Happy New Year!

While engaging in a discussion on one of my Facebook groups, I learned about a new site called http://www.indiemade.com/ It is an artist website builder with a store, blog feature and galleries, with up to 17 pages if you like. There are several levels on the payment plan, but the good thing is, there are no extra fees or listing charges like Etsy, and some other sites. The other thing I like about it is, it looks like a professional website, not a store in another collective site like so many others. Also, there is a shopping cart! All you need to set up your own, is a PayPal account. I had fun designing my site too. It still needs a little work, but I think it looks pretty good so far and I've already had 2 sales! A couple tips I have to help you set up your site...add the Handbook to your Favorites so it's easy to access. I also opened two windows in my browser for my shop while designing and just refresh one to see how it looks when you make changes. It allows you to change the color of the font in several areas, the layout and design. Oh...and they have a 1 month free trial period, after that you are charged monthly, instead of yearly like Zibbet. In the meantime, I have been trying to stay warm in the studio, adding new listings of the beads I made over the holidays, in between all the holiday bustle. I'm so looking forward to some warm weather and Spring beads! http://stonedesignstudio.indiemade.com/

As 2014 fast approaches, a time to set new goals with fresh ideas, I have decided to place my Blog on my website as well as here. Truthfully, I am not a very dedicated blogger...a goal to reach for! With that in mind, I also have many new bead ideas, jewelry designs featuring the new Shibori ribbon and Soutache. I have tutorials that I need to get out and practice, like my new one from the uber talented Lydia Muell. I have had a very successful and happy year and hope you have too! Without my customers I would be lost...or buried in beads! Look for exciting new changes to my website too...like a shopping cart! In March, I will be participating in a collaboration between a wonderful metalsmith, named Jennifer Lawrence Bennett from Seattle. We are 2 of over 80 artists ( 40 glass bead artists and 40 metalsmiths) in this art project called 3 X 2 Redux, which will culminate in a gallery tour starting in Seattle in April at Facere Gallery, then on to Fisherton Mills in Salsbury, England and last to the Contemporary Crafts Museum in Portland, Oregon. Needless to say, I am very excited and honored to be a part of this wonderful project. There will be 3 pieces designed and they will be for sale. I will keep you updated on this venture! In the meantime, Happy Holidays and a very happy and prosperous new year! Sheila

New Beading Chat Site

I just found out about this site called Artisan Whimsy. It's a great chat format site where you can discuss all thinkg jewelry and beading. You can post pictures of your beads, jewelry etc. Several groups have formed and it looks like a fun site! All mediums are discussed from glass, enamel, clay, metal, seed beads...well, you get the idea! Here's a link to join in the fun! http://artisanwhimsy.ning.com/