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!

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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!

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........

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.