Grand Opening of Beadware online Store!!

I finally did it, I have an online store located on etsy.com!!! I saved the spot a few years ago but was overwhelmed with all the steps. This month, I dove in. The new box at the top right of the blog takes you directly there. Click on Beadware at the bottom of the box. If you have never been to etsy watch out - there are thousands of artisans selling really cool stuff there. It could be addictive :)

I have lots more things to list so you will want to check back regularly. Let me know what you think of the store. Happy shopping!!! Ann

New banner etc

So how do you like my new banner?! Linda taught me how to use photoshop today and this was the result - who-hoo! We created it for my etsy store. Then I decided to upload it to my blog, but it was too long. So I got brave and found out how to edit the html code behind the blog template. Now not only does the banner fit, but I also widened the blog page so that there is not so much wasted space on the sides.

Next I am tackling manipulation of photos of my work so I can list things for sale in my new etsy store. Onward and upward!

Online store coming soon!!

Since my last post I have been busy learning new software programs (paint.net and now photoshop 7), trying to create a banner, playing with photos, setting up Paypal, and creating store policies all in preparation  for the opening of an online store on etsy.com. I will also figure out how to post a direct link to the new store on the sidebar of the blog. Boy what a learning curve!!!

I have talked about this for several years, and in fact have had the site saved since October of 2007! It all seemed very overwhelming at the time, but now I am diving in. I hope to get a few items listed in the next week.

You can monitor my progress and give me feedback on the new store at   http://www.beadware.etsy.com

Holiday Sales

The date for my own Holiday Sale is Dec 5 and 6th here in Southworth. This year there will be 3 artists and live music! Beadware will be joined by water colorist Lesly Bush and photographer Noelle Morris. Toni Seales will provide beautiful flute music. Watch for your invitations in early November.

I will have a booth at the Fremont Market several weekends in November and December. Private shopping can also be arranged - drop me a note and we can schedule a time for you to come to the studio. I am also open to doing small shows in your home for you and a few friends. If you know of other opportunities for me to sell my wares this holiday season please let me know!

Green Serpentine and Snakeskin Jasper

This necklace also uses hand carved serpentine in green. The pendant is snakeskin jasper and the accent stones are green jasper. The metal is silver plated. $49 SOLD

In addition to the trivia mentioned in the last post for serpentine, snakeskin jasper is a gemstone of protection and invisibility. It has a range of healing abilities. It guards against negative attitudes and actions, is useful in moving energy and helpful during massage and meditation, and it brings peace of mind. It helps provide a stabilizing energy to our lives and brings productivity and abundance to our minds and bodies. For mystical power, jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. Seems appropriate since it is called snakeskin jasper!

Chocolate Jasper and Serpentine

This necklace features a chocolate jasper pendant strung on red serpentine beads mixed with red jasper. The small serpentine beads are hand carved in Afghanistan. Necklace $49. SOLD

Stone Trivia:
Serpentine makes an exceptional meditation stone. It helps you to find inner peace, protects against poisonous creatures such as snakes and insects, balances mood swings and encourages the ability to solve conflicts by peaceful means. It aids the clearing of blocked areas, brings the chakras back in balance and also is very beneficial for the heart chakra. Its properties promotes good luck and helps people in achieving their dreams and desires.

Serpentine is also very powerful in healing. It is an aid to kidney and stomach complaints, and relaxes cramps and menstrual pain in women.

Sunday Market in Fremont

Sunday was a beautiful day to be out in Fremont. My first try at a booth there was a lot of fun. I will go back again in Nov and Dec, as well as in 2010. They have many vendors, farmers, crafts people, antique and flea market dealers. Quite the variety of wares available and quite the variety of people.  A fun way to spend a Sunday. Thanks to Patty for helping out.

Color Cubed

It is grey outside today so I thought something bright was in order. This fills the bill. Simple but bright to pick up your spirits. Color Cubed bracelet $20, earrings $8 All have been SOLD.

Feels like Fall

This pretty set is called Autumn Topaz. The triple strand necklace and bracelet are a mix of dark gold, dark topaz and rusty brown seed beads, brown and topaz teardrops and fall colored Czech crystals and bugle beads. The clasps are gold plated dragonflys. Necklace $25, bracelet $15 and earrings are $8. All have been SOLD.

Fremont Sunday Market

This Sunday I am going to give the Sunday Market in Fremont a whirl. Spaces are first-come-first-served so we will go early to increase our chances of getting a spot. Fremont is a very fun neighborhood and bills itself as the Center of the Universe. So come on down for a fun filled day!

Glass Garden display from my new booth. Double fringe bracelets $40, single fringe $30, earrings $8. All have been SOLD.

Great Day at the Fall Fair!

My first booth was a success. Thanks to everyone one who stopped by, gave feedback and shopped! Also a huge thank you to everyone who helped that day and with the preparation (Linda, Frances, Kate and Mike). 

Me and Frances ready for our first customers. Look at those nifty shutters - thanks Mike!

It is dark this morning so good thing we have some lights.

A bright and sunny afternoon and a  booth full of shoppers!!  I am a very happy camper.

Turquoise Bracelets

Turquoise was popular this summer, but I still have several necklaces and bracelets left. Turquoise and coral look great together. Gold with turquoise is an unusual combination that is sure to stand out. Bracelets $25 each. Earrings $ 10 and $8. All have been SOLD.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month. Show your support with something pretty and pink. These are a mix of pink dyed and white freshwater pearls, assorted pink, gold, ivory and crystal seed beads, pink and clear Czech crystals and gold plated accents and findings. The triple strand necklaces are $45, bracelets $20 and matching earrings are $10 and $8. All have been SOLD.