tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43611331791283457792024-02-19T10:36:20.840-05:00Glass Beads Artisan Jewellery, Wearable ArtGlass Beads Artisan Jewellery, Wearable ArtGlass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-49836590844574886542012-04-06T10:49:00.004-04:002012-04-06T11:12:18.574-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Have you been to Rena Klingenberg's updated newsletter site? Here's a link: <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com">http://jewelrymakingjournal.com</a> . </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">In her Newsletter #170 I found Boogs Bracelets. I think what Susan Goldstein has done to memorialize her mother, she died of cancer, is simply brilliant. You can find her at <a href="http://www.Boogsbracelets.net/category_9/Cancer-Awareness-Bracelets.htm">http://www.Boogsbracelets.net/category_9/Cancer-Awareness-Bracelets.htm</a> . She hasn't got all the types of cancer up and running yet but you can find breast, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, colon cancer already up and running. As she continues adding to her bracelets for cancer I hope she won't forget those incredibly important people - the Caregivers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">One last link: <a href="http://www.cancersociety.ca">http://www.cancersociety.ca</a> From the homepage you can pick your province and get busy in the name of the person you know who has cancer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I'm all over inspired thanks to Rena and Boogs Bracelets.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Helen</span></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-23308772889038924382011-07-04T15:37:00.003-04:002011-07-04T15:48:22.728-04:00Update in my Crazy Life!!!!! July 2011I have been away a long time, haven't I!<div>So, I've been caring for my sister who had back surgery in September. Even now she's not back to 'normal' because it was her 2nd major surgery in 8 months (in the spring last year she had surgery for her cancer).</div><div>Then I had surgery 10 days before my birthday last year. I got pretty cocky about my recuperation and it put me in such a state! I can't describe what I went through but I became dehydrated and had to swallow those horrid supplements to get electrolytes in order. I told you I can't describe the whole thing! </div><div>The bad thing is I endangered my health. The good thing is I lost 30 pounds.</div><div>Since then I pulled out a rug project I last worked on about 10 years ago. Maybe longer. It's petitpoint (40/inch count) and will be about 4 or 5 feet long and 2 feet wide. And I have been happy working it..</div><div>Then a friend came by with 5 necklaces needing repair. That was 2 weeks ago. I've restrung 3 of them and have but 2 left. But I've got some ideas that I think are good.</div><div>And that has got me pulling out my beads and scanning books for good ideas: maybe new techniques and definitely bright and cheerful colours.</div><div>So there you are. I'm back kinda. We'll see how things go.</div><div>Helen</div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-45544053366331759692009-05-25T16:16:00.002-04:002009-05-25T16:32:00.434-04:00ANNOUNCEMENT!!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I think it's an important announcement. I am undergoing a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">metamorphosis</span> ~ a new name and a new directory. [br]</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'll be keeping my Etsy store open because I wish to continue with <a href="http://etsyforcharity.etsy.com/">Etsy for Charity</a>. Each month a different, real life charity is selected from a list of worthy registered charities. I like that. And I can offer as many or as few items as I like to the charity. The membership of this corner of the online world is supportive and caring and that makes it a pleasant place.[br]</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Now you can find me on <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/willubead.studio">Artfire's </a>handmade directory. It costs lest and the name is a whole lot easier to understand. WillUBead.Studio sure beats Glass0Beads where an explanation of the 'zero' had to accompany it.[br]</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And what of my blogs? I've already shut down WordPress because there are too many changes being made that don't come with instructions that I can understand. And this blog? I rather favour Blogspot because I can add so many widgets so easily. It has provided me with a venue to pass the time of day that feels so comfortable. What needs changing is its name. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I'm going 'inactive' on this blog. And I'm activating a WillUBead.Studio blog on BlogSpot.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Finally, I thank every one of you who have chosen to follow my goings on. You are a wonderful bunch of creative people.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Now, I invite you to visit me at my new blog.</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-12869616469700481702009-05-06T10:26:00.005-04:002009-05-06T13:08:05.888-04:00Notes to Self ~ How to Spend Your Summer<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I found something interesting in my inbox when I opened it this morning. It was an announcement from Lezlie Winemaker about her studio tour in Thornhill. It's the 13th annual Mother's Day Studio Tour. And she has called for lampwork students to register. It's something I've wanted to learn but Bead FX, where Lezlie will be doing the workshop, is so far away.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Do you know Lezlie? Silly me! Everybody knows Lezlie. I've told you about her in past posts here. She's the driving force, the inspiration, the personality in DreamGlass.ca. She has strong family support that allows her to travel the globe to show her works of wearable art. Her mum and auntie held the fort at the Spring One of a Kind show in Toronto while Lezlie went to the trade show in Las Vegas.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWTHfjJ0gjuIGeNmWO4fZjJtQJ5gRHzJyC-6TMC0dHxiFbtX4wVDI-tUKvFBDAHzMIP0ExdhUpQ6_I2H_Gp6o5VudfetoQiwSyhwk31A77HUys9vb2pBs274zsaLMRMvJJkWbKK0BSirh/s1600-h/Lezlie+Studio.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 143px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332721028888734146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWTHfjJ0gjuIGeNmWO4fZjJtQJ5gRHzJyC-6TMC0dHxiFbtX4wVDI-tUKvFBDAHzMIP0ExdhUpQ6_I2H_Gp6o5VudfetoQiwSyhwk31A77HUys9vb2pBs274zsaLMRMvJJkWbKK0BSirh/s200/Lezlie+Studio.jpg" /></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">On Saturday last, I attended the Toronto Bead Society's Spring Bead Fair as a volunteer at the Society's table. What little I saw of it was marvellous. Did I see the people I wanted to see? Only from afar. I got to my destination with difficulty and only 5 minutes late. Will I volunteer again? I expect I will but I'll be taking somebody along who can help me: it took too much out of me just getting there and home again. It's a must see on any beader's list of shows and is held twice a year: Spring and Fall. The next show will be October 31 to November 1 2009: the venue will be the CNIB, 1929 Bayview, Toronto. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">There was a slough of shows and studio tours and the like with their flyers at the Society's table. There's a <a href="http://www.beadfx.com/">lampwork trunk show</a> on Saturday May 30, 10 to 5. And the <a href="http://www.torontogemshow.com/">Toronto Gem & Mineral show </a>is coming to the Don Mills Civitan Arena ~ 1030 Don Mills Rd in Toronto ~ July 24 to 26. New to me but comes highly recommended is the <a href="http://www.textilemuseum.ca/">Textile Museum of Canada's </a>More Than Just a Yardage Sale. Did I say 'highly recommended?' It is the 'must see' of all shows. The sale is Friday May 29 ~11 to 6~ and Saturday May 30 ~10 to 1. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">A personal favourite is the Jaboli Open House June 25 to 28, 10 to 5 at 575 Watt Street in Fergus. You are invited to tour their workshop and have Tea with Nana. Jaboli is a business of and for gentlewomen. Adjectives to best describe their work? Incredibly detailed. Original. Friendly. Ageless and age appropriate. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I've not attended the next 2 shows but they would make a lovely day trip: <a href="http://www.northnewmarketlions.ca/">Fairy Lake Artisans Festival </a>and the 31st Thorold Arts and Crafts Show. Details for the Thorold show can be had by emailing <a href="mailto:cathy.henderson@sympatico.ca">cathy.henderson@sympatico.ca</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Some of these flyers we collected when we visited the Milton Farm Craft show in Milton. This show is held 2x a year and this year I was there on business: it was a bonus that I enjoyed it. This year's spring show had some new vendors and there was more space per vendor than usual. The traditional rain fell on Saturday and we missed it because we went on Sunday: it was a glorious Sunday. Marg and I picked up the work of Asem Nada who, with his wife Laura, is La Glasserie. I commissioned some glass leaves and they are beautiful. These leaves are about 2.25 inches from tip to bail and almost 1.5 inches at their widest part. I've commissioned more leaves from this talented man that should be better suited for earrings. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 163px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 121px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332751810584125634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QsIFBtSrYCCOLwyONBgYNRRloRqM_n5Cy4jaXK4K0B1wnIE_S3RUPrzc4cgoNaLAKKV8zqOl_WZ2Ds_ItfptBmtQZhKi3sl1s-ub0X20U5f5lxySw9rCqbUK4z6uKyNniUlOupcsTv4-/s200/Asem+Leaves+1+1422x1024.JPG" /></span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Interesting Find: Jeff and Dye's <a href="http://www.hermitstudios.com/">Hermit Studios</a>. They have a jewellery business with some original work AND some interesting techniques. Have you heard of Song Feathers? Hermit has them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I have been busy, haven't I!!</span></p>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-8644703059615209652009-04-29T09:48:00.004-04:002009-04-29T10:38:50.668-04:00March Project and Personality Check<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, I've been a busy little girl lately. I did my Bead Oasis booth. Then I got sick. Then I was out and about with my sister who was on vacation: lots of mall crawls. Then I got sick. I got a doctor's appointment to check out my badly swollen thumb ~ I am in the midst of an arthritis flare up. Then I got sick and missed the lecture downtown to help starving artists with the business end of art. And that more or less brings us to today.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I want you to read what Jean Campbell, yes, the Jean Campbell who co-authored The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beader's</span> Companion, says about <a href="http://whatcounts.com/dm?id=CD1C29CD77F711BEB0221B4BB12F3FB2C30092B14F2F2183">our personality and our beads</a>. She offers ideas for our next pieces that should stretch our minds. I got the inspiration for an artisan jewellery commission I have thanks to this article. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Oh, yeah, I've discovered something new about myself: it seems I hibernate over winter. I'll have to work on my dark and quiet months to get my beaded pieces completed. And, I'd like to announce that I've finished my March challenge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">A bride to be married in July will be pulling together the odds and ends associated with her wedding. She has the hall, and the church. She has her dress and lined up the groom's wardrobe. She has done the same for all the wedding party. She has her flowers and the caterers and the makeup/hair and the cake taken care of. And she has ridden shotgun as the 2 mothers vie for dominance over the bridal pair. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">This should be a happy time for the bride, but .... Everything has become a job with an incredibly tight time constraint. At least, that's the way it feels. But wait, there remains the gifts for her attendants.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">How do I fit in? Aside from 'being there, done that, got the divorce to prove it.' Well, 5 or so years ago ~ how time flies ~ I swapped bead stringing lessons for a consultation from a dietitian. She had special family heirloom beads and strung the necklace and matching earrings for her daughter to wear at a wedding. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Now her daughter, Sarah, has sought me out to make the jewellery for her 9 attendants and herself. Lots of 3strand stuff. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">You have to know, too, that Jessie has returned with another well loved necklace she wants to wear at her daughter's wedding. It needs tweaking and a new clasp. Did I mention? Jessie breaks into a rash with all metals save the most expensive. And that means the clasp will have to be beaded. Exactly the same as the clasps of the bridal jewellery. Only different.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And that is my April challenge. Not so much the stringing of a single strand of pearls, but the variety of clasp beads and their associated loops. These buttons are an exotic version of a toggle clasp and without the metal. And these buttons, if made in lots of designs and sizes, can be made into earrings, pendants for a necklace or a bracelet. Even button covers and shoe buckles; you know, the fancy kind of buckles.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So, where are the pix to show you my wonderful March challenge? The bride hasn't seen the jewellery yet so these pix are still on hold. There's no way I want to steal her thunder by letting the wearable art we designed together slip to the outside world without her go ahead. I haven't shown these pieces of artisan jewellery to her mother, even.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And for May? May is going to be a busy month for me. And an expensive one, too. I'm still all a-pearl and beaded beads ~ they fascinate me ~ and 2-hole buttons and my expanded stash.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">That happened at the Bead Oasis show. I met Meagan who was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-stashing and who gave me an incredible deal for some of her beads. They still sit in plastic bags but I'll be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transferring</span> them to spice jars soon. Imagine the king in his counting house or the dragon protecting her accumulated treasures and that image will fit me right down to the ground. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">For now, though, I've gotta run. I'm writing projects for some kits I'm developing. </span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-17260469433704216872009-04-06T14:24:00.007-04:002009-04-06T14:58:19.910-04:00Notes to Self - April 6 2009 ~ Weekend Goings On<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">What did you do this past weekend? Did you enjoy doing it? Did it have anything to do with the making of artisan jewellery? Would you rather have my life? Huh??</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">My sister and I wandered the aisles of Toronto's Spring One of a Kind (OOAK) Show on Sunday. Our wanderings took us 4.5 hours to complete but it was worth it this year. There were some new artisans and different arts/crafts being shown. Some of our favourites, like Roothams, weren't there but this year the Eastern Ontario CFDC (Community Futures Development Corp) rented a huge bit of real estate right in the middle of the show and sponsored artisans from Eastern Ontario. For me as a wanderer, it was a great success. I met artisans who otherwise would be unable to show with OOAK. I had many a chat (that's why it took so long) and got some leads for my business. For example, Alfie Fishgap, and his boothmate Todd Jamieson, told me of a show at Fairy Lake in June. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I found some not so new stuff being used and in wonderful colours, too. Like the crochet wire rings and the crochet wire bracelets. My sister is my model/sales rep and she stepped up in many a booth to point out the artisan jewellery she and I were wearing that I made. Doing that in my friend Alfie Galda's booth (AB Originals) ~ she knits sweaters that are to die for ~ made me a new friend, Gwen. She's an enthusiastic fan of Alfie's and wears a lot of sweaters Alfie has knitted and I'm hoping she will like my artisan jewellery enough to be as enthusiastic about my work.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I found something really annoying. Well, I found 2 things really annoying.</span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Other jewellers not wanting to talk just as soon as they find out I, too, make artisan jewellery. These jewellers are different in style to me and I present no competition to them. They don't know that because they gave me the stock answer to 'Where did you get this or that part of the jewellery.'</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I have picked up several really helpful lists and recipes but the person who gave them to me didn't put on their website or some other contact information. I have no idea who gave me the recipe for cleaning copper. And it isn't Twinkle. BRAND BRAND BRAND~~Put your CONTACT INFO on everything you do: it may bring you business after the show.</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There was a booth with items from Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts, Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Beautiful things from the <a href="http://www.inuitoriginals.com/">First Nations </a>of our True North, Strong and Free. The 2 people in the booth when we visited were wearing their snow goggles. They look almost like goggles you wear in the tanning salon or on swimmers except there is a narrow slit from 1 side to the other to peer through: they keep out the glare of the sun bouncing off the snow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">As I said, some of our favourites were there with newly designed booths, some were there and their booths were wholly recognizeable. One such was Asem Nada, my glass man. His business is <a href="http://www.laglasserie.com/">La Glasserie</a>. His work with a torch and a cane of glass is marvellous: I have many of his pieces in my home and he covers Easter and Christmas, too. Well, my exciting news about Asem is that he made a leaf pendant for me and brought it to OOAK to show me. I think it's beautiful and I've ordered 20 of them. I can pick them up at Milton in May. Now you have to wait to see them. It's true, they are worth the wait, as all of Asem's glasswork is imaginative and beautiful.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">We had a busy day and a wonderful day. And both of us were exhausted when we got home and both of us ended up in bed before our bedtime. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">PS: I receive no money or other consideration from the businesses I mentioned in this blog, nor from any other business, unless stated in the blog. </span></p>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-45902149494164125332009-03-25T13:17:00.003-04:002009-03-25T14:07:39.616-04:00Notes to Self - The Bead Show<div><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Well, I'm back. I'm still riding the wave of excitement I had throughout the Show. What show?? The 'Almost Spring' Bead Oasis Show, 2009 of course. My very firstest show. </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KGlvbPhsrDWxgJTs-W9O7ZABOFzFaoAetJiERFkoUlV_AC_wWDa3hIYAWdgsDTuTwH8gmCUcrEdkRZwXdq9XWr_JB2Z1-r0q3gVwTGVbAnyDa1-JOkOBBeWsQjlUayuRG5Fcrw2L7r83/s1600-h/DSC00571.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317186709598514466" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KGlvbPhsrDWxgJTs-W9O7ZABOFzFaoAetJiERFkoUlV_AC_wWDa3hIYAWdgsDTuTwH8gmCUcrEdkRZwXdq9XWr_JB2Z1-r0q3gVwTGVbAnyDa1-JOkOBBeWsQjlUayuRG5Fcrw2L7r83/s200/DSC00571.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">This Show is organized/sponsored/brought to you by NLM Glass Arts andNancy 'n' Sam took good care of us. It is directed at the artisan jewellery world rather than the fine art jewellery of the sort you see in Birks. The artisans are a wonderful group of people who watch out for, share, and support one another. Just for that alone, the booth was worth every penny it cost.</span></div></span><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">In monetary terms, I took a bath (that's a monetary term, isn't it?). For somebody on an incredibly small budget, it cost a lot of money just for the booth fees. </span></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dTfuWbC8V4FcZnQy2RPNmN5Fm1HoeiQATVL97gTXAlriuTovzphUubze2OXX0-4sqjxpnT4h1RzktpGJ2XnjHhCoHtmqqwshMDcN9mctZAkJTUidmJFVjWLx8HoMKOnpZwtIjOJwyS3/s1600-h/Checkerboard+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317186702278036786" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dTfuWbC8V4FcZnQy2RPNmN5Fm1HoeiQATVL97gTXAlriuTovzphUubze2OXX0-4sqjxpnT4h1RzktpGJ2XnjHhCoHtmqqwshMDcN9mctZAkJTUidmJFVjWLx8HoMKOnpZwtIjOJwyS3/s200/Checkerboard+007.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">In practical terms, I roped in the sun!! </span></p><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I had an incredible education that I couldn't get as an attendee. From my side of the table I saw some really gorgeous jewellery worn by the people who visited our booth. Great ideas from that. And many people stopped to chat and discuss. I gotta say it: we were invited into people's personal lives, shared our experiences, and gave and received hugs. These people were so brave and so trusting. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I met some people interested in my work and wanting to put it in their shops.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I received a wedding commission for bride's and 9 attendents jewellery. MMMMM You should see the pearls I got for this young lady.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I received the all time best deal ever from a young woman de-stashing. I was running my fingers through all those beads last night and dreamt of how I would use these beads.</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I know how to present my kits better now. And I've been asked to write other kits I hadn't thought to do before. On top of all that, I had some of Joann's kits from <a href="http://www.beadkitsbymail.com/">http://www.beadkitsbymail.com/</a>: her kits are stuffed with instructions, beads and even 2 beading needles. There's more. I also had the DVD of instructions for 5 projects from <a href="http://www.beadsbyu.com/">http://www.beadsbyu.com/</a>: that DVD included a free kit of 1 of the projects. </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">The booth took almost twice as much time to set up as it did to tear down. That figures. And the glass bead artisan jewellery on sale needed straightening several times during the day. My trolly is still sitting in the kitchen: I'm removing things slowly with the good intention of putting it all back in its place. If you know me, that means piled high: nothing seems to have a proper spot in my PigPen Studio.</span></div><div><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n5KlPSwrqcsZDct10MgNX6W2u5z1_vzURPb786rjk6yGtbUEPKQRkxs4ZlcVfz7q-MZsr-rQb9mgOVGTwj94uKH6kJtDyWFYzGMEYXmMYxkApHf6lKGtcbHr7ueMjHyHArj7QydpMpa4/s1600-h/Bugler+Bracelet+Kit+-+Glass0Beads.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317186700856560770" style="WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n5KlPSwrqcsZDct10MgNX6W2u5z1_vzURPb786rjk6yGtbUEPKQRkxs4ZlcVfz7q-MZsr-rQb9mgOVGTwj94uKH6kJtDyWFYzGMEYXmMYxkApHf6lKGtcbHr7ueMjHyHArj7QydpMpa4/s200/Bugler+Bracelet+Kit+-+Glass0Beads.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"> Artisan Jewellers are advised to wear their jewellery: they are, or should be, a moving billboard ad for their own wearable art. I am not very good at this but my sister is wonderful. Much of my 'big' artisan jewellery designs is worn by her because she has the personality to carry it off. And I, through her, received many compliments on what she wore. The lesson to me, aside from the obvious 'wear it,' is to have the big bold pieces in good supply.</span></p><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I has been a remarkable 3 day show and I got home exhausted. Two days in bed, I'm almost 100% again, and still the ideas are swirling in my head. I have a lot of sorting and writing and ..... to do. A big lesson was to ensure my computer was working: it got moved and jiggled and disconnected and ........ I ended up losing one of my kits and I have to re-write it. To add insult to injury, my machine accidentally got pushed to the back of the keyboard shelf and it and the shelf fell down, went boom. On my foot.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">There's another show in September and you really need to go: no matter what side of the table you are on it is worth the trip. And the entrance fee is only $8.00. Canadian money. It's worth the visit to Toronto.</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Check back again soon. I'll be linking to my kits. You'll like that. Helen</span></div></div></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-2174183471094746912009-03-10T14:21:00.004-04:002009-03-10T14:49:05.586-04:00Notes to Self ~ A Knock on the Door<div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>A</strong> knock at the door this morning but nobody there.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong> parcel left at the step. But not a baby in the human sense of the word.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong>rtisan jewellery of the glass bead variety. A big package filled with kits by Joann. To see the kits you must visit <a href="http://www.beadkitsbymail.com/">Joann's site</a>. Or my booth. She has sent me a sampling to sell at the <a href="http://www.oasisshows.com/Toronto/2009/Spring/index.php">'Almost Spring'</a> Toronto Oasis Bead Show next week. They've arrived, their parcel ripped open, but all kits are safe and sound. The pix on Joann's site are wonderful: they are clear and well lit. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">What she sent me is designs using a spiral technique that she calls a 'Swirl Necklace.'</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong>nd they are here. Safe and sound.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong> kit includes the beads and findings. And a reel of beading thread. And 2 beading needles.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong> smart businesswoman, Joann has also included her business card ~ that's what she used to hold the 2 needles. I told you she was smart.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong>s of now I feel relieved. I was worried they wouldn't get here in time. They came from the other side of the continent and from a foreign country. Doesn't that sound grand? Joann lives in Sammamish. Yeah, okay. Joann lives in Sammamish Washington state USA. But I am in Toronto Ontario Canada. So technically the kits did cross an international border.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>A</strong>lso. Joann sent me an extra kit. I want to get it all done in time to display at the show. The kit she donated to me is the Peaches and Cream Swirl Necklace.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvhk7OxYaMz4EOOo-KORdKzpYnFQFcCM_naD9xIYL50WgE8U6veFO2Q8DXunX9wY5DYdg_1slYH9u9S_F4S2exyB0T8d4Wpn480YSVOUoxL3NFWA65mgg11JX7axCXglLN6WWYXPDR2UA/s1600-h/peachesandcreamswirl+Joann+Loos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311632882426575266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvhk7OxYaMz4EOOo-KORdKzpYnFQFcCM_naD9xIYL50WgE8U6veFO2Q8DXunX9wY5DYdg_1slYH9u9S_F4S2exyB0T8d4Wpn480YSVOUoxL3NFWA65mgg11JX7axCXglLN6WWYXPDR2UA/s200/peachesandcreamswirl+Joann+Loos.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Thanks so much for entrusting me with your products. I promise to take good care of them.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Helene</span></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-48041305567301751222009-03-05T11:01:00.006-05:002009-03-05T11:25:36.582-05:00Notes to Self ~ Getting Ready<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I am SO excited: I'm that close to opening the artisan jewellery booth at Toronto's Bead Oasis Show. I have so much to do and not enough time to do it. I can't just turn my back on my online responsibilities and I can't just turn my back on things like labels and inventory and ....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">AND I have to keep in mind that I need more rest than most people and I have to take it so I don't exhaust myself BEFORE the show. After will be okay: I can collapse for a day or two.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And then I read a Twitter from Teri_B: she's opened a discussion about home parties for artisan jewellery. Yes, of course, my brain started thinking about home parties. Couldn't help it: Tupperware's home party model kept cropping up. Why re-invent the wheel, or, in this case, the artisan jewellery home party! But I can't get the idea out of my head.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I did something exciting yesterday. I asked for aestheticians and beauty salons for counter space for my artisan jewellery: 1 stop shop for Brides. They can coordinate the jewellery for the mothers, the attendants, the bride and maybe even the groom. And it's a simple solution for the gifts of the attendants. Why not colour coordinate the jewellery with the rest of the colours? You know, the flowers, the tablecloths, the bridesmaids' dresses, the cummerbund or ties and pocket handkerchiefs of the men. That can be accomplished with enough lead time. So the bridal party comes in to check out the salon several weeks before the wedding and sees the artisan jewellery, and says, 'AHA!'</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">This morning I got up early ~ well, early for me ~ and finished up the graphics for the backside of my business cards. I have almost run out of my other business cards so I've taken the opportunity to revamp the design etc. Now they are happily printing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">See?? I got something done this morning. The trick is to get something done this afternoon that gets me closer to being ready for the SHOW.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Even this bauble babble is helping. It's getting things out of my mind that are taking up too much space and distracting me from my goal. I'm getting older, y'know, and feeling much older than my chronological age. And today I'm feeling particularly brittle.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Next week I have to drive to Hamilton for an MRI. Marg is coming with me: I've had MRI's before and come away feeling like everything has been sucked out of me. Since this MRI is in Hamilton and at 7PM to boot, I am going to be in worse shape than usual. And Marg has to go to work the next day. Next week is going to be really crappy. All the more reason to get a lot done this week.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Yeah, yeah, I know. I should have started way before now. I have to tell you, that's a very smart idea. But I always avoid things that scare me until the very last moment. This occasion is no different.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Good for me!! I think I can focus again on the task at hand. Thanks for your help, good ole Blogspot.</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-18279944283899226512009-03-02T12:49:00.006-05:002009-03-02T13:45:57.690-05:00Notes to Self - Stuff to Share<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Hiya everybody. It feels like forever since I was here. And I've got a couple or three things to tell you about. And it's all here on this blog!!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">1~ Are you stuck on a design? Either you've got an idea that just isn't working or worse! you have no idea at all!!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">In the right hand column I draw your attention to several featrues: Microscopic View of the world, Astronomic Pic of the day, and Masks from around the world.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Microscopic ~ it is amazing the shapes and colours of things so small the eye cannot see them. Do a quick rough sketch of a 'thing' and then start bringing together the beads and threads and such you will need to render this 'thing' in beads. You are not likely to go away and come back to do it. The bugs'eye view changes every time you move away from the page. Yup, there are that many wee things that they can populate every blog view with a different wee-un.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Astronomic ~ not astrologic. We gaze at the heavens and marvel and ponder our place in that heaven. Here you will find things about the sky: the stars, planets, weather, ... Maybe you'll see the Northern Lights or the Southern Lights. Or a view of the wake of Halley's Comet. Start sketching. Don't try to define anything. Just move the pencil around, keeping your eyes on the screen and not on your sketchbook. After you've done that you can look at what you've done and think about it in terms of beads. Would it make a lovely beaded embroidery? Or a piece of artisan jewellery, something that will make a statement?</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Masks ~ I spent 25 years in Canada's western province and territory ~ 2 years in Yukon Territory and 23 years in Vancouver BC. I revelled in the artistry of the Pacific Northwest First Nations people: their work is wonderfully graphic. Clean lines, limited colour palette. Spiritual meaning in their totems; whether on a pole or on a piece of artisan jewellery. The most famous among these First Nations of BC is, perhaps, Bill Reid. His work is in the BC Museum of Anthropology and graces the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC USA. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Masks are not limited to Canada's First Nations. Borneo, African, American, Mexican, .... The list is as long as ~~ Well, it's immeasurable. As in the Astronomical and the Microscopic exercises, try to draw a mask without looking at the paper. Then do another drawing but this time looking down occasionally. Draw what you see, not what your brain tells you it sees. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Those are great exercises, aren't they. It gets easier the more often you do it. And talk about cutting down that artsy block! Pretty soon you will be drawing that mess on your workbench, a still life of a coffee mug filled with scissors, pens, a fan, .... </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">2 ~ On a different note, I've just come across a new widget. For artisan jewellers there is a Wire Gauge Calculator, from Irma Pretorius of <a href="http://www.wire-to-jewelry.com/wire-gauge-calculator.html">Wire To Jewelry </a>that will translate a) </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">millimeter to inch and gauge, b) inch to gauge and millimeter, and c) gauge to millimeter and inch. It's a handy tool because there are only 3 countries in the whole wide world that DO NOT use metric: Myanmar, Liberia, and USA.** You can copy it from this site and add it to your blog or e-store. It's FREE ~oh how love the sound of FREE!! Get it for yourself. And offer it to others free of charge. And keep in mind that this is the Beta version of the widget.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And that pretty well sums up what I wanted to say. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Happy Beading Helen Glass0Beads</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">**from Rena Klingenberg Jewelry Business Blog</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-64804819264935231982009-02-19T12:05:00.003-05:002009-02-19T12:31:59.915-05:00Notes to Self ~ Feb 09 Update<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Yup ~ lagging behind the artisan jewellery wagon and taking on too much new glass bead stuff. What have I been up to? Well, I joined JewelryGeeks.com ~ only handcrafted artisan jewellers on that site. Then I started a group there, Love Beads, with an invitation to all jewellery geeks interested in seed beads. Only 2 criteria: you must be a member of JewelryGeeks.com and you must be willing to participate in the group. Easy, right?! Are you kidding! If you have as much on your plate as I have on mine, you know how difficult participation really is. So far the membership is drawn from Australia, Canada, and the USA. With good luck, we may have other countries and cultures join us: it adds flavour to the 'stew'.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I received an order for earring findings near the end of January and I wanted to source the goods in the Toronto area. Well, my customer was given a jewellery supply catalogue to determine just what she wanted: she was shopping for items to give to her Mum who is the jewellery repair person at a local seniors home. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I placed the order and waited. My friend returned from holiday and I still didn't have her order filled. I got in touch with the warehouse and its shop and nobody knew what I was talking about. And that left me hanging in a most undignified way.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">So I sent my order to another, even closer, shop. They made up the order lickety split and, when my friend and I showed up, didn't bat an eye when we busily added to the order. We couldn't have been better cared for. The bonus for my friend is that the shop is within her Mum's stomping ground, there are coffee bars in the same block, and she can take her Mum there without me. In my books, that's great.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I got home and sat with the treasures I bought and fatigue swept over me. I laid down for a nap and over 4 hours later woke up in time to go to bed. I don't understand the sudden weariness because I was driven there and back and the outcome was so favourable. Well, now I'm doing what I had hoped to get done yesterday afternoon. And I'm feeling if not rested at least not as tired.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I started making up bracelet kits the other day in preparation for my big Almost Spring Bead Oasis Show 2009 in March, here in Toronto. I think my bead count is way out of order so I'll have to go back, just to settle my worry, and do another bead count.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And I've made up some earrings kits, too. I'm almost finished with the card and instructions to go along with the supplies. I moved from giving all the findings for the kit to explaining how to make your own findings for this pair of earrings. It sure cuts down on the time and effort making these kits.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Because I am not good with 'time,' I know I'm running out but can't grasp the idea that I have no time left. Tomorrow I will be turning my dining room table into my booth just to determine the layout of the goods. That will also tell me how much of this is stocked and how much of that is needed. I'm sure that exercise will go a long way to calming my nerves. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Is it any wonder that I haven't even started February's bead challenge!!? But I'm good for it ~ I promise you that.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-39273325486416553272009-02-08T20:34:00.005-05:002009-02-08T20:54:58.554-05:00Thank you is in orderWell, not just 1 thank you. A whole bunch of them really. I've been off doing other things ~ 2 shows and shopping at a supersize grocery just in these 3 days. I know that sounds like your normal weekend but for me it's like scaling a mountain. Another mountain is my thank you list. Without further ado, and in no particular order, I give you my thanks, readers. I love my followers and I hope the feeling is mutual.<br /><br />I have got a big whack of new sites to visit - from Russia and Europe and they are to die for - that a wonderful person called Margaret put me onto. OH THE STUFF IS GORGEOUS.<br /><br />Thank you Margaret.<br /><br /><br />Now I have several new followers. Interesting people with different kinds of blogs. I think you can tell when a person is younger than I am just by looking at their blogs. For example Jackie's blog, Pink Diamond Workshop sings to you as you read. My sister Marg (not the same lady as above) can identify with Jackie ~ the only colour on their colour wheel is ...<br /><br />PINK. Wander over and visit with <a href="http://pinkdiamondworkshop.blogspot.com/">Jackie</a>.<br /><br /><br />I've got me a new group: we are still in the growing pains stage of development. Lotsa people <a href="http://www.jewelrygeeks.com/">over there </a>have given generously of their time. Thank you Marcy and Johnnie and Izzy and Donna and Debra and Jenny and ...... all the founding members of my Love Beads group at Jewelry Geeks. Thank you every one of you for your patience and your help.<br /><br />And that leads me to <a href="http://jonwen45.blogspot.com/">Jonwen45</a>: she writes so well!! I began reading one of her stories and got all nostalgic. A calm and creative individual, when she decides to stick with you she is just like velcro. And I am just as stuck on her.<br /><br />Thanks Johnnie.<br /><br />You'd think it was Thanksgiving around here wouldn't you! I learned from 1 blog (I wish I would write this stuff down) that January is 'love yourself' month. I discovered that in February.<br /><br />Well, thanks to all of you ~ and the people I haven't acknowledged. You keep me on my toes.<br /><br />And thanks for that, too.Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-70588291901530746042009-01-12T14:25:00.003-05:002009-01-12T14:53:38.799-05:00Notes to Self - New Year New Stuff<div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">My 2008 went out with a bang. I found a lot of stuff worthy of note: some is advertising me, and some is showing you some really pretty new stuff ~ not by me but I wish it were.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">1. <a href="http://www.jewelrygeeks.com/">Jewellery Geeks </a>: A place for jewellery makers of all sorts and using all kinds of media have banded together. I joined up and I am impressed with the kindness and generosity of its members. No matter how dumb you think your questions are, there are always people who can show you the ropes. I know this because I've asked some dumb questions.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;">~ self advertising: I've started a new group at Jewellery Geeks called <a href="http://www.jewelrygeeks.com/glass0beads/">Love Beads</a>. It is a private group but so far nobody has been turned away. That is, as long as you are first a jewellery geek yourself. Send me a message telling me of your desire to join our ranks.~~</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj176YVaOt9dHqPEXwO-jMjptiuE4qZ0WOVWmYbvdiqX2OnhWRBtNJvKEgAyz9shA9p0R_ZDH3bleZyTxfWCSY5DFjLiaF2Y8pM9s7RxI0S9-zW_0DCS40maJ2XvVKGwMSyeAmrBssnK-1l/s1600-h/Glitzy+Glass+Studios+at+JwlryGks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290495146471074402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj176YVaOt9dHqPEXwO-jMjptiuE4qZ0WOVWmYbvdiqX2OnhWRBtNJvKEgAyz9shA9p0R_ZDH3bleZyTxfWCSY5DFjLiaF2Y8pM9s7RxI0S9-zW_0DCS40maJ2XvVKGwMSyeAmrBssnK-1l/s200/Glitzy+Glass+Studios+at+JwlryGks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">2. You really need to see this woman's work. DeMarie Rossi is a glass maker of considerable talent. She lives in California and is a Jewellery Geek ~ Glitzy Glass Studios. Her website is <a href="http://www.needbeads.com/">http://www.needbeads.com</a><a href="http://www.needbeads.com/">/</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">This picture is of just one of her beads. Didn't I tell you she is gifted?! ====>></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">3. I am working on a new format for my Glass Beads newsletter. <span style="font-size:78%;">SORRY, more stuff about me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I am developing a magazine or ezine format which will give me a chance to showcase more artists.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">4. Sorry. I've been looking at that marvellous pendant of DeMarie's and daydreaming and trying to calm the urge to do something beady.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">5. I've been trying to Twitter about all kinds of stuff that I find. I'm now receiving tuition on social marketing from <a href="http://twitter.com/MrTweet">Mr. Tweet</a>. S/he is my personal assistant and is with me to guide me to greater popularity.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">By the way, #5 is about me, yes, but it also can help you a lot. Give <a href="http://twitter.com/MrTweet">Mr. Tweet </a>an opportunity to help you; you won't be sorry.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">6. <span style="font-size:78%;">Read the next post ~ it's about BJP and me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And that's all I can think of right now.</span></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-36945272326773214952009-01-06T13:58:00.003-05:002009-01-06T14:21:38.388-05:00Notes to Self - Social Marketing<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Social Marketing: I don't know a lot about it but I am on a sharp learning curve. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I know you have to put your e-shoppe in order. Add all kinds of things for sale. And I've just added lots of new stuff to my Glass0Beads <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> shoppe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">From there I know I have to blog about something unique or changed about the products in your shoppe. Like blogging about it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And you do have 2 really good but different blogs. Right? Different like this example: Bauble Babble has notes about design and some patterns, too, while Glass0Beads is about the ideas I came up with for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BJP</span> (Bead Journal Project) as well as bits and pieces. Like this entry. And the entries you are going to write about the new stuff at your e-shoppe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now I can go to my Twitter account. You don't have one? Get one at Twitter dot com. It's free and you can tell people about stuff you come across that you like. It doesn't matter what 'stuff' and it helps if you Tweet (who comes up with these names?) about other people's shoppes, not just your own. That is more important than you think: in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cyberland</span> the Golden Rule reigns. Make your tweets about others' more often than about yourself. There really is such a thing as Karma and Social Marketing is called 'Social' for no reason. Right? Of course, right.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now, when you do twitter about yourself you have 3 separate entries: 1 for each of your 2 blogs and 1 for your e-shoppe.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Are you also writing articles about your specialty? Great! Blog about your articles and add a link to them from your blog. Now get twittering.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Have you got friends on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">internet</span>? Keep an eye on what they are doing. Every once in a while, like weekly maybe, and send them a twitter. The more twitters they get, the more solid is their reputation on their site, and the more likely they will sell something. Of course, they are doing the same thing for you. Right? Right!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And now you are marketing socially. It's also called Viral Marketing. It's also called 'word of mouth,' in the old school lingo.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Did you know? If somebody has a good experience with you they will tell 1 person on average. BUT, if they have a bad experience, they will tell an average of 7 people. That's because humans can be mean. So, do as your mama told you: 'if you have nothing pleasant to say, don't say anything at all.'</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Just, twitter and blog and refer and ......</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I'll learn about Tweets and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CheapTweets</span> and linking and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">newslettering</span> and lots more, too. The only way to move when you don't know is up: you can't learn less than nothing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Well, that's my opinion. Remember your social graces and happy marketing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Helene ~ Glass0Beads</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-39943315240451819482008-12-30T17:28:00.005-05:002008-12-30T18:46:57.507-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglIPRRF9DSsoMBaG-4yJ8tBPShxGGGbkPxnnSKDGn2_prUImdgxy0b5Jxdr2r7RpgVOeuqm2ZuxO7CbQWHnofb397BHFmOVa-tiG6niPP7RTzk5guorEXQQ4x9IOq5YfuEr8Ea-K514L_/s1600-h/Dream+Glass+Lezlie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285732511945798786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 64px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglIPRRF9DSsoMBaG-4yJ8tBPShxGGGbkPxnnSKDGn2_prUImdgxy0b5Jxdr2r7RpgVOeuqm2ZuxO7CbQWHnofb397BHFmOVa-tiG6niPP7RTzk5guorEXQQ4x9IOq5YfuEr8Ea-K514L_/s200/Dream+Glass+Lezlie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="right"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Lezlie Winemaker, <a href="http://www.dreamglass.ca/index.html">Dream Glass</a>, Toronto.</span></p><div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Lezlie is the glass artist from whom I purchased that gorgeous heart lampwork bead you see in my header. I wish I could call it mine: alas, it is my bead only because I bought it. The rest of the necklace, all those seed beads and leaves and such, is mine. Well, really it isn't mine anymore: I gave it to my sister.</span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhUB4N-PDkMTRe3LEvqBb9JDbYeN6WzgByhtCJXaa3BUh08XbOWOvnL9iI2RJz6bS3_y8gR2s3z626pHJ-qfG_cQzedvbUOrk3g23LflbK8Wj9NURi78l91YxKoKz0C6TT_71p3c0asxT/s1600-h/Lezlie+Bead1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285720039739091090" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhUB4N-PDkMTRe3LEvqBb9JDbYeN6WzgByhtCJXaa3BUh08XbOWOvnL9iI2RJz6bS3_y8gR2s3z626pHJ-qfG_cQzedvbUOrk3g23LflbK8Wj9NURi78l91YxKoKz0C6TT_71p3c0asxT/s200/Lezlie+Bead1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Lezlie is a warm and enthusiastic artist who looks way too young to accomplish all she has.</span></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">She has degrees and diplomas from OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design), York University, Parsons School of Design (New York). Lezlie is now one of Canada's inspired creators of wearable art.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Now, you can see Lezlie and her marvellous glass at selected craft shows, galleries and boutiques in Canada, the States and the UK. Her work can be seen in popular magazines, art publications and newspapers. And! Lezlie has been a guest on CityLine and Global Television.</span></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dF4POtjbXwx7oLISxwKYGbABvljiJM8WVfo37On6QtpObRJ9AliIDITBuCkPmdulSnNOtXQcr5m4GrjCyPXCB71JdSBemr3G6DKvKZpTpVhUTZnngStVhzc64buiPfIcwrG_IOomr30f/s1600-h/Lezlie+Bead2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285720040409120882" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dF4POtjbXwx7oLISxwKYGbABvljiJM8WVfo37On6QtpObRJ9AliIDITBuCkPmdulSnNOtXQcr5m4GrjCyPXCB71JdSBemr3G6DKvKZpTpVhUTZnngStVhzc64buiPfIcwrG_IOomr30f/s200/Lezlie+Bead2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div><br /><em class="lightgray"><span style="color:#cc0000;">"Beads are spiritual, magical, and mystical, and somehow evoke a connection to our ancient ancestors. Glass comes from the earth and will withstand the test of time!" ~~ </span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Lezlie Winemaker</span></em></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Visit <a href="http://www.dreamglass.ca/index.html">her website </a>to see more of her beautiful work.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-6911816198474597242008-12-30T16:45:00.004-05:002008-12-30T17:14:25.011-05:00A New Year<span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Well, Christmas 2008 is over. And it's time to write up those new year resolutions. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I've chosen to focus on business rather than personal stuff like losing weight, exercising more, eating a balanced diet, and all those other resolutions that I break just as soon as somebody offers me something sweet.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I am an artisan jeweller; I make jewellery that doesn't rely on precious gems or precious metals. My artisan jewellery is unique and worn by self-assured women from the West Coast to Ontario, Canada.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to publish a really fine newsletter.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to Twitter, Flickr and Blog and all the CheapTweets and all those tools.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to acknowledge the work others' do on my behalf.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to develop a signature piece ~ haven't got that just yet, but I'm working on it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to write more.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I want to balance my accounts and pay down my personal debt.<br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I have joined a group whose focus is wirework ~ I'm going to learn how to do much more in the comfort of my own easy chair.</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">And then, <span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I can organize my workroom ~ that's the room I lovingly call my PigPen ~ </span>when I need to burn off some energy.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I can better my efforts to be 'green.' My condo board is researching and putting in place some things that will help all of us be ecologically friendly.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">I can take canvas bags everywhere so I don't rely on plastic bags to carry my purchases.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">My BIGGEST goal? In March 2009, I will be a vendor at Toronto's 'Almost Spring' Bead Oasis Show. I am very excited about it: 3 days in the vendor marketplace, schmoozing with my friends and making new ones. It will be exhausting and I've a long way to go yet to reach the stock level I need for the show. It's worth doing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Well, that's it for me. For now.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">May all of my readers have a very happy, safe, and prosperous 2009.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Helene ~ Glass0Beads ~ </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">~ it's a #0, not the letter O~</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-64177847781120946102008-12-30T16:24:00.003-05:002008-12-30T16:45:41.158-05:00Notes to Self ~ The End<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well, it was a lose-lose outcome. I resigned from the board and it cost me my membership to the group. It cost the group another chance for cross promotion.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">The group utilizes social marketing, a form of viral marketing, to advertise their personal shoppe and the membership shoppe. This method of marketing can be used whether you are a member or not. Using it is lots of fun and you never feel like you are alone in a desert. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">What I hope I haven't lost is the friendships I was making during my very brief membership in the group. These are wonderful men and women; gifted artisans all. It would be an even bigger loss if they shun me, too.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">My time here is so limited that I have neither the time, nor the energy to waste being bitter. In the end, I wish the group and its group shop much success in 2009. And, for everyone of the membership: good luck, good business.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">And goodbye for now.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Thanks for the friendship and the help shown me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Helene ~ Glass0Beads ~</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-42083962082640068782008-12-27T13:11:00.003-05:002008-12-27T13:45:35.599-05:00Notes to Self - Christmas Cheer<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I really don't have anything to complain of: I have a lovely home and food to eat that I like. I have a wonderful family. I have lots of chums on the internet. I have people looking out for my best interests.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">This year, though, Christmas just didn't seem right. I can't put my finger on the reason. We brought up our tree and ornaments. We got out our performing Christmas toys. But we didn't decorate the tree with all our really wonderful decorations.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">We needed a tin foil pan to cook our turkey and a couple of other things, too. So we headed off to the grocery. There we discovered all those tin foil pans had been taken by all those other cookers ahead of me. While my sister and I stood in the middle of the aisle discussing options, a gentleman overheard us and suggested we go to a dollar store and told us where there was one close by. <span style="font-size:78%;">[ed. note: that's where we did get our tin foil pan.]</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Several rows later, that same gentleman offered to lend us a pan of his. Now, this man was no relation to either of us. We were total strangers to him. And yet, he offered something of his.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Helping one another. Sharing with one another. Gifting of yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I wish I knew his name. I'd like to send him a thank you note.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">We joined the rest of our family in Woodstock for our Christmas celebration. I did the turkey, our hostess provided her beloved cole slaw salad and the hot veggies, one cousin made the stuffing and the dessert, and Anne provided the rolls. We dined like kings and there was a lot of food left over. That's why I cooked such a big bird: I love leftovers and I wanted everybody to have enough to take back to their homes. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">While the finishing touches were being made, there was a kind of ballet in the kitchen. That room is built for one: Everything is less than an arm's length from each other. Yet, Gwynith and I, standing back to back, moved so smoothly it seemed choreographed. When I moved left she moved to her left and when I needed something on the right she moved to her right, too. Our movements were fluid. No, Really!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">We opened our gifts following dinner. Our gifts were generous and what we received were gifts of generousity as well. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now here's the really big news. I love to drive! But I rarely drive any more becuase I become tired so easily. I offered to drive to Woodstock and Marg was to drive home. We didn't leave until almost 10PM and ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Wait for it!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><div align="right"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">..............I drove both ways!! Ta DA!!</span></span></div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Boxing Day I slept through. I was so glad I wasn't cooking dinner! Marg suggested a 'fend for yourself' meal and that fitted me perfectly. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Today, I still feel a bit too tired to be of any help to anybody. Marg went off for a mall crawl : she feels a need for a wee bit of retail therapy. And I am sitting here, chatting with you, dear reader.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I tried to take some pictures but my battery died ~~ AGAIN! I think some of my Christmas money may be put toward a new camera battery.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;">And I haven't done my December BJP08 entry. I haven't got a clue what to do. Do you? I certainly can use your help.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;">Well, that's what I think.</span></span></span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-46459797745932796552008-12-19T12:03:00.003-05:002008-12-19T12:30:18.296-05:00Notes to Self - Energizer Bunny<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">State of Mind: BUSY BUSY BUSY</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I have been up way beyond my bedtime these last 2 nights and last night I slept like a log. So the usual debilitating exhaustion is at bay - more or less. I might need a nap this afternon.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I belong to a really great 'team' - it's called the eSMArts Guild Team at Etsy - and it's mandated to cross-promote one another's sites to assist in better positioning our sites for online googling. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Two nights ago we worked on re-starting the Guild's management so the needs of the Guild didn't fall on just one person's shoulders. You can understand that such a group requires the assistance of many to really get the job of driving traffic done. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now, last night!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Last night was the Guild's chat night: it's a standard occurence ~~ every Thursday evening at 9PM EST. It's a place to ask questions of other members, to chat about supplies and where to get them for the lowest cost. It's a place to support one another during bad times. Last night we had doctors' appointments and important tests like MRI's. My MRI is scheduled for mid March 09: it's not my first and certainly won't be my last. And it's a place to joke around, too. Last night was my first chat and things moved VERY fast. But I got some interesting tips to follow up on.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And I learned some amazing things in the chat. I learned how to put up pictures of things from Etsy. And that was a lot of fun for me. I started going through others' sites and picking things I thought were pretty or useful or ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And I put them up as the chat progressed. I learned how to do it when a picture of one of my necklaces appeared out of nowhere. All you have to do is ask how something is done and you've got all kinds of people ready to explain it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I had to beg off because, as I said earlier, it was way past my bedtime. But I was there and I learned new things.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now this morning, in the cruel light of day, I feel energized. I want to do something. Something important to promote my work. I am no longer toiling in the dark. I have a whole network dedicated to helping me. And not just me. All eSMArts Guild team members can benefit and be of benefit, too.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">So, today I will be emailing a bunch of people to let them know what they missed. And to encourage them to participate.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Oh yeah, by the way, I've been made Editor in Chief: I'm responsible for getting out a newsletter ~ right now it's monthly ~ and editing a beginners' handbook, and treatises on how the whole thing is done. And I am that excited to do it, too.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Watch out world, the eSMArts Guild is on the move!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Well, that's what I think.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Beads in the Head Helene ~~ Glass0Beads (#0, not letter O)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">PS eSMArts = Etsy Social Marketing Artisans</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-15794268586728539172008-12-17T09:18:00.007-05:002008-12-17T10:23:35.273-05:00A Great Christmas Season<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3SpPTiHcDDwFPwahmrRWNe-sPZJ_5zL-sQ8R3FYHxCmVelRTz11CjnK2JSlW_Y0DOBjpUZOdDPtyvvkR0O6pLMsOlJNGvPw8ECeZ39cJeQfdAQwLJ-k3d2QeV9h3VTud6KuAJ4HcCon1/s1600-h/Jamie+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280777989165793570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3SpPTiHcDDwFPwahmrRWNe-sPZJ_5zL-sQ8R3FYHxCmVelRTz11CjnK2JSlW_Y0DOBjpUZOdDPtyvvkR0O6pLMsOlJNGvPw8ECeZ39cJeQfdAQwLJ-k3d2QeV9h3VTud6KuAJ4HcCon1/s200/Jamie+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">My Christmas came early. And it has lasted several days with no end in sight. Santa has been very good to me this year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://creationsbyjae.etsy.com/">http://creationsbyjae.etsy.com</a></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I have been on my first conference instant messaging. With <a href="http://creationsbyjae.etsy.com/">enlightened beings</a>. And they aren't from the outer galaxy.</span> </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And, because of their generosity, I have some new tricks in my bag that will help my sales record improve.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now, isn't that a marvellous Christmas!?! Well, I think so.</span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://coastalartist.etsy.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280777499477477266" style="WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IMzPq6lH5sBHRx5nTFL3fWnVdSLGkyjFv39XF-ROlsp3V1MVogXqEIuPq5SvQ2ydR_lIazAcKnYWsdZ7SSSfGPnsFOK2N3pKIk_v8w6esIDFpLBNLEVCecDdifxpnuE8JhDRHnpmaw1z/s200/coastal+artist+painting.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://coastalartist.etsy.com/">http://coastalartist.etsy.com</a></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I am all <a href="http://www.twitter.com/glass0beads">a-Twitter </a>now. You can find me there. I didn't understand how Twitter could help me but yesterday I learned so everyday I will be on Twitter telling the world about the boys and girls I've met online and their businesses. You have to admit that is a special gift for me to receive.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH6nUY-9j9bXJCvK6VY3Nf0Ti-uthA8vfyOxdFsbwoGzokMp6u1E0mf_olfl3W_y-5dLAadeoJPxjHYn1xhyY_Mmq_U_45GfA_wyyx44HquIX_ell2J0YhmMOZ0lkZNR88dwmyr53AP61/s1600-h/Gahoole+Tree+Supplies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280778587896028210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH6nUY-9j9bXJCvK6VY3Nf0Ti-uthA8vfyOxdFsbwoGzokMp6u1E0mf_olfl3W_y-5dLAadeoJPxjHYn1xhyY_Mmq_U_45GfA_wyyx44HquIX_ell2J0YhmMOZ0lkZNR88dwmyr53AP61/s200/Gahoole+Tree+Supplies.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></p><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5342244&order=&section_id=&page=1">Another gift</a>. I wasn't able to add a 'mini Etsy' to Glass0Beads.Blogspot but I understand how it is done now so it should be a matter of hours until that is added. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="right"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://gahooletreesupplies.etsy.com/">http://gahooletreesupplies.etsy.com</a></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And I have another interviewee for my newsletter, too. Sign up yourself for my Glass Beads Newsletter by adding a comment to this entry. It's a monthly email and I keep it short so you won't spend a lot of your valuable time. In it you will find interviews of other crafts artisans, heads up about the colours and fashion for next season. As you will learn when you sign up for it, you'll be getting quality, not quantity.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I've also got some interesting developments that are still developing that promise to make my business life a whole lot better.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now, I've got my Christmas presents early and they are wonderful. I hope your Christmas holiday brings you treasures as great as the ones I have received. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Merry Merry and Happy Happy Seasons Greetings to all and sundry. And that includes the pets in our lives, too.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Well, that's what I think.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://glass0beads.etsy.com/">Helene ~ Glass0Beads </a>(it's #0, not letter O)</span></div></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-87588095387871174862008-12-15T20:59:00.004-05:002008-12-15T22:38:43.428-05:00Notes to Self - Footloose and Fancy Free<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Today I awoke refreshed. It's worth noting because I go for long periods with lack of sleep and I am a mess when that happens.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I'm particularly pleased with myself because I got through all, and I mean ALL, of my emails. I have visited some sites.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.divinecaroline.com/"><strong>Divine Caroline dot com</strong> </a>- an article writing platform - free to register</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.payloadz.com/"><strong>Payloadz dot com</strong> </a>- automated service which will download your written materials, like PDF instructions and booklets, to people registering for it. They distribute your wares. They collect the money. They deposit the funds to your bank account. They leave you free to write some more neat things for Payloadz dot com to advertise.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.vittoriabanks.com/"><strong>Vittoria Banks dot com</strong> </a>- She has some really lovely bits for sale here and at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/VittoriaBanks">Etsy.com/VittoriaBanks</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5058882">Creations by JAE dot Etsy dot com </a>- This lady makes some fine jewellery and is so supportive of the hand work of other crafts artists. She is ever willing to assist where she can at the eSMArts Guild and at <a href="http://emsarts.etsy.com/">their store</a>. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I signed up for StumbleUpon and glanced at Reddit. Somehow, and really I should explore this, I had a good feeling about <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon </a>that just wasn't there at <a href="http://www.reddit.com/">Reddit</a>. I guess that's why I signed up for one ~ FREE ~ and not the other.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter </a>seems to be popular but I haven't figured out how to use it. But I did a lot today and I'm willing to leave the Twitter lesson for later.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Then I made a mistake: I read several of <a href="http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/">Rena Klingenberg's </a>newsletters ~ I had been stacking them to read on a rainy day. Well, today wasn't rainy but I did see a couple of fluffy snowflakes. Rena always has interesting stuff on her sites and she allows other jewellers to tell their stories and share their discoveries. Rena is really a must on your research list. There were stories from a bunch of my forum buddies at the eSMArts Guild and I added my small bit to some of the articles.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now, am I 'on' or not!! It dawned on me that my adding my comments to somebody else's article is getting me 'out there' and helping to build my reputation as a knowledgeable crafts artist. And getting a good reputation is part of the social networking battle, isn't it? Well? Don't you think that was a profound insight?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;">I was also reminded that I am not the only one in the world with difficulties to face every day. Thank God I'm not the only one!! It's nice to know you are in good company!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">The only thing I made today is dinner. I got my banking done. I cleaned out one of my inboxes ~ the biggest one. I was footloose and fancy free and allowed my rambling to take me whither it willed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">It's been a big day. A full day. I've been here for more than 12 hours. I think I've done enough for one day. Don't you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Good night sweet reader. May the Dream Faery send you comforting dreams. And may you waken refreshed. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Well, that's what I am hoping for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Helene ~ <a href="http://glass0beads.etsy.com/">Glass0Beads.etsy.com</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-76583820908982904662008-12-12T11:39:00.003-05:002008-12-12T12:18:54.784-05:00Notes to Self - A Slap in the Face<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">I was minding my own business this week; doing nothing to annoy the Great Blogspot Gods. As a matter of fact, I was no where near my computer, not online at all for 2 days.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh! but what a tangled mess I discovered when I did get back yesterday.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I had been spammed. Like a slap in the face, I didn't do anything to deserve it!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I didn't like it very much. And it took over 2 hours to clean up this blog: deleting all those spammy comments. And using up the little strength I had.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Yes, I reported the spammer from China.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I hope none of you have met with a similar fate.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">That's what I think. ~ Helene</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">PS ~ I celebrated my 57th birthday this week. I celebrated in bed with the flu. I hope this isn't indicative of the next 12 months. ~H</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-1919300332545502422008-12-05T16:55:00.002-05:002008-12-27T13:10:28.476-05:00Month - November<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfvBYzIbPmdrUu3pK7RPDU-zQzKWDZqZPuDlVK09YwHK-QEZaIDbgoXBa_qHCWDIAxyx0RtjNRmjGsqEn6zS5pU1K1AHDnUt9cifpoS30QWx8f49BmwCk-sh1ZDtkh1hNd9CxFHgHobJr/s1600-h/Fancy+Blueglass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284513450288177762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfvBYzIbPmdrUu3pK7RPDU-zQzKWDZqZPuDlVK09YwHK-QEZaIDbgoXBa_qHCWDIAxyx0RtjNRmjGsqEn6zS5pU1K1AHDnUt9cifpoS30QWx8f49BmwCk-sh1ZDtkh1hNd9CxFHgHobJr/s200/Fancy+Blueglass.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSc6eRdGNpDW29JEX5Lva28TGEeuqlahT6BpTUinN8q2b5swgZzeNIxFItnoV6BLG7_zi3ccSaUkXknfVJCZRTLs1GAAb4FgPOLgRl-f9uf0gGy1qtCVyz40iaeZU1aMNaRZ_mrM_yUEO/s1600-h/Blueglass+Ring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284513283160505570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSc6eRdGNpDW29JEX5Lva28TGEeuqlahT6BpTUinN8q2b5swgZzeNIxFItnoV6BLG7_zi3ccSaUkXknfVJCZRTLs1GAAb4FgPOLgRl-f9uf0gGy1qtCVyz40iaeZU1aMNaRZ_mrM_yUEO/s200/Blueglass+Ring.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_ZSXoeNMDWozYfeuyHD6wf5amDJUnp_-pk0jOdErZAlzdFFWgIcU6kJljrhB7tgPAtjYxRLrMkwrEa2rfRD-kUFpNJb6CrkQ02staEuNDQcQNGYTfV8Qd5xWQjvJhjeJc8m41_kjGf4-/s1600-h/DSC00512.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284513560292970914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_ZSXoeNMDWozYfeuyHD6wf5amDJUnp_-pk0jOdErZAlzdFFWgIcU6kJljrhB7tgPAtjYxRLrMkwrEa2rfRD-kUFpNJb6CrkQ02staEuNDQcQNGYTfV8Qd5xWQjvJhjeJc8m41_kjGf4-/s200/DSC00512.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Well, I was busy minding my own business when I got spammed: it took a good 2 hours to clear up the mess and in my zeal to have the ugly spam gone, I managed to wipe out my November posting. It's a case, I think, of 'the quicker I go, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">behinder</span> I get.'</span><br /><br /><div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">So: my November project is rings. This month's project is small so I made several rings to make up for it. And, yes, there is a pair of earrings. That's the only thing that was left of my November blog entry: the picture of the pair of earrings.</span></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><div style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>Start </strong>with a ring mandrel, or a dowel, larger in circumference by one size than the size you want. Wrap the wire, 18 - 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ga</span>, a couple of times around the mandrel and give the wire ends a twist or two around each other. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>Run</strong> the 2 wire ends through the hole in the bead: take each tail end by itself and bring it down around the bead and under the mandrel ring. That's the shoulder of the ring you've just made.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>Finish</strong> the tail end with squiggles or curlicues: bring it up the side of the bead and make a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">corkscrew</span> or some other finishing touch. Do the same with the other loose tail end.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>That</strong> last step isn't very helpful, is it! It is the fun part of making rings. That last step is the one where you get to experiment. As long as the bead is secured to the mandrel ring the rest is for sheer enjoyment. Play, be fanciful, add twists and turns.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>The</strong> finishing of these rings is important. Somebody will be wearing your finger confection. Make sure all the wire ends are tucked in and filed down so nothing sharp will harm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">m'lady's</span> fingers.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>There are 2 secrets.</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>Secret #1 ~</strong> If your bead seems not tight enough, twist the wires with your chain nose pliers.</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"> Either on the shoulder of the ring or on the bead itself add this twist. Take a look at the frosted glass ring and earrings: this twisting of the wire with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">needle nose</span> pliers can be seen the best.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><strong>Secret #2 ~</strong> If you have chosen to wrap your wire ends around the ring, as you can see in all my ring pictures, keep the wrapping loops close together. Cut the excess wire and file it down. Finish it off with a pair of pliers that do not have any ridges or teeth on their interior surfaces. If you choose to use such pliers, you run the risk of damaging the wire. So, with the smooth pliers give the wraps a gentle squeeze. It flattens the wraps and tightens the setting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">The ring and accompanying pair of earrings below are made with frosted glass segments. They are not properly beads but I found them very pretty and I wanted to learn how to use a blob of glass, any shape or size, as a focal point. It also gave me practise wrapping and tightening the wire.</span></div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">That last ring, bottom right, uses a handmade bead in silver and a black wire for the ring and shoulders. Making beads? Well, maybe next month. It isn't making glass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lampwork</span> beads, but it is making beads.</span><br /></div></div><div><p style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="right"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDN_MUl7xmKRVUfSOxRD4IIT6XdV2xLq7xG0pjJCiAizCrOwUEmME9Dw25FD6XvFzC56NJFkWyvzmHc7fkikO1BmHvKxqrhEca7AjrDJEAdtlqHdlHzJOtwwu6vb0_qXOLwz77I_aSfyV/s160/Frosted+Glass+Earrings+1.jpg" border="0" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRStjmYr0vqZAuajEpMWDCP5mwJVu-Q-KN4-4gSxksPzeECGKX_gTLSYtawuvuR0EoUe7rFMuDFzE0PKu68hF_kyEPZ8ZEbGdg-B_nE_vvgaOu9tKkoUcOt7geBC2x3OjAYFajNin_0MT8/s1600-h/Black+n+Silver+Ring2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284526034641819986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRStjmYr0vqZAuajEpMWDCP5mwJVu-Q-KN4-4gSxksPzeECGKX_gTLSYtawuvuR0EoUe7rFMuDFzE0PKu68hF_kyEPZ8ZEbGdg-B_nE_vvgaOu9tKkoUcOt7geBC2x3OjAYFajNin_0MT8/s200/Black+n+Silver+Ring2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284525722129550706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8Kymv_JWGXLS-TPMdz1QQ57Jg3YVqXeroJsjpErxKHa2KMf01E8A7PU6drH16msmGkBECdaWdkY-nhezeJIS1GNzYfXNEk5UNLFPKJjQOErulaeyZgOaDkC7634AL3LUgNVAAfvNYRJy/s200/Frosted+Glass+Ring+2.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"> Just one last note. These rings sit very high on a finger. Don't try to put on a pair of gloves over these rings <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">because</span> you may cause damage to the finger of the glove. Mittens are just fine. If you are off to a cocktail party and you will be wearing kid gloves throughout the evening, put the ring on your finger AFTER you put on the gloves. People will be able to see your bit of finger confection and admire your handwork (pun intended).</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"> There! I've updated the November entry that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">accidentally</span> deleted ~ except for the earrings photo. I can't explain it and I don't intend to find out how I did it. It's repaired.</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Next? Christmas and my birthday.</span></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-2589668519986257022008-11-27T11:48:00.006-05:002008-11-27T12:27:19.902-05:00Christmas is Coming!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2MpY2lHDgBLQY8_hvRJD4N5b2pBhHFVct-ytZzInvJnjQPNzFyUJh9FL7jV42vQwaIN2VGy3x12br8f91_JhOqWLqGwvJiNloG-dqOG_1aUxBRoq_hVq0hJsCtb-Al9k8Ib7HQUuRJlq/s1600-h/Vera's+Donut.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273387309193050866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2MpY2lHDgBLQY8_hvRJD4N5b2pBhHFVct-ytZzInvJnjQPNzFyUJh9FL7jV42vQwaIN2VGy3x12br8f91_JhOqWLqGwvJiNloG-dqOG_1aUxBRoq_hVq0hJsCtb-Al9k8Ib7HQUuRJlq/s200/Vera's+Donut.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">It's true!! Christmas is Coming! FAST !!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">If you are anything like me, I hate to shop for Christmas gifts at this time of year. The weather is turning foul. Everybody forgets courtesy in the parking lots. Which are full to overflowing and some people have done some creative parking: putting their vehicles where there is no spot. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And in the malls and shops! It's just as bad. The temperature in the malls goes up as the numbers of people milling about increases. And we have our bulky parkas and car coats. And there are screaming children: that noise goes right through me and lands on my last nerve.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Again, if you are anything like me, you don't have the money to buy that special piece of jewellery or throw away on children's toys.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I have a solution. <a href="http://www.esmarts.etsy.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273382767149445874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsvyYuLF4JBuRzpg8iLv8XNNONZ_96fumylcJHUrIjpTOGV75dvOenqLKOFD7_aZ1H7R7UScjvqOkRHlnBVodgMN3kJeGqYO2zH72rkLwoyhS1etz8lF4G0N2mjzGtVccqD88z3HOl7E9/s200/Springs+n+Hearts+Memory.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Shop in the comfort of your own home. That cuts out the road rage, the hunting for non-existent parking spots, the pushing and shoving of the masses. It saves that last nerve from being frazzled.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">I have some suggestions for people on your gift list.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Glass Bead Artisan Jewellery for the significant other in your life. And there is a new shop in town: the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6379851">eSMArts Guild Gift Shoppe </a>at Etsy.com. Etsy offers more than artisan jewellery to tickle your fancy. There are children's clothes, quilts, all kinds of things. And it is dedicated to all things made by hand. By artists who are dedicated to their craft.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBF5jRLFMD2QH4Gsq_AaCcXk24nRHO_HL9-YeYcXwhzw_kGcQBpd9-Id0cJTK-9AXuemqj15ALDdWu25BUxDbh1J-q6We8jAyqQ03SRmDD27Xs2cOr8HT2rBUjpFhmVz8lxzzXUzJ1cqv/s1600-h/Ladder+Garden+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273387307443798754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBF5jRLFMD2QH4Gsq_AaCcXk24nRHO_HL9-YeYcXwhzw_kGcQBpd9-Id0cJTK-9AXuemqj15ALDdWu25BUxDbh1J-q6We8jAyqQ03SRmDD27Xs2cOr8HT2rBUjpFhmVz8lxzzXUzJ1cqv/s200/Ladder+Garden+3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Doing your shopping at the eSmarts Team Shop has another benefit: each item is donated to the shoppe by the artisans of <strong><em>E</em></strong>tsy <strong><em>S</em></strong>ocial <strong><em>M</em></strong>arketing <em><strong>ART</strong></em>isans Team and the proceeds of all sales are donated to a worthy cause. So you will be doing a good deed by shopping there. And that is a gift to your soul.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Go ahead. Treat yourself. You can shop at 3AM if you want. You can have your purchases mailed to your auntie or your granny if that is what you want. Just ask for details: everybody at the eSMArts Guild are awfully friendly and are quite approachable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And they make some really beautiful items.</span></div></div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4361133179128345779.post-41760572278157016262008-11-16T16:26:00.002-05:002008-11-16T16:33:06.140-05:00Rena and Me<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Well, it has been a very good week for this wee beader. First I got my booth at the Almost Spring March 2009 Toronto Bead Oasis Show.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Now I have been added to <a href="http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/a-jewelry-story-lose-weight-save-money-and-travel-to-spain.html">Rena Klingenberg's Jewelry Success Tips Newsletter</a>. Yes I have.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">Rena has a home based business and cares for her highly allergic child. What fills the rest of her time? She publishes this newsletter and runs several other related sites, too. If you are researching something beady then use her as one of your resources.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;">And read my article. It's about my September Spanish Bracelet.</span>Glass0Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08503652633608745004noreply@blogger.com1