Queen Bee Designs by Amanda

A Little "Staycation" for the Bee . . .

2010-06-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I just wanted to let you know that beginning next Monday, June 28th, I will be taking a little staycation with my family and will not be accessing my e-mails or filling orders. All pending orders to this point are being processed as usual and will be shipped before I begin my home-vacation, but any orders requested between June 28th and July 5th will be answered and invoiced after I "return". Thank you for understanding! Happy summer, folks!

Amanda

For Mamas Everywhere

2010-04-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Whether the mama you are buying for just brought home her baby, or she has teenage or adult children, this designs lends itself to everyone. Soldered and left with an antique feel, this piece may be personalized any way you want it.

$45

Made to Order . . .

2010-02-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

I received a special request from a new father for a pendant of his own. Along with the request came a scanned photo of a drawing he made. I love creating totally unique pieces for people and this was no exception. I think it turned out pretty close to the drawing, don't you?

Smiles,
Amanda

Our New "Button"

2010-01-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Layla. I l-o-v-e it!

Keep Them Close to Your Heart . . .

2010-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about my business is being able to work with amazing people. Most of them are women and all of them have a story to tell. Some tell of love and happiness and others share their tales of sorrow. Either way, I feel honored to be a part of each of these individuals lives. I get goose bumps each time I think about how something I have created could quite possibly become a family keepsake. One such piece was recently made for Peggy and with her permission I would like to share a snippet of her story.

Peggy e-mailed me with the story of her son who is on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. She was looking for a piece that would keep her close to him while he is away. I remember her saying that it felt silly, but that by wearing something with his name on it she would feel a sense of peace and protection over him. After working on the design together via e-mail, we came up with the design shown above and this is the e-mail I received from her as soon as she got it . . .

Amanda,

I received my necklace today, PERFECT!!! I will wear it every
day *name omitted* is gone ....as weird as it may sound, I feel like by wearing it, I am helping to keep him safe. So a very very deep hearted thank you.

Peggy

The "Simply Soldered" Original

2009-11-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

The Queen has been as busy as a bee these days processing orders from the holiday rush and soldering everything that isn't nailed down. Well, actually I am only soldering silver but I have had such a great time doing it! This design is a relative of The Original with its dual disc design, but this time the two discs are soldered together and it has a more organic feel with its patina and brushed silver surface. I added dots on the sample shown here, but it can be simplified a bit by just stamping names or a quote and leaving the remaining space open. You will love the feel of this design . . .

$48

Nothing Tweeter . . .

2009-11-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

A new little birdie has entered the nest here at Queen Bee Designs. I have had her for awhile, but haven't shared her until now. I love the simplicity of her shape and the sweet touch she adds to every piece she touches. Shown here on a 1.25" snazzed disc, she adds a little something to this family tree of four. Love it!!

$38

Simply Soldered

2009-11-09T09:21:00.001-08:00

"Keep it Simple . . ." Strive for a simpler existance with less to worry about, less to do and more time to swing in the hammock of life. This piece is a gentle reminder for all of us to relax, enjoy the moment and strive for simplicity. This is the first beauty in our *Simply Soldered* line and is weathered and worn with its snazzed edges and buffed finish. Measuring at 1" in diameter, you can "Keep it Simple . . ." daily with this around your neck.

As shown . . . $48

Everyday Is Mother's Day . . .

2009-03-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Grand Original is so simple with its concentric circles and clean lines. This version measures a bit larger than our traditional Original with the disc on the bottom being 1.25" in diameter and the disc on top measuring
1". The quote above is perfect for the Mother, Mommy, Mama or Granny in your life . . .

A Mother's love and tender care makes love bloom everywhere . . .

As shown- $45
(May be personalized however you wish. Add a colored Swarovski crystal or creamy freshwater pearl at no additional charge.)

The Katie-- Revisited For Mom

2009-03-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our Katie design lends itself to many different types of personalization. Here it is shown with hand stamped flowers and an offset "GRANDMA" on the second disc. As always, this piece comes with a petite sterling ball chain and two crystals or pearls of your choice. Very sweet and expandable for larger families.

As shown- $40
Additional discs- $8 each

The Flutter-by

2009-01-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if my brother and I started calling them flutter-bys as children, or if it was just something cute my mom came up with, but the term has certainly stuck with me. This flutter-by is sweet for the little girl in your life, but certainly appeals to all ages with its simple shape and flutter-by details. The sample above is mine and though I am not a young girl anymore, it makes me smile every time I see it. Complete with a petite ball chain, this beauty doesn't need any crystal or pearls to shine, but if you would like to add one just let me know.

$32

How Charming

2009-01-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

After many requests for a charm bracelet, I am offering our How Charming piece complete with four discs and a sweet pearl or crystal of your choice. As you can see in the sample above, longer names are easy to add on these cuties without any difficulty. A perfect gift for your sweetie on Valentine's Day or for Grandma on Mother's Day. There is no such thing as being too prepared! As always, all of my designs are sterling silver and I use Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls. How charming is that!

$55
(Includes four 1/2" discs. Additional discs are $8 each.)

Have Faith . . .

2009-01-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

In these times when so many things are changing, having faith is more important than ever. Wearing this tear drop design with its simple cross will remind its wearer to take the time to trust and Have Faith . . .

$38

Best Friends . . .

2009-01-02T22:19:00.000-08:00

These petite sweeties are perfect for the little girls in your life who just can't seem to spend enough time together. Better than the broken heart design we grew up with, this Best Friends set is personal and understated with its teeny tiny flowers and equally tiny sentiment. Each rounded square measures 1/2" across and the set includes both pendants and two 16" chains. (18" chains may be substituted)

$50 for the set

The Julia . . .

2009-01-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

Created for my sister-in-law, this piece includes a touch of whimsy with a tiny hammered flower "planted" on a 1" disc. It is shown here with a purple Swarovski crystal, but may be personalized with the birthstone-colored crystal of your choice. The Julia includes a hammered flower, personalized disc, crystal and a petite sterling silver ball chain. The perfect gift for your girlfriend's upcoming birthday or for the new mommy, this design is just as sweet as it seems.

$42

Dancing in the Rain . . .

2009-01-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

When I started this business, I never knew how many amazing women I would meet. So many of you have come to me with touching stories of happiness, sorrow, new beginnings and lives still unfolding. This past October as I began processing holiday orders, I met many women telling stories of breast cancer and how it had touched their lives. Many of you were survivors, and others were going through treatment, but each of you was a warrior in your own right. Dancing in the Rain was created for all of the women in our lives battling this disease and is being dedicated to Vicki Watland, a truly lovely mother, wife and friend who left this earth far too soon. Though Vicki was a friend of my mother's, I was always fond of her and I watched as she fought for the opportunity to watch her daughters live and grow.

Vicki, you touched so many lives living by example. We all love and miss you.

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Shown on a 1" domed spiral disc with sterling silver ribbon accent. $50

The Queen has Gift Certificates!

2008-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Are we sold out of the design you wanted? We are now selling gift certificates in any amount you would like. Allow your loved one to design their own pendant and you will never have to wonder if you got her the one she would have chosen. E-mail me with the dollar amount you are interested in and we will get started. (Please note: Upon certificate redemption the code on the bottom of the certificate and the last name of the gift giver will be requested. Thank you!)

Welcome Wondertime Readers!

2008-11-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

When I answered my phone six weeks ago and spoke to someone named "Megan" I had no idea what a wonderful opportunity awaited me. Megan told me that she worked for a magazine, "Wondertime. Have you heard of us?" Heard of them? They are my favorite magazine-- favorite as in I save every copy I receive for future reference. The articles are amazing-- written with style and often humor, but also done so as to make you feel you are having a conversation with the author. Looking for some eye-candy? Open a current subscription and feast on the colors, the perspective and full-page spreads Wondertime has to offer and as you do, pay close attention to the heaviness of the paper. Don't expect to see thin, glossy pages like in your typical magazine. Wondertime boasts pages full of body so as to provide the perfect canvas for all of the beauty beyond its cover. I digress . . . Megan contacted me and wanted to know if I could send her a prototype of one of my jewelry designs. She specified the names she wanted, gave me a Fed-ex number (so I could overnight the piece to her) and I got to work. A couple of days and one more design later we were in business and now I have officially heard from my first Wondertime reader. Thank you for this amazing opportunity Megan and all of the ladies I worked with. You were as great as your publication!

The beauty shown above is the official piece pictured in the magazine. It is a doll at 1" with its creamy pearl accents and domed shape. As shown, $42. We'll call this sweetheart "Wondertime".

Flowers for the Princess

2008-10-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

I have visited this angel many times this week and thought it was only appropriate to share her again. "Flowers for the Princess" is perfect for the little girl in your life (or her mother) and is about 3/4" across. Shown here with our crown detail and Lady Zoe's name, this is a gift any princess would love!

$30 (available on a 16" chain for the little ones)

Three's a Charm

2008-09-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Whether you decide on the 1.25" disc for the bottom, or a 1" disc, this turns out beautifully with my teeny-tiny letters and a petite ball chain.

As shown (with the 1" disc on the bottom) $48

The Original . . . Snazzed Up!

2008-09-17T19:50:00.001-07:00

For my frequent fliers, this is nothing new. The Original is just that-- the design that began this journey for me. It has inspired The Triple Circle design and even The Mini, but has remained classy and classic throughout it all. Here The Original is shown with tapped edges, a creamy freshwater pearl and my teeny-tiny letters. The new mommy who is receiving this should certainly love it.

As shown $40

Farewell . . .

2008-09-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by a lovely valley resident who saw my ad in the Phoenix Kids Directory. She told me that she was looking for a going away gift for her cousin (who was really more like a sister) and she was hoping we could work together to come up with the perfect saying for a going away gift. Her cousin's favorite color is green, so the crystal shared that sentiment and the saying we came up with was as follows . . .

CLOSE TOGETHER . . . FAR APART . . . ALWAYS IN MY HEART

What a great way to tell that special person in your life that no matter how far away they are, they will always hold a special place in your heart.

As shown, $40

Queen Bee Meets TV

2008-09-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be sharing this wonderful news-- I am being featured (along with my jewelry) on Fox channel 15 here in Phoenix Thursday morning. I will be on Sonoran Living Live at 9AM and will be sharing some of our most popular designs along with some basic jewelry information. If you are home, tune in and check us out. What an awesome opportunity!

New Designs! New Designs!

2008-07-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

After the kids were in bed and the house was quiet, I had a chance to sort through my silver and just play a bit. The photos above are the fruits of my labor and I am pleased with all three pieces.

Imagine. A different spin on the circular washer, this piece is square and very unique. Here it is shown with a hammered texture, though it can be purchased smooth as well. Measuring 1" across and displaying two tiny green crystals along with our signature pearl, this piece sparkles and smiles. $38

Laugh. Three handcrafted posies and a simple reminder. Absolutely precious. $28

Grow. A distressed flower rests comfortably on a shiny disc (5/8") and offers texture as well as shine. Stamped with the word of your choice. $40

Everyday Is Daddy's Day

2008-07-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Everyday should be Daddy's day and it can be with these sterling dog tags and their wonderful messages. Measuring just over 1.25" long these pieces are very masculine and can be given as a keychain, or on a heavy duty ball chain.

$35 (keychain)

$45 (on a ball chain)

The Katie

2008-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

This design has been shared before, but it has been recently renamed. An old friend of mine and I have recently been in touch after losing contact for sixteen years. I felt honored when she asked me to make her a keepsake with her duaghter's names on it, and have since named the design after her. I am so glad we are in touch again KDN!

$40

Third Time is a Charm

2008-07-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Take our washer and multipy it by three . . . now you have endless possibilities! This piece was created for a customer of mine and it turned out beautifully.

$52 as shown
(single washer- $32, each additional washer-$10)

A Circle is Forever . . .

2008-07-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Here are just some of the designs created using our 1.25" disc. Domed, flat, with pearls or without-- the "face" on this piece allows for a lot of words or a single sentiment. It is your choice.

$38 (flat), $48 (domed spiral)

Rounded Rectangles

2008-07-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

This beauty is soft in its shape yet has a bit more to say than your average circle pendant. Shown with a single initial, this piece is very versatile.

$32 (limited quantities)

A Littly Linky Love

2008-07-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

I ordered these linked chains months ago with the intention of making them into something wonderful. I was finally able to do that after receiving a request from a lovely customer of mine. This design displays initials in a sweet and unique way on a petite linked chain. How cute would it be to display a name or a word using the same tiny discs? Interested in a similar design? Contact me soon. Supplies are limited.

$50 (includes linked chain and up to 5 tiny discs)

The Mini

2008-06-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

The double circle design was the inspiration for my entire line and over time has gotten both larger and smaller. The version shown here is our "Mini" and is only the size of a penny. Perfectly understated and petite with its itty-bitty stamped letters. Simply darling!

$35

Completely Smitten

2008-06-15T16:04:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love these new tiny letter stamps. They are itty-bitty (1/16") and completely clear. Here is our standard washer stamped with the little cuties. You will be seeing more of these, for sure. Be sure let me know which letter type you would like when ordering as we now have three sizes-- small, medium and large. Variety is the spice of life!

Single washer, single swarovski crystal- #32

New Additions

2008-06-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

From stamped flowers to cats and dogs, we at QBDbyA have been busy lately. Check out some of our newest pieces.

Dream . . . a favorite stamped saying of mine. This design is displayed on a 1" disc and has lightly distressed edges as well as a hand-crafted flower. Freshwater pearls add to the beauty of this pendant making it the perfect accessory for a t-shirt and jeans kind of day, or a skirt and blouse evening out. -$32

The spiral-stamped piece belwo "Dream" carries one of my favorite sayings Life is not measure by the breaths we take . . . but by the moments that take our breath away. A great reminder for anyone-- especially a mother. Two tiny pearls accompany this 1.25" disc and due to the complexity of the design, it costs a bit more than my standard 1.25" disc. - $48

2008-05-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Three circles, one sentiment.

-$45 (includes one 3/4" disc and two 1/2" discs)

2008-05-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Boys Rule! Well, mine do anyway. Add your own saying or phrase to either of these 3/4" discs for a touch of sass or another way to display your children's names. Add a freshwater pearl to counteract the sass at no extra cost.

$40 (additional discs $8)

2008-05-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

Two 1/2" circles large enough for initials or names up to seven letters long are petite and simple for the non-jewelry wearer, or someone looking for something understated.

$32

2008-05-13T16:59:00.001-07:00

This double oval design allows for two words or names and is embellished with a freshwater pearl for softness. Each oval measures approximately 3/4" long by 1/2" wide.

$40 (additional ovals $8 each)

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

2008-05-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Multiple washers are all the rage these days. The standard is one, of course with either a single clear swarovski crystal dangling in the middle or a creamy white freshwater pearl. When designing the double (triple, quadruple . . .) design I chose to hang the pearls separately as it would get in the way hanging in the center of each piece. One pearl is included for each washer ordered.

$62

Just Some of Our Designs . . .

2008-05-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

Simply place your cursor over a photo as it passes (don't click) and the price for that item will appear. Enjoy.

2008-04-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

With so many circles around here we thought a rectangle would be nice. The rounded corners on this piece make it soft and feminine, yet a bit more stylized than the plain circle. This piece measures appx 1" by 3/4" and is darling. As always, it can be customized to your liking. They sky is the limit!

$32

2008-04-21T17:59:00.001-07:00

Calling all girly girls! We have flowers and crowns-- what more could a girl possibly want? The flower shown here is best suited for a short word or initials and the crown can be added for a little princess power, if you'd like. A real hit with girls and women alike, we all want to be the queen at one time or another. This piece is appx 1/2" wide.

$28

2008-04-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

I recently added a new size to my lettering collection and it has endless design possibilities. These babies are 1/4" tall, so they are perfect for a short word or an initial on any shaped disk you have seen here. The price for these letters is the same as their smaller relatives, just let me know what you would like. Here it is shown on a 1" sterling circle. I stamped "MOM" on this piece in honor of Mother's Day.

$32

2008-03-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

A new favorite-- this 3/4" sterling silver washer is absolutely adorable. Large enough to fit two to three names or words (14 letters). The optional crystal adds a bit of shimmer. You may choose a small freshwater pearl instead of the crystal, or leave it plain. It is your choice.

$32

2008-03-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

More options for the double circle design (Lauren and Boys Rule). -$40

Another version of the original "Blessed", this pendant is a bit smaller at 1". -$32

2008-03-20T16:47:00.001-07:00

A leafy edge and a simple statement. Bloom. 1" round.

$32

2008-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the soldier's wife or mother, this 1" by 1/2" sterling dog tag shows support for the men overseas in a sweet and quiet way.

$28

2008-03-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Looking for a little something special? This 1/2" circle is perfect for a short word or initials for that special person who doesn't typically wear jewelry.

$22

2008-03-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Perfect for the new baby girl born in your family or the five year old wanting to wear something like Mommy. This tiny heart measures 1mm by 1mm and is precious.

** Please Note: Necklaces should only be worn by children under adult supervision. This piece is not intended for an infant to wear, but would be a beautiful keepsake for future wear.**

$22

2008-03-17T17:22:00.001-07:00

Large enough to fit a family of five (or more), this beauty is perfect for mothers and grandmothers alike. Adorned with an ever-so-sweet baby crystal this piece provides just a little bit of shimmer. (1.25")

$38

2008-03-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

A new spin on an old favorite, this piece allows for three names or sayings and is a bit more substantial than the original double circle design. It is shown here with a tiny clear swarovski crystal, but is no longer sold that way due to scratching. You may attach a freshwater pearl for no extra charge.
Measurements: Lg. circle- 1.25", med- 1.0" and sm- 3/4".

$50

2008-03-14T16:44:00.001-07:00

Dream, a popular sentiment these days. This tiny expression is 3/4" by 1/4" and is beautiful in its simplicity. Perfectly precious. As always, the 18" ball chain is included.

$24

2008-03-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

It was a piece similar to this that inspired me to begin this adventure in hand stamped jewelry. This little sweetie consists of two sterling silver circles (1/2" and 3/4") bound together at the top. I have shown it here personalized with children's names as well as the simple sentiment Dream. This is our most popular design thus far.

$40

2008-03-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Arise and call her blessed. Made for a good friend of mine, this piece is large enough to fit several words, but small enough to remain understated. It measures 3/4".

$32

2008-03-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

This little baby is sweet and simple. It can be made with a name or a single word as it is shown here. Breathe is something I often have to remind myself to do being the Queen Bee in our home. This piece measures 15mm by 20mm.

$25

2008-03-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Large enough to fit an entire family, this oval measures 30mm by 40mm. Have a unique idea for personalization? E-mail me and we'll work together on it.

$35

2008-03-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

This teardrop shape is simple and sweet, yet provides a bit more style than a plain circle. It is shown here with three words on it, Live Laugh Love but can be customized to your specifications. It measures 18mm by 25mm.

$28

A Ringy-Ding-Ding . . .

2007-02-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

After MANY requests by you, our lovely visitors, we are finally carry rings and are THRILLED they are here! Our rings are sterling silver and come in one of three sizes (6, 7 or 8). They have a 1/2" stamping surface and are darling with names, phrases and more. Here I have stamped one of my favorites LIVE LAUGH LOVE. These rings are flat (not domed) and are quite comfy to wear, or if you are not the ring wearing type they also look great on one of our ball chains (for an additional fee). Send me your personalization request and let's get started! Limited Quantities Available . . .

As shown $40

Sparkle

2007-02-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

This little gem needs very little to make a statement. Sparkle measures about 1" across and has an added daintiness with its darling crystal dangle. The stamping area on this beauty is quite small, so a single word personalization is best.

As shown $38
(you may specify the color of your crystal or choose a pearl instead)

So You're Ready to Place An Order . . .

2007-02-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Have you found something you would like? Great! With each piece I make being completely custom, please contact me via e-mail with the following information . . .

1. The name of the design you would like

2. The personalization you are interested in (including which name/phrase you want to go on each piece)

3. Which crystal color or pearl you would like. I carry all of the birthstone colors as well as orange, black gray and yellow. My pearls are all creamy in color. Sooo pretty!

4. Where you are located. AZ residents will be charged tax, so this info is quite important

Once I receive this information, I will send you an e-mail with any questions or clarifications I may need and we will be on our way. I do all of my business through Paypal and will send you an invoice via e-mail as soon as we are set on all of the specifics. f you are unsure as to what you would like, drop me a line and we will chat. We can always come up with something that is perfectly suited to fit your needs! Thanks so much and I look forward to working with you!

Amanda

2007-02-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I am Amanda and I am the Queen Bee of Queen Bee Designs by Amanda. (Try saying that three times in a row!) I am known as the Queen Bee in my home because though my office may have pink walls, the rest of my life consists of all things blue and boyish. I have two beautiful sons ages 5 and 7, an amazing hubby (my high school sweetheart), two male guinea pigs, a male dog and a male tortoise. I love being the only girl around here!

To give you a bit of background information on me, before making jewelry and being a mommy I was a teacher. I taught first grade while my husband was in graduate school and then after our oldest cherub was born I became a full time stay at home mommy. Two years later we had angel number two and our family was wonderfully complete. Up until a year and a half ago I was filling my days with Thomas the Train and playdates, but with my boys growing up and attending school, I began looking for a little something to do that would just be for me. Stamped jewelry presented itself to me and the rest is history. I have been so fortunate in finding both a creative outlet as well as a second source of income. I have met so many amazing people doing this and have been able to participate in countless special days and memories via my designs.

Thank you for coming to visit me. I hope you stay and look around for awhile. Everything we make here in the hive is custom, so if you see something you would like to "tweak" a bit, don't hesitate to let me know. I would love to be your go-to-girl for gifts.

Blessings to you and yours!

Amanda

Gallery . . .

2004-11-03T19:04:00.000-08:00