August | 2015 | Behind the Blue Door

Here at Blue Door Beads, we love hearing the stories behind customers’ jewelry. We’ve oooh’d and ahhh’d over incredible pieces from far-off lands, such as India, Africa, and Thailand; we’ve gotten the warm fuzzies when told stories about cherished family heirlooms; and we’ve enjoyed sharing smiles with customers coming in to show us what their loved one made for them the last time they visited the shop.

Kira and Ponette, her dearest furry friend — and birthday girl!

Every once in a while, a customer comes in with a story that is just too good not to share with the world. Such is the case with Kira Stackhouse, a renowned Bay Area-based photographer whose cat, Ponette, turned 15 this month. In honor of this major milestone, Kira threw Ponette an amazing quinceañera — and not only did Kira make Ponette her dress from scratch, she made her custom jewelry, as well! We had the pleasure of watching Kira put together her kitty-sized necklace at our work table, and we requested that she keep us posted on how the party went.

Thanks to the magic of Instagram and the internet, we were able to keep tabs on Ponette’s party as everything came together — the jewelry, the dress, and finally the big day, full of all of Ponette’s (and Kira’s) human friends. Check out all of Kira’s adorable photos below!

Kira showing off her completed creation!

A close-up of Ponette’s jewels.

Ponette giving her party jewelry a test run!

Ponette in her complete, gorgeous outfit!

Another close-up of Ponette in all her sparkly glory.

So many ruffles! And such a patient kitty!

The birthday girl, lounging diva-style.

Want to know something else? The festivities were so darn cute, even Cosmopolitan and www.dailymail.co.uk featured Kira’s party photo shoot on their websites! As Kira explained, “I think pet parties are a great way to bring your friends and family together and celebrate your pet, since they too are a member of your family.” We couldn’t agree more, Kira! Please give Ponette a belated-birthday scratch under the chin for us!

Second photo courtesy of Blue Door Beads. All other photos by Kira Stackhouse. Check out more of Kira’s amazing, adorable, and awww-inspiring photographs at www.kirastackhouse.com, and follow her on Instagram at @nuena.

We’ve chosen the winners for our 2015 Jewelry Design Contest!!!

Participants simply had to pick up a free bag of our 3 challenge beads (see photo at bottom of this page) and start creating something fabulous by incorporating other supplies and beads of their choice into their designs. Designers were required to use at least 2 out of the 3 beads, and entires were judged on originality, creativity, technique, and overall wearability.

The winning jewelry designs will remain on display at the shop throughout the month of August, and our winners will receive gift certificates from Wine on Piedmont, Resurrect, and (of course!) Blue Door Beads.

Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and thanks to everyone who participated! Well done, everyone!

Courtney Thompson

1st Place Winner – Courtney Thompson. Congrats, Courtney! You have won a $30 gift certificate to Blue Door Beads!

Courtney has been beading for over 12 years, and she was inspired to create her contest piece after recently exploring vintage bakelite jewelry on Pinterest. Our design contest beads fit the bill perfectly!

Lesley Mandros Bell

2nd Place Winner – Lesley Mandros Bell. Congrats, Lesley! You have won a Blue Door Beads mouse pad and a $10 gift certificate to Wine on Piedmont!

Lesley has been beading off-and-on for over 30 years. After a recent illness left her out of commission for several weeks, Lesley was eager to get back to doing something creative. She then received our design contest email, and took it as a sign. She found our bead choice particularly challenging, and appreciated the push to create a truly unique design!

Shawna Lewis

3rd Place Winner – Shawna Lewis. Congrats, Shawna! You have one a bead storage box and a $10 gift certificate to Resurrect!

Shawna has been beading casually since high school, but has become really serious with her hobby over the last two years. She really enjoyed our bead selection for the design contest, since it really pushed her to find a way to put herself into her jewelry design using beads she otherwise would not have chosen.