Store Makeover In Progress - Brand New Look Coming

Bounty Of Beads is always evolving and changing, hopefully for the better.  I started this shop as an avenue to destash just a few items and it just took off from there.  I truly am a jewelry designer at heart and that is what I love to do. I have been working all this year to get back to what I love to do and still keep Bounty Of Beads alive and going. 

I am currently in the process of a complete Store Makeover.  My final goal is to only sell Bead Dangle Drop Charm Sets and continue with the Trinity Brass line as well.  So, with that in mind, here are some changes that will be taking place over the next few days:

I will be listing some items at "Clearance Bulk Sale" http://www.etsy.com/listing/78030152/clearance-bulk-sale-gorgeous-4-leaf
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62660514/clearance-bulk-sale-50-pc-copper
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53414151/clearance-bulk-sale-bright-silver-flower
Most of the Crystals, Swarovski, Czech and Glass Beads will begin to disappear from my shop.  So, if there is anything from these sections that you would like, now is the time to grab them before they disappear.  Take a peek, you never know just what might be on sale.....

Here is a preview of what I have NEW in the shop...

 Bead Dangle Charm Drop Set http://www.etsy.com/listing/79266710/6-piece-antique-silver-and-12mm-medium

 Bead Dangle Charm Drop Set http://www.etsy.com/listing/79283967/6-piece-baby-blue-and-pink-simple-bead

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/79309608/6-piece-blue-millefore-and-lime-green

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/79299077/4-piece-peachy-pink-multifaceted

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79333190/6-piece-silver-tulip-with-white-pearl

Custom Orders Prevail

So this week has been a busy week for me in the Custom Orders Department.  Here are just a few more creations from "The Jewelry Hutch" side of me.  It sure doesn't hurt when you also own the supply company as well............LOL

Dragonfly and Glass Pearl Necklace and Earrings Set

Large Dragonfly and Glass Pearl Necklace and Earring Set

Blooming Tulip and Freshwater Pearl Necklace and Earring Set

Dragonfly Necklace and Earring Set In Ivory Color

These are my next projects.....

Earrings

Earrings

Earrings

and more Earrings!!!

Meet The Other Side

So today I thought it might be fun to introduce you to the other side of Bounty of Beads.  Her alter ego is a lady called The Jewelry Hutch aka "the jewelry lady".  It's what lots of my customers call me because they are just as bad at remembering names as I am. :) 

I love creating jewelry and remaking old pieces into new pieces that I find at garage sales or the flea market.  What's left over goes into my Bounty of Beads Etsy store. 

 Glass Pearl Birds Nest Ring, I make these in all sorts of colors.

 The copper Birds' Nest Rings are my favorite just because of the way they look.

 Czech Glass Button Rings

 Czech Glass Button Rings

What I have been working on over the past few months are my rings, so I thought I would share some of them with you today.

Making The Most Out Of A Craft Fair

The name of my Blog and my Etsy company may be Bounty of Beads, but most people locally refer to me as "The Jewelry Lady".  My full time job is setting up anywhere and everywhere I can to sell my jewelry and I do tons of Festivals and Shows.  I thought I would share just a few pointers with you that I have found work for me. 

First off, I always to try to make my booth look as professional as I can.  I use multiple types of displays, table cloths and boxes for lift, just depending on the type of show and where I am.  Giving different heights and angles all over the table truly gives your set up a unique and eye catching look.  I don't mean, clutter your table up with as much as possible, I mean to go for a "staircase" effect in your display where some things are at the height to catch someones eye.  Use colors that flow and don't drowned out what you are selling.

When I first set up for a show, I will put it all together, back up and take a look, then start rearranging.  I will constantly be shifting items and changing out displays all during the show.  I have customers that have already looked, will come back and say "that wasn't there last time I Looked" and that's because I change it throughout the entire day.  Always make sure to fill in that hole or empty spot when you sell something. Always be sure to constantly "straighten" up your booth after customers have come in and looked at your goodies.  DON'T BE LAZY ABOUT IT!!!  Just because you set it up in the morning doesn't mean you are done for the day.  I see people in other booths that sit in their chairs all day long and complain about not making sales.  That's because nobody wants to go look through something that looks like a huge mess.

Have a figure in mind as to what you hope to make for the days show.  If you hope to make $300 for the day and only have $500 in inventory to sell.........then you will probably be very disappointed in your day.  If you are going to do a festival, I want you to add up the price on all your inventory and see just how much you are taking with you and then figure out a realistic number from that.  Since this is what I do full time, my numbers may seem high to some.  I usually go with $3500 to $6000 in inventory and try to hit $1,000 to $1,500 per show day.  That doesn't always happen but, it's what I try for.  Sounds like a lot of money but when you only do that once or twice a month...it's not.

I always set myself up behind my tables.  To me, there is nothing more intimidating than to try and go into someones booth and have to get around the artist just to look at what they are selling.  Also, don't take your whole family with you to a craft show.  People really don't want to intrude on your "family reunion" to get to what you are trying to sell.  To many workers in a small booth will actually work against you.

OK, that's enough for you to digest for today, I will add more over the next few days.  So many of you have asked me for pointers that I hope this helps you out and you will check back for.... "the rest of the story"

Work Space Home and Away.....

I thought that with this weeks Promotional Frenzy Blog challenge that I would show you all my "work" space away from home and at home.....

Huge Christmas Show in November 2010.

Arts and Crafts Festival in July 2010

Display and Rack For Finished Sets

Work Table Used For Creating and Photography Findings and Finished Jewelry

Computer, Desk, Tools, Displays, Stand Up Shipping Center in the corner, Files, etc. Everything all within arms length.

A Passion For Creating

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68709924/6-piece-stunning-white-rice-pearl-bead

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68889611/6-piece-vintage-style-antique-silver

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68889421/6-piece-multifaceted-red-velvet-rondelle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68907196/6-piece-red-riverbank-bead-dangle-drop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68889160/6-piece-gray-silk-pearl-bead-dangle-drop

Just thought that I would share a few of my new goodies with you. I really just have such a passion for creating jewelry and Bounty of Beads is a way to feed that passion. I get to create Bead Dangle Charm Drop Sets that others can use to make beautiful creations. They are perfect for Earrings, Pendants, Bracelets, Cell Phone Charms, Purse and Zipper Pulls. I would love to hear some of your ideas for how to use these in your creations......

Let me know what you would design with some of these and what colors you would pair them with, can't wait to hear all of your ideas!!!!

Sharing My Heart

This weekend my little church hosted our annual "Friendship Feast" after Sunday morning services. It's where we bring our Senior Adults together with our children and they have lunch together. They get their pictures taken with their prayer partners for the year. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, the adults, the children, or the rest of us standing by and quietly watching. For me, I am just so thankful to God for bringing such wonderful people into my familys life.

One man in particular is Mr. John, but to most of the children he is Papa John. He has atleast 30 "grandchildren" in our church and he has a hug and a word of encouragement for all of them. Mr. John is not in the greatest of health, mostly due to his age, but he is always smiling, always asks how you are doing and then listens for the real answer. We try to go visit Mr. John at his home as often as we can, always bringing some little goodie to leave in his kitchen for later. He spends time showing us more pictures of his family, pictures that he painted when he was younger, a lone stuffed animal that sits in the corner that belonged to his son. He will find something that he can't remember where he got it, but wants to know if I've ever seen anything like it. He has an old wooden swing on his front porch and 2 more chairs that invite you to sit down and stay awhile.

Mostly I am thankful to God for giving my daughter an example of what's truly important in life. Spending time with those we love, slowing down long enough to show them that we care and that they are important, no matter what age.

So today, I share with you my friend Mr. John Green, my daughter Jessica (on the right) and my good friends granddaughter Abby (age 4).

SunnyCrystals - Who Is She???

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67652214/vintage-austrian-green-crystal-brooch

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66834403/beaded-woven-hematite-leaf-pendant

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61940909/tiger-eye-collection-15-crystal

http://www.etsy.com/listing/39932419/cyclamen-3d-decopage-card-best-wishes

Sunny Crystals - Who is She????

Owner of a beautiful shop on Etsy called SunnyCrystals who says she has always been fascinated by crystals and minerals with their beauty as well as the spiritual and mystical properties that they hold. She has taken this love and hobby, turning it into a home based business.

This is a shop that offers all sorts of goodies including Crystal Tumblestones, Beaded Leaf Pendants, Crystal Bracelets, Necklaces, Vintage Jewelry and several different styles of cards.

This is a very unique shop with a wonderful treasure trove of finds that will give your creative heart a quick skip once you see what she has to offer.

The only question I would love to ask Sue is.....................just who is "Mr. Sunny???"

The Grandest Woman I Never Met

Priscillas Mason Jar

Beautiful Treasures Inside

Works of Art In Mind Already With These

3 Rings created using her old buttons.

The Earrings That Her Daughter and Granddaughter Will Wear.

I hold in my hand a vintage blue Ball Ideal mason jar that's probably 60 years old, atleast. It is filled with buttons that have been collected and passed down over 3 generations in the past 90 plus years. I received this jar from one of my best friends who thought that I could probably find some things in there to make rings out of. They had been passed down to her by her mother Priscilla Thomas who passed away several years ago.

What I found was more than some beautiful old buttons. There are some absolutely amazing treasures in this old jar. Some are knicked, cracked and aged and then there are those that have worn spots on them from a woman rubbing them during times of pain or sorrow. Priscillas grandmother collected buttons and so began her love of beautiful buttons at the age of 11. As she grew, so did her collection and at times, she would lovingly pull them out and look at each one. She would probably remember where that button came from, the person it reminded her of and possibly a happy story or two. Priscilla traveled all over because she would go where there was work for her husband. Although her life was ever changing, the buttons were always a constant. Priscilla worked hard at raising strong independant children who have a love for God and ares just as giving as she apparently was.

Her daughter said to me that Priscilla was probably in heaven smiling at the fact that someone would be adorned with something that she found special to her and just maybe would have a story to tell as well.

I have taken a few of these beautiful treasures and created earrings and rings so far. I have some plans for some of the other buttons as well. For now, I am honored to have been included in Priscillas life through her buttons. The sharing of these will begin with her 2 Daughters Darlene and Denise, her Granddaughter Katie and her Great Granddaughter Abbey. Each of these beautiful girls will be wearing a piece of Priscilla and have their own stories to share as well.

So today I am honored to introduce to you Priscilla Thomas, the Grandest Woman I Never Met.

Promotional Frenzy Blog Feature Glitterbird Glamour

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42225948/fine-silver-on-purple-pink-gold-pendant

This week is such an exciting opportunity to meet and learn all about one of my Promotional Frenzy Friends. Dee with Glitterbird Glamour, the creative mind behind all those beautiful items you see. I asked Dee just a few questions and truly enjoyed talking with her. http://www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterbirdGlamour

1. When, Where and How did you get started?
A. A few years ago I was living in Charlottesville, Virginia and took jewelry classes for glass fusing and PMC at a local studio. I was hooked immediately! I found this to be a very suitable and relaxing medium for me. Don't get me wrong, there are frustrations when trying to get the outcome you want with glass, it can be fickle! And oh, the cuts! But I still love the outcome, and I know that I will be doing this for a long time to come. I initially took it up as a hobby, but I had many requests from friends (and strangers, who have actually bought jewelry I was wearing) that I decided to start selling. The more I sell, the more I can enjoy making. I also make a bit of fused glass decorations for the home. I enjoy making jewelry and art that is as diverse as each individual in shape, size, and color. I want my customers to own something completely unique, that no one can duplicate.

2. What was or is your inspiration for your designs?
A. I love geometrics and freeform work. I also love trying to be different from others who are creating jewelry in the same mediums. Inspiration comes at the most interesting times, I can see a painting, a color combination, a plant or just about anything and get an idea. I try to draw it right away so I don't forget. I have lots of napkins and pieces of note paper in a stack where I work.

3. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
A. Fine Silver and Dichroic Pendant Necklace - the base was made with PMC fine silver and I added silver grains, and some texture and dimension were combined with the dark blue sparkling dichroic fused glass cabochon and a cubic zirconia to get this freeform effect.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40403205/fine-silver-and-dichroic-pendant

4. Any advice you can offer for running a successful business?
A. I'm so new, just over a year at selling, so I would not call myself a success yet. I am researching and learning everything I can to get there.

While looking through Glitterbird Glamour Etsy Shop items, I was amazed at just how delicate and beautiful each item is. They are all so diverse and unique, each piece in it's own way. Her entire shop ranges from the very beautiful simple to the very intense, dramatic piece. I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to spend getting to know more about Dee and all her beautiful work.

Goal Number 1 for 2011 Reached!!!

I am super excited about finally getting my office and work space organzied and revamped. The desk area is now more open, with easier access to current projects, orders pulled, shipping items, new ideas, paperwork, printer....everthing is within arms reach and I can find it all.

I wanted to tell you all a little bit about my desk. It is actually an old Sofa Table that I bought on clearance for $50 several years ago. It sat in my husbands shop and was covered in sawdust and dirt. When we built our house 2 years ago, we had left-over granite from the countertops, so I pulled the old table out and had them cut me a top for it. It turned out to be a great looking and functional desk. (it doesnt have drawers but I like it that way)

Now, that I am all organized, it now just time to get start on the rest of my goals!!!!

New Year, New Start

As of today, the organization of my office is going pretty good. Still life does seem to get in the way of my "best laid plans". Have sorted and organized quite a few beads and now I believe that I could easily add an additional 300 items to my shop and still have more to sort out. That's another story in itself. In the meantime, I am already hunting down and getting geared up to reach my goal of 30 Festivals in 2011, with my first ones possibly starting in February. No photos as of yet from my newly organized office, but hope to have my office ready to photograph by this weekend. We shall see.

Promotional Frenzy group is off to a running start and I am so excited about all the new plans. Now if I could just figure out how to get everyone added to my blog so that I may promote as much as possible. If anyone would like to help me with that, please feel free to email, post or convo me. Onward and upward we go together, one week at a time.