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.

Bead Star Competition

Jewelry Stringing magazine is hosting their annual Bead Star competition. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 24. I would love to see my lampwork beads in a winning entry! Speaking from past experience, take the best photos you can, even if you have to have someone else photograph your pieces. You can have up to 5 photos for each entry this year. They have totally changed the rules, for the better! There is over $4000.00 in cash prizes this year! There is also an Emerging Artist category, so if you have never had your work published before, now is the time to strut your stuff!! There is a fee to enter this year too, but I think it makes people take it more seriously. The judging is handled by the staff of Jewelry Stringing and Beadwork magazines, not by popular vote....much better. I'm off to photograph my two entries!

Pinterest

Pinterest can be very addicting! Although I'm not one of those addicts, I find some very beautiful inspiration there for my beads. I've created a Pinterest board featuring jewelry made by my customers using my beads in the designs. If you would like to be invited to Pin on this board, just leave a comment in the section below with your email. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your email on a public site, just contact me through my Etsy shop and I'll add you!