Cell Phone Charms Become Incense Bottle Decorations

Smoking Bottle Incense Holder with Hanging Beads

When I was going to set up and try to sell my wares at a craft show, I bought some cell phone charm straps to decorate as an added little bauble that people might pick up. I made an assortment of really nice beaded designs with sterling silver beads, Swarovski crystal colors, little beaded dragonfly charms and other pretty beaded dangle decorations.

Retired Cell Phone Charm Turned Incense Decoration

Today you don't see many people with charms hanging from their cell phones, so what now?

Then the other day I had this great idea!

I love incense and have several types of incense burners in my home, including bottle incense holders. They came with a large split ring or key chain type ring and a little golden cord that hung on the side. You put the incense stick into the split ring and then insert the stick in the bottle so that the smoke comes out of the top and the ventilation holes.

Incense Bottle with Decorative Beads

Over the years the silver split ring had become blackened from the smoke and the little golden cord had become frayed. So I took one of those charms with decorative hanging beads, attached it to a new split ring and look how nice and decorative it looks??!!

A Variety of Decorative Hanging Beads

These are great little gift ideas for someone who loves burning incense and has a bottle burner, a smoking bottle or wine bottle incense burner. Find these at Bead Lovers Korner on Etsy in the Beaded Gift Ideas Section!

Uses for cell phone charms

• Purse Decoration
• Zipper Pull
• Ceiling Fan Pulls 
• and NOW Incense Bottle Decoration

What great ideas for decorations with beads have you had lately? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear your ideas!

Renewing Old Charms in Jewelry Designs

Pacific Opal Starfish Earrings

I used to make Pandora Style dangles, but they have never done that well for me, although there was a time when some symbols were popular or customizing with birthstone colors meant a special gift for someone to personalize their European Style bracelet. As trends change and new sellers arrive with cheaper and lower quality bead dangles, I have sold less and less and built up a collection of little charms and beads that were just sitting around doing nothing.

Tropical Pineapple Earrings

I don't know what possessed me to make bead earrings, since there are about 500,000 to choose from between Etsy and Ebay, but that is what I have been doing. Giving NEW and Unique life to otherwise abandoned charms and beads!

Kokopelli Turquoise Dangle Earrings

I had been on such a roll making rosaries over the past few months, that the Beaded Jewelry section of my Etsy Shop (especially the earrings) was looking kind of sparse. I took great care to make sure that my new earring designs were not like any others, in hopes that whoever is looking for a unique gift or fashion style would find them.

Cross and Prayer Earrings

• Which ones do you like best?
• How do you refresh old and tired stock?
• I would love to hear your thoughts!

St Francis Rosary Chaplet and Rosary Beads

Labradorite Chaplet with Saint Francis

This last week was a pretty interesting time with the election of the new Pope. I know this happened just a few years back with the last Pope, but at that time I was working a thankless high stress job and wasn't able to pay attention very well. The new Pope seems like a very good choice and I love the name he chose. Saint Francis was always a favorite of mine, as he is for many people.

Sterling Silver Rosary with Black Beads

I was very moved as I watched and paid close attention to the news coverage of the Conclave and the election of the new Pope. I was moved by the tradition and ritual of the event, and grateful to be able to witness Pope Francis's first words and prayers. All Christians should pray for this new leader of the Catholic Church.

Pink Crystal Car Rosary with Sacred Heart

Rosary Beads and other types of prayer beads can be an important part in developing and maintaining a relationship with the Divine. Not only are they beautiful to behold, they are useful in assisting that daily remembrance, whether it is a visual remembrance or by physical touch in saying prayers. That daily affirmation of God or a Higher Divine presence is worship and building a solid relationship with God.

Hematite Rosary Beads with Miraculous Center

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation. Where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor avarice. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt."
-The Counsels of the Holy Father St. Francis, Admonition 27 

Rosary Beads for Prayer

Turquoise Chain Link Rosary

Several years ago I was trying to think of another product to add to my offerings of beads and supplies, something that was different but would complement what I already had for sale. As I contemplated this the words "Prayer Beads" began to form in my mind. I thought "That is perfect!", since I already have so many pendants or supplies that are spiritually related.

I bought a book and searched the web, for insight and background knowledge, about all the different types of prayer beads that are used today. I read the book, but got side tracked and never made a move to try making anything. Earlier this year something just came over me, I like to think it was Divine Guidance, but it was a powerful need to start doing this and I spent the whole day learning more details and put it into motion.

Sapphire Swarovski Pocket Rosary

While I am not Catholic, with all the strife and events that have happened this year, according to Glenn Beck "We are all Catholics now!". It doesn't really matter, it is the worship of God and the support of that worship that is important. So I started with making Rosary Beads. 

Violet Swarovski Chain

I am not sure what is is, maybe it is the comfort of repetition or just knowing that something I make could be used in a more worthwhile way other than body decoration. I love the way it feels to take separate beads and wire to create a chain, and the simplistic beauty of the finished piece is extremely satisfying. I guess that is how someone feels when they knit or crochet.

Swarovski Rosaline Pink Rosary Bracelet

If you are reading this, then you already realize the importance of prayer and building a relationship with The Divine. Especially in a world that seems to be on the edge, prayer is purifying and comforting.While my beads hold no power themselves, it is my hope that they will help the receiver realize the power of prayer and strength within.

To find the Rosaries and Chaplets that I have made, please visit the Beaded Gifts Ideas section of the Bead Lovers Korner Etsy Store