Monday, November 30, 2009

More new pictures

I am taking new pictures of things in stock when I have a free minute. These were recently posted in my online etsy boutique.The top one is red and green jasper with copper. The next two are freshwater pearls. Pink Blush and Hearts Desire. I am working on two new necklaces - one uses a bluish-green jasper and the other is a large piece of chocolate jasper with amber, brown and bronze seed beads. I'll see if I can get those done and photographed before I switch gears and start prepping for my big sale. All have been  SOLD

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Sign, sign everywhere a sign....


I finished painting my 2 new wooden street signs today. Well, new to me anyway! They are the kind that stand up on their own - sandwich board signs I think you call them. Not the perfect colors - but it is what I had in the garage!

Friday, November 27, 2009

New Things





Hot out of the studio! Each is similar to something I have made before. One way I keep my prices affordable is to make one of a design and then make several more varying the color or accents. I seem to be doing a lot with stones lately, and especially things in browns and reds. Must be fall!   All have been SOLD.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Facebook Fan Page

I am working on creating a fan page in Facebook for Beadware. It has links to the blog and to my Etsy boutique! Check it out, write on the wall and become a fan! Once I reach 25 fans I can get a shorter address.
Right now the link is: 


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Port-Orchard/Beadware/203298589187?ref=search&sid=1620154998.508862734..1

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Figured out Photos!

I finally got a handle on taking pictures to post. I did some research, bought new light bulbs (mine were too cool - thus blue!) and did a bunch of test shots to determine camera settings. I am fairly happy with them, although I still do some work on photoshop. Here are 3 of things I had in stock and have just posted to my etsy store. I also have several new things waiting for pics, I want to get those listed by the end of the week. All have been SOLD.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

 
I recently took a beginning metal smithing class in Tacoma - what fun!  I created this copper dangle pendant. I am going to connect the parts and then hang a small bead from the bottom. The surface is more scratched than I would like, but hey it was my first try!

We drew out our design on contact paper, then stuck it on small squares of copper and brass. Next came sawing. I managed to get through my project without breaking my saw blade - a big accomplishment!  The next step was to sand all the edges smooth. Then we learned how to solder. I attached the brass decorations and a copper bail (thing to hang the pendant from) to the back. Then polishing. It only took all day :)

I came away with some new friends, a new lunch spot (hot dogs anyone!), a book, new techniques and a cool new tool. What better way to spend a Saturday.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Sale Fliers in the mail!

Watch your email inbox and snail mailbox for your invitation to my annual holiday sale. While you can shop in my new online store, I hope those that are in the area will come and say hello the first weekend in December.

I have many more items than I can possibly post online - in fact I just looked at my records and I have over 500 (yes 500) pairs of earrings, 100 necklaces and 200 bracelets!!! Whether are looking for blue, purple, brown, green, gold, silver, stone, crystal or pearls I will have something for you. And you will have the chance to touch them and try them on.  Jewelry not on your list? There will also be photographs of local wildlife - especially eagles and orcas, as well as beautiful watercolor notecards.


Shop local and buy a handcrafted gift from someone you know. Come listen to music and enjoy a cup of hot cider. Feel free to bring a friend or two!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Computer, computer, computer

I have been consumed with getting things listed in my new etsy shop this last week. Several hours everyday are spent at the computer. Photoshopping pictures to post, creating detailed descriptions and then uploading and editing. Once I get several pages of items I can take a break and get back to actual beading!!

I had my first sale at my new shop!! A beautiful amber and jasper choker that was only listed for a few hours before it was purchased by a woman in Texas. Now I have to figure out packaging and get it shipped to her. 
I have so many new ideas of things to make. I can not wait to get back to making things and not spending so much time on the computer. Today is going to be in the 60's, sunny and dry, so beading will have to wait so I can go dig in the dirt. Too many hobbies........