Summer Time....

Wow its been hot in North Texas. I'm one of those that had rather have the heat than the cold so its in the air conditioning most of the day for me! Had a glorious weekend in semi-outside setting. Since we had friends in from Houston this weekend we did venture out to the Dallas Aquarium. What a terrific outing for adults and kids alike. We saw penguins, manatees, sharks, anaconda (yuck!) and many beautiful birds and flora. Since I don't travel to downtown Dallas much, it was fun seeing the area on a Saturday without all the work traffic. Naturally we all forgot our cameras, so I used my phone camera and ran the battery down taking pictures! Takes pretty good photographs though. Gotta finish getting ready for my show this weekend .... gluing and attaching bling to my flip flops! See you at Central High School, Keller, Texas 9-5, Saturday only.

Summer Musings

Now that we have this wonderfully warm weather my feet were screaming for more flip flops. I've had the best time making flip flops...it began with a simple design of a center concho and a few crystals. Soon I branched out into turquoise rivets, longhorn conchos (in honor of UT Austin of course!), cross conchos and this weekend I created a wonderful Fleur-de-Lis with purple crystals in honor of friends from the great state of Louisiana. If you've not been there try this on for size "Laisse le bon temps rouler". Its cajun for "let the good times roll". Found a little more information when I was double checking my spelling~Laissez les bons temps rouler!" is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" It strongly conveys the "joie de vivre" ("joy of living") attitude that pervades south Louisiana. The saying lent itself to the title of a "proto-zydeco" song by R&B musician Clarence Garlow of Welsh, whose "Bon Ton Roula (Let The Good Times Roll)" -- also known as "Bon Ton Roule" -- appeared on the Macy's record label in early 1950. (It climbed onto national R&B record sales charts that year.) Around 1958, Cajun musician Lawrence Walker recorded "Bon Ton Rouley" for Floyd SoileauIs short-lived Vee-Pee label of Ville Platte. Although hardly a new invention, the expression now appears on everything from T-shirts to bumper stickers; it also is now generally regarded by Cajuns as a cultural cliché.
(Source: Broven, South to Louisiana).
Being that the Fleur-de-lis is a french symbol I had to "bling" it up with a few stones. See what you think. Would love your opinions. Shall I give them a name?
I've also added a "Pink Power" flip flop in honor of many friends who are breast cancer survivors. A portion of the proceeds from each of those sales will go to Susan G. Komen Foundantion as well. Hope to hear from you folks!

Until later~Becky

May Flowers

Decided to try my hand at making a slide show. Hopefully, this will work and you all can see a "snapshot" of all our gorgeous things. Stay tuned as we add things almost daily.

We are having the most fun making our new flip flops. Compliments are coming like crazy as are sales. It seems there are endless ways in which to embellish a plain flop. I'm even thinking of having a "design your own flip flop" session. What about flip flop party?? Leave me your comments. Last week I received a new order of conchos and in the order was a gorgeous new Swarovski crystal cross. Haven't made but one set of these (for me of course) but I'll take pictures soon so stay tuned!! Now my hubby is saying "how many pairs of flip flops can you wear girl!" Its kinda like we used to say about silk blouses, you can't have too many!! Enjoy the slide show.....this was fun to create.
Blessings,Becky

Flip Flop Mania!

Shopping in a market like Dallas is so exciting since we tend to see the latest trends here many times before the rest of the country. Dallas Market was a buzz with the latest stylish Rhinestone Flip Flops and we ~LOVE~LOVE~LOVE them! When you can get style and comfort in one thing, count yourself lucky. In these challenging economic times, we look for the best quality at the best price and are thrilled to offer these lovelies to you. Of course, because we love our bling we had to "add" a few "sparklies". The cheetah flops are embellished with gorgeous Swarovski Blue Zircon stones which go so well with the hair on hide background and rhinestone crown. We couldn't stop there so we added Rose Swarovski crystals to our fashionable Zebra flops! These are so fun to make that we hardly get anything else done these days! Help, I need a housekeeper so I can keep making on these! Look for new unique www.classysassycouture.com designs in the next few weeks. This weekend we're off to Central High School in Keller, Texas for our Spring show and hope to see you there for the launch of our new Rhinestone Flip Flops.
~Later~Becky

~Funky Friday~Its Back!

No more whining or complaining about Spring...look at this beauty from my garden. Its a blue iris and just popped up the other day. Mother Nature is good!

As you may have noticed, "Funky Friday" has been missing for the last few weeks from our site. The new website design and development has been eating my lunch so something had to slide. Anyway, its BAAACK and better than ever. This week's theme will be "PENDANT PASSION". We have lots of styles, shapes and colors so get them while you can. We'll also be offering "FREE SHIPPING" Friday only for our pendants. They make wonderful, unique Mother's Day gifts.

Rudy has also been busy creating new "handcrafted pens" in his workshop. Check our website for new styles and colors. He can also engrave a name or special phrase on most any of the pens for a small fee. Drop us an email if you have a special request. Great Father's Day gift!!

Until later~Becky

Easter Blessings

I visited my Mother in Florida during Easter and wanted to share these lovely flowers from her garden. An update on the azaleas I so wanted to see ~ most were gone but I did see a few blooms.

Unfortunately, the Easter Lilies had not started blooming, but I know they'll be lovely when they do. Its so amazing to see God's work in nature. On Sunday, I was able to enjoy the annual Easter gathering at my counsin's home. There is always LOTS of wonderful southern food, so I don't even try to watch my diet or observe portion control on those days! We had the best time together and I love visiting with them. They always make you feel so welcome and are truly interested in your life! I wish I could see them more often as they are such fine people and we have the best laughs and conversations. My Mother is the oldest of 10 children so I have no shortage of cousins. We enjoyed meeting Emily, the newest "bundle of joy" ~ who was only 3 days old on Easter Sunday. She is a real beauty and will be loved and cherished by all I'm sure. Can't wait to see her on my next trip.

Spring has sprung in Texas so look for more pictures of our Spring line of pendants, necklaces and new Denim Jackets.

Until later.....Blessings~ Becky and Susan

Spring Commeth and Goeth

~Okay, I don't know who is in charge of the weather lately here in North Texas but I think our patience is being tested! In the last 3 weeks we've gone from 80 one day to golf ball size hail and then 40-50 mph winds! Before I moved to the area more than 3 years ago I didn't pay much attention to wind but man oh man...its a bear to deal with here in our area. First, the girls in my family have "lots" of hair so trying to style and spray my hair is getting quite expensive. I've bought good hairspray, heavy hairspray, etc. but to no avail. Anyway, I want Spring and I want it without the wind! Enough whining....we could be in 10 inches of snow right?

~Blogging Inspiration~

I woke up super early this morning...around 3:45 am for some reason. Couldn't go back to sleep so decided to get up and take advantage of the extra quiet time. As I began to think about what I would write today I remembered an article I read last night in "Artful Blogging". If you haven't seen this journal, its a must read for newbies to blogging which I certainly am. Its filled with inspiration and creative blogs. Some tips I learned were: 1)write from the heart and be sincere, your audience are mostly simple folks who want someone to relate to; 2) don't be afraid to share your art....creativity is like the fishes and loaves story in the Bible...as you share your ideas, they feed others' creativity and then they are inspired; and 3) I would add that its also like the movie a few years ago called "Pay it Forward". Anyway, I hope these ideas help to improve my Blog as I go forward. I continue to work very hard at trying to find just the right niche to relate to others out there so please leave your comments....I'm on a serious learning curve!

Next week I'll be going to Florida to visit my Mother for a few days and have been asking every week "Are the Azaleas still blooming?" If you know anything about the south you know they have bragging rights on these glorious flowers. Last year when I visited my Mom we visited Bellingrath Gardens where the azaleas and these purple flowers were some of the many beauties from the gardens. Since I have a "brown" thumb I can't tell you the name of the flower! Unfortunately, the azaleas will mostly be finished blooming when I arrive next week but I'm sure there will be other beauties to enjoy! I'll take some pictures and share next time! Until later......Becky

~Announcement~

Today, ClassySassyCouture is launching a new feature on our website. This feature will celebrate "thank goodness its Friday" with a Funky Friday theme. Each Friday, a theme will be selected and all products will be coordinated. For example, our first theme is "Zebras Rule!" All products offered on the Funky Friday page will have a zebra look.

We're so excited about this new feature and think it will be super fun to come up with unique, "funky" ideas each week. We'll also be asking

other e-boutiques to join us and feature some of their products as well. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase new designer's work. If you're interested in joining us email me at: becky.lofton@yahoo.com and I'll share the details.

~ Other news ~

My little Daisy survived 4 days of boarding while we made a short trip to Memphis. She has such a great temperment ~ never pouts or gets mad when I leave her but I still feel guilty. Rascal (the other dachsund) is another story. He has a bit of anxiety and probaby could use a sedative most days! He also has a temper and frequently will "shake" when I put him in the laundry room to run to the grocery store. If he's really angry, he'll rip his towel to shreds!! Anyway, we love him in spite of his quirks and he is Daisy's best friend.

Happy Friday and take a peek at our "Funky Friday" products.

First come, first serve.

Later, Becky

March 22, 2009

~ELVIS LIVES!~

We're back from our short vacation to Memphis ~ here are a few highlights of our trip. Graceland is a wonderful tribute to the legend of Rock N Roll and filled with history and uniqueness. We were all pleasantly surprised that this was such an enjoyable experience. Don't get me wrong, we all love Elvis, but weren't quite sure what to expect from the Graceland tour. My hubby, who typically doesn't enjoy "tours" was even impressed! Elvis Presley was an amazing artist, a very generous, charitable person and apparently an avid reader of a variety of literature. His automobile collection was also really interesting. Elvis was most fond of his Rolls Royce but his beloved Mother preferred the "pink cadillac"! Also, as you may remember, Elvis made Bling (including rhinestones) sing (pardon the pun~couldn't resist) and he could probably take credit for its popularity today! Here at http://www.classysassycouture.com/ we relate to Bling and definitely to rhinestones. Check out this photograph of one of his famous jumpsuits!



~NEW PENDANTS~
ClassySassyCouture is now "live" with temporary graphics ~ We'll be having our "Grand Opening" in the next few weeks so look for special offerings and new products. Before leaving for vacation I was able to create this wonderful new pendant with zebra suede background and pink rhinestone trim. It's classy and sassy with the pink rhinestone cross and looks fabulous on one of our ball chains or black cords. Visit us at http://www.classysassycouture.com/ and select "New Items" or "Pendants" to purchase this beauty.

~New Apron Designs~
Designer Susan is also creating three new rhinestone apron designs. Look forward to two new animal prints as well as a fabulous "cowgirl" apron which promises to be a must have for all you cowgirls out there. Look for these to be posted soon! In the meantime, check out the beautiful rhinestone, sassy aprons on our site. Other new items include three new rhinestone purses with gorgeous Volcano crystals and they're just waiting for you! I especially love the pink ostrich handbag. May have to have one myself!

~Until next time ~ Have a Blessed Week......

Becky and Susan

March 11, 2009

Thankfully, Susan and I survived our first lesson on CreateAShoppe for managing our new website! Lisa was so extremely patient, it was a pleasure to work with her. She gave us the confidence we could do it. Got home that evening and tried to enter my first product and went brain dead!! Not to worry, I put it away, went to bed and was able to move right ahead the next morning. If I can do this program, anyone can. Susan and I have both been on a learning curve with this new knowledge.We are planning to go "live" as they say in the website world, on Friday with a new name: classysassycouture.com. I'm a little nervous about changing names but Lisa assures me it will link to my old name (beckysbeadedcreations.com).

My little dog Daisy has been watching me intently working on my laptop for hours on end on this project, so I thought you might want to meet her. She is such a joy and follows me everywhere. Spoiled, of course, but sweet all the same. As you can see, she's getting a little grey around the face but is still a pretty girl! She is aging well like my Mother! She's 11 years old and most of the time still acts like a puppy. Loves cheese and chicken the best! We have a male also, Rascal, who you'll meet in the future if you stay tuned. He's also a long haired Dachsund but has a much different personality.

I finished up my latest jewelry creation...a gorgeous pink, black and zebra beaded 2-strand necklace. It has a beautiful zebra cross pendant that is magnetic so it can be removed and worn with other chunky, classy sassy jewelry. Looks wonderful with the Black Jean Jacket we have with the zebra trim.

Susan and I have also discovered the "new" spring rhinestone tee shirts are super soft and comfy. I've already washed mine a couple of times and they wash beautifully! The best part is no ironing is required. These new shirts are in the most beautiful spring colors and look really good with jeans. The nice long style covers those "special" areas we all hate to show too much of. You cowgirls out there will love the way these look tucked into your jeans. Please look for our GRAND RE-OPENING at classysassycouture.com. Give us feedback about what you see. Would love to hear from you.

March 8, 2009

Okay ladies; hold on, this is my first attempt at “Blogging”. I’ve read lots of blogs trying to find out if there is a theme, pattern, whatever to them. I finally decided, you just start writing.

My new website design is finally going forward. Lisa and Denise at 2FriendsDesign.com will be helping me with a new design layout and graphics. I’m so very happy to get it off the ground, hopefully, they will be able to teach me how to use the program and not think I’m a total dunce! Wish me luck.

Anyway, Susan (my partner) and I are on board with trying to keep the site current and filled with new jewelry, handcrafted aprons and tee shirt products. She has finally found a great source for fabric and we’ll be purchasing it in bulk so we don’t run out of our favorite animal prints like cheetah and zebra! The new blingy, embellished apron design with the leopard print is just exquisite. The fabric is so soft and unbelievable quality. She’s also designing away on new embellishments for the Jean Jackets. The first one we've launched is the black denim jacket with zebra trim. Too cute for words. Other animal prints on blue denim jackets will be coming soon.

New jewelry designs are also coming. Large chunky beads and gorgeous
Zebra pendants are all the rage. These should be ready to launch in the next three weeks. Check the “What's New” section to see the new designs. In the meantime, we have our beautiful square, rectangular and square pendants with fabulous gemstone beads and swarovski crystals. New ladies cowboy belt buckles for the cowgirl in you or the glitzy glamour belts are still extremely popular. Make sure you see the animal print purses we have with giraffe and zebra designs to match your belts and buckles.

I’m so excited that Daylight Savings time is finally here. I think sometimes that I have “SAD” – Seasonal Affective Disorder - because I detest cloudy, cold, NO SUN days, they just zap my creative juices at times. Finally, we're have more days of sunshine and 70+ days, my roses are budding out, the green grass is peeking through the brown lawn and I’m raring to start designing and beading! Spring in Texas is the best! Stay tuned because we are about to have a GRAND Re-Opening of our Website. Hopefully, I did my first BLOG without sounding too off beat….let me know what you think at: becky.lofton@yahoo.com. In the meantime, visit us at: beckysbeadedcreations.com.

Blessings,
Becky and Susan