tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67699462406849104532024-03-13T08:08:21.627-07:00Betty Stephan BeadworkBetty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-3154046316575901252013-07-03T11:30:00.000-07:002013-07-03T11:39:50.187-07:00Online purchase scams- sellers beware!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I heard that cha-ching that notifies me on my ipad that I had a sale on Etsy. I was momentarily excited to see that it was my $650 collar. That is until I read the message that came with the order. Right away alarm bells went off. Here is the message- I have highlighted the parts that made me suspicious:</span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;">My name is Erica. Am looking for a good costumer that i will be </span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">buying goods</span><span style="background-color: black;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;">from if you can be the one I'll be very happy to have you as my good suppler. Do you</span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #660000;">accept Check</span><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;"> as mode of payment .... ? Because</span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #660000;"> i can only make the payment through Check</span><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;"> if you do i will patiently waited until the Check cleared the Bank. Please am looking for understanding and honest to deal with, hope we are going to be a good business partner if you are honest. I think we still have much things to talk about and </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #e06666;">i </span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #660000;">want you to get back to me on my email </span><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;">so that we could talk better there</span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #660000;"> hope to read from you soo</span><span style="background-color: yellow; color: #660000;">n</span><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;">. Best Regards -Erica.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 18px;">"Her" etsy store was "*****begodly"- nice touch-right? They had just joined Etsy the day before and had no feedback. I have gotten a lot of emails of this type in the past, but this is the first time someone put through an order on my Etsy site. I was almost positive it was a scam- but there was that slight outside chance that it was legit. What to do? I didn't want to reply directly to their email- I am not sure why, but I felt that would be tied in with this scam. So I replied through an Etsy convo:</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: black; color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px;">Hello Erica,</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 20.98958396911621px;">Thank you for your purchase. I am writing through Etsy and not your personal email because there have been so many scams lately on Etsy and I am very cautious. Because of this, I need to receive your check within one week, or the item will be relisted. After I receive your check, I will not send the necklace until it has cleared the bank. I am sure you will understand- there are dishonest people out there and I have to protect myself. I will notify you when I send the necklace. If this transaction goes smoothly, I look forward to working with you. Thanks!</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 20.984375px;">I waited for a reply from "Erica", but there was none. Meanwhile, I reported this order as a suspected scam to Etsy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; line-height: 20.984375px;">I received this reply from Etsy:</span></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thanks for reporting this. I really appreciate your help in bringing this to our attention. This account and any accounts associated with it have been closed; the account holder no longer qualifies to be a member of Etsy as described by our Terms of Use. </span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This article from our Help page explains how to spot this kind of fraud in the future: </span><br style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/help/article/336?utm_source=compass&utm_medium=email" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/help/<wbr></wbr>article/336?utm_source=<wbr></wbr>compass&utm_medium=email</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is really worth checking out this link and reading it- very informative! Evidently, there are several scams- usually involving sending a check or cashier's check for more than the purchase price, then asking for the seller to refund the extra. Meanwhile, the check is no good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have changed my Etsy settings so I will not accept checks or cashier's checks. I feel badly doing this- but I think if someone really needs to pay by check they can contact me and we can work something out. I know this will not solve the problem (read the part about PayPal and false PayPal payment confirmations in the link), but I hope it helps.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This scam is certainly not exclusive to Etsy. Anyone selling online should beware. We all need to spread the word and educate ourselves on how to protect ourselves. If fewer people fall for this, the fewer scammers there will be. Please share this wherever possible, and be careful! Fortunately, I was just suspicious enough. The internet is a wonderful resource for selling our products, but there are dangers involved. If you have doubt about any order- check it out! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I am not the only one to have dealt with this fraud. Please feel free to share your stories here. Have you ever fallen victim to one of these scams? How did you handle it? Do you have any advice? Hopefully by sharing your experience you can help others avoid loss.</span></div>
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Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-36119933335777816792013-06-16T10:08:00.000-07:002013-06-16T10:08:31.153-07:00The Delusional Beading Goddess <div class="MsoNormal">
I have been a little dreamy eyed lately. (and *maybe* just a
little hard to live with!) It has been
an awesome 2 weeks. First, I went to the
Bead and Button show in Milwaukee where I met and even hung out with some of my
biggest beading idols ever. Not to
mention the AMAZING jewelry. (Some of them even wore beaded crowns!!) If
you are not a beader, this might be hard to understand, but it was just so much
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Then, shortly after returning home, my Battle of the
Beadsmith piece was posted online. I got
the most wonderfully kind, supportive, and reaffirming comments about it. The response was overwhelming- and I thank
each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.</div>
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Well, a few days ago someone jokingly left a comment on my FB page calling
me a beading goddess. So I sat here one
day imagining myself gliding around the house in my long flowing chiffon gown
and gossamer wings, shining gold hair billowing in the wind, with just a touch
of stardust. Oh- I think flowers in my
hair too! And of course gorgeous,
sparkly jewelry!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0i7TSANoB4/Ub3vhPujwXI/AAAAAAAAAe0/Zs-DGquYXyA/s1600/moon_goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E0i7TSANoB4/Ub3vhPujwXI/AAAAAAAAAe0/Zs-DGquYXyA/s320/moon_goddess.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Now let me pause here and say that I am fully aware that I am combining Sleeping Beauty, Tinkerbell, Fairies, etc- and probably my vision doesn’t resemble a goddess at all. I admit I got carried away- OK?... </div>
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I have <u>some</u> goddesslike qualities after all- well, umm, sort of… like I love being outdoors in the garden, often barefoot. And that is what I had been doing just before I sat envisioning myself as a beading goddess. Then I happened to glance down at my feet…..</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwC2ZvLf5Pw/Ub3v3O9PQkI/AAAAAAAAAe8/sibNZK878MM/s1600/dirty+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwC2ZvLf5Pw/Ub3v3O9PQkI/AAAAAAAAAe8/sibNZK878MM/s320/dirty+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BOOM! </span> The Beading
Goddess crashed to the earth, all twisted up in her chiffon and gossamer. </div>
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Well, it was nice
while it lasted anyway. I guess I am just not cut out for this goddess stuff! </div>
<br />Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-13920361553057863542013-05-17T10:38:00.000-07:002013-05-17T10:38:07.840-07:00Confessions of a Bead Hoarder<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I
primarily use seed beads in my work. I live about 30 miles from the nearest
bead store. (And its a small one!) So if
I need a specific bead, I usually need to order it online and wait. Well, there you have the excuse I use for having
such a big inventory of beads. Nothing
worse than being in the middle of a project, running out of a certain bead, and
having to wait a week or 2 to get an order and continue. Of course it still
happens, but not terribly often.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">When I
was first setting up my studio, I decided I wanted to have the seed beads out
where I could see them, not organized and put away in little drawers. It is
nice to be able to hold up a component next to a wall of beads and see how each
color works with it. Besides, standing
in front of a colorful wall of beads is a beautiful thing! So I used pegboard, painted white. I have a section for each size- size 11 has
the biggest area. Within these areas, they are organized by color.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wall of size 11 and delicas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*one* of my walls of size 6 and 8 beads</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">My size 15s are in little plastic drawers,
because they take up less room, and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I ran
out of wall space. I also like to have
them within easy reach of my work table. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">As I
work on projects, I put the beads that I am finished with in this container
under my work table, then take care of
them all at once. Someone once suggested
that this container should not be too big, so that you are forced to empty it
more often. Good suggestion I think!!</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c4rDOdY87k/UZZoOa0iypI/AAAAAAAAAec/Vi9LOzuyRg0/s1600/05+17+13_3819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7c4rDOdY87k/UZZoOa0iypI/AAAAAAAAAec/Vi9LOzuyRg0/s320/05+17+13_3819.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">time to take care of these!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now for
the RV storage. Remember in the last post I showed you 2 closed cabinets in the RV? Well, taadaa! Here are the bead cabinets opened.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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they awesome??</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The beads are hung in
Beadsmith bead towers- they have elastic loops to hold the tubes.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">They are attached into the cabinets with wing
nuts, so they can be removed and taken in the house when we are not traveling,
or taken with me to a class etc.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">My
scissors and tools are within easy reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I also
take small amounts of various colors in these cases. They take up very little room, latch securely
(which from experience is important in an RV) and are good in a bead emergency.</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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of small amounts of beads (remember, I am a bead hoarder), here is one of the ways I store those tiny amounts of
leftover beads. With an old pair of
scissors, you can cut right through the plastic bead tube and shorten it. You can store a lot of these little buggers
in a small box! When I am making small
earrings or a small pendant, I go to this box and use up those lil bits of
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So that
pretty much covers the seed beads. For some reason, I really enjoy sorting out beads into tiny tubes and arranging them. And really, is there anything prettier than a wall of colored beads?! </span></div>
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Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-14125652928936054862013-05-01T10:23:00.003-07:002013-05-01T10:23:32.896-07:00The Bead Dungeon and related topics<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom
turned 95 in March. For Mother's Day this
year, my sisters and I decided to make videos for her of our homes and other
little tidbits she might enjoy. Since
she has never been able to see my studio, I thought she might enjoy that. But before video taping the "tour",
there was a lot of cleaning that needed to be done. Since I am not a person that cleans
needlessly, it occurred to me that this would be a good time to take some pics
and start a series of blog posts. I love
seeing other's studios and how they are organized (or not!).
Plus I thought I would throw in some beading tips and shortcuts I have
picked up over the years. <span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First,
the studio. You know the pictures you
see on Pinterest of the brightly colored studio with sunshine streaming in the
big windows that overlook a fabulous flower garden? A sea breeze billows the lace curtains and
the huge room is furnished with coordinated spotless furniture. Oh yeh, and there is no clutter. Well, go back to Pinterest right now and gaze
some more- get it out of your system, cuz that is NOT my studio. In fact, I am being a bit hoity-toity here, calling
it a "studio". Around here it
is known as "the dungeon".<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll
give you a bit of a description. As the
name implies, it is in the basement. I
have no windows or natural light. (I do
have an exhaust/inlet fan to provide fresh air and clear out fumes) I would
dearly love natural light, but we work with what we have. I make myself feel better by thinking about the fact I work at night, and would not have natural light anyway. As for
furniture, it is scavenged from here and there- a mishmash of whatever works. <span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now
about the clutter. Well lets just say,
if there was a TV show called Bead Hoarders- I would be the star. I have so many beads I couldn't use them all
if I. lived to 100. Then I bought some
more. The room is small to begin with,
and beading stuff is crammed into every available space. It is pretty organized, but there is LOTS of
stuff. <span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is
a snapshot of one corner of the dungeon. (really- there are 2 more walls of beads!) I have tidied up a bit, but this is before major cleaning. I will take you around it in future posts to
show you more close up.<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also
have a 25ft. RV that we use to travel to shows and for vacations.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We end up spending many weeks at a time in
it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I take my beads with me (of course!)
and work on the road.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can make a piece,
list it on Etsy, make the sale, and ship it all from the road.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love when that happens!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the
RV, I have lots of natural light. And
sometimes a sea breeze, as well as beautiful scenery. (In fact, look out the
window on the pictures. Right now we are listening to the sound of this
babbling brook. Almost as good as a sea breeze!?) But a definite lack of space. So storage has been a challenge and I have
had a lot of experience packing. My
husband just built those 2 bead cabinets for me. I can't wait till next time to show you what
is inside them!! Awesome!!<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqsc5LHNBM4/UYFOJFHOSBI/AAAAAAAAAdA/RxYrab1Z9Iw/s1600/04+24+13_3466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aqsc5LHNBM4/UYFOJFHOSBI/AAAAAAAAAdA/RxYrab1Z9Iw/s640/04+24+13_3466.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
neither work space is ideal, I feel so fortunate to have these places where I
can bead. The dungeon is cozy and peaceful and set off from everything. If I want to leave a project sprawled out
over everything for a couple of days, I can.
No need to take care of it so there will be a place to eat dinner. Everything is within easy reach and I happily
lose track of time, often beading till 3AM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So
there's the overview. Next time I will
start showing you how my beads are organized and stored. Right now I have to go buy some more beads- I
think I saw a little corner that wasn't filled!<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-68572819533319953262013-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:002013-03-24T14:37:37.053-07:00Forced changes #2My last post showed how I removed a broken cabochon and replaced it.<br />
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This post involves another broken stone- this time not so easy to replace.</div>
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As so often happens, I really had taken a long time making this necklace. I would work on it a little, then put it away in a drawer and think about it for awhile. I liked the way it was coming together, but just didn't know what the next step would be. When I finally got it out to seriously work on it again, I looked at the stone closely, and yep- you guessed it! It was cracked!!! I don't know if it had been cracked all along, or if it had cracked while being jostled around in the drawer. Either way- it was cracked.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZcJB4qIz8I/UUoDuAAUQMI/AAAAAAAAAcM/nkavr9jafms/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZcJB4qIz8I/UUoDuAAUQMI/AAAAAAAAAcM/nkavr9jafms/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This stone was a wonderful slab- not rounded on the top like a cabochon. And an unusual shape, not to mention the unusual patterns in it. In other words, I couldn't find anything I was happy with to replace it. Although it was cracked, it wasn't broken all the way through, so it wasn't in danger of falling out or anything. But I still wouldn't sell it this way. </div>
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After asking for suggestions on FB, I came up with a plan. To disguise the crack, I beaded some branches over the it to mimic the branches on the metal components below it. (by the way- those metal pieces are old earrings)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_afkfpvRvp4/UUoEzOiMVDI/AAAAAAAAAcY/bnbkuT05y50/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_afkfpvRvp4/UUoEzOiMVDI/AAAAAAAAAcY/bnbkuT05y50/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I loved the result!! I think it really added interest to the piece, and blended in very well. </div>
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So I finished up the piece and added the fringe. Finally finished!! I photographed it.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeZ-dJ-jkjQ/UUoFQ2hiEqI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TfZ65TZSfNY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YeZ-dJ-jkjQ/UUoFQ2hiEqI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TfZ65TZSfNY/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Done? Not so fast there! After looking at the pictures for awhile, I realized I really was not happy with the fringe. (Plus, there were some remarks on FB that people saw, um, other things when looking at it. I won't even go into that- I will leave it to your imagination!) So, back to the drawing board. After experimenting with several different fringes on the bottom, I finally came up with one that I was happy with.</div>
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So there is the finished piece. When people ask how long it takes me to make one of these pieces, I really can't tell them. I just grit my teeth and say "LONG"- especially this one!!</div>
Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-69217525408427625692013-03-21T09:55:00.001-07:002013-03-21T09:55:27.959-07:00Forced ChangesI have been writing a series of blogs on changes I have been asked to make in my beadwork. Sometimes I'll change it, sometimes I refuse. My next 2 posts are about 2 changes I was "forced" to make. You'll see why.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXOkE5kNo1k/UUn_AepxLkI/AAAAAAAAAbw/mXGWzHoOH_8/s1600/cherub_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXOkE5kNo1k/UUn_AepxLkI/AAAAAAAAAbw/mXGWzHoOH_8/s320/cherub_edited-1.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
The first was a necklace that I just loved. It featured a little angel that was a vintage pin, sitting on a cabochon that reminded me of the world.<br />
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All was well until we went to an Art Show. While packing up, a whole tray of jewelry was knocked onto the pavement. (I am not saying here WHO knocked it onto the pavement, but it wasn't me. As a side note- I am still married) This necklace was the only casualty. The cabochon cracked right down the center.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFQsUpDIydU/UUn_xUdXfFI/AAAAAAAAAb4/1rFGm0sQrM4/s1600/IMG_4837_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFQsUpDIydU/UUn_xUdXfFI/AAAAAAAAAb4/1rFGm0sQrM4/s320/IMG_4837_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this picture is the cabochon after I removed it</td></tr>
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I liked the necklace, but couldn't really figure out how to save it. The cabochon was both glued in and surrounded by a beaded bezel. I finally decided nothing was lost by trying to replace the cabochon-after all, it was ruined the way it was. I cut out the last couple of rows of the beaded bezel first. But removing the stone was not as easy as I thought it would be. That E6000 really holds well! But I pried it out without damaging too much of the beading. I found another cabochon that worked, rebeaded the damaged bezel, and it looked like it was supposed to be that way!<br />
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I really did like the original cabochon better, but I was happy enough with it, and at least it was not a loss.<br />
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The next post will feature another "accident"- and a change that I ended up loving!! Till then....Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-45805921259443377242013-02-01T15:16:00.000-08:002013-02-01T15:16:05.223-08:00More ChangesMy last 2 posts have been about change. The first was a change I made for a customer which turned out well. The second was a change I refused to make.<br />
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Well, another post on change just sort of fell into my lap.<br />
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Last fall a customer purchased this bracelet from me at a show.<br />
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She asked that I make a necklace to match it. She liked the design of another necklace that I had displayed with 3 cabochons. So I based the new necklace on that.<br />
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This is what it looked like when I sent the finished picture to her for her approval.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r63n3bT_mnM/UQw_6d-snDI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/uPhx2LbpeVM/s1600/3_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r63n3bT_mnM/UQw_6d-snDI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/uPhx2LbpeVM/s320/3_edited-1.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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Now this is why special orders are so hard. What you envision as perfect is sometimes not at all what the customer has in mind. It is understandable- but frustrating.</div>
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She thought about it for a couple of days, then emailed me back that there was a problem. She was tactful, but said that every time she looked at the picture, she saw a surprised face- with 2 eyes and an open mouth! This has happened to me with jewelry in the past- in fact- that may be a future blog post! People sometimes see something in a necklace that I never saw- then after they point it out- that's all I can see when I look at it!!</div>
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I told her it was OK if she wanted to cancel the order, I would be able to sell this necklace and it would be fine. She was very nice, and said that she still wanted the necklace, but could I make some sketches of some ways it could be altered, and was willing to pay me for the extra time spent.</div>
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Well, you don't want to see my sketches. Maybe I can bead- but sketch...not so much. And I really did not want to spend the time tearing apart the necklace when I was not sure that it would be what she wanted. So I came up with an idea. Photoshop!! I just made 1 extra small component and photographed it- then photoshop did the rest!!! What a time saver. I know these pictures are crude, but they were good enough to give her an idea of which one she preferred.</div>
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She picked the picture she liked and I altered the piece just one time.<br />
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So below is a picture of the finished piece. I must agree, I like it better than the way it was at first. And the face is gone. The customer said how much the mock ups helped. I will definitely use this technique again in the future!<br />
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She also sent me a picture of her wearing the finished piece. She loves it!</div>
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So,a happy ending!! Another example of improving upon a design by listening to a customer.</div>
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<br />Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-2097042454612621012013-01-16T10:42:00.000-08:002013-01-16T10:42:23.152-08:00To change or not to changeIn my last post I showed a necklace that I changed to suit a customer. I really felt it was an improvement. But that doesn't mean that every time someone suggests that I change something, I go home and immediately rip it out. Sometimes I disagree- and I ultimately have the final word. But of course, sometimes that means I lose a sale.<br />
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Take this collar for example:<br />
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I struggled and struggled with this fringe- tearing it out multiple times and changing it until I was happy with it. In fact, it was my favorite part of the collar! It looked pretty impressive at my art shows hanging on a mannequin- if I must say so myself!!<br />
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So a woman came into my booth and tried it on. She was a small woman, and she loved it, but felt that the fringe was too much for her. I could understand that- it looked great on her- but it was outside her comfort zone. So she asked (wait for it) if I could remove the fringe! Yes she did. I felt like crying. Now, it was a slow show. I definitely could have used this big sale. But it would have broken my heart to remove this fringe! Luckily (?) her next question was, "How much of a discount can you give me if it doesn't have the fringe?" I say luckily because that made up my mind for me. No, sorry, I would not remove the fringe.<br />
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Now, maybe I was wrong- it probably would have looked fine without the fringe- maybe even better. But I couldn't do it. <br />
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A few shows later, a woman loved this collar and bought it. With the fringe. She was a small woman and she wore it well!!Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-19833922184341751252013-01-01T13:39:00.001-08:002013-01-01T13:39:16.140-08:00How much are you willing to change?<br />
Change. How much are you willing to change? Not as in New Year's resolution change, but changing a piece of your finished work. Either because a customer requests it, or just because you have changed your mind about what works- or doesn't.<br />
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This led me to think about some of the changes that customers have requested over the years. Changes to finished pieces of jewelry which they have either already purchased or are considering purchasing. Sometimes it is an easy change- like shortening or lengthening a bracelet. Sometimes it is much more complicated. Often, being open minded about the change leads to an improvement. Sometimes not. <br />
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So I decided to do a series of short posts about modifications I have made to my jewelry. Or refused to make in some cases.<br />
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Below is a picture of a necklace I made years ago. I was perfectly happy with it- I really loved the colors in particular.<br />
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A good customer of mine purchased it at an art show. Over the years she has remarked to me that she felt it just needed a little something more. So I told her I would modify it to make it more to her liking. At first I was a little miffed- that she thought she knew better than I did. After all- I was the "artiste"!! But after looking at it again, I could see she was right! </div>
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I added the larger teardrop cabochon at the bottom, and really- I do like it better.</div>
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So how do you feel about this? Are you open to other's opinions of your work? Or do you feel that since you created it, it is messing with your artistic vision to change it? Even if you can see the change would be an improvement?</div>
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And Happy 2013 everyone- may it be a healthy, happy and creative year for each of you- filled with only wonderful changes!!</div>
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<br />Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-5248826459151208772012-09-03T12:28:00.000-07:002012-09-03T12:28:38.935-07:00I have been SOOO bad about posting blogs lately. Actually- all summer!! It seems like I am always so busy, and I just don't take the time to do it. I have lots of ideas for posts, so that's not it! Oh well, I guess it is what it is.<br />
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First things first. When we got home from our Maine trip this spring, a box was waiting at the door with my copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showcase-500-Beaded-Jewelry-Contemporary/dp/1454703164/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346695163&sr=1-1&keywords=500+beaded+jewelry">"Showcase 500 beaded jewelry"</a>. You remember.... THE ONE WITH MY NECKLACE ON THE COVER!!!! (sorry for shouting- excited) I couldn't wait to open it- and I was definitely NOT disappointed. <br />
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It is awesome! If you love beadwork- you will love this book. So much inspiration. Almost all of my favorite beaders are included- all with beautiful clear pictures of their work. The beadwork goes from simple to outrageous. I can't say I like every single piece in this book...but really, if they were all my taste- it wouldn't be half as interesting!! I am truly amazed how many talented beaders are out there- it is certainly humbling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyhow- here are my 3 pieces that were included..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cathedral Windows"- page 15<br />
I made this piece for Bead Dreams in 2010 It was a finalist. I remember I finished it in the camper when we were on vacation (right up against the deadline!) and took the submission photo right on the counter of the camper. (different picture) It actually turned out pretty well, natural light coming from the "kitchen" window. I have made numerous brooches using the design of the individual components and even sell kits for them. <br />
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.<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81339702/kit-brown-cathedral-windows-brooch"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwIYBDtXcI0/UET9T77pgmI/AAAAAAAAAVI/qsUwPFlGLPg/s200/IMG_0610.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81258507/kit-blue-cathedral-windows-brooch" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b--sKr8VBV0/UET9V0AzW3I/AAAAAAAAAVQ/bKA4gB-lvZU/s200/IMG_0605.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81258507/kit-blue-cathedral-windows-brooch">Blue Cathedral windows kit</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/81339702/kit-brown-cathedral-windows-brooch">Brown Cathedral Window Brooch kit</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Butterfly Dreams"- page 159<br />
This piece was created for the 2011 Bead Dreams contest. It was not accepted, but definitely gets the most attention at shows! It is made with real butterfly wings that I have encased in acrylic. One of the things I love about this necklace is that it is so large, yet weighs hardly anything! I am often asked where I got the butterfly wings. Years ago I bought about 20 small square metal containers at an estate sale. I wanted them for storing small items. (beads?) When I got them home and opened them, they all contained different things. Some were nuts, some were stones etc. and one contained a bunch of mounted butterfly wings. I kept them for a long time, but never could figure out a use for them. Then one day I remembered a necklace my father brought home from Hawaii during WW2 for my mother. You have probably seen them- it was a blue butterfly wing under a glass cabochon with a black silhouette of palm trees and ocean painted on it. That was it!! I have included butterfly wings in a lot of my jewelry since then, purchasing more wings when the originals ran out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twilight"- page 422<br />
This necklace sold at the first show I took it to. Although I love the look of all the seed beads in the fringe and in the neck chain- let me tell you they were a pain! Especially the neck chain- joining 2 rounded shapes with several strands of beads, and trying to get the right number so it all lays flat. Not so it lays flat when it is on the table, but when it is on a neck...which is entirely different! Lots of trial and error in this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So there is the backstory on the pieces included in the book. I am so excited and proud to be included with all the wonderful artists in this beautiful book. And hopefully, I will find the umph to blog more often! Till then......</div><br />
Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-68874543747199075332012-05-29T16:22:00.000-07:002012-05-29T16:22:04.978-07:00Challenge yourselfI am not very competitive. And I don't like head to head conflict.<br />
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So when Steven Weiss from the Beadsmith approached me to participate in a "beading tournament"- (later to be known as "The Battle of the Beadsmith"), let me say I was less than enthusiastic. The idea of pitting a design of mine directly against another beader's design did not appeal to me at all. It also just scared me! I envisioned huge cat fights, snarky remarks, and all around bad feelings. No thanks! Why would I want to open myself up to that? Just plain scary! <br />
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First of all, the contestants are all amazing beaders. If you don't believe me, check out the work on this page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/274053372682035/306199012800804/?notif_t=group_comment_reply">Battle of the Beadsmith Facebook page</a> Steven adds more pictures almost every day- one more impressive than the next. Be prepared to spend a few hours drooling over some dynamite work! You can also check out how this whole thing is set up- and join the group while you are there!<br />
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So why is it that I am participating in this "battle"? Not quite sure. Everybody seems so nice and friendly, and frankly, supportive of each other. The snarky remarks are few and far between, and poor Steven, who has been doing a wonderful job promoting and organizing this whole thing, has had to absorb most of them. I guess with this many people, you are bound to nerk off somebody! But as a general rule, everyone has been great. So I said yes in a moment of weakness- cuz really- it sounds kind of fun! And honestly, I am really honored to be asked!! Challenging yourself is good, right?!<br />
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I have always relied on competitions to push me into trying things that I would not otherwise try. You know- think outside the box. We (I) often get caught up in making things that I know will sell, not stretching my abilities. I don't like spending too much time on one piece, because I know I will not be able to sell it for enough to pay for my time. And the quickest way to work, is to do something you already know how to do.<br />
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But with contests, all bets are off. I try to do something original, whether it will be salable or not. I do not keep track of how much time I have invested, which in itself is pretty freeing. But this risk also means there are flops. Valuable time spent on things that don't work out. So be it.<br />
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Usually with a contest, you can quietly send in your submission, and if it isn't accepted, nobody even knows unless you tell them. Here, it is right out there in front of everyone- if you are "voted off the island" in the first round- everyone knows it! Yikes!<br />
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But OK, enough whining. I'm putting on my big girl pants and getting to work. Not sure what I am doing yet- I have a couple of ideas, but they keep changing. I wish I was one of those people that make beautiful sketches of their designs, and know exactly what their inspiration is. Not me! I sit down with a big pile of beads and components, start arranging and beading, and see what comes to me. Not very efficient- but it works for me. If I try to force myself to stick to a vision I have- it never works out...and it isn't as much fun! One of the things I enjoy most is just seeing what a final piece looks like. It is always a surprise.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Oh, yeh- I have my partner for the first round. (notice: partner not competitor- trying to stay calm here!) Her name is Elka Leonhardt Rath<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was not familiar with her work</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ,</span><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">so it has been nice to learn a little more about her. She does excellent beadwork. When I found out she was my partner, I immediately messaged her and introduced myself. Turns out she will be at the Bead and Button show, and we have arranged to meet there. I love that!! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So I have to get back to staring at my pile of beads, hoping for inspiration. I have my first show of the season this weekend, so I won't be getting too much past the thinking stage I'm afraid- too too busy! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is the list for the 1st round:</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><ul class="uiList" style="background-color: white; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><li class="pbm uiListItem uiListLight uiListVerticalItemBorder" style="border: 0px solid rgb(233, 233, 233); color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><div id="fbDocument298283420259030"><div class="mtl fbDocument" style="line-height: 16px; margin-top: 20px;"><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Jacquie Champion-Canada vs Irina Chikineva-Russia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2) Anastasia O'sarantseva-Ireland vs Annie Hatvani-Hungary</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3) Lea Palickova-Czech Republic vs Alla Maslennikova -Russia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Christina Neit-USA vs Christine Boyer Maj-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">5) Hannah Rosner-USA vs Kassie Inman-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">6) Olga Haserodt-Germany vs Melissa Ingram-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">7) Ulyana Rakcheyeva Seryankina-USA vs Joanne Browne-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">8) Mouna Marini-France vs Nancy Dale-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">9) Nella Moskvichjova-Russia vs Linda Roberts-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">10) Denise Kangas-Czech Republic vs Ibolya Ingesne Barkoczi-Hungary</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">11) Heather Kingsley Heath-United Kingdom vs Katherine Gezey-Ukraine</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">12) Alla Vizir-Ukraine vs Sandra Dokter van Esveld-Netherlands</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">13) Olga Shumilova-Russia vs Patrick Duggan-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">14) Ella Des-Belgrade Serbia vs Neva Brown-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">15) Christian Rodriguez-USA vs Marta Koudelova-Czech republic</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">16) Ann Braginsky-Israel vs Edgar Lopez Disenos-Dominican Republic</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">17) Susan Brackett-USA vs Callie Mitchell-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">18) Jill Thomas-United Kingdom vs Maryanne Villalba-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">19) Tammuna Lezhava-Georgia vs Kinga Nichols-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">20) Iva Jar-Czech Republic vs Olga Petterson-Sweden</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">21) Guzialia Reed-Japan vs Katka Vaclavikova-Czech Republic</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">22) Marsha Wiest Hines-USA vs Eva Dobos-Hungary</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">23) Orsolya Fuzesi-Hungary vs Cynthia Newcomer Daniel-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">24) Betty Stephan-USA vs Elka Leonhardt Rath-Germany</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">25) Eva Csizmadiz Lajosne-Hungary vs Mikki Ferrugiaro-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">26) Jennifer Chasalow Van Benschoten-USA vs Ekaterina Kalinina-Russia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">27 Sharayah Sheldon-USA vs Miriam Cielo Shimon-Israel</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">28) Sue Horine-USA vs Misan Tejre-Sweden</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">29) Anneta Valious-France vs Lynn Day-United Kingdom</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">30) Alexandra Sydorenko -USA vs Katalin Budaine Nagy-Hungary</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">31) Rosita Pisarchick-USA vs Helena Tang-Singapore</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">32) Dini Alves-USA vsLaurence Dethier-Belgium</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">33) Nausikaa Gahllof-Sweden vs Eliana Maniero-Italy</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">34) Rachel Belson Smith-USA vs Amy Katz-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">35) Kathy King-USA vs Karyn Healy White-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">36) Roxan O'brien-USA vs Julia Turova-Russia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">37) Marina Nosova-Russia vs Lauren Macregor-Australia</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">38) Anna Bystryk-Ukraine vs Terri Richards-USA</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">39) Sigifredo Contreras-Mexico vs Anna Lindell-Sweden</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</div><div style="padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">40) Noel Wyres-Australia vs Carol Dean Sharpe-USA</div></div></div></li>
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</span></div></form></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span> </div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-84863189803047280412012-05-21T10:14:00.000-07:002012-05-21T10:14:59.010-07:00Can I just finish this necklace?!?!Have you ever worked on a piece that seemed like you would never get finished? I just did!!<br />
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It is a collar that I am entering into the FMG seed bead contest at the end of the month. Actually, I am entering two pieces. The first one came together easily, and was finished weeks ago.<br />
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But this one.....!!! It is something quite different for me and I was pretty excited about it. I started working on it in Dec., and had all the components finished for quite awhile. It sat in my studio in a tray, and I would continually rearrange the components, even taking pictures of them in different arrangements until I came up with one I thought I liked. About a month ago I assembled it, and made a few more components to add to it<br />
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Here is a sneak peek of some of the components- I don't want to show you the whole piece until after the competition!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNz5cc4B6_s/T7p1xmipOFI/AAAAAAAAATI/zRl5porndeY/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNz5cc4B6_s/T7p1xmipOFI/AAAAAAAAATI/zRl5porndeY/s320/IMG_3894.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br />
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I wanted it asymmetrical- but that has always been a struggle for me. And this was no exception. It just didn't work out like I pictured it. So I started tearing it apart and rearranging it again. OK- I liked it. Then I added black connecting parts. I loved it! ....until the next morning that is. Too dark. So I tore it all apart and modified the connectors.<br />
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Still not happy- I decided to add a big fringe. I finished this one night, fairly pleased with it, until, again, morning came and I decided the fringe needed to be longer. Added length to the fringe, but, NO, I DIDN"T LIKE IT! Tore off the whole fringe.<br />
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By this time I was getting really frustrated. My son and wife are coming for a visit for a few days and I really should be getting the house ready. I have my first show in 2 weeks, and I have bundles of stuff to do for that! And the "Battle of the Beadsmith" is pressing in on me- I need to get started on that piece. So last night I decided to finish the clasp etc. and just be done with it. I could live with it, even though it is not what I envisioned.<br />
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This morning, I took some photos of it. And yes, you guessed it, it turned out that I could not live with it as it was. I tore out part of it and re-positioned a couple of components. Done. I think it's OK.<br />
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Here is a picture of the back- actually- I really like the back!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrxBqeZv5F4/T7p15lExpAI/AAAAAAAAATQ/heFsGVQa-1Y/s1600/IMG_3891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrxBqeZv5F4/T7p15lExpAI/AAAAAAAAATQ/heFsGVQa-1Y/s320/IMG_3891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, now I have to get started on my other projects. Happy this is done. Wait- if I just added one more bead over there..........Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-37695980984817074882012-04-20T12:25:00.000-07:002012-04-20T12:25:37.153-07:00Using LeftoversI use my leftovers. Well, I admit, sometimes they get lost in the back of the refrigerator until they turn green and have to be thrown out. But I'm talking beads here!<br />
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I hate wasting things, and that includes my time. So, sometimes when experiments go wrong, I am able to salvage parts to be used in another project. I am not talking about using parts of vintage jewelry and old beads here. (although I do plenty of that!) I am talking about using a leftover component that didn't work in one design, or was just leftover from one piece, and using it in another.<br />
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For example: This was a leftover component from a large piece I am making for a FMG contest. It is composed of a bunch of these smaller pieces, and I got carried away and made way too many. So this little necklace used up one of those components.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCB4aN6-qo/T5GsUvfj-qI/AAAAAAAAAQc/bXEMXyd_d3o/s1600/IMG_3619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xCB4aN6-qo/T5GsUvfj-qI/AAAAAAAAAQc/bXEMXyd_d3o/s320/IMG_3619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one is a special order necklace I recently made. I made the neckchain and decided it was a little clunky for the size of the pendant. So I made this chain instead. It's a little hard to tell in the picture, but it has smaller beads.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCJbrfwlimE/T5GsYbCrsHI/AAAAAAAAAQk/v0JragyivXk/s1600/IMG_3606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCJbrfwlimE/T5GsYbCrsHI/AAAAAAAAAQk/v0JragyivXk/s320/IMG_3606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Which left me with an extra neckchain. So I decided to use the first one in a little bit bigger necklace. Turns out, the customer preferred the second one and purchased it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbHu9Rw4grA/T5GsbOb-XAI/AAAAAAAAAQs/mvD99ZNF2EM/s1600/black+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbHu9Rw4grA/T5GsbOb-XAI/AAAAAAAAAQs/mvD99ZNF2EM/s320/black+necklace.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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This necklace was all about leftovers. I had all these little cabochons and over the course of about 5 years I would make a few more and set them aside. I wasn't quite sure what I would ever do with them, until I brought them out and played with them a bit.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_92NbMaUcfQ/T5GulyCj0II/AAAAAAAAAR0/qe3erKRENyU/s1600/facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_92NbMaUcfQ/T5GulyCj0II/AAAAAAAAAR0/qe3erKRENyU/s320/facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a>. </div>
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Then of course I had a few pieces leftover, so I made a bracelet!! (but there weren't enough for earrings!)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGKSHsYh1eE/T5GvmBsyQ6I/AAAAAAAAAR8/mGHOdPt1GdQ/s1600/bracelet+to+match.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGKSHsYh1eE/T5GvmBsyQ6I/AAAAAAAAAR8/mGHOdPt1GdQ/s320/bracelet+to+match.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year I entered this piece in a contest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KrrTvNoLMk/T5GwHnMsBGI/AAAAAAAAASE/d9aiLQIpzHM/s1600/fmg+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KrrTvNoLMk/T5GwHnMsBGI/AAAAAAAAASE/d9aiLQIpzHM/s320/fmg+2011.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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The large polymer piece was my second attempt. The first attempt was leftover....so I made a necklace of course!<br />
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Do you remember the "Australian Wedding Piece"? (no, she never sent pictures!!) I used a lot of leftovers from that! Most of them were experimental components that didn't pan out in the original piece.</div>
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Here are a few of the leftover pieces- there actually are lots more!<br />
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So, save your leftovers- you never know how you will be able to use them. And the good thing is, they have a really long shelf life! I have never had to throw one out because it was growing a nice crop of mold!!</div>
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<br />Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-84515439038119532372012-04-06T12:17:00.001-07:002012-04-06T12:24:25.746-07:00Bead Dreams- One yes, One no!I received my letter from the Bead and Button competition today. I entered two pieces, and one was accepted as a finalist! I am so pleased and excited! Of the two pieces, I could never guess which one would have a better chance. Good thing I entered 2 of them!<br />
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I don't like to publish pictures of pieces before the contest (ruins the surprise!), so I will show you the one that was NOT accepted. I titled it "Guardians". Those of you that are FB friends have been watching this one take shape for quite some time.<br />
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This is actually a piece that a customer of mine commissioned. She had a really big and heavy smoky quartz crystal point that she wanted included in the piece. She also wanted these 2 big wooden dragon earrings. (yes, they are earrings!) to be a part of it . I wasn't sure it would all work out.<br />
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Let me explain the earrings: The main part of the dragon went behind the ear, then the tail was a separate piece that attached on the front and held the earring on. Here is a picture of the piece when I was working on it, without these upper tails attached.<br />
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One other small problem- one of the tails was missing!! I ended up making a tail to match from polymer clay!! It's the one on the left:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although these dragons are glued on, I decided they should be reinforced and "tethered" them with beading. I also built up the beading underneath in those places to support them better. I also beaded around the top and bottom of the crystal to give it extra support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's the story about how this came about. My customer has not seen it yet- she loves big intricate work, so I hope she likes it! Here are the pictures of the finished piece:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just a peek at the piece that was accepted as a finalist:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-73401625235524605632012-03-30T10:10:00.000-07:002012-03-30T10:10:36.532-07:00Glass Tiles- not just for bathrooms anymore!I just finished and listed a necklace on Etsy. It is made from a small glass tile. You know, the kind that is used in bathrooms! I love using these for the depth they have, although the thickness and shape sometimes makes them a little tricky to bezel.<br />
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So I got to thinking about all the necklaces I have made over the years from tiles and thought I would post them.<br />
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I am happy to say that my picture taking skills have improved over the years. I apologize for the quality of these images- some of them are pretty bad!<br />
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It all began when a customer of mine bought 4 beautiful tiles that looked like dichroic glass. They were small for tiles, but big for jewelry. About 3" across. There were 2 gold ones and 2 blue ones. She wanted me to design and make necklaces with these. First, the gold ones:<br />
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It was quite a challenge. Not only did I need to design the necklaces around square tiles, but they all needed to be quite different in style. Next I tackled the blue tiles:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bad picture, but my favorite of the necklaces!</td></tr>
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Well, the customer was so happy with these, that she presented me with 2 more tiles!! These were beautiful sculptured tiles, but much thicker and heavier than the first ones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> These tiles would have been pretty expensive if you were tiling a whole bathroom! But not so bad for a focal in a necklace.<br />
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Done with the commissions, I decided to do some necklaces with tiles of my own. This one is made with 1" square tiles:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this one I made with a ceramic tile that I sand blasted to get the design:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>So there you have it! Maybe my next post will be some of the other unusual things I have beaded around. My husband always says, "If it sits still, she'll bead around it!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-22131442229098014362012-03-09T12:28:00.001-08:002012-03-10T09:06:03.812-08:00Apps for Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bought an Ipad 2 about a year ago. It was a big investment for me, and I was not entirely sure how much I would use it. I loved it immediately, and keep finding more uses for it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been thinking about writing a blog about all the cool apps that are so useful for beaders and artists and I finally got to it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are apps that I use. I know there are lots of others- probably many that are better. But these have been particularly useful to me. Also, I have an Ipad, not saying that is better than another tablet, it's just what I have experience with! I am sure these are apps are available for other tablets as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not posting a link to these apps because, well, it was just too complicated and time consuming. I do have a screen shot of each, and the name, so it will be easy enough for you to find them in your app store. Most of them are free, I don't think any are more than $10. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The app I think I use most is "HoursTracker".</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It does just what it says. It is a time clock for your ipad! You can enter different jobs, the amount you want to charge per hour, as well as any other notes such as how much materials cost. Then, every time you work on a piece you just clock in. It keeps track of how many hours are spent on each piece and the amount you should charge for that time. (doesn't include materials) The only problem I have with this is I forget to clock out, so by the time I notice it the next day, I have racked up thousands of dollars on it! Luckily, you can delete and change hours worked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of you on the art show circuit have run across "Square". It is a small credit card reader that plugs into your Ipad or smart phone. It is free, with a % fee per card swipe. No paper receipts- the customer gets an email receipt. A nice feature is that you can download your transactions to an excel sheet, which is nice for keeping track of things.</span><br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is so great for those of us that go months without doing a show, and therefore not processing any credit cards. My old credit card processor charged $50 a month even when I didn't use it. There is no monthly charge for Square. You need internet connection to process. Other credit card companies are coming out with these readers, so I am sure we will be seeing a lot more in the future with different capabilities.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Color Oven" is another fun and useful app. Do you ever get stuck picking out colors, or kind of fall into a rut? This app is like an interactive color wheel. You can pick colors and see how they look together, adjust hue etc., or choose from color schemes in the app. You can even import a photo and use the colors from that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYwDuHti-LE/T1pawqOGC4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/US3JsizFvbI/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYwDuHti-LE/T1pawqOGC4I/AAAAAAAAAM4/US3JsizFvbI/s320/Untitled-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ColorOven</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a similar program on my computer, but the portability of the ipad makes it nice to have this close at hand when picking out beads.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Penultimate" is a great drawing app. Using a stylus, you can write notes and make diagrams. There is graph paper as well as writing paper and I use this often to help layout my booth design. I save it and take it right to the venue so I have a record of how it was set up the last time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kkMBdYHrgk/T1pa0CjICKI/AAAAAAAAANI/QdLBQgFWWdg/s1600/Untitled-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kkMBdYHrgk/T1pa0CjICKI/AAAAAAAAANI/QdLBQgFWWdg/s320/Untitled-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penultimate<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I don't use it a lot, "PhotoPad by Zagg" has come in handy at times. Like Photoshop, but a lot more limited, you can crop, color correct etc. photos. Good in a pinch.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mkYcC8Jads/T1payas2i3I/AAAAAAAAANA/G-DqYrze5uM/s1600/Untitled-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mkYcC8Jads/T1payas2i3I/AAAAAAAAANA/G-DqYrze5uM/s320/Untitled-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PhotoPad by Zagg<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Dropbox" is the last of the apps I will be listing here. With this app, you can access files that are on your computer. I put all my show info here so I have access to it anywhere. I have recently subscribed to "Carbonite" backup for my computer, and so I can access the files that way, but Dropbox is free (limited storage). Also, you need internet access for Carbonite, with Dropbox you can think ahead (!) and download the files you will need right on to your Ipad.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnaLodC2Zfc/T1pa2JCiOWI/AAAAAAAAANQ/2HuIoCToxMQ/s1600/Untitled-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnaLodC2Zfc/T1pa2JCiOWI/AAAAAAAAANQ/2HuIoCToxMQ/s320/Untitled-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropbox</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am no kind of authority on these things. And definitely not a computer expert of any kind- I am just learning as I go. Maybe in the future I will write a blog about all the other ways I use my Ipad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you will find this helpful. My Ipad is now "obsolete" with the new 3rd generation being released. But I can deal with that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDlEiEdMG40/T1pan1AdAyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/L726pfXJmKE/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IDlEiEdMG40/T1pan1AdAyI/AAAAAAAAAMg/L726pfXJmKE/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gems and Jewels</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh wait! I couldn't leave this one out! It is an interactive book rather than just an app (although it is in the app store, so I don't know) It costs more than the others ($15? I think) but it is just the coolest thing ever! It is called "Gems and Jewels" It is exhibits from the Field Museum in Chicago. It has tons of info on different gemstones and has beautiful photos of jewelry from the exhibit. But the most amazing part is you can rotate the pictures and see the back of the stone or piece of jewelry. It is a little hard to explain how this works, but it is like actually turning the piece around and looking at all sides. It is fascinating!! I just love looking at the backsides of the jewelry! It tells you so much more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK- done- sorry this was so long! Till next time....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-61005614155948144682012-02-29T11:12:00.001-08:002012-02-29T11:57:25.182-08:00Deadlines- Art Show Applications<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am knee deep in paperwork. Applications to art shows. Sales tax. Income tax. Bead dreams submission. It all seems to hit at once </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am working on art show applications today. What a pain- each show has different requirements- some want digital pics and mail-in application. Some want online application and mail-in pics. Some are all online. Some even still want slides!! (Are they kidding? I don't think you can even buy slide film anymore!) And on and on. Well, you get the idea. I feel like the medical offices must feel- dealing with the different requirements for all the various insurance companies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is a bit of an overview of Art Show applications and examples of some of the things that are required.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some shows ask for a Resume. Not too hard, just look up artist resume on Google and you can find the format you need- pretty straight forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some shows ask for an Artist's Statement. Now this was a little harder for me. One of the things I find hardest is using "artist jargon" and still being satisfied that it sounds like me. If you want an artist statement-to-go, you can always use this artist statement generator!! <a href="http://www.artybollocks.com/#abg_full">http://www.artybollocks.com/#abg_full</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or this one if you want it more personalized <a href="http://10gallon.com/statement2000/">http://10gallon.com/statement2000/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course I am kidding!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did find this page that was very helpful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/">http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By using the questions to brainstorm, I was able to come up with an artist statement that I was fairly happy with- although not happy enough to post it here for public scrutiny!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have the same trouble with the description of my pieces. I guess I need to take a writing course! Even the measurements of the piece gives me trouble- how do you measure a necklace? Is the height the length of the chain plus the focal piece? or just the main part? I still don't know the answer to that- I kind of switch off between the two. I'm not sure anyone reads that part anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And speaking of photos- I love digital applications. But you need to become pretty familiar with photoshop or another photo program to figure out the requirements for these applications. Different sizes in pixels or inches, different formats, different dpi, booth pic or no booth pic, black border to fill the space not used by the pic- or not...each application is different. By the way- if you run into an application that STILL requires slides, here is a link where you can get your digital pics converted to slides.<a href="http://www.gammatech.com/">http://www.gammatech.com/</a> I have used them before and they are fast and nice quality. But WHY???? Come on people- step on up to digital!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, paying for the shows. Lots of shows require separate checks for deposit and show. I get it- that's OK. But I applied to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">one promoter's shows that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">asked for 2 separate checks for each of the 4 of their shows I was applying to! 8 checks! So much for beading- I had writer's cramp after writing them all. Show fees vary widely- I have paid as little as $10 for a weekend, and as much as $1000. They go up from there. The non-refundable jury fees vary a lot too- I have often paid $40, not knowing if I would be accepted or not. So, I need quite a stockpile of money in the spring to cover all the show applications, as I do about 15 shows a year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite applications are through <a href="https://www.zapplication.org/index.php">Zapplication</a> and <a href="http://www.juriedartservices.com/index.php?content=home_new">JAS</a>. You upload your photos and other info one time, then choose which ones you want to include in your application and complete it all online. Even using paypal or credit card to pay online. Once you have your account set up and pictures loaded, it is super easy. More expensive, but usually worth it to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each show application has it's own deadline- it isn't always logical. It would be nice if, say, 4 months before the show, each application would be due. But some are earlier and some later. I just payed for 3 shows I will be doing in Oct and Nov- the application was due in Jan.! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let this ranting of mine discourage you. Just take one at a time and work your way through. And know I feel your pain!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, back to figuring out these applications. Then on to taxes. I would love to get back to creating my artwork at some point!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just so this isn't a whole post without pictures, I thought I would share this photo. This bright collar always makes me happy. The polymer clay cabochons were made by my talented friend Nanetta Bananto.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVZt0XbGmLU/T053riIT_YI/AAAAAAAAAMY/QaeA5hNX-vw/s1600/IMG_0461-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVZt0XbGmLU/T053riIT_YI/AAAAAAAAAMY/QaeA5hNX-vw/s320/IMG_0461-1.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-5122387632584398082012-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:002012-02-21T13:37:02.997-08:00The Last Clasp!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally finished my last piece for the "Elegant Elements" clasps! </span> <div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiThOz1GBTk/T0P9347tW_I/AAAAAAAAALM/zON6nMKtFg0/s1600/IMG_2906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiThOz1GBTk/T0P9347tW_I/AAAAAAAAALM/zON6nMKtFg0/s320/IMG_2906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This piece started out as a smaller version of my piece "Chione"</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdYxYM--low/T0QKbqXVROI/AAAAAAAAALc/M2oEnfkvM3I/s1600/fuss+2010+013_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdYxYM--low/T0QKbqXVROI/AAAAAAAAALc/M2oEnfkvM3I/s320/fuss+2010+013_edited-1.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Chione"<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both are beaded directly onto a lace collar, leaving some of the lace on the collar to show through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_Dme--Qqqc/T0QK7bTbyhI/AAAAAAAAALk/VqmkT4q7dsU/s1600/IMG_2737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_Dme--Qqqc/T0QK7bTbyhI/AAAAAAAAALk/VqmkT4q7dsU/s320/IMG_2737.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQUap_yhqaM/T0QK9MEpsbI/AAAAAAAAALs/zUvHif1FdlI/s1600/IMG_2787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQUap_yhqaM/T0QK9MEpsbI/AAAAAAAAALs/zUvHif1FdlI/s320/IMG_2787.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After finishing the main body of the necklace, I had to decide on a neck chain that would accent the clasp. After experimenting with a few shapes, I settled on some beadwoven "s" shapes. A little out of my comfort zone, since bead embroidery is more my thing!</span><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6skiVk72xM/T0QL6jMMbkI/AAAAAAAAAME/QNClAkDSKYw/s1600/IMG_2741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6skiVk72xM/T0QL6jMMbkI/AAAAAAAAAME/QNClAkDSKYw/s320/IMG_2741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But alternating these shapes with some bead embroidered pieces, I was happy with the neckchain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELNYaNp6ZtE/T0P908hZnlI/AAAAAAAAAK8/dOnCG4sXHiM/s1600/IMG_2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELNYaNp6ZtE/T0P908hZnlI/AAAAAAAAAK8/dOnCG4sXHiM/s320/IMG_2926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, now comes the fun part. I wanted to put the beautiful clasp on the front to showcase it, but couldn't think of a way to do it what would look balanced. So I wrote to Steven at the Beadsmith and asked if I could buy another matching clasp from him. This guy is something else- I had the clasp within a couple of days- no charge!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why did I need another one? I placed one on either end of the neckchain so it would detach. Then, you can clasp the neckchain and have a whole other simpler necklace!! I didn't know for sure if it would work out OK- but decided to give it a whirl.</span> </div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsrCpqfEV5o/T0P9wTvnM8I/AAAAAAAAAKs/Zzzp5Ty-J7Q/s1600/IMG_2940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsrCpqfEV5o/T0P9wTvnM8I/AAAAAAAAAKs/Zzzp5Ty-J7Q/s320/IMG_2940.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">both parts of the necklace, detached </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k2PpwYZjgI/T0P9zIW5W6I/AAAAAAAAAK0/jcHgpsUhiN0/s1600/IMG_2929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4k2PpwYZjgI/T0P9zIW5W6I/AAAAAAAAAK0/jcHgpsUhiN0/s320/IMG_2929.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the neck chain clasped together to form a simpler necklace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiN49MDr1KM/T0P92Fk7oZI/AAAAAAAAALE/45irvUoawqw/s1600/IMG_2911_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiN49MDr1KM/T0P92Fk7oZI/AAAAAAAAALE/45irvUoawqw/s320/IMG_2911_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there you have it- a convertible necklace!! I think I am done with pearls and crystals for awhile though. I'm moving on to my comfortable earthtones!</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-57202048314198961192012-02-14T14:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T14:00:44.931-08:00Clasping Inspiration- Part 2<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which came first- the chicken or the egg? Or in this case, the necklace or the clasp? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my last post, I shared a bracelet created around an Elegant Elements clasp. Now, here is the inspiration for the 2nd piece- again working backwards and creating a necklace to compliment a clasp. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLNF-cOY4S0/TzrTu-jTC6I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KuJHe3Yc_8M/s1600/clasp+for+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLNF-cOY4S0/TzrTu-jTC6I/AAAAAAAAAKA/KuJHe3Yc_8M/s200/clasp+for+necklace.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Elegant indeed! These clasps are so great for bead embroidery because they are not only beautiful, but substantial enough to support larger pieces, which (ahem) kinda describes a lot of my work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you think of when you look at this clasp? Well, to me, it was diamonds and pearls, with a hint of gold. Since diamonds are out of my price range, I settled for freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a nice carved blister pearl focal in my stash that I had been saving, along with several MOP cabochons- perfect for this project!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mimicked the diamond shapes in the clasp by using a netting stitch both in the main collar and the "fringe". The pearls sprinkled throughout the fringe were an afterthought. Since it gave the collar more dimension and a nice texture, I was pleased with the effect, and subsequently added another layer of pearls to the main part of the collar also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of using the stiffer bead embroidery all the way around, I usually weave the last few inches of the collar in the back. This makes the collar more comfortable to wear and allows it to lay better. Using gold seed beads and netting stitch, it tied right in to the rest of the piece.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am simplifying the process a bit here, not mentioning the 3-4 times I redid both the fringe and the back of the collar, but that is history, and here is the finished piece! I envision a bride walking down the aisle wearing this and a simple strapless gown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am knee deep in finishing the last piece for this project. I am quite excited about it- it actually incorporates 2 of the Elegant Elements clasps and is convertible! Till then......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-91354564879577001822012-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:002012-02-07T09:56:34.099-08:00Using a clasp as inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Recently I was approached by The Beadsmith to be a participating designer to showcase their new line of "Elegant Elements" clasps. The idea was that each of us would receive 2 clasps (we even got to pick them out ourselves), and we would design a piece of jewelry around them. Then they would use them in their promotional materials. Sounded like a win/win to me! I picked out 2 and before I knew it, the beautiful clasps arrived (along with a bonus clasp!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It was harder than I thought it would be. I always try to match the clasp to the jewelry design, most often beading my own. I have to say this is the first time I created a piece of jewelry around the clasp!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The first clasp I chose was very simple. I chose it mainly because of it's size. It is very substantial and would work well for big cuff bracelets. So that's what I started with.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">First, a picture of the clasp I chose:<o:p></o:p></span><img height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393662_340312215985530_154649901218430_1572313_406860289_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I decided I wanted the beading to reflect the swirls in the clasp. I didn’t want to make something really “girly” since the other clasps I chose were gold with crystals and I figured that would be the direction I would go with those.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQfHjqfUX8/TzFgjogXtXI/AAAAAAAAAJw/aGH8F8thA-E/s1600/facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQfHjqfUX8/TzFgjogXtXI/AAAAAAAAAJw/aGH8F8thA-E/s320/facebook.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">So I settled on a red and black color scheme with silver accents- a color combo I rarely use, but is very dramatic. I added the rhinestone chain for an added sparkle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The bead spacing on the swirls was a bit tricky (read trial and error!), but in the end I was happy with the effect.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The only thing left to do was to photograph it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I needed to have the clasp front and center on the pics- but in that case it was hard to show the rest of the bracelet.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The only solution was to just show only ½ of the clasp.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">So the first piece was done- on to the next one!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This next one is definitely girly!! (next blog)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here is the site where the pieces created for this “project” are showcased. Check it out- they are all really amazing!! I am so honored to have been included in this group.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.318101858206566.99847.154649901218430&type=1">Be Elegant! pieces featuring Elegant Elements clasps</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-24774027219017571342012-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:002012-02-03T15:42:32.056-08:00A Good Day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that I have been absent from this blog for LONG. I know that I said I was going to be blogging about art fairs. But I am back, and I am beginning right off the bat by getting off topic. Well, sort of. It ties in somewhat. Anyway....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you follow fellow beaders on Facebook, you undoubtedly noticed a lot of really excited beaders yesterday with news that their pieces were juried into the new Lark book in the 500 series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am one of those excited folks. Three of my pieces were accepted to be published in this book. And if that weren't exciting enough, my collar "Cathedral Windows" is featured on the cover of the book! I can't get over it- I keep thinking it is a joke and someone did a cover mock-up and will contact me shortly to say- "Ha ha- we sent one of these covers to everyone, but with <u>their</u> picture on the cover!" I'll believe it when I actually have it in my hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is the link <img alt="Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry: Photographs of Beautiful Contemporary Beadwork (500 Series)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61lEH3%2BwBeL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Showcase-500-Beaded-Jewelry-Contemporary/dp/1454703164/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328101161&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #cfe2f3;">Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry</span></a>- the book is coming out in August but you can preorder it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has given me a big lift right when I needed it. Do you ever get discouraged looking around the internet and seeing all the fabulous beading out there? This is what has been happening to me lately. I have been looking around Etsy and see all the AMAZING beading and have been feeling very humbled. And a bit intimidated. And kind of stuck, if the truth be told!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To add to this, I recently created some jewelry with Be Elegant clasps by Beadsmith. (more on this in a future post) About 26 other beaders also created jewelry for this project- and once again I am overwhelmed and insecure. I am so critical of my own stuff- especially compared to the others! I am not writing this to get people to tell me mine is good, but I am thinking I can't be the only one that feels this way! Sometimes I just have to stop looking at beading on the internet, and focus on my own. (live in my own little world?) I can get so hung up on comparing my work to others, that it paralyzes me as far as being creative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK- now to tie in to the art show theme. The good with the bad. This means rejections. And I have gotten plenty. I have gotten accepted into some very prestigious art shows, and at the same time been rejected by little crafty low end shows. I have entered the same piece into a contest and it is not even a finalist, then have it juried into an gallery exhibit. Two of the pieces in this book were entered into different contests and didn't win anything. So we have to keep in mind that it is all subjective, and just keep on trying. In the end, I am my own judge and the only one I have to please. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still, it is so wonderful to have recognition, and acceptance letters are fabulous. I always try to remember that it would be no fun if you always won, and all your applications were accepted. No challenge. The highs would be nowhere as good! So for now, I will just soak in this good news, and get back to filling out applications for this summer's art shows and hope for the best!!</span>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-21983369563226594522011-09-01T10:35:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:35:50.076-07:00A weekend of extremes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The Elmwood Ave. Art Fest takes place along Elmwood Ave, in Buffalo, NY.<span> </span>The neighborhood is beautiful, with lovely old homes mixed with trendy little shops. Just 2 blocks away, the neighborhood seems to change dramatically, with lots of bars on the windows and not just a little graffiti. <span> </span>Still, when we arrived Fri. afternoon, my husband and I both remarked on how many kids were out playing, and how almost every porch had neighbors sitting and visiting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I love this show. It is always one of my best.<span> </span>This year it is the last of 3 shows I have done right in a row.<span> </span>Doesn’t seem like much, but it takes a day to get ready and packed for a show, and a full day to recover from it.<span> </span>We usually get to the show a day early, and set up the day before when possible.<span> </span>So all in all, it doesn’t leave much free time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So by the time this show swung around, I was already pretty worn out already.<span> </span>The day before we were to leave, my husband and all around setup guy, sprained his ankle.<span> </span>Now if this was a show where you could set up the day before, this wouldn’t have been much of a problem.<span> </span>Given extra time, I can set up the display by myself.<span> </span>But we were not given extra time.<span> </span>This show begins at 10AM but customers start arriving by 9AM. The street doesn’t close until 6AM.<span> </span>Add to it that we need to dolly our stuff almost a block from trailer to booth, and we just purchased some mesh walls, which changed our setup entirely. I was completely stressed over whether I would live through the weekend!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My husband luckily had crutches from the LAST time he sprained his ankle!<span> </span>We iced it immediately and he stayed off it as much as possible- hoping for the best.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We headed out with the camper and trailer Fri night- his ankle was feeling much better, but he was still on crutches.<span> </span>Sat. morning he was able to walk pretty well, thank heavens, and I did most of the dollying back and forth while he worked on setting up the tent.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">With all this, I was less than relaxed by the time the show started.<span> </span>Things were piled all over in back of our tent. I was sticky and hot and grouchy.<span> </span>Customers seemed to be requiring a lot of my time and energy, and then leaving without buying anything.<span> </span>By the time the show ended at 6PM- I was ready for dinner and WINE with some friends at a local restaurant. As we started packing up, my husband said, ”Where is the silver jewelry case and 2 wheeled cart?<span> </span>It’s gone!”<span> </span>The jewelry case was empty, but it is a nice wheeled case that holds jewelry trays and is great for transporting.<span> </span>It was sitting on our new aluminum 2 wheeled cart, behind our open sided booth, about 6 feet from where we sat for most of the day.<span> </span>Sure, it probably should have been secured.<span> </span>And yes, I am sure the case looked like it would have valuables in it.<span> </span>But come on- they stole it right from under our noses!! We notified the Elmwood people as well as calling the police, and waited for them to come to fill out a report.<span> </span>The day was getting longer and longer, and our friends were waiting down the street at the restaurant.<span> </span>Finally, all was reported, and everything was out of the booth for the night, and I finally had my wine, dinner, socializing and FINALLY bed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yeh- before closing on Sat., the people from the art fest came around to tell us that high winds were forecasted for overnight and the next day- make sure to batten the hatches! What else!?! So we secured everything well before leaving.<span> </span>In the morning, there was quite a bit of damage to several tents in our area, and this one ended up on the adjoining lawn. It didn’t look like this day was starting out very well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thankfully our tent was secure and dry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The worst part about the theft of our items was that I was now suspicious of everyone.<span> </span>Although it was in no way the fault of the show, it gave me a bad feeling toward this show that I love.<span> </span>The cart and case were worth less than $300- and thank god there was no jewelry in the case, so I guess it was a comparatively low cost lesson.<span> </span>But still….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the artists came down to my booth to tell me that he had seen 3 teenagers walking behind the booths with a silver case on a cart the day before.<span> </span>He thought it was odd, but didn’t know if it was theirs or not.<span> </span>Those kids had the nerve to take it all the way down the street past all the booths!<span> </span>Arghhhh!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday was horribly windy.<span> </span>All day long, the wind was blowing in huge gusts.<span> </span>Tinkling glass was heard way too often.<span> </span>Some of the ceramic people actually took down their tents set up in the open.<span> </span>It made for another tense day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At least it was a bit cooler and didn’t rain.<span> </span>And my husband’s ankle was much better.<span> </span>And the crowds were large, and buying! But I still had a bad feeling toward people- who would just walk off with my stuff?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">About 3:00 my husband’s cell phone rang.<span> </span>It was a man who lived about 2 blocks from where we were.<span> </span>He said that when he came home late the night before and he found our items outside his gate where someone had obviously left them. He took them inside, found my phone number on the case and called us that afternoon.<span> </span>He said come on over and pick them up.<span> </span>My husband offered him money as a reward, but he would not accept it. He seemed like a very kind man, who really loved the neighborhood and was just trying to do right.<span> </span>The cart and case were returned to us with nothing missing or damaged.<span> </span>I never expected that. We packed up with no rain (always a plus) and my husband didn't use his crutches all day!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So with all the stress last weekend, it all turned out well and I had a great show.<span> </span>My faith in humankind is restored (but that doesn’t mean I won’t watch my stuff better next time) and I’ll be back again next year. <span> </span>All because a neighborhood man took the extra time to make that call and return my things.<span> </span>Thank you so much for that whoever you are!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">(A few of my favorite pieces that I sold this weekend)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFiL7DNVCt0/Tl-_-NWgVzI/AAAAAAAAAIY/MZ3oA6ap2DI/s1600/IMG_4141_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lFiL7DNVCt0/Tl-_-NWgVzI/AAAAAAAAAIY/MZ3oA6ap2DI/s320/IMG_4141_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-59744402461597289462011-08-29T13:57:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:57:01.874-07:00Art in the Gardens, continued....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Arts in the Gardens Show, Sonnenburg Gardens,Canandaigua, NY continued….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday the Sonnenburg show opened to a hot sunny day- and I do mean hot.<span> </span>But there was intermittent shade from the beautiful old trees that were in the show area.<span> </span>I had paid extra to have electricity available at my booth, and was very thankful for it as I ran my 2 big fans. Some of the booths seemed like steam baths, but I was comparatively comfortable- although still hot and sweaty.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The coolest place in the show was the porta potties.<span> </span>No kidding!<span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is what they looked like from the outside.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And this was the inside!<span> </span>They were air conditioned for crying out loud!!!<span> </span>It felt like the bathrooms in a high class hotel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh yeh, there was also a fireplace that they ran in colder weather:</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The crowd was steady all day and I had good sales.<span> </span>It sort of felt like a garden party on the front lawn of the old mansion, ladies shopping in their big hats. .<span> </span>All day, volunteers checked in the booths to ask if they could get us water, or sit in the booth to give us a break.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was some really nice prize money given out.<span> </span>One of the things I appreciated was that when the judges came around, they were identified by tags.<span> </span>So I knew they actually came to my booth and looked at my things.<span> </span>I was also able to explain briefly to them how my jewelry is made.<span> </span>I wasn’t awarded any prizes, but the work that won was well deserving! The quality of work exhibited at this show was all outstanding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sat. night they held a reception for the artists with lots of food and free wine on the porches of the mansion.<span> </span>It was a nice end for a long hot day, a chance to visit and relax.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sat. night and early morning it rained hard.<span> </span>Our tent was buttoned down well, and everything remained dry.<span> </span>As an indication of how well we were treated, the “management” came around in the morning to greet us with a roll of paper towels, offering them to anyone who may have had rain leak in their booths.<span> </span>Oh yes, and free coffee and donuts each morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It cleared up for most of the day, but later in the afternoon it began to really pour- which virtually ended the show.<span> </span>The customers from there on out were few and far between.<span> </span>I looked across the way, and my neighboring artists were catching up on the news.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DnrgskwucA/Tlv8BPS00lI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WZUfs5hi-Es/s1600/2011-08-21_15-25-02_14_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DnrgskwucA/Tlv8BPS00lI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WZUfs5hi-Es/s320/2011-08-21_15-25-02_14_edited-1.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The weather cleared in time for us to pack up, so all it all, it was a pleasant and profitable show.<span> </span>I will be returning for sure next year, as long as they will have me!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun just peeking through the clouds as we were leaving.</td></tr>
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</div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-71141214529774248652011-08-22T18:42:00.000-07:002011-08-22T18:42:09.205-07:00Arts in the Gardens<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">My original intention with this series of blog posts was to chronicle my experience with art and craft shows, starting at the beginning and working my<span> </span>way to the present. But last weekend, I participated at a show so good, that I am going to temporarily skip ahead, just so I can share it with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am a little worried about posting this.<span> </span>I am afraid it will sound so good, that all my beading friends will apply next year, and I will be juried out!<span> </span>But I guess I will take my chances.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The show took place at the Sonnenburg Gardens in Canandaigua, NY- a lovely town in the Finger Lakes region of NY state.<span> This show is called "Arts in the Gardens" and had about 150 artist booths (just an estimate) as well as winery tent, beer garden, and good food. This organization did a great job of jurying, as the quality of the artwork was excellent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The grounds of this State Historic Park are absolutely gorgeous- you couldn’t pick a more idyllic setting.<span> </span>Here are just a few photos of the gardens and mansion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Koy pond</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the many old greenhouses</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">But let’s get right to the show.<span> </span>The show ran Sat. and Sunday.<span> </span>We were able to set up on Friday- all day from 10AM to 8PM.<span> </span>You could pull your vehicle right up to your booth spot and unload.<span> </span>It was so relaxing to be able to be able to have a leisurely set up.<span> </span>We worked for awhile, took breaks in the gardens, then worked a little more.<span> In contrast, l</span>ast week I was in a show where we began our setup at 5AM.<span> </span>It was hot and muggy, and by the time the show began at 10AM, I was already tired, hot and sticky, and pretty grouchy.<span> </span>It made for a very long day.<span> </span>In contrast, setting up for this show was very laid back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">set up on Fri. morning- our camper and trailer parked in front of my space</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">During setup, volunteers were available to answer any questions or to help any way they could. They were so friendly and helpful all during the show.<span> K</span>udos to them.<span> </span>There was always a volunteer nearby to help- I never had to go searching for one when I had a question. The booth numbers were clearly marked, and our 14’ wide spots gave ample wiggle room, as well as allowing air flow, which was important on Saturday.<span> </span>(again- in contrast to a show I participated in earlier this year, where each spot was about 10 ½’ wide.<span> </span>If you happened to be the last person to set up your 10’ tent in your row, it was quite possible that you would not be able to squeeze in! Particularly if one of the other exhibitors happened to set up their tent just a little cockeyed)<span> </span>We also had lots of room behind our booth for our “back room” storage and extra space to sit.<span> </span>I love when this happens- I don’t feel so cramped .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Parking spots for exhibitors were assigned and marked clearly.<span> </span>This avoided the game of jockeying for spaces with the other vendors.<span> </span>Since we have the truck camper and a trailer, we needed extra space, and they had taken that into consideration- assigning us a large spot right near the entrance.<span> </span>We stayed in this quiet shaded spot all weekend- sleeping in our camper.<span> </span>Very pleasant!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh yes!<span> </span>I can’t forget the welcome packets- check this out!<span> </span>Each one was hand stitched!!! What a cool touch!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I realize now that is post will be too long if I tell all I want to about this show.<span> </span>So I will continue it next time.<span> </span>Teaser: one of my favorite parts was the bathrooms!!! Wait till you see the pictures!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6769946240684910453.post-26876891778660230812011-08-08T11:44:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:35:02.935-07:00Everything you wanted to know about art and craft shows but were afraid to ask!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems that finishing the blog about the Australian wedding piece was almost as much of a relief as actually finishing the piece! I have had such a had time getting it together enough to blog again. But after a bit of a break, I am back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As many of you know, I have quite an active Facebook page. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bettystephanbeadwork?ref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/bettystephanbeadwork?ref=ts</a> (if you would like to check it out!!) One of the most common questions I get asked involves Art and Craft shows. Advice on how to get started etc. So I thought that would be a good topic for a series of blogs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am by no means an expert on this. I have been selling my beaded jewelry at art show for about 6 years. I have met many people on "the circuit" that have never had a job other than doing shows. But I have learned a lot in the time I have been doing shows, and maybe I can contribute some helpful information.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me share a little of my own "history". The first show I participated in was in Boston, NY.,about a 20 minute drive from where I live. The space rental for 2 days was only about $25 so it was a pretty low risk way to try out ths new venture. It was part of a town celebration with a carnival and the whole works. I bought myself a $69 canopy at Walmart and got together some tables from saw horses and plywood. I covered them with fabric and made some pretty acceptable displays. I set up the morning of the show in my spot in the middle of a black top parking lot. It took maybe an hour to set up everything ( those were the days- now it takes 3-5 hrs- more on that in the future). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day was sunny but incredibly hot. Crowds were pretty much nonexistent. During their big parade the shoppers were entirely nonexistent. The temperature climbed to 100 degrees. At one point, I looked around and I could see about 4 other vendors in their tents from where I sat at my display. They were all fast asleep!! I'm not kidding!! The people on one side of me seemed to be doing well selling their 50 cent necklaces from China though, and I saw quite a few ears of corn and bags of tomatoes go by, so I guess that was pretty lucrative, but I made a total of 2 sales. I think it amounted to $15. What a miserable day. It is the only time I have ever packed up after the first day and not come back to finish out the weekend. And thankfully, it was the only time ( so far) that I have not made my booth fee. Although sometimes it's been close.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't take any photos of that first booth, but here is a photo of what my display looked like around that time. I will show you how the booth progressed over the years in the next few posts. You will also notice the type of jewelry I am selling evolve and change.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73kGYdIuEsk/TkAqBWNyiWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/OSKq7iXQixs/s1600/jewelry+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73kGYdIuEsk/TkAqBWNyiWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/OSKq7iXQixs/s320/jewelry+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very first setup- set up as a test in my dining room! I have bead embroidered pins and a few necklaces, but the rest are all just simple stringing or bead weaving.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made all those necklace displays from foam board covered with velvet or felt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a closer look at the brooches 2005?</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It really is amazing that I ever decided to continue on this path after that beginning! But continue I did, and next time I will tell you what happened at the next show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of the things I learned are warning signs from that first show:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1- The booth fee was incredibly low. You would think this would be a good thing, but quite often, a low booth fee portends low sales. Sometimes you luck out. But as a general rule, it seems that you will be able to sell higher priced items at a higher priced show. Of course there are exceptions- these shows are real jewels and should be treasured!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2- This was a village celebration. Complete with carnival, beer tent, parade etc etc. Again, this is not always the case, but it seems to me when a craft show is combined with all these other things, people go to have a good time, and may walk around to the craft booths, but are not as likely to buy. Plus, it means lots of kids- which isn't really conducive to leisurely jewelry shopping.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3- This show was also a flea market and farmers market. How can you compete with Chinese imports? My jewelry involves hours of painstaking work, and I take great pride in it. But I cannot compete with that 3 for a dollar earring guy! If a show is not juried ( and even some that are) it will most certainly have what we call buy/sell there. And you will be undersold. No two ways about it. There is a place for buy/sell- I have bought my sharenof it. But I can't compete with it and will not knowingly do any shows that include it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4- When I started talking to the other vendors, almost all of them said this was their first year. Mmmmm- why didn't anyone do it more than 1 year? If possible, it is always nice to either visit a show, or speak with someone who has done it before- preferably someone who does work similar to yours. A person who sells soap will have an entirely different experience from someone that sells fine art paintings. Everyone has different expectations too. Where one artist is thrilled to have a $200 weekend, another is not pleased with $3000. So take this into consideration when asking how their show was. (plus- keep in mind that numbers are often exaggerated)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the positive reinforcement I got from the compliments (though not sales) was what kept me going on to do other shows- a LITTLE smarter, but still a lot to learn!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few good resources for researching shows:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewYorkCrafters/?yguid=325464773">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewYorkCrafters/?yguid=325464773</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">a forum of New York Artists discussing shows</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/RochesterArtisans/?yguid=325464773">Rochester Artisans</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">a very active group of local Rochester, NY artists who review and discuss shows and show issues</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.artfairinsiders.com/">http://www.artfairinsiders.com/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">a group that discusses shows across the country </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sunshineartist.com/">Sunshine Artist Magazine</a>an invaluable magazine (at least it was to me) when trying to sort out which shows were best to apply for</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Betty Stephanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795741525381377239noreply@blogger.com0