a staging area for gift wrapping. So this year I will be making the best of things by offering free gift wrapping demonstrations in the classroom. Come in and see a simple gift wrapping demonstration. I will give you ideas on making the wrapping very special. I'll show you the techniques of bow making and techniques for incorporating beads and crystals. I'll be showing some embellishing techniques for decorative boxes also. As a gift to you for attending, you will receive a 10% off coupon on high quality decorative boxes, crystals and bags used for the demonstrations in this class. The times are as follows:

Also, become a friend of The Beadcage on Facebook. We will be highlighting lots of limited items and specials throughout the holiday season, and Facebook is an easy way to stay informed. Sign up here:

December Specials