New Beads

I've made a few more of my vase style beads in an antiquities style. I love this look! Inspired my Google images of ancient vases and jugs...Google images are a great place for inspiration.

Wow! What happened to the last month! I can't believe it's been a monthe since I wrote a post. Well. I'll try to be better in the new year, even if it's just a picture of new beads. I've cleaned up my studio, my beading area, which is a small corner of the living room and am ready for new adventures in beading. I cleaned out my Czech glass beads and have a bagful to donate to A Little Something, a group of refugee women in Denver who make jewelry. I learned about it from Rena Klingenberg's Jewelry Making Journal. http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/welcome-to-the-jewelry-making-journal-bead- If you would like to learn more about it, visit her page. Now is a good time to clean out all thise beads you bought years ago and haven't used!

And the winner is...drumroll please...KayzKreations! Kaye, you have won the earrings!To visit Kaye's Etsy shop click on the link below: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KayzKreationz She has some beautiful stained glass and fused pieces. I love the Poinsettia! The drawing was very official...I wrote down all the names and had my husband draw one out a hat (his hat!)Thanks to all for entering my little giveaway! This was so much fun I will be doing it again, so be sure to Like my Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Stone-Designs-Fan-Page/288413853646

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.