I have been beading (mostly stringing) for about 6 years. In the past couple of years I have begun to feel comfortable enough with my work to sell at some local craft shows. I do not have an online store or website yet. For me, beading is more a hobby than a business. It is something I enjoy doing in my "me time". I enjoy learning new techniques and am beginning to venture into more aspects of beading. I have always loved jewelry and especially handcrafted items, but never had thought I could make jewelry. It is very gratifying to me when I participate in shows and people admire my work (and even sometimes purchase them). I only wish I had begun this many years ago instead of waiting until I was in my 50's. Nice to know that this old dog can learn new tricks!
I am married (no kids) and live in Ohio. My husband is very tolerant of my bead addiction and helps me to set up and dismantle my booth at the shows I do (although he will rarely stay for an entire show) and also very understanding when I look for bead stores everytime we go on vacation. I donate a portion of all my jewelry sales to Breast Cancer research (and the rest I spend on more beads!) in honor of my best friend who is a 20+ year breast cancer survivor and other friends and relatives who have been touched my this disease.
SWAP INFO-
If it has beads - I like it! I have no allergies to metals of any kind, so just about anything works for me.
Necklaces - I prefer 18" or longer. Bracelets about 6 1/2 inches ( I have fairly small wrists - and that's about all!!). I prefer toggles to lobster claws - but either are O.K. Earrings - I like dangles since they will show up better than shorter earrings with my hair. Either leverbacks or wires preferably rather than posts.
As far as colors - I love black, purples, reds, blues and earth tones. I don't do pastels, orange or pinks. Silver, gold and copper are all good. I love turquoise (my birthstone) especially paired with copper or silver or topaz tones. I wear a lot of black, so anything that will work with black is good.
I know I will love anything I receive - you are all such talented beaders. And I love surprises!!