Cyber Weekend Sale

I'm having a Cyber Weekend sale in my Etsy shop.... Friday through Monday. Free shipping on lampwork beads, use coupon code shipmybeads. Also, all earrings will be on sale at 15% off. Sale price will be reflected, no coupon needed! http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.etsy.com/ I'm also giving away a pair of lampwork earrings made with my handmade lampwork beads. A $32.00 value! All you have to do is leave a comment in this post and I will be drawing the lucky winner on Saturday, December 1st. This is in conjunction with Artisan Whimsy Market. They will be collectively giving away over $1300.00 worth of jewelry and components! There will be 45 winners.For the event wide discount use code AWHOLIDAY in the search and all the participating shops will come up.

New Blog Hop

Lori Anderson is hosting a new Blog Hop in memory of her friend Marianna, who passed away suddenly. To read more about it or participate here's the link: http://www.prettythingsblog.com/ I know I'll be designing a piece, but I'm not sure who I will dedicate it to...yet.

Marketing Savy

There's been some talk about naming your beads and jewelry for online sales. Some are strictly referring to search key words, saying it's not neccesary to name them. I think a name can sell a product also. Imagine a set of beads listed as Lampwork glass beads, Pink, gold, green, set of 12. Or...Set of 12, Handmade lampwork glass beads in pink champagne, iridescent golden shimmer and olive green 'Autumn Dawn' Which would make you want to purchase this set? (assuming the pictures are top notch) Names and descriptions can help sell your jewelry and beads. People love to be romanced and since online shopping is strickly visual, the right name and description is very important. This set sold the day after it was listed.

Cabochons

While at the ISGB Gathering last July I purchased 2 cabochon mandrels (among other goodies. I am having a ball making these cabs! Although I am not a silversmith, I am a seed beader. I had alot of fun with this bracelet made in freeform peyote stitch that incorporates my cab along with freshwater Keishi cup pearls (love them!)Swarovski crystals and lots and lots of seed beads.If you've never made one of these and are looking for instructions, Sherri Serafini has several online instructions, including one on Fire Mt. Gems website. My next challenge will be ovals.

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/

Art Bead Scene Blog: October Monthly Challenge Finds

Art Bead Scene Blog: October Monthly Challenge Finds
I was thrilled to see my lampwork disk bead in the October finds on Art Bead Scene blog! Thank you ABS!So many wonderful beading components in this post. Check it out!

New Bead Show

This coming weekend I will be selling my wares at the Heart of California Bead and Adornment Expo in Fresno, California. The event is on Saturday and Sunday, September 22 and 23 from 10:00 to 5:00 both days. I will have LOTS of beads including sets and focal as well as unique glass jewelry components like clasps, bead cones, head pins, slider rings, disks,glass leaves, bobbins, vintage skeleton keys with a bead on them and adorned with Swarovski crystals, Auntumn leaves, pendants and more! Here's a link to the Facebook page for this event: https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfCaliforniaBeadExpo See you there!