Bead Soup Blog Party 2014

It's that time of year again -- the big reveal for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party!!!

I was very fortunate this year to be partnered with Cheryl Roe from Kentucky.  Cheryl is a talented lampworker and jewelry designer.  Please take a moment to check out Cheryl's web site.   I have to admit I was a bit late sending my soup out to Cheryl.  I received her package but resisted the urge to open it until I had hers in the mail.  It was killing me not to peek but I wanted to make sure the soup I sent wasn't influenced by what I received. Once my package was in the mail though, I ripped into Cheryl's beads and was over the moon with what she sent me.  Just look at these beautiful handmade beads and clasp -- who wouldn't love them!!

Over the past couple of years, I've started working with more metal and enamel so it was a nice treat to have a beautiful soup of beads to work with.  But what to do with them?  I knew I wanted to make a necklace and earring set and came up with several different design ideas.  In the end, I decided to string the focal along with the purple spacers and sterling rounds on 16g wire.  The wire is shaped to form the front part of the necklace and is attached to the silver chain by Cheryl's round and barrel lampwork beads.  The earrings are very simple with matching silver chain and a pair of the rondelle beads.

And another view........

As is always the case, pictures really don't capture the beauty of the beads or the piece.  I sincerely hope I've done justice to the soup I received.  I had so much fun working with this soup and want to send a big thank you to Cheryl Roe for being my partner this year.

Wondering what I sent to Cheryl?  Interestingly enough, the color scheme of my soup was very similar to what I received.  I created a pendant set in mix metals - sterling and copper and made a clasp to match.  I also made a few copper links and topped it all off with some lampwork beads, crystals, gemstones, and freshwater pearls.  Check out Cheryl's blog to see what she did with the soup I sent.

I encourage you to check out some of the other blogs and enjoy their amazing designs.  Grab a cup of coffee and start hopping. Click here to see the full list of participants with links to their blogs:

Artistic Endeavors

One of my newest artistic endeavors is doodling and it's taking off like wildfire.  When I started, I was just doodling during my work meetings as a way of keeping my mind and hands busy.  My doodles were pretty good; I started posting them on my Facebook page.  I got so many great comments and several people associated my work with Zentangle.  I had no idea what Zentangle was so I did a bit of research and loved what I found.  I won't go into detail about the Zentangle method but you can go here to learn more about it.

Most of what I do is not technically Zentangle but rather Zentangle inspired art (ZIA).  A true Zentangle has no top or bottom, no right or left.  You can look at it from any orientation.  One it becomes a picture with top and bottom, it becomes ZIA.  Either way, tangling is one of the most relaxing, enjoyable activities I've every done.  I can get lost for hours in the shapes and patterns.

My new artistic endeavor has opened so many product avenues, I'm frankly a bit overwhelmed. Etched jewelry components, postcards, cell phone covers, texture plates; the possibilities are endless.  Oh, if I only had more hours in the day.  I've been working with a printer to begin exploring some of my new ideas and hope to have a few items in my store soon (Cheryl Foiles Designs).

Now you know why I changed the name of my blog.  It's not just about jewelry any more, it's about art, jewelry, and co-mingling the two.  I can't give away all my ideas just yet but I hope to have lots of surprises to share with you soon.

I'm Published

One of my goals for 2013 was to have my work published in a magazine.  I'm happy to report that I've achieved my goal!!  While not a print magazine where I would have to submit my work for acceptance into the magazine, I am still excited about being published in the online magazine, Creative Bead Chat.

Several weeks ago, I saw a call for participants in a 5x5 test group.  Five people would be sent the same five components and would design a piece for each of the components.  When I saw that the components were from Elaine Ray, I threw my hat in the ring.  I simply adore Elaine's ceramic components.  It was a happy day when I received notification that I was selected for the test group.

It just so happens that Elaine and I live only a few miles apart and she offered to bring the components to my house.  I was thrilled when I opened the box to find some very unique pieces, items never before offered.

Elaine's components really challenged my design skills and made me think outside the box.  I was excited, motivated, satisfied, and frustrated -- all at the same time.  Some of the designs came together nicely and some were made, torn apart, remade, torn apart again, etc. until I found a design I liked.  All in all, it was a wonderful experience - one I would gladly participate in again.

The Final Designs:

The loops in the cone pendant are wrapped with waxed cotton cord.  The pendant is hung on blue waxed cotton cord with a bail of lampwork beads.

This is my favorite piece.  Blue leaf headpins with handmade copper flower bead caps and blue enameled beads make up the pendant.  The pendant is hung on copper chain with a hand made copper clasp.

Another pair of Elaine's leaf headpins, this time used as dangles on a pair of earrings.  The leaf dangles hang from hand embossed and hand forged copper tubes.

As soon as I saw the orange, square component, I knew it would be perfect as a focal clasp on a multi-strand necklace.  The strands include seed beads, freshwater pearls, and copper beads.

And last but not least, the piece we testers dubbed the "stop light".  This one took me awhile and was re-made probably 5 times before I came up with this design.  I love how it turned out with the various copper components to enhance the ceramic focal. 









It was such a treat to see the other designs - such creativity, imagination, and skill.  Visit the Creative Bead Chat magazine to see pieces from the other designers.  You can also visit their blogs to read more about their design process.

Host: Elaine Ray  http://elaineray.blogspot.com/
Designer: Cory Tompkins www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Designer: Marcia Dunne www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.com
Designer: Robin Showstack hosted by www.allprettythings.ca
Designer: Sharon Palac www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com

BSPB 2013 - The Big Reveal

Another great Bead Soup Blog Party and I'm so excited to finally reveal my pieces.  My partner, Hope Smitherman, sent me a wonderful soup full of a little bit of everything:  glass, ceramic, wood, stone, metal.  It was so much fun to open all of those goodies and I was anxious to get started right away.  The first thing that jumped out at me were the wavy brass spacers and the green Picasso rondelles.  Most of my designs are simple but I try to make them each unique - things you won't see elsewhere. In this first necklace, I used the beads and spacers along with brass chain and the beautiful brass clasp Hope sent me. This necklace has become one of my favorites and I get lots of compliments every time I wear it.

I started on a copper necklace next but due to a mishap, I had to set it aside for a bit and regroup.  In the meantime, I made a pair of earrings with the ceramic and nut beads along with brass wire beads, Thai silk cord, and brass ear wires.  I love how the nut beads are light on top and dark on the bottom.  It adds depth and character.

It was time to get back to my copper necklace and finish it up.  The chain for this necklace has copper horseshoe links with gemstones.  Each link is hand forged.  The clasp for this necklace is also handmade - I love my metals!!  The focal for this necklace is a beautiful Tagua nut and needed something to set it off.  I decided to make a simple copper bail that would also serve to link the chain together.

And that's it - my pieces for this year's BSBP.  

I've had such a fun time working with the goodies Hope sent me and I can't wait to see what she did with the soup I sent her.  Please take a minute to visit the other participant blog sites and enjoy the beautiful pieces made by a wonderful group of talented artists around the world.

Click here for a list of links to the other participant blogs.

7th Bead Soup Blog Party

I'm so excited to be participating again in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party.  This is her 7th event and there are over 600 people from around the world participating this year.  My partner for this BSBP is Hope Smitherman and she has put together a soup for me that has my head swirling with ideas.

But, first things first.  Let me tell you about the package I received.  When my soup arrived in the mail, it was in a bubble envelope just like any other package.  And when I opened it, I found a treasure of goodies all wrapped up so pretty -- there were so many little packages, it felt like Christmas.

My first instinct was to rip into all those little packages but I didn't - I took my time and enjoyed opening each one. Here's a pic of all the wonderful goodies Hope sent.

Notice the beautiful pendant in the lower right corner?  I treasure that piece most of all because it was handmade by Hope and sent as an "extra" gift just for me.  Please take a moment to learn a little about my BSBP partner:  Hope's Blog, Hope's Etsy Store, Hope's Facebook Page.


Wondering what I sent Hope?  I decided I would make all of the beads and components for Hope's soup so I got out the copper and enamels and came up with this:

Now to go dig into all those goodies Hope sent me!!  I am part of the second reveal and will be posting my finished piece(s) on April 6th.  Be sure to check back then to see what came of the wonderful bead soup I have to play with.

Finding My Muse

I wish I knew what it is that triggers inspiration and creativity.  Sometimes, the last thing I want to do is look at a bead or a piece of metal.  Other times, I can work all day long and not run out of ideas.  There really is no rhyme or reason to it, so I figure I better enjoy my creative muse when she graces me with her presence.   Yes, this picture represents my muse.  I don't know why because I'm not into fairies or frilly things, but she is what I envision when I picture her in my mind.

Today was one of those insanely creative days.  I finished up two pendants, a necklace, and a pair of earrings.  I worked happily all day in my studio and finished up a couple of projects that were started awhile ago and then set aside for lack of inspiration.  It sure feels good to be productive, especially when I like the pieces I end up with.  If you are a crafter of any sort, you know what I mean.  You can work all day on a piece and then hate it when it’s finished. 

Do you struggle with creativity and inspiration?  How do you handle it?  How do you rekindle the creative flame? 

 

BSBP Reveal Day

I am so excited to be participating in my first Bead Soup Blog Party and before I go any further, I want to say a big THANK YOU to Lori Anderson for making this happen.  This year is the biggest BSBP yet with 400 participants from around the world.

When I received my beads from my partner, Dawn Pierro, I knew I had a challenge on my hands.  She sent small metal and gemstone beads, several short lengths of chain, fresh water pearls, and a lovely copper focal and clasp.  I've never really worked with such small beads; it took a couple of weeks but the design started coming together.  A multi-strand necklace is what I had in mind. 


I laid out the beads and the longest piece of chain and I loved the look but didn't have enough beads to complete the necklace.  It was either back to the drawing board or figure out how to make this work.  I happened to have some dark olive silk ribbon that I braided for the back of the necklace, and I made a couple of copper connectors to tie it all together. 

 

I'm thrilled with how the piece turned out.  It was definitely a challenge that took me out of my comfort zone but that's what this is all about. 

Thanks so much to Dawn for the lovely bead soup and for getting me out of the box and trying something new. 

I'm already looking forward to the next BSBP!



Please take a moment to visit the web sites of the other amazing designers (links below) and see what they did with their bead soups.

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Agi Kiss, Moonsafari Beads 
Alice Peterson, Alice Dreaming

Alison Sachs, Beads by Earthtones

Amanda Dittloff, Passion Smashin'

Andra Marasteanu, Bijoux de Monanage

Angie Szlovak, SweetBeads

Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

Ann Sherwood, Ann's Blog

Arlene Dean, A Glass Bash

Audrey Belanger, Dreams of an Absolution

Barb Solem, Vivi Magoo Presents

Barbara Blaszczyk, laboratorim Flory

Becky Pancake, Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery, Stories by Indigo Heart

Bianca Odenthal, Zydies Glasperlen

Birgit Klughardt, GitesBeads
Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
Bonnie Coursolle,  Jasper Gems
Cece Cormier, The Beading Yogini
Charlene Jacka, Clay Space
Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're
Cheryl Foiles, Get Your Bead On
Christie Murrow, Charis Designs Jewelry

Christina Miles, Wings n Scales
Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads
Christine Stonefield, Sweet Girl Design
Cindy Cima Edwards, Live to Design
CJ Bauschka, 4 His Glory Creations
Claire Smith, Embergrass Jewelry
Cynthia Riggs, Cynth's Blog
Dana Fowler, Trunk Full of Treasure
Dawn Pierro, Turtle Moon Designs
Dee Elgie, Cherry Obsidia
Donetta Farrington, Simply Gorgeous

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie
Eileen Snyder, Dorset Hill Beads
Elizabeth Bunn, Elizabeth Beads
Eva Kovacs, Ewa gyongyos vilaga!
Evelyn Duberry, Sheba Makeda
Fay Wolfenden, Torch Fairy
Fen Li, Bead Flora Jewels
Gail Zwang, Angel Moose Enterprises
Geneva Collins, Torque Story
Grace Dorsey, Fan of the Flame
Gretchen Nation,  Art Food Lodging

Hannah Annear, Squintessential
Hajer Waheed, My Beaded World
Heather Goldsmith, As I Bead It
Heather Otto, The Craft Hopper
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy
Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
Isolina Perez, Isolina Perez
Jacqueline Keller, CreARTelier
Jane Haag, Did You Make Something Today?
Janeen Sorensen, Wild Vanilla Designs
Jean Peter, Jean P. Designs

Jennifer Judd, Jen Judd Rocks
Jennifer L Justman, Soul's Fire Designs
Joanna Matuszczyk, Bizuteria z filcu
Joanne Brown, Jo's Jewels
Joanne Lockwood, Jo Bunkum
Joyce Becker, Joyce's Joyful Gems
Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
Karen Mitchell, Over the Moon Design
Karen Williams, Baublicious
Karin von Hoeren, Creative Ideen

Karla Morgan, Texas Pepper Jams
Kashmira Patel, Sadafule .. always in bloom!
Kate Richbourg, We Can Make That at Home

Katrin Lembke, AllesPerle
Kathy Combs, Torched in Texas
Kathy Lindemer, Bay Moon Design
Kay Thomerson, Kayz Kreationz
Kelley Fogle, My Life, One Bead at at Time
Kelly Hosford Patterson, Traveling Side Show

Klaudette Koon, Only Road
Lara Lutrick, Lampwork Beads by Lara
Laura Guenther, Blue Antiquities

Laurie Lalonde, Simply Mod Jewelry
Lilik Kristiani, Soul of My Embodiment
Linda Younkman, Lindy's Designs
Lisa Chapman, Beach Cat Beads
Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures
Loretta Carstensen, Designs by Loretta
Lori Bergmann, Lori Bergmann Design
Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land
Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
Lynn Davis, LLYYNN

Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin
Mandi Effron, Craft-o-licious
Mandy Williamson, Mimi's Beading
Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
Maria Rosa Sharrow, Willow Street Shops
Marianne Baxter, Simply Seablime Jewelry
Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
Marjolein Trewavas, Room for Change
Marelene Cupo, Amazing Designs
Marsha Neal, Marsha Neal Studio

Marta Kaczerowska, uhuhu
Mary Govaars, MLH Jewelry Designs
Melissa Trudinger, Bead Recipes
Menka Gupta, Menka's Jewelry Blog
Michelle Burnett, Reverie and Revival
Michelle Escano-Caballero, The Cabby Crafter
Miko Wiropati, Uniquely Yunikua
Milla Hope,  LB Creative Arts and Crafts
Mimi Gardner, Other Curiosities
Miranda Ackerley, MirandackArts
Natalie McKenna, grubbi

Noemi Baena, fuego, metal, y color
Pam Ferrari, Ferrari Originals
Pam Sears, Crazy Creative Corner
Penny Neville, Copper Penny
Rachel Baron, R. Baron Designs
Rachel Myers, Rockabead Jewelry
Rana Wilson, Definitive Designs by R. Wilson
Rebecca Anderson, Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag, Becca's Place
Riki Schumacher, Riki Jewelry

Rose Binoya, Ahtee's Blog
Rossana De Gaspari, Rdegas Blog

Sandi James, Do Be Do Bead Do
Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe
Sandra Wollberg, City of Brass Stories
Sarah Goode, Pookledo

Sarah Small, blog by salla
Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings
Shawn Mills, Shawn Marie Designs with Bent Wire
Sheila Davis, Stone Designs by Sheila

Sheryl Stephens, Babble Bead
Shiraz Biggie, Secret Song Designs


Solange Collin,  Ahowin Handcrafted Jewelry
Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads
Stephanie Dixon, The Dixon Chick
Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads
Susan Sheehan, Strands of Thought
Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria
Sweet Freedom, Sweet Freedom Designs
Tabatha Dinger, Modernly Created
Tania Hagen, Pelima Jewellery Design

Tanya Boden, Fusion Muse
Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo
Tracy Stillman, Tracy Stillman Designs
 

Customers and Brand

When I opened my jewelry business in July of 2011, I never imagined how much work it would be to build a customer base.  I figured that all my friends would come to me when they needed a gift or something for a special occasion.  And of course my family would buy my stuff and promote it to their friends.  And then there are the people at work.  Once they saw my beautiful baubles, they would become lifelong customers.  And then there’s Etsy – surely people would flock to my store.

The reality is that it doesn’t work that way.  Sure, I get sales from friends and co-workers (and I appreciate every one of them) but not enough to sustain a business.   As for family – they love my stuff but most of what they have of my jewelry is by way of gifts from me.  And Etsy?  I’m just another small fish in a very large pond.

What I’m finding is that it takes a lot of work to build a base and stay relevant to my customers.  I’ve also learned along the way that I can’t be all things to all people.  I have my style and I need to stick to that.  There have been countless suggestions from people – “you should make this” or “I’ll bet people would buy if you only made that.”   I’ve decided to focus on what I do best and get really good at that.  For those who are looking for something else, there are a lot of talented designers who would appreciate the business.

It has taken me almost two years, but I think I’ve finally discovered my niche and what I want my brand to stand for.  I’m working with a graphic designer to create a logo and in the process came up with some bullet points on how I want my customers to view my work and my business:

·         High quality (this above all else)

·         Organic (but not sloppy)

·         Unique

·         Memorable

·         Outside the box

I’ve still got a long way to go before I have a strong customer base and a recognizable brand but I’m on my way and learning something new every day.  How about you?  Do you have any tips to share on building a brand and a customer base?

Don't Settle

Do you ever feel like you've "settled" for something less than you deserved?  A job.  A spouse.  A car.  A best friend.  A vacation get away.  Anything really.

Every now and then, I stop and evaluate where I am in life and overall, I have nothing to complain about.  There are a couple of areas where I feel I've "settled" rather than holding out for what I deserve.  I prefer to focus on what's good about my life but there are lessons to be learned from settling. 

I'm in one of those reflective moods lately.  I think it's good to reflect once in awhile and take stock of successes, failures, and where I am settling for something less.  Where I am successful, I want to keep on that same path.  Where I have failed, I want to learn from that situation to help me in the future.  Where I am settling, I have to decide if I'm OK with that or if I want to make changes to correct the situation.  It's not an easy thing to do.  It is a necessary thing to do.

How about you?  Are you "settling" for things in your life?

Getting Involved

One of my goals this year was to "get more involved" in groups and events that will a) provide resources to help me hone my craft, b) provide exposure for my business, and most importantly c) make some new friends.  I'm happy to say that I am meeting that goal.  I've met so many great people through online forums and I'm participating in some fun events.  I'm very excited about two upcoming events and wanted to share with you all. 

The first is Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party (BSBP).  Lori has been running this event for several years now and it is the creme de la creme of blog hops.  The 6th BSBP is just kicking off and I'm excited to be on the roster.  I've been assigned my swap partner, Dawn Pierro of Turtle Moon Designs.  We will send each other a "soup" of beads and then make something with the soup we receive.  On the appointed day, we will post our creations and then hop from blog to blog looking at all the beautiful creations. 

The second event I'm participating in is a silent auction.  I've donated a necklace and $20 gift certificate to the Leilani Farm Sanctuary Silent Auction to be held on July 3rd. 

You may wonder how I came to be involved in an animal sanctuary in Hawaii.  The story goes back almost 20 years when a delightful young woman, Sarah Kenefick (now Sarah Taylor), worked for me.  Sarah has since gone on to marry and build a career as a motivational speaker, published writer (Vegan in 30 Days), and educator.  I feel a little bit like a proud mom every time I read about one of her successes.  Sarah has always been an animal lover so it was no surprise when I read that she was involved in the Leilani Farm Sanctuary.  She recently posted on Facebook asking for donations for the silent auction; I was more than happy to support this endeavor and my old friend. 

I'm happy to be meeting my goal but even more so because of these great events and the people involved.  Oh, and as far as new friends?  I can't begin to name all the new friends I've made this year.  Keri, Carolyn, Diana, Linda, Lori, the list goes on and on and I treasure every one of them.

You can visit the following web sites for more information about the events:

Bead Soup Blog Party
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Sarah Kenefick Taylor

Simple is Better

On Memorial Day, I was making a casserole to take to a cookout, and it struck me – simple is better.  The casserole I was making was an old recipe from my grandmother.  I cherish all of my recipes from her because I adored her and boy could she cook.  A lot of recipes today call for a variety of crazy ingredients and spices, but grandma’s recipes were simple and easy to make, and often taste much better than the fancy recipes.  This particular recipe was a calico bean casserole with different types of beans, hamburger, bacon, onion, ketchup and brown sugar.  That’s it!  Mix it all together, throw it in the oven and voila – a great dish for the cookout.

My revelation got me thinking about my jewelry making and how simple is often better there too.  Sometimes, I try to make my designs more elaborate than they need to be.  Why?  Because I figure if someone is going to pay the price for a handmade piece of jewelry, they should get something elaborate.   Don’t get me wrong – the elaborate pieces are very pretty and I’m told they are very reasonably priced.  However, I find that it is the simpler pieces that sell better.  I’m guessing that simpler is more versatile with different wardrobes and different occasions. 

One of my best sellers was this simple pair of disc earrings.  I textured and domed the discs, applied alcohol inks, sealed them, and hung them on the ear wires.   Nothing elaborate but they sold like hotcakes.

I realized that it is not the elaborate components but the design that people are looking for.  The lesson I take from this is:  1) Use simple, high-quality materials, 2) Don’t over-think the design, and 3) Put a little of my personality into the piece and people will love it.

What about you?  Do you like simple or elaborate jewelry?  If you are a designer, which sell best for you?

Events That Shape Our Lives

Disclaimer:  This post has nothing to do with beading or jewelry making, but it is one of the most profound experiences of my life and certainly contributed to shaping who I am today.

Last night I was listening to NPR and they were doing an expose on the US's last days in Viet Nam and the evacuation efforts.  The story brought back memories of the part I played in that evacuation effort.  It was 1975, I was in high school, my dad was in the Army and we were living on the Presidio Army base in San Francisco.  I should also mention that my dad served three tours in Viet Nam so I was very familiar with the war.

I don't remember how I heard about it but I became aware of the fact that hundreds of small Vietnamese children had been evacuated and were being brought to the Presidio in a plan they called Operation Babylift.  There was a need for workers to help tend to the children until they could find foster homes for them.  I had a Red Cross card from a recent babysitting course and decided to give it a shot.  I was 16 at the time.

The building was HUGE --could have stored an airplane in it.  I don't recall what it had been used for, but Harmon Hall was quickly turned into a temporary shelter for these small kids.  No one really asked me any questions.  They took one look at my Red Cross card and showed me where to check in.  I think I may have held my thumb over the part about the babysitting course. 

I could never, ever explain in words what that place was like.  Imagine a huge empty room with hundreds of mattresses lined end to end on the floor and a child on every mattress (actual picture below).  We were assigned to oversee one or more mattresses and make sure the children were cared for.  These kids were scared to death.  They had no idea what was happening to them and didn't speak a lick of English.  There were interpreters to help but there were so few of them, we were pretty much on our own to try and communicate with the children.  The kids were supposed to have come from orphanages however many had notes on them from parents who had forced their children on to the evacuation helicopters in hopes of saving them from what was to come in their country.  The notes all had the same basic message - "Please take care of my child."



Operation Babylift - Harmon Hall, Presidio, SF

  On my first shift, I was assigned one little boy to watch.  He was about 5 years old and terrified.  I could write a book on what it was like to care for him, get him to eat food he had never seen before, get him to pee in a bottle so they could test his urine, comfort him when he cried for his mother (he was one of the kids with a note pinned to his shirt).  Eventually, a placement home was found for him and he left the building.  I stayed with him for about 36 hours straight.  After that, I went home and got some sleep.

The next day, I went back again and this time was assigned to watch 3 orphan children.  Two sisters and a boy who they had taken under their wing.  Too many stories to fit here but suffice it to say, there was a very interesting dynamic between the 3 of them - one was most clearly the authority figure and the other two would not do anything without her OK.  When it came time to place them, the kids were split up.  I will never forget the screaming, kicking, and hysteria when they came to take those children.

I will never know what happened to those 4 children I looked after but I do think about them from time to time and hope their lives turned out OK.  At the time, I was not really old enough to comprehend the situation.  Now that I am a mother myself and much older, it breaks my heart to think of what those kids went through.  I am positive that the experience has made me a more compassionate person, especially when it comes to children.  I also understand all too well how war can have such a destructive influence on the innocent.

Like I said, this has nothing to do with jewelry but the story has been weighing on my mind since the radio show last night and I wanted to share.  Do you have one or more experiences that left a mark on your life?

First Impressions

I received a marketing email today from one of the online jewelry suppliers and was disappointed to read, “Each Wednesday, you have the oppertunity to save big….”.   Now, I know we all make mistakes from time to time, but this is the second instance of this same mistake, from the same vendor. 

The purpose of this blog post is not to call out a particular vendor but to emphasize the importance of making a good first impression.  What do you think about a company when their marketing materials have misspelled words, grammar errors, or terrible formatting?  To me it is a poor reflection on the company and I wonder what my experience will be like as a customer.  As the old saying goes, “You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” 

There’s a graphic floating around the Internet that is a perfect example of how one small mistake can be a game changer.  Imagine your first impression if you received the first sentence (below) in an email!

It doesn’t really matter that you are a one-person operation; a good first impression is how you make and retain customers.  I don’t profess to be perfect, and I cringe when I find a mistake that has slipped into a customer facing email, blog, marketing piece, etc.  To minimize the risk of this happening, I follow a few simple steps:

• First and foremost – I run spell check on EVERY document, no matter how small.  I have spell check enabled in every application that offers it.  Spell check won’t catch everything but it will flag “oppertunity” as a misspelled word.
• I don’t send or post my message right away.  I walk away for awhile and then go back and re-read it.  Does it still make sense?  Is my grammar correct?  How is the spacing?  Are my fonts consistent?  Do all of my links work?
• I read and re-read my message several times to make sure it has the right tone. It is very hard to convey emotion and tone of voice in electronic format.  If possible, I will ask someone else read my document and provide feedback.
• I ALWAYS print a hard copy of my message and read it out loud.  It’s amazing how different it sounds when read aloud vs. silently in my head. 

What are your thoughts on this topic?  What other things contribute to first impressions?  Do you have any great suggestions to share?

Hosting a Craft Fair

Starting up a new business while working a full time job is challenging.  I continue to look for ways to market my business and would love to do jewelry shows and craft fairs, but I can't see myself spending an entire weekend doing a show and then back to work on Monday.  I just don't have the stamina for that and I don't want my jewelry business to become a burden. 

One way around this dilemma was to host my own craft fair at home.  I hosted one last November and it was a huge success.  I will be hosting another one on May 5th and hoping that it is even better than the first one.

Get Your Bead On Display at the November Craft Fair

If you are thinking about hosting a similar event, here are a few tips:

• Invite crafters who make high quality items 
• Don't have more than two people selling the same thing (jewelry, soaps, art, etc.)
• Have a good variety of vendors
• Make sure the vendors are spaced far enough apart to allow traffic to flow
• In lieu of a booth fee, ask each vendor to contribute a small item to be used as a door prize
• Offer drinks and light snacks at your event (you might ask your vendors to help with this)

One concern with this type of event is opening your home to strangers.  I decided to only invite people I knew and asked the other vendors to do the same.  This way, we would have some connection to the people attending.  I found that people who attended were there to make a purchase -- I averaged approximately $20 in sales for each attendee.  

If you've hosted a similar type event, I would love to hear about your experience and any additional tips you might want to offer.

Doing It My Way

When I started this jewelry making adventure, I wanted to learn everything there was to learn, and try every technique for making jewelry.  I tried stringing, bead weaving, working with hardware, alcohol inks, wire wrapping, gem stones, glass beads, lampwork beads, copper, brass, silver, the list goes on and on.  I knew that at some point I would have to figure out “who I am” as a jewelry designer.  It’s hard to build a brand when one’s designs are all over the map.

That’s where I am now – trying to figure out what my brand is.  Brand is much more than just a logo or a graphic.  Brand is your product’s personality – What is it?  What values does it represent?  Who is the artist?  What is the artist’s style?  It’s a big undertaking but I think I’m beginning to get a handle on it. 

My first step was to figure out my style.  What materials do I like to use?  What techniques do I prefer?  What's unique about my jewelry?  I’ve narrowed it down to two very different styles that I will try to incorporate into one.  First, there is my beadweaving.  I love my beadweaving.  It gives me such a sense of satisfaction to work with those tiny beads.  On the other hand, I also love metal.  I love to saw, hammer, torch, rivet, etc.  I’ve got some ideas on how to use beadweave designs with metal components to integrate the two styles.  For the short term, I will work them independently.  I’m still not down to a single style but I’m a lot closer than I was six months ago.

The next step will be to develop a logo.  Still a long way to go on that front………. Another post for another day………..

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  What is your brand?  Do you even have a brand?  For those who know me, what images or words come to mind when you think of my jewelry. 

Role Reversal

I've been talking about getting a torch for some time now and Sears just happened to be open today (Easter Sunday).  Lew and I headed over to the farmer's market to get some fresh strawberries and afterward, he suggested that we stop on the way back and get my torch.  He didn't have to ask twice - I was ready to go!!  While we were in Sears, I found a few other goodies and some were even on sale.  A pair of tweezers perfect for pulling pieces out of LOS, a pick and hook set that will be perfect for something, a nice 6" metal ruler for measuring wire, a rubber mallet that was only $1.99, and of course my Lenk LPT-500 Pro-Torch with 2 butane refills.

As we were standing at the checkout counter, I asked Lew if he would have ever guessed that I would get excited about shopping in the tool department.  He laughed and said, "No, but who would have guessed that I'm the one who wants new kitchen counter tops?"  So I have my new tools and Lew is getting his new counter tops.  Role reversal indeed!

Collective Creative Canape Reveal Day

Reveal day is finally here for the Collective Creative Canape blog hop, and I can't wait to see what everyone made.  This has been such a wonderful experience on many fronts.  First and foremost, I've made some new friends and found a wonderful group of jewelry artists.  Thanks so much to Lori Anderson for running the Bead Soup Blog Party and to Keri Sereika for organizing this swap.

I also got the opportunity to work with different materials, including a great polymer focal and clasp made by my swap partner Beth Emery.   And finally, I had my first opportunity to take a concept and design jewelry around that idea. 

Hope

When I received my beads, Beth sent me an inspirational note about how she chose the beads for me with Spring in mind.  You see, Beth lives in Alaska and unlike most of us in the lower 48, Beth will not be enjoying spring weather for awhile.  With Spring as my inspiration, I set about making a necklace that would represent the season.  I used the seed beads Beth sent to make beaded leaves and hung them on the chain with her pretty focal.  I did take the liberty of adding some color to the birds and also added the birds nest and ceramic leaf dangles that were in my bead soup.  The clasp had to go on the front of the necklace, which I've named Hope.

Beth, I "hope" I've done justice to your beautiful polymer focal and clasp.



Beth also included pearls, crystals and some red coral beads that she said reminded her of cardinals hopping around in the snow.  With that in mind, I put together a bracelet that represents snow (pearls), ice (crystals), and cardinals (coral).  I dubbed this piece Snow and Ice.

Snow and Ice

WOW!! I made it through my first swap and can't wait to do another one.  Until next time........

I hope you'll take a few minutes to visit the other blogs that participated in this swap.  Comments are always welcome.


Keri Lee Sereika www.pinklemonade.typepad.com 
Beth Emery www.storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com
Niki Meiners www.nikimeiners.wordpress.com
Karan Parker www.karanskrafts.blogspot.com
Liz DeLuca www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com
Lynne Bowland www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.com
Judy Turner www.silver-rains.blogspot.com
Erin Grant www.Erinsjewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Bryna Lumb www.brynasbeadbox.blogspot.com
Rochelle Brisson www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Linda Youkman www.lindysdesigns.blogspot.com
Carmen Lau www.littlemake.blogspot.com
Cheryl Foiles www.getyourbeadon.com
Kelli Jacobson www.CreativeMoonJewelryAndThings.com
Elena Gianni www.ilmondodipucci.blogspot.com
Tania Hagen www.pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz
Cindy Muse www.cindyshandworkcrafts.blogspot.com
Stephanie Woods www.skwds.blogspot.com
Lisa Lodge www.pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com

The Beads Have Arrived

My beads arrived last Friday for the bead swap and I’m very excited about the soup I received.  Beth put a lot of thought into the beads and components which are inspired by her dreams of Spring.  Living in Alaska, she has to wait a bit longer than most of us to enjoy nice Spring weather.   As soon as I saw the beads and read her note, I had design ideas running through my head.  I’ve started working on a piece and love it so far.

Back to the bead arrival.  I’ve opened the mailbox with anticipation for the past 3 days – on Friday, my anticipation was quelled when I saw a small brown box sitting in my mailbox.  Just to be sure, I had to check the return address to see if Beth’s name was there.  It was.  Now I was really excited.

This may sound corny, but I didn’t want to open it right away.  Much like Christmas morning, I was afraid the fun would be over too soon.  I left the package on my counter for a bit, trying to imagine what was inside.  When I did open it, I saw the cutest packaging inside.  Beth packed all of her goodies in a Chinese takeout box – it was so cute. 

Inside the takeout box, I found a treasure of goodies.  Beth’s handmade polymer focal piece and clasp are my favorites.  They form the foundation of her inspiration and helped guide me in my design.   There were also seed beads, pearls, chain, peridot chips, crystals, and the cutest little pewter birds nest.  

For those of you who have done multiple swaps, I probably sound a little silly but this is my first swap and I want to enjoy every minute of it.  Now the anticipation builds again as we look forward to the reveal.   

Motivation Comes and Goes

Some days I am extremely motivated and have more creative ideas than I know what to do with.  Other days (like today), I have no desire to pick up a bead or work on designs.  I'm positive that I'm not alone in this - I think most creative people "hit the wall" from time to time. 

I try not to get frustrated during these times but look to other ways to stay productive.  Today, I've been cleaning out the bead room and getting rid of unnecessary clutter.  Even though I haven't worked on a single jewelry project, I still feel like I've accomplished something. 

I have a very large moving box filled with over 100 books that has taken up residence in a corner of my bead room.  I've held on to these books, some of them for over 20 years, because letting them go somehow seemed like I was losing a part of myself.  Maybe I would want to read that book again someday, or maybe a friend would want to borrow it. More importantly, those books represented an accomplishment - after all, I'd read each and every one of them.  

What I realized yesterday is that I haven't picked up a single one of them to re-read it, and that box is taking up valuable space that I could use to set up a workspace for metals.  (Yes Debe, that means I will finally get a torch.)  I've decided I'm going to donate the books to either the local library or the Goodwill -- feels really good to be dumping some of the old baggage I've been lugging around for all these years.

I'm also cleaning out my bookshelf and getting rid of an entire shelf of stuffed animals.  The animals had special meaning because every year at the State Fair, I would play the game where the carny tries to guess your age.  I'm fortunate in that I look younger than my years and I always won the game.  Those stuffed animals were my reminder that I still had my youth.  I've decided I don't need cheap carnival prizes to stay young at heart and boy, wouldn't it be nice to have that shelf to store my bins of seed beads.  I have to admit that I'm not quite ready to throw those stuffed animals away just yet but I did put them away in a closet.  Baby steps......

So, while I'm not motivated to make anything today, I am motivated to re-do my workspace so it's ready when the creative spark hits again.  I'm sure I'll be over this slump by tomorrow but in the meantime, the stuffed animals are safely tucked away and the books are on their way to new homes.  Maybe I'll go watch a video on jewelry making.......

New Challenges

2012 is shaping up to be a year of new challenges and adventures and I'm so excited to start exploring.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am trying new materials in my jewelry and it's been so much fun to let my creativity run wild and see what I can come up with.  Be sure to check out the Get Your Bead On store for my new Industrial Chic pieces -- I've been having fun with hardware and alcohol inks to make some interesting jewelry. 

I have also pledged to get more involved in the jewelry making community.  There are so many unbelievable artists out there and the Internet takes away all barriers to working with crafters around the world.  I've started reading a number of blogs from other countries using the Google Translate tool.  The translation isn't always perfect but it allows me to read Russian, Polish, Italian, German, French... you get the idea.

I'm both excited and nervous about an upcoming event I've signed up for.  Every year Lori Anderson runs an event called the Bead Soup Blog Party.  While I am not participating in the main event, a smaller group of us is doing a swap and will be revealing our creations the first of April.  My partner for the swap is Beth from Anchorage, AK.  Besides being a great artist, she's a very nice person and I'm happy to have made a new friend in the beading world.  Right now we are putting a package of beads together to mail to each other.  I'll post pics when I get my package.  I'm a bit nervous about this event because my work will be seen by many, many talented jewelry artists and I want to make a good first impression.  On the other hand, I'm very excited to have this opportunity.

I'm also participating in another type of swap event.  In this one, about 20 people sign up to receive a box of beads.  The box starts out with the first person on the list who takes as many beads from the box as they would like, replacing them with beads of equal value from their personal stash.  Then the box is shipped to the next person on the list who does the same.  Eventually, the box arrives back at the person who started it and they have a box of new beads to enjoy.  I'm anxiously waiting for my box to arrive but I'm near the end of the list so it will be several weeks before my package arrive.

There are so many fun and interesting opportunities in the world of beading -- my "things I want to try" list just keeps growing and growing.  For now, I'll see how these two events go and where it takes me from there.