Daily Blogs : reader polls

Top 10 Free Beading Tips & Projects from 2008

Michelle M. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:50:00 GMT

Any way you count it, 2008 was a terrific year for Beading Daily! We welcomed Jean Campbell as contributing editor every Wednesday. We also welcomed our magazine editors (Marlene Blessing, Danielle Fox, Denise Peck, Leslie Rogalski, Sara Graham, Melinda Barta) and their thoughts on topics like ethnic jewelry, using clothing as inspiration, and colored wire as a smart economic choice. We opened the forums. We gave away free projects every week and held several contests and giveaways. We voted on everything from the winning Bead Star entries to which free project you most wanted from the book Custom Cool Jewelry. At our first charity fundraiser, we raised more than $1,000 by selling the instructions for the Awareness Ribbon Pin by Kerrie Slade. All in all, a great year! ...(read more)

Your Favorite Beading Gifts and a Simple Winter Bracelet

Michelle M. — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:36:00 GMT

Months ago I asked Beading Daily readers to share their favorite bead-related gifts. If you're still shopping, take a look at these ideas that will fit a range of budgets, including a few that won't cost you a dime!...(read more)

Top 3 Places to Find Beading Inspiration

Michelle M. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:45:00 GMT

Inspiration is truly everywhere. Last night I opened a bag of new Halloween-themed M&Ms and was struck by the colors--lime green, orange, lavender, black. The first thought that popped into my head was not eating them, but draping them on my wrist to see how they would look as a bracelet! (I didn't do it--really--but I was ridiculously tempted!)...(read more)

Beaders Love Sewing and Other Surprises from the Reader Poll

Michelle M. — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:40:00 GMT

Beading is a sticky craft--and I don't mean when you accidentally spill maple syrup on your beads! (Anyone else spend time contemplating how much a waffle looks like a neat little right-angle weave project?)...(read more)

Vote for Your Free Project from Custom Cool Jewelry

Michelle M. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:21:00 GMT

In the forums, folks are discussing their preparations for the upcoming holiday craft fairs. In addition to the questions about packaging, displays, and pricing, there's another question that occasionally pops up in these types of discussions. With more and more beaders and jewelry makers selling their work, how do you make yours stand out from the crowd? One way is to make your own unique pendants, charms, and clasps. This is a strong area of interest of mine. In fact, just over the weekend, I was playing with some "shrink plastic" which is basically a grown-up version of Shrinky-Dinks! (Remember those?) You can draw on the plastic, cut it out, and then bake it in the oven. After you take it out, you'll have a tiny charm or pendant. ...(read more)

Beadaholic Confessions: Reader Poll Results

Michelle M. — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:43:00 GMT

I was delighted that almost 80% buy beads without knowing exactly how they'll use them. Me too! Now that my stash is getting out of control, I try to have at least a general idea--"those beads would make cute earrings"--but sometimes that's as specific as I get. I also found it fascinating that a few readers confessed that they hated shopping, except for beads. It is thrilling to rush home, unwrap your beads, and admire them. (If I'm not driving, I'll even unwrap mine in the car on the way home.) Some beaders have done things like choose their house or vacation spots accordinging to "bead proximity." One reader even claimed, "I try to live my life so that I am never less than five miles away from a bead store." (Try explaining that to your real estate or travel agents!) ...(read more)

Choose the Bead Star Winners: Vote Now!

Michelle M. — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:18:00 GMT

I got the inside scoop on the contest from Danielle Fox, editor of Bead Star. "We were blown away by the number of entries into our contest—we received over 1,500 eligible submissions! You can imagine, then, how hard it was for me and the other editors to select only 180 of them (twenty in each of the nine categories). It was so much fun to look through all the entries, and what we’ve come up with, I believe, is the best of the best, the crème de la crème. Now it’s time to pass the fun—and the responsibility—on to you, our Beading Daily family! YOU will pick the next bead stars!" ...(read more)

Sketching Beading Designs: Examples and Ideas from Readers

Michelle M. — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Back in April, I wrote about how I sketched the design for my chain maille necklace ("Rambling Rose"). I had so many emails from beaders who also sketched their designs that I decided to ask everyone--Do you sketch your designs? More than 1,300 responded and only 26% answered "no". ...(read more)

Music to Bead By

Editor — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Silence is (not) golden

Silence is not really golden--at least for beaders. Seventy-four percent of nearly 1,000 beaders who voted in the latest poll bead while listening to music! Rock was the first choice (27%), followed by classical music (24%). Pop music came in third (17%).

Some reasons Beading Daily members like beading to music:

Makes a solitary activity feel less lonely
Helps pace your work
Drowns out the "inner critic"
Inspires you

Designs Inspired by Music

For some beaders, music played a major role in their creative process:

"I love all kinds of music. In fact, when I first started making jewelry, I put my pieces into categories by music type—Ballroom/Classical was for my more high end elegant pieces, Dancehall was for my more Western/Southwest pieces, Pop was for my Trendy pieces, Rock was the Edgy stuff, and my all time favorite is Jazz for my mixed media eclectic pieces."

"Beading and music have a lot in common for me. Just looking at or feeling different beads can spark and idea for a new project. Music does that for me too. It also depends what kind of mood I'm in to determine what kind of beading I wand to do and what music I feel like listening to. They just go together, like ice cream and chocolate sauce!"

	"Mystified" by Melanie Brooks Lukacs, inspired by the song "Mystified Heavy" by Sam Roberts. Melanie writes, "It is a song rich with imagery of the old sea, and sirens, and reminds me of pirates and such dangerous oceanic things. There are so many great lines in the song, and I wanted to incorporate them in a necklace, and use the colors that paint the song's imagery in my head." More
	"The End" by The Lone Beader, inspired by the song "The End" by The Doors. There is a line in the song "Meet me in the back of the blue bus". My blue bus is all about drugs and rock'n'roll, and the freedoms in the 1960's. It also represents the 'vehicle' on which Jim Morrison abruptly ended his life. More
	"Shout Sister" by Moyra Riley. Moyra was inspired by her Georgette choir. Moyra writes, "For many of the members, this has given them their first opportunity to experience the joy of singing with a group." The choir's signature song is "When I Sing."

Your Favorite Musicians

Favorite musicians were all over the map—Clay Aiken, Mozart, Garth Brooks, Hannah Montana, Placido Domingo, Pedro Aznar . . . In case you're looking to try something new, here is a short list of the performers that were mentioned repeatedly:

• Aerosmith
• Andrea Bocelli
• Beatles
• Bruce Springsteen
• Celine Dion
• Chris Daughtry
• Dave Matthews Band

• Ella Fitzgerald
• Elton John
• Enya
• Handel
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Led Zepplin
• Loreena McKennitt

• Luther Vandross
• Madonna
• Miles Davis
• Prince
• Rod Stewart
• Sade
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

And in Other News . . .

I also heard from a number of beaders who work while listening to audio books or the TV. Most fascinating--of the ones who did mention TV, almost all mentioned crime/law shows, particularly CSI and Law and Order. What's up with that? Maybe this says something about beader personalities--placing tiny beads in order gives us the same satisfaction that others get in solving crimes or bringing justice to a victim's family. We like order in the universe, even if our world is mostly composed of size 15 seed beads!

New Poll: Do You Sketch?

After sharing a jewelry sketch last Friday (Free Project: Chain Maille Necklace), I heard from several readers who also sketch their jewelry designs. Do you sketch? Take this quick poll by May 9--I'll share the results in a future Beading Daily.

Michelle Mach shares beading news, contests, reader galleries, and other beady stuff every Monday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

Beaded Watch with Your Favorite Clasp

Editor — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Meet Your Favorite Clasp: The Toggle

"I never met a toggle that I did not like!"

Those were the words of one Beading Daily reader--and more than 50% of the nearly 1,000 readers who voted recently on their favorite clasp agreed!

Why do you like toggle clasps so much? Most readers said that unlike other closures, you can make a toggle clasp a design element, rather than have it fade into the background. Use a striking toggle clasp as the center of your necklace or choose one that highlights the "theme" of your necklace. Or hang pendants or beads from the ring part of the toggle, as Catherine Kenyon does in the Jeweled Disks necklace below.

Here are three more reasons you like toggles:

Variety: Toggles are available in a range of metals, sizes, and clever shapes (such as heart and arrow, or teapot and spoon).
Easy to fasten: Several readers mentioned that toggles were especially easy for people with arthritis to use. It's also possible to open and close them with one hand.
Customer favorite: One member wrote, "I was selling my jewelry at a craft fair and I had a mix of magnetic, lobster claw, and toggle clasps. By the end of the afternoon, I had sold all my toggle clasp bracelets. I sold only five of the lobster clasp bracelets and two of the magnetic clasp bracelets."

Jeweled Disks by Catherine Kenyon

Second Most Favorite Clasp

The second most popular clasp (20%) was the lobster clasp which readers felt was secure and affordable, plus blended unobtrusively into the design.

Left: The Silver and Sparkle Bracelet by Donna Kraidman uses a lobster clasp.

Project: Beaded Watch with Toggle Clasp

As promised, here is a new project featuring the most popular type of clasp.

I personally like beaded watches--there's something very appealing about jewelry that is both practical and beautiful--so I was happy to find this Time Out watch by Donna Kraidman. If you're not into watches, you can easily make this into a bracelet by simply adding an additional Kazuri bead in place of the watch face. (Kazuri beads are hand painted ceramic beads from Africa.)

Design tip: Notice how this watch uses a monochromatic color palette (blue), but mixes patterns (polka dots/swirls). The color gives it a polished, professional look, but the mix of patterns (particularly the use of polka dots) adds a touch of whimsy and fun--the jewelry equivalent of a fun T-shirt worn with a suit jacket.

Project: Time Out by Donna Kraidman

Note: The free period for this project has ended. Instructions are now available in the Beading Daily store.

But What Kind of Clasp Do People Really Use?

This may shock you, but sometimes people say one thing in polls ("I love broccoli for dessert!") and do something else in real life ("Mmm. . . double fudge mocha almond ice cream!"). In the interest of beading science, I decided to look at the Spring 2008 issue of Stringing and see what kinds of clasps were actually used by designers. The results were exactly the same for necklaces. For bracelets, toggles were also the top choice, but the second most popular clasp--by one design--were box clasps. In the last issue of Beadwork (February/March 2008), toggles won out for bracelets, but hook-and-eye closures were the top for necklaces. So, love 'em or leave 'em, you can't get away from toggle clasps!

Surprised by these results? What's been your experience? Love toggle clasps? Hate them? Share your comments on the website.

Glass Bead Design Challenge - Last Chance!

Have you submitted your challenge entry yet? Design a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings with any type of glass beads and you could win a cool new beading book or a beautiful starfish lampwork pendant by Stephanie Sersich. Deadline is Sunday, March 2, 2008. Enter the Glass Bead Challenge.

Michelle Mach shares free beading projects and tips every Friday on Beading Daily. If you have questions or comments for Michelle (including suggestions for future free projects or poll questions), please post them here on the website. Thanks!

Choose Your Free Beading Project

Editor — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Introducing Bead Romantique

Last fall I saw a preview of the new spring beading books from Interweave. There are some terrific new books coming out, but the one that really captured my imagination was Bead Romantique by Lisa Kan. (See a preview.) This book is filled with elegant, historically-inspired beadweaving designs for the intermediate and advanced beader. If you love beadweaving with size 15 beads, you'll love the projects in this book! I left that preview with only one thought: I had to have one of Lisa's projects to share with you on Beading Daily.

I went through the manuscript (the book hadn't been printed yet) and put a bright orange Post-It note on every project I liked. The book looked like it was on fire when I was done! Clearly, my typical selection method wasn't going to work. I went through the book a second time and narrowed it down to three projects--a pair of earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace. I tried to choose a range of styles, techniques, and level of difficulty. Now it's up to you! Which project would you like to do?

Meet the Contenders

	Ndebele Pearl Medallion Earrings Lisa writes: "While exploring how Ndebele stitch could be gradually increased by the addition of a larger band between its branches, I discovered this design. Further exploration expanded the original concept into a semi-circular hollow form which could hold something of a similar size. A coin pearl could be cupped and held with two semicircular forms stitched together." Techniques: Flat circular Ndebele, wrapped loops, picot, reverse picot

	Mesh Pearl Bracelet Lisa writes: "I use freshwater pearls in just about any imaginable shape, size, and color in my jewelry designs. The elegant pearl dangles in this bracelet are accented by the wire mesh, which not only cushions the pearls, but also creates volume and airiness. This bracelet is built on a graduated wire link design that I have been making for years. It can easily be shortened for a smaller wrist or elongated into a necklace by adding chain." Technique: Wrapped loops

	V Scallop Necklace Lisa writes: "The elegant gem-encrusted necklace collars you may see on Hollywood mavens were the inspiration for this piece. You can create your own red carpet event with an elegant necklace to spice up a simple evening dress. The recipe is clear: Swarovski crystals for the sparkles, the pearls for a pinch of elegance, and the scalloped edging for a touch of feminity. The "V" shape accentuates the neckline, and the vintage button closure adds a bit of old-world glamour to the necklace." Techniques: Right-angle weave, scalloping

Choose Your Free Project

Voting is limited to Beading Daily members. (It is free to sign up if you are not already a member.)
One vote per person.
Last day to vote is: February 18, 2008
The project with the most votes will be free to Beading Daily members for one week in late March.
Vote Now

Welcome, Jean Campbell!

I have an exciting announcement! Jean Campbell, the founding editor of Beadwork magazine and author/editor of numerous beading books, including The Beader's Companion, Beaded Weddings, Beadwork Creates Jewelry, and Getting Started Stringing Beads, is going to join us on Beading Daily as a contributing editor. Jean will be sharing her beading tips and techniques in her signature warm and witty style every Wednesday--beginning this Wednesday, February 6th. Welcome, Jean!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. Inspired by Lisa Kan's book, she is working on her own beadweaving project using size 15 beads!

12 Reader Tips for Selling Your Jewelry

Editor — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

I never used to wear jewelry to the grocery store, but after reading about all the sales that Beading Daily readers have had standing in the checkout line ("Your First Sale"), I'm rethinking that business strategy! Here are a dozen more jewelry business tips and stories from Beading Daily readers.

1. Wear your jewelry outside the house.

"First sale was off my ears in a checkout lane. Don't be afraid to answer compliments with 'Thanks, I make these to sell!'"

"Some of the ladies at work asked me why all of my jewelry matched my clothes. I told them that was because I made it myself. They then started asking me, 'How much would it cost to make me one?'"--Yvonne Norman

"I first discovered beading because of an arts class I was taking at college. My kids were young and not in school, so I would take them to the Child Watch at the local YMCA and do homework while they played. Some other mothers that were there loved a pair of earrings I had made and one bought a pair for her daughter for Christmas."--Kassie, The Beaded Butterfly.

2. Ask others to wear your creations . . . or to sell them for you.

“I made a peyote stitch bracelet for my husband and he wore it to work. A couple of his co-workers liked what they saw and asked if I sold my jewelry. My sweet husband who is so proud of my work said of course! So my husband and I made my first sale.”

"I'm creative and love to design jewelry and have mastered many techniques, but the art of selling is not something I've done successfully. I'd sooner give my work away before I sell it, and when I think about how to price my creations, I severely under-price. So a very good friend of mine decided that she needed to step in and sell for me. She took approximately 50 pieces that I had made (many of those pieces were made years ago) and managed to sell 95% of the pieces to her co-workers on the floor where she worked!"

3. Find your niche.

"With Bike Week coming into town, I decided to make amulet bags with motorcycle and patriotic themes. I took them to a jewelry store that was near a famous bar. The owner took them all on consignment--I was amazed. I was pessimistic about them selling because I priced them on the high side. After Bike Week, I got a phone call telling me to come down and pick up a check! She had sold every one of them and asked for 12 more. I was in a daze floating out the door with cash in my purse."

Left: "Making gemstone 'name bracelets' for young men launched my line of Bad Beadz and a jewelry business, Anuenue Gems & Jewels."--Jeri Lynn Endo

Right: A beaded doll by Debi's Designs.

"I am the owner and designer of a needlework company, Always Time to Stitch. I design and sell needlework leaflets. I started making scissor fobs. I do a beaded faux chain. I just sold 18 to one shop in Florida recently!"--Jennifer Rodriguez

"I belong to a Red Hat Society Group and I made custom colored magnetic bracelets in purples and reds."--R.A. Fazio

4. Don’t forget about special commissions.

"I sold two amulet bags to a local college professor who was looking for some special little wearable works of art to give to two students that she had mentored for three years. It was an incredible feeling to know that my work was special enough to be chosen by her for this occasion!"--Jennifer VanBenschoten

5. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean someone else won’t.

“[My first sale] was, in my opinion, the ugliest piece I had ever made."--Heather D.

6. Take a picture, it lasts longer.

“It was very satisfying to know that someone other than myself appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship that was placed on the piece enough to purchase it. The only regret that I had at the time, was not photographing it. I now photograph each of the pieces that I sell.”--Teresa Garza

7. Grow and change your business as you grow and change as an artist.

"I began making earrings and found it so much fun that I just couldn't stop! So I would bring my box of earrings around to groups I work with and many were sold at a very reasonable price. Now I am sharing the fun of beading by writing directions and making kits for beaded rings."--Rose Allen, Capitol View Creations

8. Price it right.

“I HATE selling my items, I prefer to gift them! So I put an outrageous price on something hoping that will deter folks. Sometimes it doesn't!”

"Forgot to include the sales tax in my quoted price just today--don't do that!"

"I made a bunch of Czech bead looped bracelets with vintage glass beads to sell at a craft fair at a local church. My friend kept saying I was making pieces that would not appeal to the type of customers the church attracts at these yearly events because the folks are socialites, upper class, the type who buy real gold and silver pieces. I charged ten bucks a bracelet, while he made cool looking gemstone pendants with silver settings that he priced at 35 bucks. I made a little over 200 dollars in bracelet sales and he sold two pendants at 35 dollars.”

"Back in the early 1970's, I started making beaded earrings. I worked in an antique shop and took apart broken bracelets and necklaces. I used the beads to make earrings which I sold for a dollar a pair. Sometimes I bought the week's groceries on the money I made from those earrings."--Rona O.

9. If you don’t get fortune, you still might get fame.

"A woman I worked with was invited to a gala event that Oprah Winfrey would be at and wanted something special to wear. She had seen the jewelry I'd made and commissioned me to make something for her. I made a necklace and earring set (priced barely above cost) which she wore proudly to the event. Sadly, she never got close enough to Oprah."

"One of the first sales I made was during a jewelry sale I hosted in my home. A lot of friends and family came, including the boyfriend of a friend who is a singer in a rock band. He became very interested in a necklace I had made just by chance with all the mismatched beads that I had left over. He bought it and when I got his next album, there he was on the cover wearing the necklace."

10. Start young . . . or not.

Robinsunne started her artistic journey at the age of four. She now creates quilted vessels with beaded edgings.

At left: Could It Be? 4" x 8". Fabric, thread, glass beads, 14K goldfill beads, computer chips, and bone beads.

"The first beaded piece I ever sold was actually to a teacher in high school. I was so addicted that I would bring my beads to school and work on things in class. One of my teachers liked my stuff so much that he bought a piece for his wife and for his mom. Of course, I was told that I should probably not be beading during class."--Chantel

"The first time someone asked me if she can buy a necklace made by me I was very surprised. For 50 years I never made something anyone would buy!!!"

11. Turn a rejection into a sale.

"Last April, I created a set for the Swarovski contest, but it was not selected. I sold 2 bracelets and twice the earrings at my supply store."

12. Selling that first piece can change your life.

"I struggled for years thinking I was a 'fine' artist with no success at all. When I discovered beading and started my first project (a 3-panel peyote stitch 'stained glass' hanging) it was sold before I even finished it. I've sold more beadwork in the last 3 years than I ever sold over the decades of painting in every medium I tried. I finally found out where my heart is!"

"I started to make earrings for fun, and now it has blossomed into a business. I was even able to quit one of my jobs last year, and now I work part time."--Nicole, Paw and Claw Designs

"I had been an editor and writer for many years, and beading was a hobby. In the first year of hobbydom, I sold $900 worth of beaded jewelry! Hmm, I thought, maybe I'm onto something here. A few years--and many more sales later--I turned my beading into my full-time business and said farewell to the land of scholarly footnotes. Haven't regretted it a single moment."--Kelli P.

New Poll: So many of you had great advice on clasps ("Choosing the Right Bracelet Clasp?") that I created a new poll: What's your favorite type of clasp? This poll will end February 8, 2008.

Today is the last day to enter the Beader's Stash Contest!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She enjoyed hearing all your stories about selling your work!

Your First Sale: Reader Stories

Editor — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:00:00 GMT

have never sold a beaded item that I've made. I've come close more than once, including one time at work when two coworkers were arguing over how much a necklace of mine should sell for! (And not in the way you might assume--they actually kept upping the suggested price!)

At the time, I felt so personally attached to what I'd made that I didn't want to let it go. Sure, I could make another one, but what was the fun in that? Now that I've been beading longer and I see the delight my friends and family get from my beaded gifts, I understand the appeal of selling your work beyond the obvious financial rewards. Many of you already see the appeal--89% of the more than 1,400 respondents to the question "Have you ever sold a beaded item?" answered YES!

At left: One of my "almost" sales, my "Waikiki Wishes" necklace. (Instructions in Creative Jewelry coming out summer 2008.)

Your First Sale

Bracelets (31%) and necklaces (30%) were the most popular first-sale items. Other common items included earrings, badge holders, Christmas ornaments, and bags. Some of the more unusual items included bookmarks, hair stick, stitch markers, scissor fob, lighter cover, roller skating outfit, peyote stitch “stained glass” wall hanging, a sculptural rabbit with a loomed beadwork belt, and a macramé and beaded plant hanger. (Yes, this last item was sold in the 1970s!)

Not surprisingly, many first sales were unplanned:

“I had not planned to sell anything, but a friend just HAD to have them for his girlfriend after he saw me wearing the set!”

"I had just learned to make crocheted ropes and was wearing a white necklace with a sterling slide. A waitress in a restaurant admired it and the next thing I knew she bought it right off my neck."--Thea

Many first customers included friends and family:

"My first bracelet I sold to a friend--who I wanted to give the bracelet to--but she insisted on paying me!"--Aurora Fox

"My first sale was to an uncle of mine who bought a blue necklace for his wife. She loved it so much that he ended up ordering the bracelet and earrings that matched it."--Sue Gumina, ShironaDesigns.com

Co-workers were also popular first customers:

"I had brought some of my necklaces that I had made into work just to show off and one of my co-workers wanted to buy it. She still wears it today and brags about how talented I am and tells everybody that I made it for her."--Cissie

When you think about selling your jewelry, you might naturally think about craft shows or galleries. While those places were mentioned by readers, they were outnumbered by more ordinary places: beauty salons, churches, doctor and dentist offices, garage sales, grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, and workplaces.

"My kids were young and not in school, so I would take them to the Child Watch at the local YMCA and do homework while they played. Some other mothers that were there loved a pair of earrings I had made and one bought a pair for her daughter for Christmas."--Kassie, beadingbutterfly.com

“I was wearing one of my beaded bracelets while grocery shopping. A woman followed me around the store until I became uncomfortable enough to ask why she was following me. She wanted to look more closely at the bracelet and ended up buying it right off my arm!"--Lady Jamaica

And there were more than a few who didn't even leave their homes to make those first sales:

"My first sale happened where I keep and work on all my beaded jewelry--in my bedroom! One evening, I was looking through all my pieces I made (at that time was about 50) and a friend of mine happened to stop by. When she saw my jewelry, within 15 minutes, she had me put aside 3 pieces she was buying. She paid for half up front to have me hold them for the following week when she could pay me the rest."--Kim, beadnbear.com

"In 1985, I had my first "Beaded Jewelry Home Sale." The first piece I sold was a multiple strand necklace for $85. I was especially delighted (and encouraged) with that sale because it was to a total stranger, a casual friend of a friend who had invited her to my sale."--Robin Atkins

A few people had first sales online at places like Ebay or Etsy, but they were in the minority. This makes sense, given how surprised so many people were by their first sale. Selling online requires planning; wearing a bracelet to a restaurant and having someone buy it off your arm does not.

"I discovered the website Etsy.com a couple of months after it went live. I had a huge stash of stuff I'd made, but didn't use, and all my friends had been 'gifted out.' I decided to list a couple of paper pins I had created and, lo and behold, they sold! I asked next to nothing for them, much less than now, but I was absolutely in heaven because somebody liked them enough to pay for them."

Those who didn’t sell their jewelry gave it away as gifts, traded it, donated it for charity auctions, entered it into art shows, or were eventually planning to sell it.

“I refuse to sell my beadwork for something at trite as $ to strangers. I sometimes trade or gift them but never sell!"--L.S.

“I have been asked to sell my work, but no one wants to pay for the cost of the materials, let alone my time. So I keep it for myself, or give it as gifts.”

"I am afraid it would take the fun out of it when there would be quotas and deadlines. My hobby would become work."

Those who did sell their work often found rewards beyond the money, including friendship and self-confidence:

"I spent a day at a craft show with my beading club and sold one simple necklace. The best part of it was not the $15 sale, but the fellowship at the booth with fellow beaders."--Barbara Yelverton

"I was amazed! Someone else other than me actually loved something I made, wanted to own it, gave me money, and wore it."--Karen Swartz

Warning: Selling your work can be addicting!

"I went to an art fair and fell in love with a particular necklace. When I looked at the price, I almost fainted! I've always been pretty creative and decided I would try beading. I found a tremendous amount of help at my local beading store and was off and running! Made my first necklace and ladies at work started asking me to make items for them. One day, I complimented a friend on a necklace she was wearing, and it turned out to be one I'd made for her quite some time ago! That's when I knew I was hooked."--Suzanne Hines

Current Poll: Do you listen to music while you bead? So far the "yes" group is winning! What do you think?

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She loved all the helpful hints from readers about selling your work and will be sharing more of them in an upcoming newsletter.

10 Reasons We Love Making Beaded Gifts

Editor — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

y Holiday Beading

Above: One of my holiday gifts decorated with a ceramic snowman bead from Studio 59.

I've finished my holiday beading! It helped that my list was short this year--two pairs of earrings, a purple chain maille bracelet, and a few beaded snowflakes. I also stretched the meaning of "beading" gifts: For one of my beading friends--a busy mom--I created a simple earring kit with some handmade ceramic cupcake beads, ear wires, headpins, and round beads for the top of the cupcake. I also promised another friend with a 6-year-old daughter that I would come over one day and make some "Princess jewelry" with large, sparkly plastic beads and elastic cord. (I have a feeling that the experience will be more of an education for me than for the 6-year-old!)

So why do we love to make beaded gifts? Here are 10 reasons from Beading Daily readers:

1. It's personal.

"I think it's a rather nice personal touch to give a handmade gift no matter what it is."

"I really enjoy making jewelry gifts for my friends. I have gotten requests from family members on things they would like and it sure makes Christmas shopping a lot easier. Also, it really makes me feel good to see my friends wear things that I have made for them."

2. It costs less.

"It makes sense financially. (I do not really have much money to spend on gifts, so I'll make them myself.)"

"Everyone loves jewelry and I can make it so much cheaper than purchasing it."

"My husband is in Iraq so it is helping me to pass the time, plus saving money and giving our family and friends something really nice for Christmas."

3. It's safer.

"I always make beaded gifts as well as other types of handmade items for the holidays, but this year seems even more important with all the recalls on products out of China. It's time for America to get back to its roots!"

4. It makes good business sense.

"Just about everyone on my list will be getting beaded jewelry this year, including the guys! I look at it as a gift for them and free advertisement of my work for me!"

5. It beats shopping.

"I HATE to shop, even before I worked retail, I HATED it. This way, I get to be creative in spurts and everyone loves the uniqueness of their gifts."

6. It's a fun way to learn--and show-off--new skills:

"Knotted pearl necklaces all around since I finally mastered knotting."

"I will be making about 20-25 pairs of coin pearl dangle earrings. My wire wrapping skills are getting better already and I'm only halfway through."

7. It's a fabulous recruiting tool.

"My dear sister-in-law brought me a gift of a lovely turquoise peyote bracelet, I loved it and asked her to show me how to make it. Now, at least 10 beaded projects later, I'm seriously hooked!"

8. It's good stress relief.

"Last year I made 20-something beaded animals, pikachus, Glindas, balls, snowmen, etc. for my people as Christmas gifts, but also because I needed a little bit of anti-stress therapy (horrible evil exams)."

"It's less stressful than shopping at the mall and trying to get that person, just the right something. This is from the heart."

9. It's tradition.

"It's tradition that my mom gets a new jewelry set every year for Christmas."

10. It's hard to explain.

"I must be crazy!!"

Beading Daily goes on vacation!There will be no Beading Daily email again until January 2, 2008. Here are a few things to keep you busy in the meantime:

New Free Project:Montee Magic Earrings by Katherine Schwartzenberger. These crystal and seed bead earrings are perfect for holiday parties and last-minute gifts. The matching bracelet project is featured on the cover of the February/March 2008 issue of Beadwork magazine on sale January 15, 2008. Katherine describes herself as a new beader, but if these projects are any indication, I think we'll be seeing more of her work!

Bead Spa Jar
by Melinda Barta
Purchase PDF Download

New Poll: Do you brick stitch to Beyoncé? Or do you string along to Beethoven? I thought it would be fun to post a play list of songs that everyone enjoys listening to while beading. Take a minute to answer the new poll: Do you listen to music while you bead?
New Year's Beading Resolutions: Are there new techniques you want to learn? How about getting that bead stash organized? I'll be writing about beading resolutions when I get back.
Shop the Beading Daily Store: There's still time to make a few last-minute gifts, like the brick-stitch spa jar lid pictured at left.

Story Updates: Several readers sent in great tips for Wednesday's snowflake project--be sure to check those out! I've also added a photo of reader Diane Smith's bugle bead necklace, since there was a question about her technique. Finally, if you missed the interview with clay bead artist Melanie Brooks Lukacs, you may want to take a look--and learn how to enter her holiday bead giveaway!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. And yes, she is going to bead during her vacation! How could she not?

Holiday Beading Ideas from Readers

Editor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Holiday Gift Ideas from Beading Daily Readers

Beaded holiday pin by reader
Karen Nicholson

"YES!!!!"

"Are you serious?!?"

"Are there any other kind?"

That how 95% of you answered the question: "Will you be making beaded gifts this year?" That's not surprising. What is surprising is the number of gifts. More than half of the more than 800 respondents claimed that they would be making a minimum (a minimum!) of six handmade gifts each.

Let's do the math. (Or rather, let me do the math--you probably should sit back and string a few more beads on that bracelet if you really expect to finish it on time!) That's more than 2,400 gifts--and that's not including all the folks who admitted to making somewhere between one and five gifts this year. Add those and we're talking at least 3,500 beautiful beaded gifts from just those who answered the poll. Whew!

So, what kinds of gifts are you making this year?

Earrings, bracelets, and ornaments were at the top of your gift-giving list. (Check out the holiday gallery to see some of the gifts that Beading Daily readers are giving this year.) Other items mentioned: wine charms, dolls, stitch markers, rings, necklaces, angel pins, beaded dragon, purses, eyeglass holders, beaded egg box, cell phone fobs, Christmas cards, needle cases, bookmarks . . .

"Right now, I'm in the process of beading a Tabasco cover for my uncle, who eats every meal with the stuff. Since he carries a bottle of it in the restaurant with him, I thought that I would give him an attractive cover for it. It's always so hard to give men beaded gifts that you know they will use."

A few readers mentioned the netted snowflake ornament featured on Beading Daily awhile ago. I made my own version and admit that this easy netting project has its charms--and according to one reader, at least one special power:

"The inspiration fairy has been ABSENT!! Thank you so much for the snowflake ornament--a netted snowflake brought her right back!"

Some of the lucky gift recipients include: daughters, sisters, mothers, nieces, aunts, friends, office workers, neighbors, hairdressers, and teachers.

"For my sister who has (and can get) everything . . . except a priceless beaded necklace from her less fortunate, albeit more talented, sister."

My version of the snowflake ornament

Of course, not everyone is easy to bead for. Men were often mentioned in this "difficult" category, but they weren't alone:

"If I'm able, I'll make gift sets for my four nieces. I know what I like, but I think females between 13 and 25 prefer something simpler. If anyone has ideas that have won praises, I'd love to hear about it or see an example."

But what about other beaders?

"I've decided that even making bead gifts for my beady friends is OK... after all, I have a different design sense than they do... and it's nice to have things that are not all your design."

Be warned, those of you who are making beaded gifts for the first time this year--this may easily become a tradition!

"My nieces, sister-in-laws, and friends all look forward to jewelry gifts. One year I gave something else, thinking they might be tired of always getting jewelry, and they all asked what happened to their jewelry gifts!"

"It's expected of me... Now that I 'Bead Daily'!"

"If I don't bestow beaded creations for the holiday, the relatives will hunt me down and string me up on the Christmas tree!!"

"I figure I'll make an ornament with a different beaded pattern every year, so they'll end up with quite a collection!"

"I've created a monster with giving jewelry gifts. Now my friends and family can't wait to see what they will get this year and they started hinting back in October."

Above: A Christmas necklace by reader Capitola Girl

What stops us from giving beaded gifts? A couple of people mentioned ungrateful recipients and lack of funds, but by far, time seems to be the universal enemy:

"I would love to make all beaded gifts but I have to earn a living. Horrible when real life gets in the way of beading!"

"I always plan to make handmade gifts, but never seem the have the time. Even though I'm making several gifts this year it's not as many as I had originally intended. Oh well, maybe next year!"

Of course, maybe it depends upon what other crafts you enjoy:

"I usually knit for people, but beading is so much faster!"

The sensible among us know to simplify when time runs short:

"When planning to give a number of gifts, I tend to think lots about the style and color preferences of the person I give to but due to the time it takes to do off loom beadweaving, I also tend to be less creative and make simpler bracelets instead of more time consuming necklaces."

"Mostly quick earrings. Life's too busy for more complex, but even these are amazingly satisfying."

But not the overachievers . . .

"I am making bracelets to go with scarves I have knit."

"I am making netted snowflakes for co-workers--roughly 45. I always make a few extra because you just never know who's going to be dropping by unexpectedly."

Simple Christmas Tree Earrings

"A nephew and his wife have a goal for me -- to cover their 10 foot tall Christmas tree with my beaded ornaments. I'm about 10% there. How wonderful to be so appreciated!"

"Probably close to 15 or 20 [gifts], but at least that beats the 58 ornaments last year!"

Of course, time isn't the only challenge:

"I sure hope that I give them away, and not end up keeping them for myself, and then buying a box of candy to give as a gift instead!!"

Never underestimate the power of chocolate!

Beaded Gift Wrapping Tip

"Mailing out gifts this year? After addressing your package, sprinkle some tiny beads sparingly around the addressee label without obscuring the information, then tape them down with clear packing tape, smoothing the tape securely. Instant festivity!"--Step by Step Jewelry Gifts for the Holidays

Coming Friday: Polymer clay beads by readers, plus an interview with Carol Blackburn.

Looking for more ornament ideas? Check out "Ornament Thursday" on Candie Cooper's blog. Each Thursday, Candie and other beading bloggers will publish photos and instructions for handmade Christmas ornaments.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She still has at least two more pairs of earrings to make as gifts.