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

Ramblings

Every time I check in on my blog to share something, I can't believe how long it's been since the last time I blogged! Where does the time go? It's been a busy summer, what with canning and freezing food out of the garden, bead shows, keeping up with Stone Designs on Etsy, and the day to day routine. Even though I am "retired" I am busy as ever. But Fall is definitely upon us! We went for a drive yesterday and the Fall colors are beautiful right now. Very inspiring for a bead maker! My bead fans will be happy to learn, I bought a new camera! It's a Canon Rebel DSLR. I am just learning how to use it but the pictures are so much more clear. Until next time....

Jewelry Displays

The best things in life are free....or cheap! For my upcoming show in Fresno, The Heart of California Bead and Adornment Expo, I found some vintage silver trays to display beads on. Some of these I already had since I am a junk store junkie! I think they will look so cute with my lampwork beads in them and add a continuity to the table.

I am also so excited about my new earring cards! ( I know...it's the little things!)I was surprised to find how little selection there is for earring cards. Some of the best choices are on Etsy. I found these at Julry Partz. She was very easy to work with and a very reasonable $4.00 for a digital download that I can print as many as I want. I would recommend a heavy cardstock for these. I use plastic earring card adapters from Rio Grande, cut them in half, because I'm frugal...and punch holes for the earrings. (Always use earring nuts to keep them on the cards. I couldn't believe a recent thread on Facebook about whether to use them or not!)

Interview

Being interviewed is always hard for me. When I was little, I was always the shy one, making my brother and sisters guess what it was I wanted instead of me just asking. They learned to read my sign language! But being married to my husband has helped me overcome that...he is far from shy! Today's feature in Holly Dare's blog Glass Beads Daily is about moi! After reading it I realized I really need a new picture of myself...one that doesn't show the gray!! I have also been enjoying reading a new blog (for me) from Kat O'Sullivan AKA Katwise. What an ambitious young woman! So, after reading her wonderful writings, I am determined to blog more often. We'll see what comes out of these pages in the next few weeks!

I've been steadily making new beads for the upcoming show, The Heart of California Bead and Adornment Expo in Fresno, California on September 7 & 8 at the Ramada Inn. I'm close to being ready, but there's always "just one more bead"!And that's in between canning pickles, green beans, freezing peas, broccoli and the tomatoes are coming on fast! Until next time...here's some new eye candy!

Necklace Sale!

This beautiful necklace, as well as 26 more are on sale! Starting Friday, June 07 through June 30 all necklaces in my Etsy shop are 20% off! No coupon needed. Prices shown at the start of the sale are the sale price. A perfect time to accessorize your summer wardrobe! https://www.etsy.com/shop/StoneDesignsbySheila?section_id=13735760

Glass Beads Daily

There's a new and exciting new blog from fellow lampwork artist Holly Dare. It's called Glass Beads Daily Several lampwork artists are already involved, showing different beads everyday with links to their shop. Holly has come up with some themes too, like Blue Monday where all the beads are blue! Be sure to check it out and if you're a lampwork artist, get involved! It's a great way to bring traffic to your shop.