All posts tagged: shopping

beautiful beads.

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Reporting from Blue Door Beads! This is my favorite bead store ever, and I’m one picky lady. Knowledgable and friendly staff, a large assortment of beads and findings, great lighting (makes for clear, creative thinking!), reserved customer parking (!!!), …. The list goes on and on for why I enjoy every visit here. I stumbled upon Blue Door Beads shortly after they first opened their doors in 2012. I had taken a pilates class down the street and discovered the bead store while walking from where I parked. I had to go inside after class! I was greeted by the owner, and little did I know she would make a point to learn my name. Talk about feeling at home… Owner Sara and her crew are curators of lovely things. My favorite beads are anything gold, copper, or blush colored; Czech glass; and jade variations like these dyed ones: I love making jewelry pieces that have a pop of color or that perfect bold accent bead. You can find all types of beads to work with here. Check …

old things!

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Over the weekend I visited the Alameda Point Antique Faire, the largest antique shopping experience in Northern California. They weren’t lying. They open gates at 6a, but I got there at 1p when admission is cheaper and it’s easier to get closer parking, and there are rows and rows of vendors with loads and loads of old things. It was quite an experience. Of course, I didn’t find anything that really grabbed my attention, but I did leave with two soft pretzels for a dollar each, an end-of-the-day special! The fair is held outside so it was dusty, cold, and windy, but sunny – in other words, a nice bay area day! There was so much to look at. I’m always impressed with the craftsmanship of older items. Things really were made to last. I had my eyes open for a typewriter and some small teak bowls; I’ll have to do a bit more searching. I almost bought this glass stand, though. I couldn’t think of a purpose except “soap dish,” but I only have so many …

erin’s errands.

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I got off work a little early today so I was able to run a few errands. These errands were far from being chores though. They were more like crafty adventures. My first stop was Urban Ore Ecopark which sells eco-friendly salvaged goods. From doors to dishes and books to baskets, you can come in for one thing and leave with much more. Make sure to look in nooks and crannies for something unexpected. I came in today for some craft supplies. I’m planning a dreamcatcher workshop and got a tip from a crafty friend that she saw a box of metal hoops here. She gave me specifics on how to find them in the store. And, just as she described, I found them in a box tucked away at the bottom of a shelf that you had to carefully navigate to so furniture wouldn’t stab you. The things we do for crafts. There must have been over 200 hoops in there. I selected 42 and paid just $3 plus tax! A steal if you ask …