One Bead?

I often include one pretty lampwork bead as a thank you gift when people purchase beads from me. I want to suggest a few design ideas using one bead. First...here's a link to my nieces adorable bracelet made with one of my lampwork beads.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/81663560/lampwork-bangle-bracelet-silver-black
She has made a cute bangle style bracelet with the bead as a focal and coordinating beads on each side.
Some other ideas include making the popular purse charms. Use a large lobster clasp and make a dangle with the bead and some coordinating crystals and metal. The same can be used for key chains, zipper pulls on clothing, diaper bags, backpacks even fan pulls and mini blind pulls.
Use in a mixed media designs for an eclectic look that's so "in" right now.
Of course, one beautiful handmade bead makes the perfect pendant, adorned simply and strung on a chain, leather cord or satin ribbon.

Winning Bead

I was so excited to learn that my "Northwest Sun" bead was chosen to be a part of the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) virtual tour for the Venture exibit running from March 1st through July when the beads will be displayed at the annual Gathering in Bellevue, July 25-29,2012.The beads were judged in 2 categories, Under 2 years experience and Over 2 years.Mine is in the first category. My score was 59 out of 75.
If you would like to view the beads, here is a link to the ISGB website:
http://www.isgb.org/

Zibbet

I've joined a new online market place called Zibbet! It started in 2009, but they have recently been promoting it and are planning to do more in the future, like major magazine ads. Like Art Fire, they do not take a percentage of the sale, but charge a monthly fee. Right now you can sign up for $79.00/year. You can even start with a FREE basic account. Here's a link to my Zibbet shop:
http://www.zibbet.com/SheilaDavis

Bead Soup

Well, I wasn't chosen by the randomizer for the Bead Soup Blog Party..but my niece, Lisa was! Conrats Lisa! I can't wait to see what her and her partner come up with.
I like Lori's idea too for those who weren't chosen.
Here's a link to her popular blog to find out how it works!
http://networkedblogs.com/sIQWn

New Magazine

The
February 2012 issue of Bead Design Studio (formerly Bead Unique)includes an article by Rachel Baron called Marketing 101, Pricing Your Work. I was asked to contribute a pricing tip in conjunction with the article. My issue came in the mail yesterday and I found a picture of one of my bracelets on the first page of the article! The next pages have tips from 2 other jewelry designers and mine. Be sure to check out this well written article as well as lots of cool projects!

Jewelry Tips and Ideas

Jewelry guru Rena Klingenberg has a newsletter packed full of info about jewelry design, display and marketing called Jewelry Business Success News. I find useful information in each issue, as well as designs ideas, forums, challenges and more.
Here's a link:
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/newsletter-164.html

Bead Soup Blog Party

This is my first year to hopefully participate in the very popular Bead Soup Blog Party! 200 lucky beaders are chosen to join in the fun. They each send out a collection of beads to include a focal, nice clasp and coordinating beads to an assigned partner. They design jewelry with the beads, take pictures then post it on their blog. On Party Day, everyone visits all the blogs to see what everyone else made! I can't wait!