UPDATE: All the Raku beads have sold, thanks ya'll!! I'll have more beads after class this weekend...
I've put up a page of Raku Squeeze (and round) beads and bracelets..its called "Reluctant Raku" because my plan was to keep these for myself, but man its always hard to do that when I know ya'll would enjoy them as much as me...I've priced them a little higher - the larger crystals are costlier and I figure you are going to have to *really* want these guys...but this frit kicks ass, so how can you not?
Its still 90 today, but by Saturday its going to be in the 70's and we are all psyched around here...yeehaw! thanks my buddies from the North, for sharing your invigorating cool air with us poor souls down here in the crust of the earth...Speaking of which, last night I was majorly geeking out on Nova - their new series called "Origins" talks all about what stars are made of, how our universe came into being, why there might or might not be life on other planets and all things cosmos...I was up till 3:00am making beads and learning that stars are comprised of all the elements on the 'elemental chart'...I used to study that in high school and college and it was never mentioned that stars contain all those elements. I was fascinated..a star is comprised mostly of Hydrogen and Helium, and as it lives and dies, the elements start to form until it gets so heavy, so compressed, that there are no more molecules to share and it explodes...wow...
{coming up for air} I DO have beads today, although they are mostly Raku frit beads...a few rounds, a few matching squeeze bracelets. I'll offer them, but will not be hurt if you decide they aren't your 'thang'...I also have a set that I can show off - its already been spoken for (an order from way back) but you might enjoy just looking at it, i dunno...either way, i'm gonna post it anyway, so just shield your eyes if its too painful for ya...heh...
I've put a new page up, with the link in the left column...I'll update the page as new links arrive...thanks for all your help, I've ordered 160.00 worth of crystals so I can keep offering them in the sets I list...I do love sparkly things so...
Question/Plea for help: I need a good online supplier of Swarovski crystals...if you have a favorite you don't mind whispering to me, please lemme know...
I'd like to post your sources on my site, if that's ok with you...if not, let me know in the email...oh, most of ya'll are giving me the same suppliers - so nothing is really 'secret' if that makes you feel better :) (I'm not complaining, obviously these are good suppliers if everyone is using them!!)
Everything is spoken for, but I'll have more Halloween related goodies before you know it...I hope you don't get sick of them...where are the candy corn? where are the ghosts? where are the pumpkins and bats? oh there's more to come...
Here is a pic of the "Witches Brew" sets...the colors are Deep orange, dark purple, black and LIME green, not yellow...Please get attached to whatever set(s)
you want now because I'm not able to take orders for these...I might do re-dos next week, but with class this weekend I don't feel right taking on any more bead orders until I complete Crunchy Leaves stuff...
The sets are similar and each one will come with a different Witch hat...plus I have 1 hat left over for sale if you want only the hat...(it has a green snake on it)
See ya about 11:30am CST...I hope... :)
I just finished shooting the pics, so I still need to build the page and code...blah blah...its 10:37 now, so figure about 11:30am CST..i'll update here if I'm running late...(thanks for asking, Lisa!)
I have a couple Halloween Lentil sets for ya in a little bit...still need to be cleaned, processed - i just got up...up till 2:00am...tired...zzzz..what? oh...
I mean seriously - its the 28th already? I'm tellin' ya, it's gonna be Dec 24 before you know it...and none of us are going to be ready, are we? lets just face up to that fact right now - I'm usually ready to go Christmas shopping around Jan 15...I dunno why...and each year I hope I'll do better....and yet...well, I don't have much of an excuse - I can give beads or jewelry for the holidays and yet - do I? I end up selling most everything I have instead...which is what I'd prefer to do anyway...
I used the dark green bead from the Oaks earring set as inspiration and made an entire set of beads using the same shiny purple stringer...and thus, "Vermont" was born...This set looks GREAT together - something about it seems very fancy and sophisticated...they beads sparkle and glow...
Will get the pic of the eBay set up once I figure out a name and do the write up on it...the naming part is the hardest for me, always...argh...
I've got one little strand ready, will get the pic loaded shortly...I'm working on orders today, but as I work on them, I'm also trying to get at least 1 set for you each day, so you aren't completely 'dry' for beads...I also made a new set for eBay, which I haven't done in ages...it'll all be ready in a bit, come back when you get a chance...
Whew! I just spent 3 hours shipping all the completed orders, and other various beads from eBay and Pickings that I had here ready to go...haven't eaten anything yet today - and its after 3:00pm...most all the beads in the picture are now gone, and I'm hunkering down ready to make the next wave...the responses I've received from the Leaf Pile email I sent out have been great so far..most of ya'll 'get' what I'm trying to do and I appreciate you letting me play -I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with your sets of beads, never fear...
Working on the Crunchy Leaves orders - I'm happy to say that all the earring orders and Pastel orders are now complete - time to move onto the Ice Cube and Leaf Pile sets...(which are quite a few)...Speaking of which, if you ordered/requested a Leaf Pile, I will be sending you an email regarding my plans for the beads and how I propose to complete those sets...so expect an email sometime today....
I've also made a neat raku frit bracelet with the purple and greens as the base beads that I really like...that raku frit is like magic - the various colors that come out on it is amazing...
Amelie is doing well, having had 6 teeth pulled and her abscess lanced...she's up and running around like nothing happened..I have to give her a squirt of kitty mouthwash 2x a day, and some pain pills today, and some antibiotics, but she's just cruising along like no big deal...she's put on one pound in 4 weeks - 20% of her weight...I call her a Six Million Dollar kitty, since she cost us so much money...'free' kitties are anything but...
The kiln is hot, my Lynx is acting really badly, I think it needs to go in the shop for an overhaul...but I have plenty of classroom torches to choose from, so just like Santa's workshop - my studio never sleeps...
I wasn't sure if I'd have anything to offer today, or if any of the beads I made last night would work together, but I'm happy to say that 'yes' indeed I do have two sets for you...Majorly fall colors, the Apple Cider set is kind of a 'reverse' set - the light and dark colors switch in each bead...And the Pumpkin Pie set just needed a little gold to sparkle it up, so I added it...the beads are a nice orange ocher color, a bit lighter than the pic shows...NOTE: I'm not remaking these sets, they are 'as-is' cause the Crunchy Leaves sets have taken over for the moment...
I'm working on projects today - still have a lot of the Crunchy Leaves beads to make, that will be what i work on today and the rest of the week...I have a Dustin Tabor class next weekend that I'm excited about...will be out of pocket Fri-Sun..so I hope to get the orders done and shipped this week...and maybe something for eBay too - who knows..
I'm watching football this morning and I'm happy...Love my football...Hope your Sunday is sunny and dry...back later..!
What's the difference between a 'class' and a 'private workshop'? In a class, you'll follow the agenda I have listed and learn everything I have planned...In a private workshop, YOU tell me what you want to learn and we spend however much time you want to working on those specific techniques...
So today, I'm teaching a fellow beadmaker stringer control, how to make fat hearts and how to make rings...Great techniques to learn, but not everyone is ready or interested in tackling them...I built the class agenda based on the survey I put up a few months ago (remember that?)...Hearts and rings - not so high on the list...stringer control and encasing - very high on the list...Stringer control is the most difficult, alhtough once you 'get' it, its like driving a stick - second nature and you don't even think about it...But it can be a deceiving little monster and I have stringer blowouts from time to time when nothing goes right...thats when the bead is hurled across the room and I hope I haven't burnt anything important...I'm still working on the Crunchy Leaves orders - and that will take me a few more days at least to finish...talk to ya'll later...enjoy your football filled Saturday!
Well, that sounds so dramatic, but it is kinda funny in a way...I'm doing a swap with BlueMoon Glassworks - beads for tools...Remember the Bead Press class I taught a few weeks ago? I'm making a set of example beads from each Zoozii and Corina bead press so the store can use them as 'demo's.
In return, I'm getting the new Cube press that Zoozii is producing...(for everyone who bought the Ice Cube Crunchy Leaves set the other day, i'm still doing those by hand, since I have no press to use, but they are fun so I don't mind)...So far I've got a few of the Lentils strands made and strung...they look pretty cool..My plan is to take comparison photos and post a page w/ all the various beads so ya'll can see what's available, and what size is what...It should make your decisions easier when I say 'this is a Mini Squeeze vs a Main Squeeze bead' so you'll know if you want that size or not..I get the benefit of seeing the beads first hand, but ya'll have to guess at the sizes and it can be a bit quizzical...maybe some reference will help...Am going to finish this project today and also work on the Crunchy Leaves orders...
On a good note, the ring that I ordered from NY three months ago (exactly) was delivered this morning via Fed Ex...however, I didn't receive the notification email until 9:25 this morning and I had already left the house to take Amelie BACK to the vet (having the absess cleaned, some faulty teeth removed and ears flushed for mites - nothing like a 'free' stray kitty costing $400.00 in vet bills, huh...), and I missed Fed Ex...so I have to wait until AFTER 6:00pm tonight to go pick the thing up...rock and roll, sista...at least its close enough for me to go get, and not still in NY...i'll show ya'll a pic once i get it on my hot little hand...woo!
and what else...well, the weather is fab, a cool front blew through..mid 80's this week...except its supposed to rain the next 3 days, but I don't expect much - the weathermen are wrong 90% of the time when they predict (or don't predict rain). It'll rain when there's a 20% chance, and it won't rain when there's an 80% chance for it...Oh, to have a job where I could be wrong so often...
If you're still waiting on your English Tweed beadsets, don't despair! I've been getting emails from folks who have only just received theirs, and others who are still waiting. Most all packages were sent INSURED meaning you MUST SIGN for the package...Some post offices are slow about getting those notices out and the packages recorded...So if you're waiting, hang in there, they'll show up. and if not, well at least we can process the claim and I can remake your beads if needbe...(or just give you back the $ if you prefer)...So no worries...its all good!
wow, I had a lot to say, didn't I? some days I do, others I don't...I didn't even tell you that I didn't take my car to the shop, did I? Moved that appt. to Monday so I could handle Amelie this morning and afternoon...
I'm doing a private class tomorrow of 'stringers, hearts, and rings' for a beadmaker from Houston who's coming up for the day...should be fun...I need to make some rings and hearts today to make sure I remember how...just kidding...i do need to brush up, tho, its been awhile...
Ya'll have a great weekend and I'll be back shortly..might even have something Sunday, who knows...I'll letcha know one way or another, tho...later kids!
Vet at 9:30, appt at 1:00, taking car into shop at 5:30...today is full of 'start-stop' kinda stuff...just when I get going, I have to stop and go run an errand...i dunno what, if anything I'll get done today, but I'll *try* to be productive...
at least tonight is the season premiere of CSI: Vegas...I watched CSI:NY last night - was that a big downer-depressor-boring episode? Is it just me? And I like the two stars, Gary Sinese is a great actor and how can you not like the chick w/ the curly hair...(sorry, I know she has a name, but I don't have 10 minutes to type it)...Its getting harder to watch CSI:Miami with Caruso taking over nearly every shot, and getting in the way. Its no longer about science, its about him gritting his teeth and being angry...(sigh)...So, I vote the original version is my favorite (forget the major crush I have on Grissom), its got the most science and the least 'I'm going to overact right here, everyone watch!' of all three shows...
Ok, off to the vet - Amelie has an absess on the base of her tail that broke open last night (gross) and its time to get it cleaned up...dunno what caused it, but she's acting just fine...she hates the crate and being in a car, so its all crying, all the time...what fun...
hmmm...well, the 'request' thing is about done- i'm loaded up on orders and requests at the moment...am not taking any more right now, but once they are done, we'll see...the Ice Cube set was the most popular request followed by the Leaf Pile...in case anyone is keeping score...thanks for your enthusiasm, I know I need to close the gates *now* or I'll never get any of these done...sorry if you missed this batch, but there will be more...I'm working on a surprise for ya'll that I was hoping I'd get to do on Sunday, but alas, no...but it'll happen eventually...i hope.. :)
Alrighty - I kept the Pickings open a little while (there are still sets for sale, btw) since ya'll were all buying the same thing...SO, I'll do what I did w/ English Tweed- I'll make more! I figured some sets would be more popular than others so I hated to keep ya'll from getting what you wanted, and remaking them is not difficult, so why disappoint you, right? I'd rather have you be happy than to feel like you can never get beads from me...call me a softy, lord knows I am...((I should say if you don't want a remake, just email and let me know...i'll happily issue a refund instead!))..
Yes, the Bead Fairy made her scheduled stop to my house last night...the beads and kiln are still warm, so she must have just left...but not so warm that I can't grab the loot and start cleaning them...that's where I am at the moment...and I'm running kinda zzzz this morning, so check back with me around 11:30am CST to see what's posted...I'll try to get a 'sampler' shot on my homepage before then, tho...rock on sistas...
I wanted to say 'thank you' to everyone who left nice messages on my Comments section yesterday - my questions were meant to beg for compliments, I was just noticing the huge number of beadmakers and wondered as buyers - is it good for you or do you even bother looking? Sounds like ya'll look a little, but its as overwhelming to you as it is to me...I also look at specific beadmaker's websites to see what they're doing, although again, not many of them...I also appreciate how ya'll help each other with questions - ya'll are so cool and nice...no wonder I have a good time posting and waiting to see what you write...I like hearing what's going on in your world..new cars, new puppies, new kids, new grandkids (!), and of course new BEADS...!
Have you ever opened a tootsie roll and pop it in your mouth and then wonder where it went? I just did that - I see the wrapper, but thought I had set the candy on the counter...I guess I ate it, but I don't remember...wow...
I made beads yesterday, oh yessiree...I did...but they won't be ready until tomorrow..that's right, tomorrow is the magic day...I've scheduled the BF to arrive tonight, i'm leaving chocolate donuts out on the table...she can smell those from 4 houses over...
Is it just me, or are there now eight gazillion beadmakers on eBay nowadays? Is everyone making beads now? I try not to troll eBay too often so I haven't been paying attention to what's going on...it kinda reminds me of when you're a freshman at high school and you know who everyone is in all the grades and by the time you're a senior, you only know the folks you're in classes with...I used to know all the beadmakers and now I'm an old fogey and can't keep up with them all...I think I just like being in my little space on the web and having ya'll come by to visit...its all good...
The weekend class was wonderful, very good students who caught on quickly and moved very fast. Each class I teach (and certainly the ones I am a student in) all have their own 'personality', and you never know what to exepct...I have discovered that I need to have even MORE techniques up my sleeve so that when 3:00 hits and we've blown through all the stuff that was scheduled for that day, I had better be ready with more magic...i've been cleaning the class beads this morning (getting ready to mail) and the students caught on and did great work...so I think it was a good class all around...
I have been very lax in my updating of the Designer Gallery - many of ya'll have submitted pictures of your pieces using my beads, and I need to get them updated. So, I've started with at least the first pic, from my friend Katie, who made this bracelet necklace set from some of my favorite fall beads. I had her send it to me cause I had to have it...So many of ya'll do fabulous pieces with my beads, that I want to buy them ALL...no kidding...so please keep sending at least the pictures to me and I promise I'll get that page updated...
I have the kiln on, and have plans for new stuff, so I hope to have some Pickings for you this week...will keep you informed, of course...back later...
I've been working on some pics, taking class beads off mandrels and eating breakfast..so no, I did not just get up...ha to you...Back with more in a minute...
I'll be busy making stringer and teaching folks how to apply it - hopefully...ya'll have a fun weekend, hope you stay dry and out of the way of Ivan...See ya'll Monday...!
FAQ! FAQ! I have put up a new FAQ, please read through it and give me feedback...what didn't I cover? submit questions anytime you want...this will be a 'living' FAQ meaning I'll be updating it as often as ya'll have questions...this only took me a million years to get done...(sigh)
10:37 Well, that was quick and painless - didn't have to deny anyone the set they wanted....
I have lots of errands and chores to do today...if I'm lucky I'll get beads made, but I just don't know...it depends on what gets done...and how nice for me- my cat kept me up howling last night (he's 15 and the older he gets, the more complaining he does, especially at 4:00am)...so I feel rather groggy...BUT, i'm getting ready to pull out R2D2 (our Wet/Dry vac that looks like the robot from Star Wars) and vacuum the studio...that should wake me up and make me sneeze all at once...wish me luck...back later...
10:30 Ooo...I'm on time today! Enjoy...
I have a whopping 2 sets for ya'll today..I was busy taking care of business (like shipping pendants and previous pickings - sometimes that takes a while) and when I finally got to make beads, I got these guys made, but then I could tell the wheels were starting to come off... the last 3 beads I *tried* to make all screwed up and I really did throw one of the mandrels across the room...ooo..frustration! my friends laugh when I tell them that I do that - they think I'm mild and friendly but when good glass goes bad, well, someone has to teach it a lesson...and mandrel tossing is one of my favorites...(I stepped on the remnants of the bead this morning and it felt good to crunch the glass...bad little bead...).
Oh - when will I post these? by 10:30 or 11:00am...come by at 10:30 and see if I'm ready...CST...
yes, I am the 'Donna' that is mentioned on Corina's site today..I tried *so hard* to win those Mary Englefall beads yesterday and she just won't sell me beads anymore...says I can make my own...well, I don't want to copy her beads, I want to buy them outright...I was soclose...chalk this up in the 'bad news' category... :(
First the good news: I completed all the pendant orders, so everything should ship today! and I've been hearing from ya'll that the English Tweed beads have been arriving, and the feedback has been fantastic! I'm so glad you're pleased with those beads, I sure love them too... More good news: The ISGB publishes a newsletter 4 times during the year, and they interviewed ME for their Fall issue yesterday...How about that! I am very honored that Andrea would consider doing a feature on me, but am really tickled about it. I still need to send some pics to complete the interview, but I'm still amazed at the whole thing...Wow...! More good news - I've had 6 folks tell me they are interested in a trip to Italy, so it looks like that trip may just happen...If you're interested, send me an email and I'll tell you what I know (which isn't a whole lot at the moment)...
And onto the 'bad' news - I did manage to make a set of beads last night, but I only made enough for 1 set, so I'm putting it up on eBay (which is bare at the moment)...you're welcome to bid on it, no one is stopping you of course (wink) but I just didn't want to see any fisticuffs come about if I offered it here...I'll have the auction ready later tonight...but enjoy the picture for now...More bad news - I'm teaching a class this weekend (not bad for me or the students) but I'll be busy cleaning up the place tomorrow and will be out of pocket all weekend...However on a bright note, I have the kiln running today and will try to get some Pickings ready for the morning before I 'sign off' for the weekend...so that's good, right? I thought I had more bad news, but now I can't think of it, so I guess that's a good thing...I'll update both the Good and Bad sections if I remember anything else...
So there you have it...beads tomorrow...just in time for payday...(i'm not as dumb as I look...hee)
Yes...well...sometimes I jump ahead of myself and have to back up two steps...The Italy trip is still on, but until the details and fine print are worked out (as in dates, class size, etc) I will refrain from making any further broadcasts about it...Once I'm given the green light, i'll have more info and can share it with you...but if you are thinking about a trip to Italy, just keep that in your mind...
So, lets talk about my 2 questions from yesterday - and keep the response coming in, I like hearing from you and appreciate your thoughts...
First, I've had overwhelming approval on the 'buy now' Paypal option over a randomly selected method...So, I will continue to use the buy now buttons and keep things the same...I also heard that you like when I announce the time (and update when I'm running late) so I will continue to do that...I know what its like to sit at a computer and hit 'refresh' for hours, so I try to keep your anxiety to a minimum so you can get on with your lives...
Second, I've had a variety of sets submitted, and will have to print them out and see if there is a trend..so far there are lots of various sets you'd like me to revisit, so I have free reign...not such a bad thing! and I didn't have any preconceived ideas about what you wanted, so I'm not disappointed or surprised - only better informed...
So, there you have it..good info all the way around...Comments or emails are welcome, some of ya'll are more shy than others and that's perfectly fine. I just like hearing from ya either way!
...by the way I'm getting fabulous feedback from ya'll, thanks ever so much..I'll share my info tomorrow, but feel free to email me these answers anytime...
I'm looking for a little feedback just cause I like to pulse ya'll occasionally...So I have 2 questions for you..Feel free to email me, you don't have to leave comments-
1. Regarding my Pickings - would you like me to offer these Randomly (like Corina does) or do you like the immediate chance to 'win' them when they are posted? Is that too stressful? (course not being randomly picked could be considered stressful too)...Please let me know what your thoughts are on how that goes..
2. Any 'nostalgic' beads that are in my gallery that you'd like me to offer as Pickings? Send me a list of you faves and I'll see what I can do..(Its not like I don't have plenty to do, but sometimes I get away from 'center' and maybe I need a nudge back)...
There are your topics - Operators are standing by to take your emails...
Alrighty, i've completed my coding and descriptions (those take forever!) and the Pickings can now commence...SO SORRY for the yellow tinge to the pictures, I can retake anything you want to see more clearly...I'm grateful for the rain, tho...
the page was not supposed to update, it is supposed to wait until I publish my blog...sorry that you're seeing the pic at the moment...i'm working on the sets, am not sure when they'll be ready, but hopefully in the next hour...
Well, right now I'm emailing some of ya'll because there were multiple sales on some of the pendants, so I'm offering remakes/refunds to you..If you get an email from me, please let me know which you'd prefer...and if you don't get an email from me, its safe to assume that you 'won' the pendant and it'll be on its way shortly...
And if you aren't aware, on most items I offer refunds/remakes (except the Budget beads - I don't remake those, so I always refund any duplicate purchases - they are 'as-is') and I never get bummed if you choose the refund over the remake so please don't hesitate to take the money and run...there might be something else you like down the road, and its your money, so you should be able to spend it however you like, right? right on!
I've drawn the Freebie name, and have the next set of beads picked, I just need to photograph/post them...Will do that today...
I woke up at 5:00am this morning, but I'm not a morning person, so I went back to sleep...am up late, but the kiln is ready and I'm ready, so it's gonna be a Golden Day...heh...isn't that a cereal commercial from the 70's? maybe 80's...good cereal, though...
I took a break yesterday afternoon and we hit the Pottery Barn outlet store in San Marcos (about 30 min away, where I went to college)...We have practically outfitted our entire house from goodies from that store, and yesterday we found a sofa cover we'd been eyeing for months..so now my sofa is 'lichen/stone' green...I like it...! We also hit Restoration Hardware looking for some wall lights and found 2 for our hallway...Brian was ready to spend a bunch more money, but I talked him down from the window ledge and we got home 'safely'...shopping is so seductive - spend money, get cool things...yep!
All the pendants are spoken for, but I've got more treats in store...and some new inspiration after visiting Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and some lighting stores today...yeehaw...no football for me, but it's been a good day all the same...
Ok, the doors are open...be sure to hit Refresh on the page so you can see what has sold...
Here's a pic of what's available...so you can wring your hands and decide what you might try to snap up...or go about your Sunday business getting ready to watch football! (I'm SO happy football season is back, I watched parts of 8 different games yesterday...heaven).
NOTE: Its looking more like noon 12:15pm my time when these will post, not 11:30...see ya then...! and my breakfast tacos are ordered and on their way...yum...
There's nothing like buying a new pillow and not getting any sleep on it...so sorry for my very delayed wake up call, but I'm up and moving now...and there are pendants in the kiln, hurray...I still need to clean/post (you know the drill) so figure it'll be around 11:30am before anything is posted..possibly 12:00pm depending on how everything goes...that's Central time...
what's for breakfast...i'm hungry...Igor - bring me those breakfast tacos...
I'm in the lab, cooking up goodies...hope your weekend is dry and filled with football...! Tomorrow should bring experiments and weird goodies for you...come back and see me!
I'm glad to hear the feedback about the Lace Lentil set...and of course you are always welcome to capture any pictures that you want - while there are deterrents I could put up to stop you from grabbing pics, that's not how I like to play...I knew getting on the internet meant people would be likely to capture my photos and possibly copy them - but what can I really do about that? I've been around the Internet long enough to know 'how it works'...folks save pictures from websites and that's just how it is...I can live with that, although it is pretty funny to see folks copy my website colors, layout and especially my ideas...but I also know that eventually they'll find their own 'voice' and will go their own way...although I do have some folks who just haven't figured that out quite yet...heh...
So Nicole, you are welcome to snag the photo and use it for inspiration...!!
And thanks for the suggestions about putting the set on eBay, i'll probably do that tonight since I haven't had anything on eBay in over a week...time to jump back on board...
I think....I think...I have some pendant ideas to explore today...lets see what happens, eh??? wooo!!!
Yea! the packages are all at the mail, even the one heading to New Zealand..I love that my beads end up all over the world - I even had a really great email from Russia the other day...how cool is that? Worldwide customers are so much fun - I have some good friends in England, Canada, Australia and all points inbetween...I hope all my East Coast buddies haven't been rained out of their house and homes...and watch out - Ivan is on his way...what is that saying - 'when it rains...' exactly!
I'm heading to the PO to mail all the goods...my bag is about as big as Santas...if you haven't seen any beads from my in a few days, well, they should be there very shortly...!
This set of Stone Lentil beads was by far the most picked up and fondled set of beads from the show...I think they'd make a super cool necklace or even a necklace/bracelet set (there are 17 beads to go nuts with)...
back later...
I have very good news!!! Guess who's done with the English Tweed orders...yeehaw...so everyone's beads should be going out in the mail today..thanks for being so patient...
Its day 3 of the marathon and my head is filled with technial lingo (I studied science in college, so I'm digging this) and dead-body goo...its all good...
Another beautiful day in Austin, windows are open and cool air is blowing around...thanks to all my friends in the north for sending their cold air to me...
Back soon...gotta go see what killed this poor woman...heh...
I've only recently discovered CSI...I try so hard not to watch too much tv, but I did catch an episode this season and fell madly for the lead - Gil Grissom...so as luck would have it, Spike TV ran a CSI marathon all day yesterday...till 2:00am...episodes from season 1 or 2, I dunno, but I enjoyed them ALL..! and as luck would have it, they are continuing the marathon today...I know what I'll be watching/listening to while making beads this afternoon!!!
The show was fun, I did pretty well $wise, actually better than I realized...I tallied the cash yesterday and was surprised...It was a fun show, but I'm glad its the only one I'm doing this year - it was a LONG weekend...Yesterday felt like Saturday to me, since I worked all weekend...So today feels like Monday, just like it does to ya'll too...I'm busily getting stuff done this morning, taking the cat to the vet for her followup shots, running to an appt...we had a cold front come though and its fabulous outside right now...so I might even trim some of our overgrown hedges in our front yard...wow!
I'm nearly done with the English Tweed - I thought I'd finish the Kensington stuff yesterday, but I had a headache all day...today I'm good to go, though, so those will be completed...
And I'm on top of things this week - I have the actual set of Freebie beads already posted...they are kinda cool - each bead has some goldstone in it to make it sparkle...
I'm heading out, but I'll be back soon...email/comment if ya need me...
Pickings are ready...thanks for waiting...!
Since ya'll were so patient and let me attend my show, I wanted to say 'thanks' and post some beads for ya'll...these aren't brand new designs, they are more the 'budget beads' that you've seen me post before...I still need to pull them, photo them, optimize, post, etc., so it'll be a while...gimme a couple of hours - i'll post an 'official' time when I have a better idea...and don't worry if you miss out -there'll always be 'more beads'... see ya'll in a bit...
I'm off to the show...will update when i get home..for a better idea of what's going on, check yesterday's update...see ya'll when I get back...
I blew outta here so fast this morning, I never had a chance to update before I left...The show ran from 10-6 today (10-5 tomorrow) and I have been surprised at how many folks made it...In the past million years, the show has been the first weekend in November, at a local Jr. High..this year, its Labor Day weekend, in a new location...I figured there would be a lot of strikes against it, but I was wrong...the location is nice - very big and spacious, well lit, comfortable and tons of parking...plus no one is outdoors getting rained on...Inside, I'm at a small single table since I knew I wouldn't have enough stuff to handle an entire booth...I've met a bunch of local folks who you might see in the Comments section from time to time (like Jill Wiseman)...And no, I haven't sold all my stock, I have PLENTY of stuff left for ya'll...In fact...
I think I will offer an "After Show Special" on Monday just for ya'll - since you can't be here in person...I expect tomorrow to be quite slow, Sundays usually are much quieter than Saturday...
How's the show going for me personally? Pretty well..not as well as last year, but that could be a lot of reasons...and I HAVE made money, so its not like its a complete bomb...I'm having a good time and bought 3 bracelets from the booth next to mine...I'll post some pics once I get a chance (its dark out now)...There are not a lot of lampworkers, its more finished jewelry and loose stones/beads/findings, so my competition is good...Overall I'm glad I signed up and have attended...Funnily enough, I'm contemplating doing the Bead & Button show next year - would you be interested in coming to Wisconsin to see me in June? Man, I'd have to be SO GOOD at setting aside perfectly good sets of beads and not sell them to ya'll - that is the hardest thing for me to do...I LOVE listing stuff for you to buy and not just cause it means money (which is nice) but because I enjoy providing beads that you enjoy...So, let me know if you think I should do it or not..I'm at about 25% ready to go right now (which is higher than I was a week ago)...but of course I'd need to be 100% in order to do it..Its expensive for the booth, flight, hotel, food (not to mention all the stuff I'd buy - tack on another couple of grand)...Oh, and my booth setup is not all that hot, so I'd need some groovy displays...now its starting to sound like work...ugh...maybe i'll just stay home and make beads for ya'll afterall...that sounds like more fun to me!!
No one has accused me of focusing on my show instead of getting their Pickings ready, but in case the thought crossed your mind - I wanted to show that indeed I've been working for *you* and getting all the orders completed...I'm almost done - just need a few more Buckingham beads to complete those bracelets, and then finish all the Kensingtons (the most popular set - the etched round beads) and I think I'll be done...I have been holding onto the originals so that i could reproduce the orders as close as possible...SO - everyone ought to see their beads next week...Hope you aren't pacing a worn spot in your carpet...
In the meantime,
I've quickly gathered all the stuff I know for certain I'll need for the show tomorrow...its packed and set aside ready to go...This will give me the rest of the day/night to remember the really important stuff like tape, bubblewrap, scissors, etc...normally everything I'd need would be in the rolling cart, but since i haven't done a show since Nov of last year, well, things kinda get swiped from the cart and I have to restock..and of course I wait until the day before the show to do it...I must admit I have a strong procrastination streak in me - anyone who's ever asked for beads knows this - I rarely get them done in time, do I? I'm sorry about that, and its why i don't take paid orders anymore...I just can't guarantee that I'll get them done when you need them...its not to say I don't have all the requests staring me in the face, I do...I have a hard time saying 'no' and its not like the beads are hard to make - its more that I'm inspired or excited about something new and I get carried down that direction...
I didn't mean to get off on that tangent...it just confirms my procrastination streak...But I'm packed and think I'm ready..I only have a couple things left to get, like 1's and 5's for change..not that I expect very much cash, but someone always wants just one bead so I need change...I'm off to the bank/PO/lunch...enjoy your weekend and I'll check in with ya'll in the evenings...reports and possible pictures...see ya'll later!
Every morning when I get up to start my daily entry, I have to spend 10 minutes deleting all the 'cialis, levitra, poker' and various other spam entries that have found their way onto my blog. I apologize if you run across one of these entries should you ever be looking through the archives - I DO try to delete them all each day, but I'm sure some slip through here and there...I've noticed there are more each day - what used to be 2 entries is now 12 or 18 a DAY. booo!!!
I won't have any new beads for sale here until next week - am working on the Tweed orders (coming along nicely, finished another 4 last night) and will need to gather up my goods for the show this weekend...its a small show, and I don't expect a lot of turn out, since its Labor Day weekend and since the show is typically in November...it was moved to a new location this year and the only open date was this weekend - all these factors make for a very cautious result, but even if only 3 people show up, that's fine...I used to do shows a lot last year and am happy to just do only this one this year...(I still demo at BlueMoon for their Spring/Fall fests, but folks aren't busy buying stuff from me, just watching me melt glass, so I don't consider those to be money-making shows)...Last year the Austin show was our best by far, and since its local and easy to get to and I'm a member of the Bead Society, it just seemed to make sense for me to do it...I know a few of ya'll are coming, so it'll be fun to meet and see you...
We are on the downhill slope toward the holidays - before you know it we'll be opening presents and playing with our new Barbie Dreamhouse...Summer is over, kids are in school and its actually cool enough out (77 at 9:30, that's cool, right?) for me to have the back door open...
I'm still bustin' A on the Tweed orders, but they are coming along, no worries...Twickenham is done, and a few more are nearly done...The kiln is ready to go, after I'm done here, its 'all beads, all day'...
I have 4 little sets for ya...a had to dip into the beadbox to create a few, just cause I want ya'll to be happy and have your fill of beads...The pics are taken, just need to optimize and build the page...I will prob just post them on this homepage since there are only 4...Come back 'bout 10:30am CST for the official viewing...