Tuesday, May 18, 2010

In Search of Motivation

I stumbled onto an interesting blog post today that I thought I would share. For me it hit upon a number of things I struggle with. It can be very hard to maintain your motivation to be creative. One of her solutions I am going to try is the timer for the computer. With updates to my online store, blog, facebook, checking on various forums and emails, I end up spending way to much time online. So off with my computer and off to my studio.........

in-search-of-motivation

Monday, May 17, 2010

Parts, Orphans and a Guarantee

I just received a sad little package of parts from a friend in MN. One bracelet in particular was a very early design. There have been many advances in the materials I can choose from to make jewelry. The wire I use now does not kink and is 49-strands strong! The new version of her bracelet will be better than ever and will stand up to some pretty tough abuse.

I thought I should re-post my message about my Beadware Guarantee:

If you ever have any problems with any of my designs please let me know. I will fix, remake or replace any piece that fails or causes an issue. I want you to enjoy wearing my designs!

Also do you have Beadware orphan earrings looking for a partner? Send them my way and I will repair, re-make or replace. 

Cheers, Ann

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

May Birthstones

If you are born in the first part of the May you fall under the sign of Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20). Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber and Coral are your sun sign birthstones. For Geminis (May 21 - Jun 20), agate is the stone for your sign. Here are a few choices from Beadware for May birthdays.

All have been  SOLD

 Turquoise, Coral and Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Turquoise, Coral and Antiqued Silver Necklace

Agate Necklace

Jasper and Agate Teardrop Necklace

Iolite and Agate Teardrop Necklace

Monday, May 10, 2010

Great Weekend

Boy what a fantastic weekend for Beadware! Saturday was the art and garden fair in my neighborhood at Rodstol farm. Thanks to everyone who came by to shop and visit. Gorgeous setting, wonderful weather and lovely people. A very fun day. Then Sunday at Fremont - lots of last minute Mother's Day shoppers! A few pictures.....

Art & Garden Fair at the Farm

 Ready for Shoppers at Fremont

Newest creation - Gardenware - vintage spoon garden markers!!

The famous Pig!

Can't beat Fremont for people and dog watching!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

New - Bead Art Pins

Several years ago I decorated some small colored cardboard boxes with beads. My favorite was one with a wire and beaded bow on top. Folks always comment on it, and I ask if they would buy it and how much they might pay for it. The answer was always that they loved it, but would not pay much for a cardboard box.

Recently someone suggested I make the bow removable and something that could be worn as a pin. That suggestion has morphed into my newest creation – Bead Art Pins!

Whimsical, Colorful Bead Art Pins are made from a variety of glass seed beads on various gauges and colors of wire that spring from a 1 inch pin. Approximately 3 inches in length/width and 1 inch deep. Decorate a coat, scarf, hat or shirt. Can also be used as a beautiful bow on a gift box.

 Getting ready to make a pin. Once I got started it was hard to stop they were so fun! A twist here, a curl there, hang a dangle, bend a wire. Some have a green coil that reminds me of new fern fiddle heads. Blues, pinks, greens, purples, sparkly, matte, so many colors and textures to choose from!!
I have one listed in my online boutique. for $25. I have a dozen I will take to the Fremont Sunday market tomorrow to see how folks like them. Wish me luck!