July Unboxings and Reviews

We are in full summer mode at my house, taking trips to the pool, staying up late and sleeping in. This also means that I rarely have a second alone in my workspace. There's either a teenager using the TV or a nine year old sharing the corner of my desk for her own craft projects. I'm not complaining, though. In just a few short weeks they will be back in school again and my office will be too quiet to think with two dozing dogs and the hum of the ceiling fan. I will enjoy every last scrap of random paper, the ever-clicking noise of the Xbox controllers and the nonstop chatter.

One of my favorite parts of summer is the delivery of bead subscription boxes. I have them staggered so that once a week for three weeks I get at least one subscription box in the mail. With the summer months, it means collections of blues and greens, nautical charms, oceanic themes and colors of the beach - that I much more appreciate in bead form than in real life. I'm not much a beach person. I don't like being hot.. or sandy.. or swimming anywhere where there are things big enough to eat me, but I love sea themed jewelry and accessories. Every bead subscription service has there own take on this nautical style and I'm here for it!

Bargain Bead Box does not disappoint this month! July's theme is Starfish Beach and it's summer vibes are serious. There is a carved shell centerpiece, handmade lampwork glass lentils, blue quartz, mother-of-pearl shell rounds and electroplated lava stone beads (an ethical alternative to golden coral) just to name a few. Want to see more? Check out my unboxing video and see this oceanic set for yourself!

Every month they offer an exclusive coupon code to use at their sister store, Bead Box Bargains. They also offer the chance to win a $25 gift card by submitting your design photos on their Facebook page, Instagram or email. I have my own affiliate link that you can use to get started.

https://www.bargainbeadbox.com/refer/Sara-OTOGLTFX

Bargain Bead Box was also kind enough to offer me an exclusive coupon code to share with all of you to get $2 off of your first shipment.

Just enter the code BEADLOVE to get your $2 off during checkout.

Dollar Bead Box had a great box this month as well! If you aren't familiar with Dollar Bead Box, they are part of the Dollar Bead Club, which offers three different ways to enjoy their services. You can become a member of Dollar Bead Club. Annual membership lets you shop from their members-only wholesale site. You can subscribe to their monthly Dollar Bead Box for less than $20 and receive a monthly box full of goodies with the total value of $60! This also gives you full access to the Dollar Bead Club wholesale site. Even better - you can reorder anything in your box for $1 for the entire month. That's a pretty good deal! Don't want an entire box? They also offer a Dollar Bead Bag for $8 a month. Each bag contains 4 3mm strands of Czech Glass Beads and 4 4mm strands of Czech glass beads. This is a great way to build up your bead stash at a wholesale price point. Just like the Dollar Bead Box, you can reorder any of the strands for $1 for the entire month.

Dollar Bead Box isn't a themed box. This is more of a shopping based subscription service. You get a small taste of what's available on their site and exclusive access to all of their products. All of their items are affordably priced and shipping is quick. They also send notices to members about exclusive items that are in limited quantities. I really enjoy this service and I think you will too. Check out my unboxing video for July and see all the fun stuff that was included in this month's shipment. If you decide to subscribe to any of the services that they offer, be sure to add my name as your referral.
Check out Dollar Bead Box HERE

Last but certainly not least is the Om Tara project box from Laura Gasparrini. Now, it's only fair that I tell you that Laura is a personal friend of mine and also one of the Outreach Coordinators of my Knoxville Bead Society. I am a bit biased because Laura is an amazing person and designer but I promise you, her project boxes are worth every penny! She offers a couple of different ways to subscribe. You can sign up for her monthly project kits or you can sign up for a monthly project sheet. The difference is, with the project sheet you are only getting the instructions for a super cool project. You have to use your own beads, findings and stringing materials. With the full project kit, she includes everything you need to create a beautiful piece of jewelry - including gemstone beads, beautiful findings and stringing materials. Also worth mentioning, if you sign up for her newsletter - which is completely free!!! she sends you a wealth of jewelry making information. She not only challenges your creativity but she makes you feel like part of her family - her "tribe". Her newsletters are amazing. Do not miss out on this freebie! You'll be glad you signed up.

I filmed the unboxing of one of her monthly project boxes but the files were corrupted. Unfortunately, I had already created the necklace using all of the items before I realized the video was a no-go. I'll add the photo below of the beautiful necklace I made from her kit. I really enjoyed it. She sent everything I needed to make this awesome piece. I dyed the silk ribbon myself with black tea and then put together the necklace. I think it turned out beautifully.

If you are interested in checking out Laura's awesome subscription service follow this LINK. Spend some time browsing her site. She sells tools, books, and offers tons of inspiration! I will definitely being getting another box from her soon.

Let me know what subscription services you subscribe to. Are there others you would like to see in unboxing videos? Leave a comment here or send me a message on Facebook!