The Bonanza Files

Well, I decided to join Bonanza.com.  I am not sure that it is necessarily a good or bad move, but something that I am going to try out and see if I like it.  It is a little different from both Artfire and Etsy, but that's to be expected.




So far I've set up my booth, and I've added some items, 25 of them to be exact.  I will be adding more as time allows, but I think I have a good, solid start.  I've joined using a basic, free account, but since they have a month free of the paid accounts, I just may try out their silver level sometime in the near future.  After all, how can I give them a fair shake if I am not getting all the benefits that I should be?

So far I've found the item importer to be helpful, thank goodness for Etsy's exporter feature.  If not for those two things I would have had to complete each item separately.  As it is, it was fun enough fixing all the little things that couldn't be or didn't transfer, such as shipping.  Plus, when the items imported the description was all one big block of text that I had to go through and create paragraphs once again.  One thing that I did like was another feature they have to batch edit items where I could update something about 2 or more items at once.  So, if you have a moment, please go to my Bonanza Booth and have a look around, perhaps you will want to experiment with it yourself, can offer me some feedback, or will find something you like!

I will keep everyone updated on my little test.

TS Beading's Bonanza Booth

Sign for a BPA-FREE America

Origami Gift Boxes

Today I was searching around for the perfect gift boxes that I could use when selling my items, when out of the blue, DH says to me, "why don't you make them?"  Hmmmm....

His comment made me begin researching on YouTube on how to make a box, and lucky me, they have quite a few tutorials on how to make a box.  From regular printer paper to origami paper, to scrapbooking paper, to holiday greeting cards (great recycling idea!) So many ideas...   next, all I had to do is decide what KIND of boxes I wanted to make, because unbeknownst to me, I could make a square box or a rectangle box, or perhaps I could do an origami star box, or the interlocking top box made from one piece of paper and no cutting, or I could make a hexagon box, a pentagon box, and I think that I even saw an oval box tutorial.

For the past few hours I've been watching box making videos and decided that I would use either scrapbooking paper or maybe I will give greeting cards a try, as they seem appropriate with the holidays coming along.  I chose the video above as a good tutorial overall, it's a one-piece box where the top interlocks upon itself, and although the guy in the tut uses computer paper, any paper can be used.  Now I will have to check out the scrapbooking section and begin a new journey in box-making.  If I am good enough, I think that I will begin shipping orders in them.  I think it would give a personalized touch and I could make the boxes any size I would like.  As long as they are sturdy enough, they would hold up in shipping and could be used as storage for my customer's new purchase for years to come.  Excellent idea DH!  Now to begin my journey...

Artfire's NEW limited time Group Deal

There's been a lot of talk about Artfire's new Group Deal, the deal they are offering for a group of 20,000 people and is capped at 50,000 people for a super low monthly rate of $5.95/mo.

What's the catch?  Well, I did my research and didn't find any catch.  It seems to me that Artfire is attempting to expand its Pro Memberships to raise money for new features since the Beta phase of Artfire is coming to an end.  So, what that means to us is that if we can get 20,000 people to pre-sign up for this deal, then it will become a reality; a reality that will be capped at 50,000 people.  

It seems like a great time to get in on this deal for 

• Existing pro members who can lower their rate from $15.95 per month down to $5.95 per month.
• Basic members who don't want to pay $15.95  per month
• Basic members who would like to try out a pro account at a reduced rate (there is no contract with this group deal)
• Non-members who have something to sell that is vintage, handmade, or supplies and would like to try Artfire at a reduced rate
• Non-members who sell at other venues and would like to try something new

I personally think that Artfire pro membership is AWESOME for so many reasons.  The layout, the flexibility, the flat rate fee rather than a fee per item listed and then another fee for each item sold, the ability to add our own widgets to our page, customization of our page, the ability to easily mark items on sale with a small banner that states discounts on the main photo of an item, the and so, so much more!  

If you aren't sold, then perhaps take a look at the Artfire site and have a look around.  Check out my studio and others' studios to get a feel for what you can do with yours..

Even if you don't take Artfire up on their offer, you probably have a friend in mind who could use an online studio for handmade or vintage items, or have supplies to sell.  Pass on the word because a deal like this doesn't come around often and when it's done, its done.

Caring for Your Beadwork

I have a new page on my blog that specifically outlines how to care for your beadwork. For more information, click the link below.

TS Beading and More: Caring for Your Beadwork: "Caring for Your Beaded Jewelry and Accessories. Upon purchasing beaded jewelry and accessories, you may be wondering the best way to care fo..."

Is it patience or perfectionism?

The jewelry set that I made for my Grandmother and shipped to her this past weekend.  She received them today and fell in love, and that is the best compliment I could ever get.  I love to beautify!

I am often told that I must have a lot of patience to work with seed beads, and I suppose that I never put too much thought into that until this past Sunday at the bridal show when someone was admiring my netted tube bear bracelet.  It was at that moment that I saw the bracelet how someone who doesn't bead sees it, and it does look really complicated, and I guess it seemed complicated to me before I learned to do the magical stitch that creates the netted tube.

Yet, when I look at the beautiful things that other people make, I think what they do looks complicated too.  For example, I won a pendant a few weeks ago and blogged about that earlier, but the metalwork on the pendant looks intricate and complicated to me.  I tried to follow the wire with my eyes around all the twists and turns, wondering, "where did she even start?"

I think that is just one of the perks of selling online, I get to see all the other beautiful, intricate things that people made with loving hands.  People who take the time to master their craft and create wonderful things for others.  Many times I see things that are sold far under what would equal minimum wage, and yes, I have done it too.  Yet, I would rather see the jewelry and accessories that I make go  to a loving home than to see it sit here on a shelf.

I take pride in what I make, and often I do have to take out rows of beads on the piece I am working on to fix one bead, but if I  hadn't, the piece wouldn't shine as it is supposed to.  When something is off, I can tell, and even if others may never notice, I do, and that's what is important  to me.  I had to redo the piece that I am working on today three times to get it exactly right.  Nobody paid me to do that, nobody probably would have noticed the one bead that was off, but I did.  Ok, ok, I am a perfectionist.  I admit it.  But how many of you crafters out there can't  say the same?

So, is it patience or is it perfectionism?

Doctor, doctor! NA Forum, orders and being reunited!

Wow, it's been a busy few days for me.  Today I had a doctor's appointment and then waited forever for my prescriptions to be filled, and when I got it, the order was wrong, and so I had to resubmit it two more times until it was finally right.    Then it was DH's doctor appointment and trip to the pharmacy, and that was equally as long and exciting.  So, I didn't get too much accomplished today.

This evening I sat in on "Story time" on the Native American Thread in the Etsy Forums, (I do believe you need an Etsy account as buyer or seller to post in the forums) which is always fun and interesting.  Wednesday nights are story nights at 7pm CST, and tonight we were told an excellent story about Raven and his Cousin Crow from Beadlady61.  The Native American thread was started almost a year ago and we are now in chapter 5.  There's a wonderful group of folks who come through the forum, not all are Native American, nor do all of them make Native American Art, but since I was notified of the thread about a month ago, I've had the pleasure of the forum.  Join us sometime, even if it is just for story time.  The group is very welcoming, and I haven't been bitten or heard of anyone getting bitten, yet... so, I think it's safe!

Then I had to get together a couple orders that I have to ship out tomorrow.  One is a custom order that I finished up last night, and then I have two pairs of earrings that I will be sending out either tomorrow or the day after to the lucky winners in my Facebook fan celebration!  If you're not my fan, just go to my facebook page here and click "like" and you can get in on future giveaways, promotions, sales, etc., as well!

I also finally heard from my cousin that I hadn't heard from or talked with in about 5 years!  I received a FB add from her today and I'm so excited to be in touch again.  When I went to undergrad in Milwaukee, she was always there for me and helped me out a lot.  We had such good times together and always got along so well, but then I moved away and phone numbers changed, and somehow 5 whole years have slipped by.  I can't believe how much her children have grown!  I am extremely happy that we will finally catch up again.

My eyes are now drooping and so I am going to call it a night.  I posted a few new posts with pictures of current items I've been working on for your daily dose of eye candy.  Enjoy!

My Tattoo and meaning

My tattoo and the meaning behind it

At first  glance this is perhaps off topic in regards to my beadwork, but it's not.  I created the design on my tattoo and it took me years for the exact design to come to me.  I learned a lot in those years that helped me come to this design.  It is not just a tattoo to me, it is medicine, it is a reminder, it is protection, and it encompasses my basic beliefs about life.  Perhaps you will understand after I paste what I wrote about it years ago (my account says I posted it 203 weeks ago.. wow!)  when I first designed it.  So, without further ado, here goes my explanation.

The overall tattoo is a bear paw (my clan) with a dreamcatcher (to keep all the negative out and let the good come on in,) and a medicine wheel to signify the circle of life (the coming of age, the things we accomplish in life, the seasons, the directions, and the animals associated with each.) It is on my left shoulder blade and is the bears left hand, and I did that so that he has his arm around me (protection.) And finally, the largest eagle feather is located at the bottom to signify our creator, and two smaller eagle feathers can be found on each side to signify the eagles taking my prayers to the creator.

Here is more information on the medicine wheel and the signifance of the colors:

EAST - Air - Flight

Beginings starts in the east - from where the sun rises we begin a new dawn. Each day is a good new day with a fresh beginning, a new start. East is the direction of the physical body and newness including children and new borns. It is the time of change for all is a new beginning. New ideas and seeing the light. Change. Spring is the season when all things begin to grow and awaken. Yellow is the path of Life, to begin the walk as a warrior, to shine in all that you do. The sun rising in the east empowers each of us. The energy to do and to begin the action of the mind and heart is there.

Animals
Animals of wings and flight include hummingbird, the owl, and the hawk. Our words are given to the east that the smoke in the air or the voices in the air may be carried to Spirit.

SOUTH - Fire - Passion

Growth in the South it is the time of Summer. From the bloom we transform into the fruit of the labors. It is the time of mid-day, the hottest part of the day, the part when the sun is overhead and no shadows are cast.. Maturing and growing into an adult to be that who was are. It is the time to accept the change and learn, to understand.

Red is for fire, passion, time of fertility. The South is the place of passion in all things, sex, fertility, mating - the fires that burn within. The direction of fire, like the phoenix we can rise from the flames, we take and rise again from childhood into being an adult in the direction of the South.

Animals
The animals in the South represent pride, strength and courage. The eagle with keen sight and strong wings. The lion for the strength and courage to speak out and roar. The wolf so proud to be a team member of a pride.

WEST (Blue) Water - Emotions

Later adulthood the time of Fall, the time of the setting sun - twilight. The daylight fades and brings a new awareness in this time of gradual change. When the darkness comes we must look inward to find the light and have courage. To understand what we see in the darkness may not be real but only shadows.

This is the emotional part of ourselves, like the flowing water we must learn to go with the flow of life. The time of the West is when we learn that we are responsible to all things and to each other. It is the time to prepare, to finish things for the time of Winter is coming. We gather ourselves and family, working together to prepare for what is to come. As the place of emotions it is the place of family and love - of responsibility from our hearts because of the love. It is hard work and team efforts. Black symbolizes change from this life.

Animals
The Beaver shows us of the team work and pre-paredness needed for the winter coming. The snake reminds us to shed our skin to grow and change.


NORTH (Green) Earth - Wisdom

As we get older our hair turn white, as we come to our time of winter. White (and purple) also symbolize spirituality. With experience and age we gain  wisdom. Now we have time to rest and contemplate the lessons. North is purity and wisdom, a great place of healing. This is the time after midnight, a dream time. The time to be grounded within yourself and deep within, like a bear in a cave.

North is the place of winter. This reminds us to stop and listen. That we must have prepared for the long time of winter. Having been in action the other seasons we now rest and contemplate to understand the wisdom we have been given.

Animals
The white buffalo, Moose and Bear. Each prepared and have a layer of fat to sustain them through the winter. They are also the primary source of meat during the winter time for people. They rest and take things slow, not wasting energy, and with the understanding of what winter brings.

I found these definitions HERE.

I use them here because the definitions encompass all that a medicine wheel symbolizes: Seasons, growth, life stages, life lessons, and the animals associated with each.  I found that the site explained things perhaps more thoroughly than I could have.  The website does a pretty good job explaining things that coincide with the things that I was taught.

The Homemade Difference

Ever since I decided to sell my beadwork and began marketing online, I've found so many other extremely talented artists who make anything you can imagine, and then some!  Why didn't I know that there was so much out there?  Why didn't I ever think to look at such places when I needed a new barrette, jewelry, glassware, beads, supplies, clothing, books, accessories, decorations, key chains, dog toys, animal and pet products, furniture, etc., etc., etc.  The list items for sale by individuals goes on and on and on.  And the amazing part is that this stuff is homemade or reconstructed  vintage items!

People everywhere are finding new uses for old items, creating new and innovative designs, supplies, artwork, and so much more!  I am big on taking care of our Mother Earth and love to implement the 3 R's, REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE!  I love finding new uses for items, and now I see that there are many, many people out there who do the same at so many levels.  I am utterly amazed each time I go snooping around at others' shops.

The time and effort that people put into their craft is astonishing.  Without fancy factory tools, machinery, and line workers, people apply good old-fashioned techniques in making many items, and the kicker is that the old-fashioned ways tend to deliver higher quality products.  It might take more time to do things the old way, but the artisan then has the opportunity to look it over, to test each item, to reinforce any loose stitches, and ensure that the outgoing product meets quality standards.

I have noticed that sometimes the prices are a little higher when something is homemade, but then again, it rarely fails that you get what you pay for.  What it all comes down to is this:  I made the "buy handmade" pledge.

Better Photos!

I found a way to make the photos look even better than they did before simply by adjusting the whiteness in them to bring out true colors.  I did this to all of my photos and they look marvelous!

I made the adjustments on GIMP; a free photo editing software that I downloaded and love!  It is like the more commonly known photo editing programs, but it has a general license that makes it free to use and customize.

I updated all of my photos in both my Artfire studio and my Etsy shop, check them out!  I highly recommend adjusting your white balance on all photos, and I hear you can do that right on most digital cameras, but since I have to adjust all my photos in size and amount of pixels, I just take care of the white balance in Gimp as well.