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!

A new blog site has opened up in the last couple weeks that features daily lampwork bead posts by lampwork glass bead artists. It's called Glass Beads Daily Be sure to check in often as artists post different beads everyday. Here's a little eye candy of mine!

Mismatched Beads

I often have leftover beads after making a set, so I was inspired to make this bracelet and earrings set with a few "leftovers".I just love this denim color. It pairs well with silver or copper and is very popular right now. Balancing the beads aesthetically and physically is always a challenge when you are working with odd shape beads. Just remember your design basics, line, balance, rhythm, movement, pattern and color. Sorry for the iphone photo!