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Artfire

Well, I've finally started a studio in Artfire. I'm doing the free studio just to try it out. With the free studio, you can only list 5 items (I think) at a time. So far, I've got two listed. I'll add more later.

You can view my Artfire studio here.

Also, don't forget to check out my Etsy shop here!

Edited to add: John Jacobs, President of Artfire, stopped by and told me it was 12 items you can have for free. My memory is not what it used to be! Thanks, John, for clearing that up!

Changing times

The bead shop that I frequent is closing. It's kind of a bummer, because there aren't very many good bead shops in the area. Even though this one was 30 minutes away, it was a great place to find treasures. Although, you had to be careful and know the product, because in some instances she was overpriced. And, very often, you could find varying pricing within a display of the same item.

Anyway, they are closing. I've heard various reasons why, but I think the owner's health is the primary reason. All of their beads and supplies are 50% off. I've been in there three times since they announced the sale :). I'm well-stocked on beads now. Of course, that won't prevent me from buying more.

While there the time before last, they finally were telling customers about another bead shop in the area - one that I didn't know existed. I had asked before if there were other shops in the area, always with a firm "no"! But now that they are closing, suddenly they are telling people about this other shop.

I visited this other shop yesterday, and honestly, I can see why Bonnie's (the shop that's closing) didn't tell customers about this other shop. It's called The Bead Lounge, and in my first visit, I can already see that it's a much better shop than Bonnie's. They have a much better selection of findings and supplies than Bonnie's had, and they've got a great bead selection. They don't carry much in the way of gemstones, but they told me of yet another shop in the same area that carries gemstones and metal beads.

I met some really great ladies (although except for Karen, the owner, I can't remember their names ~ sorry!) and they told me all about their shop, their free classes, and their Bead-a-holics gatherings. No one at Bonnie's ever volunteered that information. The Bead Lounge also has a consignment area, and they also let customers who attend the Bead-a-holic functions to place items in their booth at craft and local fairs, in exchange for working at the booth.

I've found my new favorite hangout!

Crocheting with wire

I've recently discovered that I like crocheting with wire. I'd seen the technique a few times in different beading magazines, and wanted to try it. I crocheted with yarn a lot when I was younger, but since I'm now into making jewelry, I figured I'd give wire crochet a try.

I love it. It takes a bit to get used to, but it's fairly simple to master. At least it was for me. I've made a necklace and bracelet so far ~ well except for the clasps, because I can't determine what's going to look best.

For the bracelet, I used 34 gauge wire, and for the necklace, 26 gauge. I used a #C aluminum crochet hook on both pieces. I did simple, single crochet on both pieces, but I think my next attempt I'll use other stitches.

I'll post pics later!

Lima Beads

I've been playing today. Well, actually, I've been listing stuff on ebay, but while I've been listing, I've had the Lima Beads website open. I recently discovered their Big Green Bead Machine. Are you familiar with this? They list 9 products at a reduced price, and every 5 minutes, the prices of these items are reduced further. Sometimes the items sell out, or they expire, and they are replaced with new items. You can snag these items at the reduced price, and then you have 3 days to actually purchase at this price, or else the item gets returned to the Lima Beads inventory. I've managed to snag a few good items today. Check them out if you aren't familiar with them.

Button, Button, Who's Got The Button?

I sometimes use buttons in my jewelry. I have a whole stash of buttons, but, like beads, I can't seem to have too many.

Yesterday I was at a local thrift store and I was pawing through their fabric and craft area...and what do I find, but a whole big bag of BUTTONS! The bag wasn't marked, but I grabbed it. I got some other stuff as well, and I figured out that I had $5 worth of purchases not including the buttons.

I head to the counter, and tell them that I want the buttons but they are not marked. The lady at the counter adds up my purchases, and tells me, WITH THE BUTTONS, that my total is $5.50! Fifty cents for a big bag of buttons! I love the ARC store!

Top Entrecard droppers for April

Sorry this is late! Please visit these top Entrecard droppers, and thanks to them for stopping by my site!

More Than Sew So
Upgrade Your Life
5 O'Clock Somewhere
The Angels Weekly
Bee-Mused

Buying a gift for my mother-in-law

Mother's Day is not that far off, only a few weeks away, on Sunday May 10. Have you figured out what Mothers day gifts you are getting the mothers in your life?

The only mother in my life now is my mother-in-law. My own mom passed away in September of 2007. I miss my own mother every day, but I am very thankful for my mother-in-law. Even though she lives in Indiana and my husband and I live in Arizona, she is still a big part of our lives.

I mentioned to my husband the other day that we need to start thinking of Mother's day gifts since we will need to ship them. I don't want to wait until the last minute.

One of the gifts for Mothers day that we will be sending is flowers, or maybe a plant. My mother-in-law has the greenest thumb I know, and she can make anything grow. We will be sending other items as well, but flowers will definitely be part of the package.