New Listings

Finally got around to posting some new listings on Etsy!

Bright Argyle Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43460871

Fun Fan Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43461948

Beaded Ball - Purple: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43462845

I've also sent in my entries for Bead Dreams this year. I'm still working on one that I'd hoped to enter this year, but may enter it next year. I just don't want to push myself and not be happy with what the end product is.

Kentucky Crafted was fabulous. I was picked up by the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea and made some good contacts.

Also, the fabulous Cyndi Lavin of Beading Arts sent me an updated link to my article on her site and I'm working on some updates for her. Thanks for all you do for the beaders, Cyndi!

Prepping for Market

I spent most of yesterday, on the couch, beading and watching tv. I've been working on pieces for my wholesale catalog and Ky Crafted at the Market in March. It's my first year at the Market and I'm rather nervous. Two days are wholesale and only open to those who can do wholesale purchasing. The last two days are open to the public for retail. The wholesale, of course, will be items that are ordered for me to fill later, but I need to work on the actual printed items to pass out to those buyers. I also need to make sure that I have enough inventory for the retail days. Eep.

I've put together some new earring designs that I can put in the catalog, as well as some new necklace and earring pieces that qualify. Since I'm juried in as a beadweaver, the primary make-up of my pieces for the Market must be beadwoven. It's actually a good study for me in creating new designs and experimenting with color.

I Did It - Finally!

After 4 years of rejection letters, I finally got into Kentucky Crafted! I was fully prepared to have to run to the grocery store for a consoling pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey, but I actually made it. I have a mandatory meeting on the 21st of this month to attend regarding what's expected of me, attending Crafted at the Market, use of logos, etc., but I'm pretty excited. The program requires no rejurying in every year and can be helpful in getting into galleries or retail locations, which is exactly what I need. Things have been very slow lately and I'm having to contemplate taking a full-time job in order to make ends meet. I really don't want to let the gallery go, but I have to be realistic.

There's a fabulous treasury I'm in that expires in just a few hours. It features many of the entries for the July Etsy-Beadweavers Challenge - Here Comes the Bride, including my "The Mermaid Bride". Thanks to the lovely enchantedbeas for putting it together. Check out both of her shops!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=59867

Please visit the EtsyBeadWeavers’ blog between the 9th and 15th of July to see all the beautiful entries in this challenge and vote for your favourite!!!! http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

I also listed quite a few new pieces the other day (and I have many more lucite pieces to photograph & list, but there's only so many hours in a day!):

Grandma's Crazy Quilt Bracelet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27321154
Pink Bud Earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27323742
Redbuds Earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27323444
The Mermaid Bride (again!):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27322566

Relisted:
Keep on Searching for a Heart of Gold:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27324072
Warm Fuzzies:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21798663

Treasury Time Again

Paula at intothewoods1 has included one of my beaded ornaments in her treasury, "Surf's Up! Gnarly Hues, man." Thanks, Paula!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=55204

I haven't had time to work on my entry for the EBW challenge. I'm supposed to be working on the Chamber's website and need to get in that frame of mind. I'd like to have a good portion of it done before starting work at the library next week.

I also need to get my things together for the jury process at Kentucky Crafted. Is the 5th time a charm? I hope so. I hate rejection.

Speaking of rejection, I didn't make it into Bead Dreams this year. I'm planning on doing a piece just for the show next year, like I did in 2008. In my copious amounts of spare time :)

March Voting is Open!

The entries for the challenge are in! They are as always simply beautiful, creative and amazing! Etsy Beadweavers took the time and have the talent to create these inspiring challenge pieces! Tiny little beads and a needle and thread along with incredible patience bring these selections to you to vote and choose your favourite.

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic on the blog which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece! (I'm # 21!) Be sure to visit the EBW team blog today through the 15th to vote!

Also, I finished my KY Crafted application for this year on Saturday. I delivery my pieces for jurying in May.