March 18, 2010 MY ANSWER TO 3 QUESTIONS

I was faced with 3 questions from 3 different people this month. . .

Question 1: 
"How come you never considered setting up a kiosk for your beads in a mall?" 

Question 2: 
"Can you work as a sub-contractor for my bead business? 

Question 3:
"I need beaded BIB necklaces for a high-end store in Makati. Can you make it?"

I was stunned.  I used to ask the 1st question when I was still working for the mall.  As for the 2nd and 3rd questions, I felt a momentary excitement because I knew that these  proposals -- with the condition of exclusivity and having to sacrifice By Beaded Story's name -- equated to income.   

Let me tell you, this is not the first time I was asked these questions.   In previous encounters, I would say I will think about it. 

But this time, I give you my answer . . .

By Beaded Story happened at a time when I longed for  a creative outlet.  I wanted to see and feel more color amidst a black and white world. I had to get out of that 4-sided box and be able to work freely... without any pressure and deadline.

So one day, my heart chose to bead. 

I call these LUCKey Charms. 

I made 300 pieces of these on the day I decided to end my 12-year corporate life.  

I bead because

. . .  I am able to share with you my stories.

. . .  I show you how I see the world.

. . .  I feel fulfilled.

Me at my first bazaar in 2006.  St. James the Great Bazaar.

I am thankful for the appreciation,  for the business proposals, for invitations to lease a permanent space.  But all these years, I have shielded By Beaded Story from my black and white world.  I refuse to accommodate fads, pressure and deadline.  Let the Pharmacy handle that.

By Beaded Story's booth at St. James the Great Bazaar.

I will continue to live with what I originally planned for By Beaded Story . . .  To bead with a Story.  To be unique and one-of-a-kind. To produce in  limited quantities.  To make my presence felt where I feel is right. 

I never saw my beading as a business nor a hobby.  

By Beaded Story is all about LIVING ONE'S DREAM.

A blurred photo of a dragonfly resting on the mirror I used during the 2009 Sunday Market at ATC.  This is my favorite photo among all my bazaar photos.

March 16, 2010 magic EYE

I love staring at prints such as this . . .

 thank you www.naute.com

At first glance, we see pink, white and red roses right? 

But stare at the print a second time (or maybe a 3rd or 4th time) . . . focus your eyes on one spot and stare at it long. . .  

Now, can you see the image beyond the rose print?

If yes, then  you just found out what By Beaded Story is all about ♥

february 24, 2010 I WON THE LOTTO!!!

. . .  In my DREAMS!!!  I just wanted to catch your attention.

I was too deep in my thoughts that I have not even noticed the relaxing breeze last night. I did not even bother switching the TV on to catch the newest show of abs-cbn nor work on my beads.

My mind was just too pre-occupied on flashbacks and fast-forwards. In a nutshell, I wondered if there's truth to this theory,  the universal law of attraction.

I've had my share of answered prayers but I've also experienced disappointments.  If I analyze this further,  the answered prayers are those that my heart was truly set on.  These were life-changing moments.  

Although, not all were immediately answered. It took time and needed a lot of patience and perserverance.  There was no other choice but to be still and go with the flow.  It came unnnoticed but at the right time.

The disappointments, on the other hand, were the irrational desires. I may be persistent for some time but realizing later on that these were just a bunch of superficial whims.  Here, I become impatient and crazy :)

Applying this theory to present times . . . now that the race is over and now that my days are simpler . . . I finally enjoy a more diverse yet quiet life.  I see the connection of then and now.

I needed a creative outlet when I was working. By Beaded Story happened.  I had to unblock the creative bead-block and needed to stay inspired,  this blog happened.

I was hesistant to move from my Advertising and Promotions world to Operations.  I knew what was in my heart but I still went on and LEARNED.  Then, the Pharmacy happened.

Now, I want to do something relevant.  I rally for a beautiful Earth. This finally happened . . . .

But I never planned these to show up in the Pharmacy last Monday.  They were already on display when I arrived. This just happened.

Thus, the Universal Law of Attraction must be true.  With what I just listed, here's what I was really thinking of  ...I WON! I WON! I WON the LOTTO JACKPOT!!! ...  SOON☻. . . 

The Story of By Beaded Story

The heart is a mosaic of stories . . . filled with stories to share . . . stories to dream about . . . stories that make us laugh or make us cry. I started my adventure with bead necklaces early part of 2006. Amidst the busy swirl of my day-to-day personal and professional life, I longed for a world where I be able to truly express myself freely and proudly call my own. With faith and perhaps luck, it only took a moment's glance and realize that beads were the answer to my prayer.

Beads do come in many forms, colors and shapes. Each bead plays an important role. Lose one, the entire piece falls. I design and tediously hand craft bead necklaces for 3 reasons: One, it fulfills my creative longing. Two, I am simply happy evertyime I bead. And Three, it is my way of sharing a story coming from the heart.

Almost on its 3rd year, By Beaded Story boasts of 6 collections posted below. You may view the collection in detail (inquire/order) at www.bybeadedstory.multiply.com. The collections may also be found at seasonal bazaars and out-of-the-box retail stores. So here it is . . . Sharing with you a few random photos of By Beaded Story's Summer 2009 Collection.

Beaded Cloth. Beads wrapped in cloth and worn like a scarf.

Chalk. "M&M"-like beads, choker style.

Flora Necklaces. Nature-inspired collection.

Tala. Venetian Glass collection.

Laso. Venetian Glass/Indian Glass beads twined by a ribbon.

Butones. The Button Collection.

By Beaded Story