Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Week #8 - Spring - where ARE you?!

Click to enlarge
This week - the sun has been shining, very cold (because in Minnesota, USA - when it's sunny in the winter, it's cold.  the clouds "insulate" the heat here), and reminding me of spring.  So, I went with some BEAUTIFUL pink and green furnace glass.  They appear to be a little different lengths...remember the beads are handmade, so they're going to be a little imperfect, which makes them perfect!

I originally had another pair ready to go, but when I went to connect them to the ear wire - I realized I didn't have the right connection part.  NOOOOO!  So, I'll have to save those for another week. 

I've been having a hard few weeks physically and emotionally.  I'm hoping these little friends will help cheer me up and inspire me to keep going. 

If you're a praying person, would you send a few up for me?  It's been a long time since I've felt this way. 

Until next week!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Build A Line Challenge - Blog #2 - Ever feel like you've been caught with your pants down?

Ever feel like *everything* you touch kinda turns to dust and then you realize that you need to turn that dust into SOMETHING because you committed to it? This is pretty much how I've felt every day in the last 30. I'd like to say that I just need some time to catch up, but the truth is, I feel completely overwhelmed. 
I DESPERATELY want to get my line going. In seeing the 35 notifications pop up everyday, the more I want to read, but the more I just run out of energy to read.   I feel like 50+ people is maybe waaaay too many for something like this, but that's just me. 

Beautiful pieces from B'Sues Boutique - didn't use filigree beads
So, knowing that today a blog post is due.... I set out to get to work on my pieces.  I started with the pieces I purchased from B'Sue.  The ADORABLE czech flower beads and antique copper wire....and some filigree beads.  When I ordered the beads, I should have realized that I'd need a whole lot more than 2 packages to do a necklace...BUT maybe it was ok because in trying a new medium (czech beads) I should PROBABLY start smaller.  So, the bracelet was born. =)  I LOVE how it turned out.  I ended up adding some 4mm crystal ab fire polished beads, as well, and just LOVE the end result.  I also kinda loved the 1 strand, which is something to consider - because there ARE people who would like something more dainty and sweet.  Hey - lesson learned

A dainty version

While I was working on my "line" last night, and thinking through the question "What my ARE my barriers to getting a line going?"

Here's what I came up with...because actually MAKING the line isn't a barrier for me.  Pricing, I have a decent idea of (not really for wholesale yet, but I have a good idea of how much I use in terms of beads and generally what they cost) retail pricing and what is a good price point for me to focus on.  Doing shows for 2+ years has given me some insights, at least for THIS area of the country.

So....my barriers include:
- Packaging
  •  consistent packaging....for pieces that could go wholesale, for sending pieces and packaging at shows
  • Where do I find said packaging?  How do I buy less than 500 or 1000 pieces at a time? 
  • Coming up with a new logo and is it wise to do something with crochet fool or stick with my current branding and do something cherry-esque (I'm leaning towards a new brand as cherry is OOAK, so if I go with another brand, then I could do non-OOAK)
- Where to find clients that are wholesalers - I have no bloody idea
- How do I get my products in their hands?
- How do I set MY pieces apart as my own - which I think just the way that I approach these pieces is "maybe" enough?  Maybe not.
  • Could I have a little charm that's added on to each piece that notes it's mine?  
  • Maybe this is where packaging comes in.... including a story about their piece or even just signing the packaging with a personal thank you?
- I, also think, that my pieces would be great for brides and EASILY customizable to their colors or needs....but again - How do I break into that industry?  Where do I find those wholesalers.  As a side note: my first published piece....my brightly colored crocheted piece.....was a bridesmaid piece.
From where I'm sitting, these are MY biggest barriers.  What are your thoughts?



Hostess and Teacher: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board (You are here)

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs

Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose

Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam
Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements

Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up

Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Monday, February 16, 2015

Week #7 - Life's a Beach!

LOOKING FOR THE PARTNER LIST? Click HERE

 This has been an interesting week in Linda Land.  It started with the announcement that a friend is closing the jewelry portion of her store, one of my favorite bead stores having a 90% off sale and announcing partners for the First EVER Bead Peeps Swap n Hop.  WOW!

During the 90% off sale, I picked up about *coughcoughcough* Swarovskis and decided that I should start figuring out WHERE these *coughcoughcough* Swarovskis are going to go, once they arrive.  

While looking through my "pendant" box, I came across these LOVELY polygon pendants, in one of my FAVORITE colors Light Azore.  (yum!)  So, these were really the starting point for this week's earrings.  Since the color is so...beachy...I went with copper to mimic the sand. I added some other favs...indicolite, light turquoise, light colorado topaz...just to name a few....keeping with the beachy theme.  I also decided that instead of using the ball headpins, I'd make each pin by hand....and I love how they turned out.  Versatile, sparkly, beachy and lovely.  *bliss*
  
 For sale here:

Friday, February 13, 2015

I Present To You.....My Partners - Bead Peeps Swap N Hop

LOOKING FOR THE PARTNER LIST? Click HERE
*ahem* Hello Friends, Family and Fellow Countrymen....I'd like to introduce you to my partners for 2015 Bead Peeps Swap N Hop.

My first partner, and the one I've talked with the most, at this time, is Marica Zammit.  Now, you may be wondering..... Linda - you had the chance to pick ANYONE since you're the leader....why choose Marica?  I mean, she's a whole world away....TOTALLY different style from yours and frankly....she's much cooler than you....so why HER?  Well, for all the reasons that you just stated. =)  And if I'm being honest, that's why I chose Jessica Hocutt, as well.  See something that's REALLY important to me, is getting to know other artists and people outside my comfort zone.  I don't know Jessica - at all.  I know Marica a bit from her interactions within Bead Peeps, but really - that's about it.  So - why not?  

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So, on the deets about Marica.  
- She lives in Malta (a small island country - with 3 islands south of Sicily)
- She grew up there but went to Australia for her masters
- Is a marketing geek and that's her day job
- Loves clay and making things with it
- Has her own line of clay products
- Says she doesn't use yellow but her clay has yellow in it - which just makes me laugh
- Has a wicked sense of humor
- We both LOVE the ocean and she is making a line of ocean themed pieces!



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Let's not forget, Jessica
- She lives in ALASKA!  Yes - our 49th state!
- She moved there from Oklahoma
- Likes to work with resin and does soldering (completely jealous!)
- Is a lampworker (even more jealous)
- Is expecting another little one VERY SOON!  This will be #5?
- She likes silver
- She LOVES gold (since she's a miner!!)
- Is COMPLETELY opposite from me in SO MANY ways, but we both have our faith in common

I don't have any photos of Jessica's work yet - but I'll update when I do. =)

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I'm SUPER excited about having these 2 partners!  I can't wait to get to know them more and for them to experience the fun and challenge of a bead swap!  I remember my first time kinda wandering my way through things not really knowing what to do....so I hope that the new folks feel a bit more prepared than I did.  

More importantly though, I hope that it's an INCREDIBLE experience for all who have signed up!  I took quite a bit of care to carefully assign partners and so far...it seems everyone is pretty excited! HOORAY!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

2015 Bead Peeps Swap N Hop Partner Assignments! WOOHOOO!

Look for your name and the other name grouped with yours, is your partner.  
Scroll down for Seed Beader Partners
Enjoy and HAVE FUN!!

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop 2015
  Non-Seed Beader Partners  



Kristina Hahn Eleniak http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Debbie Jeffries http://wordpress/debrasdivinedesigns/blog.com



Rosantia Petkova http://bairozan.blogspot.com/
Shalini Austin http://jewellerybyshalini.co.uk/my-blog/



Catherine La Vite http://drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Annica Larsson http://zestyfrog.wordpress.com/
Lori Schneider http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/
Divya N http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Mowse Doyle http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com
Fay Wolfenden http://torchfairy.blogspot.com
Kathy Lindemer http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Claire Fabian http://saraccino.blogspot.de/



Janice Warden Bergeron http://thejewelryroom.blogspot.ca
Natalie Davidson http://www.northshoredays.com



Deb Fortin http://www.studiok24.blogspot.ca
Inge von Roos http://ingetraud.wordpress.com



Karen Mitchell http://overthemoon-design.com
Robin Reed http://willowdragon.blogspot.com



Marie Covert http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca



Nan Smith http://www.wirednan.blogspot.ca
Johana Nunez http://artincendi.com



Kelly Hosford Patterson http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
LoriBlanchardhttp://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com



Sue  Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com
Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.com



Niky Sayers http://silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Melissa Trudinger http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com



Candida Castleberry http://www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Erin Guest http://www.renlish.com



Nicole Rennell http://nicolerennell.com/blog
Ien Temaluru http://ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com



Robin Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Sam Waghorn http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk



Marianne Baxter http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca http://ladelizchica.blogspot.com



ShaiWilliamshttp://shaihasramblings.com
Lee Koopman http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com



Marica Zammit http://www.beadlovelies.com
Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com



Jayne capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Marti Conrad http://marticsclay.blogspot.com



Tina Bosh http://bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com/
Eleanor Thomas http://woolywireetc.blogspot.com



Jeanne Steck http://www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com
Gloria Allen http://www.wingsandbeads.blogspot.com



Rachel Mallis http://www.mintmonarch.com/#!blog/c1jlz
Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/



Stephanie Stamper http://skwds.blogspot.com
Chris Haussler http://pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com



Betony Maiden http://www.beadwenches.blogspot.com/
Kari Asbury http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog/



Jenny Kyrlach http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Colleen Foley http://colleenfoleycreations.blogspot.com



Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com/
Marcy Lamberson http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com



Dyanne Everett-Cantrell http://www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Ginny Lones http://www.Skippingintotheunknown.blogspot.com



Maria Rosa Sharrow http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Loretta Carstensen http://designsbyloretta.blogspot.com



Dolores Raml http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com
Michelle McCarthy http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com



Linda Anderson http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Jessica Hocutt http://faithfamilyandadventure.wordpress.com



Louise McCormick-Glazier http://jewelrytreasuresbylouise.blogspot.com/
HeatherRichterhttp://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

Tammy Adams http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog/
Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Seed Beaders
Susanne Stelljes http://pearlify.blogspot.de
Sheila Prosterman http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com



Pallavi Asher http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/
Jami Shipp http://celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com



Peggy Kosier http://www.kosydesigns.blogspot.ca/
Andra Weber http://andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com



Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
Krafty Max http://kraftymax.blogspot.com



Sierra Barrett http://giraffecanhas.wordpress.com
Lois Sherwood http://thiznthat5454blog.wordpress.com



Katy Heider http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com
Rebecca Robertson   (White) http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/



Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
Brandy Collier http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com



Stephanie Haussler http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Lori Blanchard http://alainnjewelry.WordPress.com



Kathleen Breeding http://99bobotw.blogspot.com
Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com



Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Tami Norris https://jewelrybytami.wordpress.com/



Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/
Peggy Johnson http://charmbarn.blogspot.com




















Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Week #6 - Something boring but beautiful

So, I decided that this week, I wanted to do something simple and not over the top. The weather here has been gray and yucky so I went with some BEAUTIFUL green glass beads. I love love love the bling balls and how they add a little pop to the green.  It just gives me hope for spring and the goodness that comes with sunshine and joy. =)



Saturday, February 7, 2015

Bead Peeps Swap N Hop Partner Intro Sample

SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE

OHMYGIRD! I just got my partner assignment and lemme tell you - she is AWESOME!!  We go waaaaay back.... about 14 minutes.  She's so great!  She lives in Transylvania and is 29.  She's been making jewelry for 32 years and has been a real pioneer in the industry.  She invented wire!  Isn't that OUTSTANDING!?!?  I mean, where would we be without HER?!  She loves dark colors - blacks, gray, brown, charcoal, ash, light gray, grey, black and gray.  She loves everything about bats, spiders and snakes...and often uses them while she's brewing making her jewelry.  I've long admired her work and CAN'T WAIT to get to know her better!  WOOHOOO!  You can find her blog here: http://lindaHasLostIt.com

SO, while I'm waiting for MY goodies to arrive....here's what I sent her:
TOTALLY amazing right?!  OH this is gonna be AWESOME!! WOOHOOOO!

Here are some other teasers I made, too....



Can't WAIT to show you what I sent her!!  EEEEEEK!

SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE SAMPLE 
You can see the original pictures here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.378054505699477&type=1

Swap N Hop Get to Know Me Questions

This year, for the first time EVER, I'll be hostessing a FANTASTIC event called The Bead Peeps Swap N Hop.  I started Bead Peeps on Facebook, after another woman needed to close her group, for health reasons. She had an annual blog hop and we decided to continue the tradition with our own spin on it.  We've asked all the folks who are participating to answer these questions on their blog. Without further adieu.....here we go!

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My first piece ever
1. Why or how did you get started making jewelry?
I got into jewelry by way of a craft show.  I purchased a beautiful necklace for a family member for $38.  The next week, I saw the same vendor at another show and mentioned that I had purchased a similar piece the week before.  Her response was that they "got some more in".  I thought "I thought you made it"?  A few days later, while at a big box store, I see the same pendant for $4.99.

I went home and found a "how to make jewelry class" that night.  As they say...the rest is history =)


2. What style(s) of jewelry do you like to make?
I'd say my style is classically elegant - at least - that's what I think. =)  I like to make jewelry that can  dress up any outfit (I like to say from ho-hum to SHA-ZAM!).  It's also really important to me that pieces are versatile, so that you can wear it with many outfits vs just 1 piece in your wardrobe.  


3. What materials do you prefer to use (and which ones do you avoid)?
Too much?
Typically, I'll use anything from handcrafted lampwork beads, to Swarovski pearls and crystal, to bits and bobs of fabric, to beads purchased at big box stores, beads from tradeshows and anything else I find interesting.  I like things that are unique - be it in color, style, size, shape, sparkle...something interesting.  AND I'm kinda obsessed with czech beads, right now. 


4. What techniques do you prefer (and are there any you don't like)?

I like to make many styles of jewelry.  I consider myself a stringer, first and foremost.  I've done pearl knotting, kumihimo, wire crochet and some basic wire work.    

I don't do bead weaving of any sort or anything involving heat.  So, no soldering, lampworking or anything like that....I sure love the pieces - just don't make them.

 

5. What colors do you use most, and which do you run screaming from?
I love working with color.  When making a piece versatile, having more colors involved tends to make something easier to wear with many things.  I typically lean to silvers and coppers for metals.  I'd also say that anything with rainbow colors is VERY difficult for me to pass up. ;)  

I've realized that making pieces with 1 color are REALLY tough for me.  Someone suggested I make a black necklace.  I didn't (and still don't know) where to start.  I want to add color! Can't win 'em, all right?



Some other random trivia:
- The names of my college and last name are the same
- My college colors and high school colors were the same - orange and black
- I'm a pretty decent photographer
- I love PJs - I wear them most of the day....every day.
- I've had major health issues for nearly 12 years
- I'm often the 1%...99% of people have no issues.... I'm the 1% who does =)
- I love to laugh.....alot.
- I love to plan an awesome party!
- I CANNOT WAIT to get my partner and get to know her!  I'm SO EXCITED! 








Fun after my BFF's weddin'

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Week #5 - Battered and Bruised

So this week has been a toughie for me.  It started 2 weeks ago, mentioning to a doc that I had a lump.  Within minutes, words like 'Cat Scan', 'Surgeon' and 'We'll get you in to see a doc sooner rather than later' were being thrown around.  I had an ultrasound which showed a mass in a lymph node under my jaw bone.   I had a biopsy done ....6 needles went into my face.  6! After a scary week of waiting for word - I AM cancer free! 

After getting through all that, I was preparing for a show this last weekend - my first of the year and while loading the car, took a MAJOR fall. Thankfully, I don't think I'm broken, but almost a week later and I still can't walk without a marked limp.  Add on to that the Build a Line challenge, matching partners for the Swap N Hop AND doing the weekly earring project.....I'm STRESSED OUT!  

This week's earrings are a reflection of my week - a little chaotic with plenty of bruises in a plethora of shapes all over my body.  LOL!  I think they reflect it well. 


It's been a cray-cray week, but I'm kinda loving these little gems which feature, of course, Swarovski crystals. =)

I'm also excited because I ordered some fun new tools that will help me move my earring designs forward, and I'm quite excited to put them in to action!

Until next week!