Well, here it is. The newest Swarovski colors for spring/summer '08. The lighter one is called sand opal and the other is mocca. (Yes, it is spelled with cc, not ch). Lovely, aren't they?? Even more incredible are their new cuts, especially the branch coral pendants, which I hope to have in stock. The thing is, it turns out not too many people want to buy the more unusual cuts of crystal. They want to stick to their safe, reliable bicones in basic colors. In fact, the best selling Swarovski cut is article #5301, the bicone, in size 6mm. I recently brought in some starfish pendants in out-of-production crystal copper (the larger size starfish) and figured there would be a few takers out there, at least on Etsy. But so far, nuthin. What's there to not love about a giant, sparkling starfish??? I am hoping if I get the coral pendants, the same thing won't happen, or I'll have one hell of an expensive necklace. (But, that's okay too, right?? See, 'cuz I'm not keeping them all to myself...I put them online for sale, I did, I did!)

That said, I suppose I have some explaining to do about my store. Yes, it is odd that it's now housed in an addition at my home. Yes, even weirder that I have no sign. I went to the town to get my business permit, figuring only a few regulars would pop in once in a while, and planned to put some little sign out front. But as soon as I did that, wham, there was our local code enforcement officer. I had already obtained a business permit from the town (although other people who sell stuff in this town and work from home - like Mary Kay Reps and Avon ladies, didn't bother to get business permits.) At any rate, I got the permit and stated I would be working in e-commerce, which I am. I have 2 websites for selling items- one for jewelry, and one for beads. It takes a tremendous amount of time to maintain stock on these sites. Occasionally a customer wants to come into the store and make a purchase or pick up something they saw online. Well, in my book, that's okay too. Because if your Avon lady said sure, come by and pick up your order, you would say great! I'm on my way. If your Mary Kay lady called and said hey, swing by for spring samples and a new catalog, you would say great! See ya soon! So if you see beads you like on my site and live around here and would like to pick them up, well, consider me your Avon lady of beads. Just don't look for a big sign on my lawn (although hmmmm, the Avon lady has one....).

Be warned too, sometimes I can't make it across the house to get to the phone in my workshop. I am looking into putting voicemail on the phone. I know I'm a pain in the ass, I know I'm not a "professional" retailer who shows up with the keys and opens the store every morning, greeting employees and teaching classes. But hey, it's just me. I have kick ass beads, I make some pretty amazing jewelry, and I guess I do okay for a one-person show. So, sometimes you have to cut people a break. Us little guys can't keep things running like Michael's craft supplies. (Who wouldn't give you free beading information by the way. Or a discount if you're a regular...or better prices on crystal in bulk....)

Until next time.......when hopefully I am better at adding pictures to my blog......enjoy the 10 degree boost we're experiencing as we head into spring! Happy Easter! -J

site with good stuff

Just thought I would post up a link to the PBS show Baubles Beads and Jewels, for those of us who miss it, don't remember to watch it, or don't get it. You can click on some of their videos and watch clips of jewelry making episodes. Who knows....could be something new and interesting there.... www.beadsbaublesandjewels.com
-J

Kinda Like A Troll

So...a few months ago I saw an ad in a major fashion mag for beads. It wasn't the first time I had seen the ad, it was just the first time I became curious about it. It was for Troll beads. I wondered how a bead company could afford to place a full-page, color ad in a national magazine, an ad which could have easily cost over $40,000. So I went to the website to see what was up with these beads. http://www.trollbeadsus.com/
They are pretty little things, these Troll beads. Designed to embellish chains, preferrably snake chain or something comparable. Each bead has a little story, a little fairy tale that goes along with it, and each is created by a commisioned artist. The Danish company brings in these beautiful, unique creations and they are distributed around the world. (Other companies do similar pick your own bead jewelry too, like Pandora)

Authentic Troll beads can cost anywhere from $20 each up to $700 (for beads created from gold) and special, rare or retired beads can cost even more. One of the sites I checked for pricing on Troll beads listed a complete bracelet for $1,200 or so.

I remembered a while back one of my regular distributors brought in sterling silver core beads, and at the time, I thought nothing of it. I went back to their site and readjusted my thinking and ordered several colors of these beads, which I can retail in my store for a little less than half the cost of a Troll bead. They are beautiful and weighty creations that look unique and fabulous - especially in wire creations. I also thought they would make a great "filler" bead for those customers who are collecting Troll or Pandora beads and don't have the budget to fill up a bracelet or necklace but want more than a couple of beads. Now that I have them in stock, I find myself staring at them, trying to find ways to work them into projects that would give them the best show. Come in and buy one and set it in front of you when you're working on your next beading project and you'll see what I mean. I've already re-ordered these beauties in other colors...looks like I'll have a full bracelet in no time!

Another site with good beady stuff

Hey everyone- Happy Valentine's Day!
I thought I would share with you a link that bears much fruit in the way of beading projects and inspiration. This site is not used for any advertising, so if you make jewelry and sell it, it's not the place to post your link to your website or Etsy store.

But what you will find here is a plethora of craft inspiration in numerous categories, including, of course, beading. It's always fun to cruise the creations other beaders make and find new and interesting ways to apply your beading skills. Some of the posts include directions and most have pictures. But check it out, it will sure to be one of those sites you bookmark as a favorite! Here it is:
http://www.craftster.org/blog/

I will soon post pics of the new Swarovski spring/summer 08 launch products, and believe me, they're unbelievable. I have already asked to be added to the list for the new colors in 6mm bicones and will bring in more of the new cuts when they are made available. So check back soon for pictures! You will not be disappointed. -J

Wow! Hey, look what happens when the weather is horrible and your're trapped at home with a bunch of vintage beads and some waxed linen. I decided to bust out a Tibetan Treasure weave bracelet, which is fairly quick and works up nicely once you have your beads all picked out. I am calling this "Color Pop" since it is loaded with vintage beads, most of them shaped like flower petals. Cute and fun, eh? It serves as a cheery reminder that we have almost made it out of winter and spring weather is just a couple of months away. Next thing you know, POP, it will be spring!!

More fantastic Venetian style blown glass has arrived...here are some lovely hear-shaped ones that would make perfect earrings! Other sizes include Rondells, 20mm rounds, flat coins, drops and others. They're so pretty and are hollow...fabulous!

Other new arrivals include a plethora of mixes in various bead types- smooth druks, Delicas, gorgeous drops and others. Great for those projects when you don't know what beads go with what.

Other fabulous arrivals include more antique headpins and several new cones in both gold and silver plated. Many of them are filigree style except some cool goldtone ones that are created with coils of gold. Plus some other fun stuff, but hey, gotta leave a little mystery, right??? -J

News of the New....

News of the new....
we have added about a dozen or so (more) seed beads to our ever-expanding collection including
such lovelies as size 6 Miyuki sky-blue lined crystal, antique rose lined crystal, caramel ceylon and
pink lined crystal ab. Most of the stuff that was just put out is size 6 except for a few pretty little oddballs
such as size 10 Delicas in opaque matte red ab and size 11 delicas in aqua fresco.

Tomorrow is a whole other story....we are waiting for the UPS and Fed Ex guys to arrive with more
goodies, including more of that fabulous venetian glass, several new cones (for all of you railroad
necklace project folk), new Delica mixes in size 11 and oh! Some SUPER pretty drop bead mixes in colors
like "lavendar garden" and "wheatberry". Sounds lovely, no?

Maybe I will be able to figure out how to post up a little photo album of all the lovelies...but
hey, I'm lucky I can manage to get this much done!