The Party's Over

Well, the party's over and we're recooperating. Now to figure out where to put the extra serving dishes and stuff we bought, not to mention all the leftovers! Good thing fried chicken and wings freeze well! I think our daughter's graduation party went really well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We were very lucky to have some family come in from out of state, too. It was a nice time, though, I don't think I want to do it again very soon! Maybe just a few friends over would be great, though! Now, back to beading!

Here They Are

Here's the two new pieces. I did get the photos taken yesterday and I did add them to my store, I just didn't get them here. Ah, well, better late than never!

New Pieces But No Pictures of Them Yet

I have two new pieces that I've got to photograph. One is a peyote stitch band bracelet with a Celtic knot type design using galvanized silver Toho Treasure beads and blue iris on black Delica beads. The other is a link necklace. Each individual link is a peyote stitch circle of Delica beads and they are all in shades of the sea, from gray stormy seas to deep blue-green seas. I just haven't had the chance to photograph them or the new cards my daughter has made. We've been so busy here at home with my older daughter's graduation party plans. The party's Saturday so hopefully our lives will get back to a little more normalcy then. (Yeah, sure they will!)

Tutorials

Our friend, Carol H. of Fiberlines, Retrothreads and Ambrosia Beads, has added tutorials to her blog and they are great! Her first one is for the chevron stitch, so go check it out here. Wonderful help and inspiration!

I have to say that the ladies of the Etsy Beadweaver group and the Etsy Beadweaver's Street Team are an amazing group of artists! I am so inspired by my fellow beadweavers that I wish I had about 36 hours in a day to just create! You can see links to all their shops on my sidebar or better yet, click on the above link for Etsy Beadweaver and see a sampling of all their shops. (OK, yes I'm on there too, but check everyone else out!) :)

Business Week

Etsy has a great article in Business Week. There is also an accompanying slide show with tips and insights from sellers on Etsy. I have so much to learn and it starts with keeping track of my costs! I am so terrible at keeping it all straight. Maybe I need to get one of those 'old school' ledgers to write everything down in. Couldn't hurt and it might just get me a little more organized that a spiral notebook and receipts everywhere!

Prom Jewelry

This is the bracelet and earrings I made for my oldest daughter for her to wear to prom. Her dress was black and white and these turned out to be just the right accent that didn't take away from the dress, but gave her some sparkle.

Opposites

I decided to make another black and silver cuff. I've had a lot of compliments on it, but I did make it too long. The new one is about 1/4" wider (1" or 3cm), but it's a full inch shorter (7 1/4" or 18.5cm). I posted it last night, but have only had two hits. The jewelry category on Etsy is tough to sell sometimes because there are so many wonderful artisans and so many different styles. I am trying not to get too discouraged, but my daughter has sold more items than I have!

Daughter's Custom Order!

Here is a photo of my daughter's custom order. I think the cards are so adorable and she will probably make a similar set to put in the Etsy shop. She has also been very busy making more greeting cards. I have to take photos of them first and I've been so busy with "real life" that it's intruding on my beading/Etsy time!!

Sale!

I have decided to put my wedding jewelry on sale since June is the month for weddings! I've also put my chapstick holders on sale.

1st Custom Order

My daughter is very excited. She just received her first custom order for party invitations. I am going to help her with them, but they are her cards and she is really looking forward to doing them. They will look something like these... Who knows, maybe she has found her creative niche?!