Monday, May 21, 2012

Welcome CBCer's

Hi all! Figured I'd better write a quick hello to those of you that have not visited my blog before. And I'd love your feedback as well.  To date, I have been learning my craft, having a blast entering challenges, and coming to understand my design style. I'm finally feeling more confident in me and what I can do, but still not really sure about the whole, 'open a shop and sell my stuff' kind of thing.  So, if you would take a few minutes and check out some of my pieces, and leave feedback, I'd truly appreciate it. And, just for being so kind, I'll enter your name in a drawing to receive a custom made bracelet! Like this one:
 

You can view more of my pieces here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467394@N07/

I also have some great books from Lark to review in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! Which ones? How about Metal Clay Fusion,
Heat, Color, Set and Fire
Japanese Beadwork
Color, Texture, and Casting for Jewelers
and several more.  And there will be giveaways involved!!!

Thanks for your input! Blessings, Shirley

17 comments:

  1. Oh Shirley, you totally know how much I WANT..make that NEED that bracelet :-)

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  2. Nice to 'meet' you Shirley. LOVE the green anemone earrings on your Flickr page! Congrats on being a CBC featured artist!

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  3. I visit your flickr and I like very much all of your works...It's really a nice blog...now I'm following you ^_^

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  4. Well, I love the lemon stripe bracelet and the in a purple mood bracelet. I think you would be successful if you opened a shop. You have some classic colored pieces as well as some off beat color schemes so you would appeal to a large variety of people.

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  5. A very beautiful and delicate piece,entirely with!Congrats!

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  6. Love your bracelet Shirley! So gorgeous! I had to laugh when I saw your blog header, I am jewelry making, bread baking homeschooling momma!! :)


    How did you get to be a reviewer of Lark books? I would love any info you can share!!!

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  7. Shirley - If you're interested in selling your work, I'd say you're definitely ready to go for it at this point! Even while you've experimented with a wide range of stitches & techniques its obvious that you're developing your own style. I've noticed it particularly in your color choices nd your willingness to go 'off pattern' - to take a technique and make it your own.

    The pics on your Flickr page are pretty good, but that might be where you want to focus next if you're planning to sell online. I've been focusing on that myself lately, trying to improve my photography. Back in April I reviewed a really great book that I checked out of my local library: 'The Crafters Guide to Taking Great Photos". I definitely recommend it!

    http://baublicious.blogspot.com/2012/04/updating-my-photography-set-up.html
    here's the link to that post, in case you're intersted.

    Oh, and what's CBC? :)

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  8. Hi Shirley, I too am just starting to sell my beadwork. I also am hesitant to list on etsy(I'm not sure why) I liked your beadwork & I think you should list your stuff.My 3 favorites are laidback lariat, black & white cubes, & funky stars. Good luck. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanx

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  9. Your bead weaving is wonderful! I did go to Flicker - I love it all, but my favorite design is A Twist in the Middle - that is so unique! Very nicely done! I wish you the best of luck!

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  10. You know I think you're very, very talented, and very, very creative! I think if you want to sell your designs you should go for it! It sounds like the whole Etsy thing is a bit of a hassle but if you're up for it, GO FOR IT!

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  11. It always amazes me at how unique and different each beader's style is. Shirley you definitely have your own personality and it comes through with flying colors in your creations . . . in a most positive way. :)
    I strongly encourage you to open an online shop but to also participate in local arts and crafts shows in your vicinity (if you don't already). For myself I found that these shows were very lucrative as jewelry is a very tactile item. When people see the sparkle and depth of the beads and stones, then pick-up, touch or try on a piece there's a magical bonding that seems to take place. Invariably they end up purchasing the item. Online they don't have that wonderful freedom to touch, feel or try on a piece. Either online or at shows, your lovely jewelry will, without a doubt, sell.

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  12. Hi there! I found your blog through the Time to Stitch participant list that was emailed out. Your work is stunning! I recently opened an Etsy store but I am finding that with a full time job and being a wife and a mother it is really hard to get inventory in it, so I think that perhaps I opened it to soon. Oh well, baby steps right? I am looking forward to your reveal for the blog hop!

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  13. I found your blog thru Facebook and love what you are doing with your jewelery. I am sort of a newbie ....but with my creativity decided to just jummp in. Will keep reading your blog.

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  14. I love your work, that is one thing I have not attempted yet is seed beading, I am a little intimidated by it, but I see the beautiful work you do and it makes me want to try, the flow and texture is just so beautiful.

    I agree with Karen, pictures are everything with selling jewelry, I am still learning, I am not sure you ever stop learning when it comes to photography. But it is so important.

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  15. You know I love your work and I just adore your sense of style girl!!! Can't wait to have some "beaded beads" come live at my house! :D

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  16. Hey Shirley! That bracelet is stunning!

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  17. What a stunning and creative bracelet - I'd love to win! I alos agree with Karen - quality pictures are super important for selling jewelry.

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I'm thrilled you stopped by! Thanks for your words of wisdom.