Paradise Found - A BESTeam Feature

Most people have at least heard of the famous literary work of art "Paradise Lost" by 17th century English poet, John Milton. Well this doesn't really have anything to do with that poetry. But for those of you who are have visited the Etsy shops ParadisePurls and ParadiseJewels in the past, and if you've tried to pull up the ParadisePurls blog, you're probably thinking that Paradise IS lost. Today's feature should set your mind at ease - I'm going to help you find Paradise!

Elizabeth (or Ebeth as she often uses), the creative energy behind both ParadisePurls and ParadiseJewels, (as well as the fearless leader of the BESTeam) took the plunge and is currently combining her two old shops into one brand-spanking new shop with a name that clearly portrays what she sells! Her new shop (and its companion blog) are simply called iknitandbead - Knits and Beads by Ebeth. Same great quality and customer service, but now with expanded selections, and the ability to one-stop shop for beautiful knit and beaded items!

Ebeth lives in Cary, NC - a suburb of Raleigh (and since I grew up on the Andy Griffith Show, which often mentioned Raleigh as well as a real life neighboring town of Siler City, I'm envisioning it somewhere along the lines of Mt Pilot and Mayberry!) A devoted wife and sahm, Ebeth definitely fits into the friendly, mom-next-door type that fits my impression of the North Carolina lifestyle!

While it wasn't always so (Ebeth was a member of the corporate rat race which she admits she doesn't miss at all!), she decided to surprise her mother-in-law and friends by taking up knitting after years of listening to them talking about their creations. Self taught in knitting and the jewelry making that followed closely behind her new-found creative outlet, Ebeth creates with inspiration from life and the world of nature around her. Color and texture play key roles and you can tell she enjoys trying new ideas and styles! Here are a few of my favorites from her shops!

Having raised three kids of my own and watching them now raising my six grandkids, the one thing I can tell you is how quickly children outgrow clothing! With a roll brim hat like this lovely Peach Striped Knit Baby Hat from iknitandbead, you may be able to eke out another winter season by simply rolling the brim up as your little one transitions into toddlerhood!


One of her signature designs, these beautiful knit bracelets are offered in a lovely array of colors and due to the variegated effect of the unique yarn Ebeth uses in creating these, no two will ever be exactly alike! I love the autumn shades that are featured in this version of the knit bracelet currently available at ParadisePurls! (Be sure to check iknitandbead if you're not finding it through this link anymore - transitioning you know!)


There is nothing more classic and elegantly refined in the jewelry world than a simple choker of pearls... and while the real thing is definitely out of most people's price range, you can still achieve the same look of elegance with today's beautiful glass based faux pearls. Another wonderful aspect of these pearls is that they come in so many spectacular colors and sizes! I love Ebeth's new take on this old classic and I think this Chocolate Brown Pearl Choker Necklace is my favorite! Perfect with everything from casual to classy, these are a staple for anyone's jewelry wardrobe. Check out the available colors at both ParadiseJewels and iknitandbead for your favorite and invest in something versatile and beautiful!

Having joined Ebeth as the second in command of the BESTeam, I've had the opportunity to work closely with this wonderful woman over the past few weeks, and all I can say is that she is warm and friendly, talented and creative, and a real pleasure to know and work with... and her heart and attention to detail and quality are evident in everything she does or creates! In addition to her shops on Etsy and her blog, you can also find her on twitter and facebook!

Thanks for stopping by - now go buy out Ebeth's stock so she doesn't have to transfer it - you'll be glad you did! Have a great day :)