Welcome 2016....er 2017? WHOA!

Well friends, it's about that time of the year where I FINALLY get to show you what I've made for Christmas gifts.  Obviously, I can't post prior to Christmas....so here we are. =)

This year was an interesting year for me, in terms of gifts.  It seems like the folks I buy for - all magically had something come up in a beading group somewhere - that reminded me of them.

So, the first purchase was a BEAUTIFUL glass and metal cross, focal bead.  I purchased it from Jennifer Jennings - so does this awesome beads.  She also adds a footprint on the back of the bead - making it seem like the poem, footprints in the sand.  Just a REALLY cool concept and CLEARLY her trademark.  I bought it for my cousin, who was laid off earlier last year.  It was a *complete* shock.  She had no clue it was coming *as usual I guess* and was just stunned.  So, I bought the bead to remind her that even in the storms - God is still there - holding her up and standing strong.  I put the bead on some leather I won from Leather Cord USA and happened to have another spacer bead that matched perfectly to her focal. 
 

Can't wait for y'all to see the bracelet I made for her mom!  OOoooOO!

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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2016 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop REVEAL!

What do you get when you take 80ish, awesome jewelry designers, give them a partner, have them swap beads and make something?  The 2nd Annual Bead Peeps Swap N Hop!

First - lemme give a shout out to each person who has worked hard, send beads, anxiously waited by their mailbox, worked hard to make something and even harder to write a blog post.  Without YOU, this wouldn't be possible!

Second - A HUGE shout out to my partner, Natalie Davidson of http://www.northshoredays.com, for sending me an INCREDIBLY generous package of goodies, encouraging me and being a good friend - even if I accidentally called at 4am.  =)

Ok - on with the goods!

Natalie told me that the theme of my goodies was "flight"

So, I started with an INCREDIBLE package from Natalie.  She sent ALL OF THIS - including but not limited to:
- Malaysian pearls
- Turquoise, blue matte and a variety of green glass beads (drool worthy!)
- Cathedral cut, green czech beads
- A package of Natalie-made beads - including an ombre of turquoise beads, a feather focal and butterfly toggle
- BEAUTIFUL orange lampwork beads
- Sinful turquoise rondelles
- Lovely foiled beads from Thailand
- A GORGEOUS crystal wrapped focal
- Sweet blue and green wire - which was SUPER slippery
- Awesome flowers
- STUNNING NZ Paua shell beads and focal
- Some itty bitty serpentine heishi beads
AND
- A slew of sweet charms - a feather, a butterfly (which she made!), dragonflies, itty bitty birdies, hummingbirds

PLUS
A tote bag (how did she know that I LOVE bags?!), magnetic bookmarks - which I LOVE AND some quite "interesting" white chocolate (which I also LOVE)....with lemon and pop rocks inside.

Can you say....SPOILED?! 

****You can click on any photo to see a larger version*****

Natalie's photo is MUCH better than mine =)

I was kinda overwhelmed.  So, I decided to just focus on the theme....flight.  I'd start something...look for supplies to finish and then...couldn't find anything I wanted - which happened a few times.  (Shocker =) ) SO - as the time was drawing near...things were getting desperate...so I did what any good designer would do....  I went through my stash.

I found a few of this and a few of that...nothing really spoke to me....until I found....a wing!  YES! Wings go with flight!   I was on to something!  Yellow goes with turquoise....and the wing has turquoise in it....eeek!  Here we go.....

(As a side note: one of my goals for this hop, is to learn something new.  I have used 4 new techniques between my necklace - daisies, S links, making the clasp bar, and I've never made the type of bracelet with those materials)

This piece features Natalie's handmade clasp and ombre beads.  My handmade S links and daisies, and the INCREDIBLE lampwork of Kim Snider.  *droool*

****You can click on any photo to see a larger version*****

So, once that was finished..... I moved on to the real project.....the one I'd thought of as SOON as I opened her packages..... a bracelet.  It's all hand wrapped and and features her handmade butterfly charm, as the clasp.  I tried to do an ombre-esque piece using her favorite glass beads that she sent.  I used some in this and hoarded the rest. (tee-hee)  I also added some of the butterfly charms she sent me.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this bracelet and am SO PROUD of it!  It just makes me happy!

And finally - gotta have some EARRINGS!
These feature Natalie's flower beads, her handmade ombre beads and her dragonflies.  I love how they turned out!

I have had a GREAT adventure and am SO THANKFUL for Natalie!  I hope I did you proud, partner!  #BeadPeepsSwap!

Check out what everyone else did HERE!

Linda Anderson - Hostess - http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com
Linda	Anderson	http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com (You are here)
Natalie	Davidson	http://www.northshoredays.com
Marcy	Lamberson	http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com
Kathy	Lindemer	http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/
Dita	Basu	Http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
Andrea	Glick	http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Kristina	Peck	http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/
Shai	Williams	http://www.shaihasramblings.com/
Catherine	La Vite	http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/
Christina	Hickman	http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/
gloria	allen	http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com
Teresa	Schurter	http://treezstreazurs.com/
Maria Rosa	Sharrow	http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Susan	Kelly	http://mimismilesdesigns.blogspot.com
Jenny	Kyrlach	http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Michelle	McCarthy	http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com
Terry Jeanette	Carter	http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com
Lee	Koopman	http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com
Laurie	Vyselaar	https://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Marianne	Baxter	http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Divya	N	http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com
Kelly	Hosford Patterson	http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/
Johana	Nunez	http://www.artincendi.com
Kari	Asbury	http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog
ROBIN	REED	http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Kristina	Hahn Eleniak	http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Robin Lynne	Showstack	http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Rosantia	Petkova	http://bairozan.blogspot.com/
Claire	Fabian	http://saraccino.blogspot.de/
Inge	von Roos	https://ingetraud.wordpress.com
Rachel	Mallis	http://mintmonarch.com
Sam	Waghron	http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk
Lori	Schneider	http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Fay	Wolfenden	http://torchfairy.blogspot.com
SEEDERS
Suse	Stelljes	http://pearlify.blogspot.de
Ginger	Bishop	http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Nelly	May	http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com
REbecca	White	http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/
sheila	Prosterman	http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Catherine	King	http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
PALLAVI	ASHER	http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/
Krafty	Max	http://kraftymax.net
Renetha	Stanziano	http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/
Becky	Pancake	http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Katy	Heider	http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/
Deborah	Apodaca	http://deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/
Heather	Richter	http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/
Tami	Norris	https://tamisdesigns.wordpress.com
Brandy	Scozzari	http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com
Catherine	King	http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com
Kathleen	Breeding	https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW/
Veralynne	Malone	http://veradesigns.blogspot.com
Bobbie	Rafferty	http://beadsong.blogspot.com
Lori	Blanchard	http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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She got HERS

Well, well, well.... here it is, March 23 and my partner received her beads yesterday.  I'm kinda jealous. =)  As a reminder, my partner is Natalie Davidson - who lives in the BEAUTIFUL country of New Zealand.  She lives on the northern island and has a little shop where she sells crafts and goodies that she makes.

I will be honest here....for some reason,  this was a tough season for me.  I had a really hard time finding something that would challenge Natalie, but not overwhelm her.  Even more importantly, I just felt like I was "off track".  I think it's just been my general feeling for the last few months - just kinda BLAH.  BUT I'm really proud of how it came together and am SO GLAD that she loves each item I carefully and thoughtfully included. 

So..... here's what I sent.  If you'll remember - this was the teaser......

And.....here's what she received.....

For the Swap N Hop!

Focal: STUNNING handmade, lampwork focal by The BeadFairy

Clasp: GORGEOUS flower, handmade by ArtIncendi

Metals: Copper filigrees, copper flowers, bright copper daisies and dark copper daisies, headpins, eye pins, jump rings and ear wires  -
So you're probably wondering why all the bits and bobs in copper...well.... in New Zealand it's pretty tough to get copper findings, so I figured I'd send them to her so she didn't have to worry about trying to find them, or order them.

Coordinating Beads: Czech firepolish beads in a "Luster Mix" both in transparent and opaque, purple druzy agate, Czech pressed beads including, but not limited to flowers, leaves, bicones, table cuts and saturn beads.


In addition to some goodies for the Swap, I also sent some goodies for her stash.

For Her Stash

Knowing her love for the beach, I wanted to include some beach themed pieces - they include: Swarovski bicones, starfish and mini rounds; blue/grey blister pearls, Czech saturn beads, hand painted (by me!) cabachons, kyanite coin beads, some seahorse beads (which didn't make the photo shoot) and my FAVORITE beads acrylic/rubbery beads - they feel as smooth as a babies butt.  Just AWESOME!  I also sent some extra clasps and odds and ends - and some purple hemp.

All together now!

Whatchya think?  I'm (im)patiently waiting for mine to arrive, although I suspect it'll be at least another week.  So, until then....I'll keep working on my organization (see post below) and twiddling my thumbs.

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Weeks #45 & #46 - Stumped

I think it's safe to say I've been........

 Week #45 - Snowmen

 Week #46 - Handmade lampwork beads with Swarovski crystals to accent

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #42 - More Scarabaeus Green - OOooOoo

Umm...what'd you say?  Scar-a who?  And what's that got to do with earrings?  Glad you asked. =)

Swarovski has released their latest line of products, and included is a new color called Scarabaeus [skar-uh-bee-uh s] green.  It's an INCREDIBLE new color that's been inspired by.......

Copyright http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/

you guessed it.....the scarabaeus beetle.  Isn't it interesting?  God's creation just makes me swoon - it's so incredible!

The color is amazing and has green, blue, and purple..... and really you could use it with most anything.  I've been having fun with it - I used it 2 weeks ago for the purple and copper earrings (you can see here:http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2015/10/week-38-39-and-40-from-sea-to.html ) and this week, I've used them with some teal pearls and silver bead caps.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the versatility of these beads.  (I've made other things too, which you'll see soon)

I have a feeling that this color is gonna show up in a looooooot of my pieces.  We'll see though!  I can't wait to keep playing with it! 

What do you think?   Hot or not so much?


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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #37 - SO BUSY!

This has been kinda a whirlwind week for me....and it's only going to get more crazy.  So, these earrings are a bit simple, but that's ok.  They can't all be showstoppers, right? 

I'm getting ready to head to DC to get my belongings moved FINALLY!  I'm INCREDIBLY overwhelmed right now.

Anyway, here are the earrings and a matching bracelet to go along. =) You can also find these in my store: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247947403/pearly-verse-earrings-srajd-white-pearl?ref=shop_home_active_1

 Pearls with teal colored wood. Short, sweet and to the point. =)

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #30 - "Joy of" Earrings

If you've been a fan of mine for a while, you probably have read somewhere that I lived in the DC area for 13+ years and during my last 2ish years there, I started learning how to make jewelry.  There were 2 local bead stores (LBS) within 6 miles of my place and 2 big box stores with about 3 miles.  So to say I was SPOILED is an UNDERSTATEMENT.  I had no idea!

One of those LBS, The Joy of Beading, is where I really learned and took off.  The owners were VERY encouraging in my jewelry.  I really loved learning and they loved teaching. =)  They had some of the most beautiful beads, I'd ever seen!  It was always something new and interesting.  The sweet store ended up closing, not long after I moved - which devastated me.  SO!  This pair of earrings is kind of an ode to them....

The head pins were hand crafted (by me!) and the large crystals are from their store.  They are SPECTACULAR in real life - a GORGEOUS montana, disco type, rondelle.  

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #28 - Ode to Bead Caps

This week has been a little cray-cray for me.  Haven't really felt myself and really haven't felt the urge to make jewelry so this week's installment is a pair that I made a few weeks ago, but made some others I liked more - so these got pushed back a bit.  =)

After intentionally making 28 pairs of earrings, and looking all over for inspiration, something I noticed in other people's work - but not mine - was bead caps.  Those little things that can add a little pizzazz, when used right or can make you go "huh?" when used wrong.  I've been kinda scared of them, mostly because I felt like each time I used them.....it was "huh? that looks awful. remove"  In the interest of the Year project, I know that this is something I need to get comfortable with and stretch myself in to using.  As a friend said "bead caps can make pieces that are "pretty" in to "pretty AMAZING"" So, here's my first - intentional attempt at using bead caps.  (Yes, I used them in the gushers earrings - but that was more of a trial and error) 

Would love to hear your thoughts!  Cute little, hot pink glass rounds with bright silver bead caps on top and bottom - accented with silver daisies and a silver ball at the top.

Catch the next pair of earrings - as they too - will be using bead caps.  Mixed bright and antique silver - oooooooooo!


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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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Week #23 - Helllllllo Summer!

 I dunno about you - but these last few weeks have seemed like summer may NEVER come!  It's june and we haven't even hit 85 yet, which is kinda strange.  A blessing, but kinda strange.  I guess that's life in the sub-arctic tundra, fer ya! 

So, this week's earrings were inspired both by my trip to Puerto Rico and summer!  I found these ADORABLE little chevrons while at a local 'big box' store.  I had no intentions of buying beads, but was waiting for an inventory check on some storage boxes and these little guys caught my eye.  They're so cute, bright and fun!  Just like moi!  =)

A beautiful building in Old San Juan

Since taking this challenge on, I've been looking at earrings more than I ever dreamed I would....and this trend - using the chain this way - has been pretty hot, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.  

Hope you love them as much as I do!

They can be purchased right here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/236159522/rainbow-bright-earrings-sra-summer-fun?ref=shop_home_active_1

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To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
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How Hops and Challenges Made Me a Better Jewelry Designer

Every now and then....something strikes me and I just need to write.  Today, right now, is one of those times.

I was sitting in my bead room working on some new projects and got to thinking about how I've changed since I started doing blog hops and challenges.  In my Facebook group, Bead Peeps, we've embarked on a HUGE task of asking designers to sign up, be paired with someone they probably don't know, swap beads and make a piece of jewelry with what they were sent.  I was thinking about my first swap n hop..... it was an adventure.  I didn't know what I really getting in to, but "the whole class was doing it" so I signed up, too.  =)

Examples of "What the....?!?!?!"

I received my package from a gal in Kentucky.  She sent all kinda stuff I'd never seen before or ever worked with.  She sent some clay beads she'd made, and some antique brass metal pieces - which were by FAR my biggest challenges.  I didn't know WHAT I was doing...but somewhere in the depths of my soul - something came out.  And frankly - to this day (2+ years later) - it's a piece I'm most proud of.  Is it perfect? NO.  It is my taste? Not really.  Is it something *I* would have picked for myself?  Not on your life.  BUT that package of beads GREW me.  It encouraged me to step past my obsession with bright silver and explore other metals....copper, gold, brass, stainless, gunmetal and even (gasp) antique silver.  Thanks to HER, I use other metals now.  CRAZY!  (Read the story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2013/03/bead-soup-nom-nom.html)




My 2nd partner was a sweet gal from Indiana (Whoop whoop!).  She was so wonderful!  She sent me a package of beads that I nearly cried in excitement over.  She had sent this GORGEOUS clasp, the cutest owl bead I've ever seen and Czech beads.  *coughcoughWHAT?!coughcough*  I had NO BLASTED IDEA how to work with Czech beads...let alone ordering them, and frankly - learning a new language.  Words like "picasso" and "pressed" and "firepolished" meant 0 to me.  I just wanted ones like she had sent! So, I learned.....and read...and googled...and asked questions...and ordered. Alot. ;)   (Read the full story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2014/05/bead-soup-reveal.html)

 The pieces I made from THAT group of goodies is by far....some of my most proud pieces.  I am still COMPLETELY obsessed by them and get compliments EVERY time I wear them.  I learned a new language, I learned about a different type of bead and I expanded my skillz by making a wire flower to mimic the clasp she'd sent, using some basic wire working techniques to make my owl into a pendant and made my OWN headpins AND earwires (my first EVER).....and I fully blame her... with all kinds of thanks to her, I now own.....THIS....(all Czech glass). =)

Another example....some have heard references to my "favorite color of gemstone" "baby food orange".... red aventurine.  ugh. (and every time I say "red aventurine" "ugh" is immediately followed).  I signed up for a blog hop where I would be sent a "mystery" package of beads and metal parts (again...antique brass).  Now, for those unaware - I HATED IT!  I'm not sure hate is even a strong enough word for my feelings toward this stone.  =)  After a loooong while of sitting and stewing....the deadline was looming and I had to get my rear in gear if I was going to finish....long story longer..... I pulled out a color wheel and went to town.  And guess what? They are AWESOME! Different, cohesive, not too cray-cray....and I'm pretty proud of those pieces, too.   (Read the full story here: http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/2014/07/gems-and-metals-hop.html)

Moral of the Story

So, I want to encourage you that if you opened your package and went "what the....?!", sit with it...work with it....look at it in a different light....this is an INCREDIBLE chance to learn and streeeeeeeetch yourself.

Week #10 - I made it!!

This week, I stumbled upon something to new to me..... some really cool paints.  I can't paint, draw, paste, trace, sculpt or really do anything that involves hand/eye coordination (which is odd since I played violin for eons, but whatever)...so these paints have been all kinds of fun because they do all the work.  *perfection in a bottle*  SO - I present to you - my first pair of earrings - that I made....at least the danglely parts of....

I used light turquoise Swarovski crystals and orange czech shaped beads (like the fruit orange).  I'm in LOVE with the results of my new little obsession.  Can't wait to play with them and perfect my technique!

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

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ab:coraldesign

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.  

http://www.beadlovelies.com 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/beadlovelies?ref=si_shop 

- 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

https://faithfamilyandadventure.wordpress.com/ 

- 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!

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. =)

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'