Making Money through Creative Beading

By Ed Whit

Not everyone can be a good bead crafter, but if you have a special talent for creative beading, you may be able to turn your talent into a lucrative profession. One way to know if you can make money this way is to listen to what other people are saying about your beading crafts, whether you do jewelry or other beading projects. Don’t just listen to what people say when you give them your beading projects as gifts; they aren’t going to be as honest as you would like. Instead, try to display your beading work in places where a lot of different people will see them, and try to eavesdrop on the conversations that they have about your work.

People love creative beading, and most people can spot good work when they see it. Whether you are making costume jewelry or adding beading to clothing, you are going to be able to make a good living from it if you find that people keep coming back to purchase your particular designs. Once you establish yourself as a bead crafter who does good quality work, you may want to make up some business cards for yourself and pass them around. Try to set up a booth at craft fairs as often as possible, and hand out your business cards to people who buy your products. Be sure to include your phone number and email address, and let people know that you are willing to do custom work. Your creative beading talent could very well provide you with a good full time income.

You can find this article and more like it at http://www.beadingcentral.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Whit

A couple of simple ideas in there that are worth thinking about.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Online Alternatives to Ebay for Selling Bead Jewelry

BeadBoard.Net - Bead Jewelry Making Ideas � Blog Archive � Online Alternatives to Ebay for Selling Bead Jewelry: "Everyone has heard of the online auction site eBay, but not everyone has had the best luck selling bead jewelry on it. I'm one of those people. I find that it's just too difficult to compete with the other bead jewelry artists in pricing and quality.

For bead jewelry artists who don't want to start their own website or those who want to sell online through other means, there are plenty of options. There are really two kinds of online sales sites.

1. Online stores allow you to display your wares and sell them for a set price.

2. Auction sites allow you to put up your pieces for 'auction' for a limited time and allow potential buyers to bid the price up, with the highest bidder buying your jewelry.

There are pros and cons to each, but I've generally found that online stores are easier to manage because you're not constantly monitoring auctions and timing and pricings.

Here are a few alternative sites I've looked at for buying and selling bead jewelry. Feel free to post your own experiences with some of these sites!"

Check out the rest of this article if you're interested in selling your beaded jewelry online.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Funky Watch

Stacy's Stuff: "Here's the watch after it was completed. I ended up using elastic since it was too large with beading wire and the addition of a toggle clasp. I think I like the continual flow of this way better anyhow. I put Bali spacers between the clay beads and small silver circles next to the watch."

This is a cool watch - would make a great present for someone a bit young at heart and funky!
Felicity 8-)

Purple Bracelet

bink: Over the past two days, I've spent a tot: "My camera doesn't do a particularly good job discerning bright white from off-white from eggshell, but there is an overall yellow tint to the posted picture due to the light I was using. I made the thing out of glass and shell beads, and fishing line since it was worlds easier to thread through the beads without a needle. It has a toggle closure, which is fairly useless since the bracelet is so big that I can very easily just slip it on and off my wrist without haven't to open it. In fact, it has a secret ability in which it turns into a deadly assault weapon when I swing my hand too quickly in a given direction.

And yes, I felt hungry making this bracelet. Why else would it look like a fried egg sunny side up?"

I can't say I'd thought of eggs until the creator said that!
Felicity 8-)

Bold and Beautiful Beaded Lanyard Patterns

Bold and Beautiful Beaded Lanyard Patterns: "Most of us are familiar with what lanyards are but may not be conversant with the term. A lanyard is the cord or strap that is worn around the neck to hold an identification badge, whistle, keys or other small object. It can be worn around the neck, arm, waist or wrist.

When worn around the wrist, a lanyard is often referred to as a 'wristlet.' Lanyards have become increasingly popular for their ability to keep important objects close at hand while simultaneously keeping hands free.

Lanyards are used to display identification cards as also for carrying cell phones pens and eyeglasses. Neck lanyards come in different materials nylon, rope, polyester, lace, beaded lanyards, custom printed lanyards and decorative lanyards."

Interesting article for you, if beaded lanyards are your thing!
Felicity 8-)

Getting inspired

Hi everyone
I've been having a break from beading for a little while (AAARRGGHH!!) while I help a friend put together a book about scrapbooking.
Anyway, something interesting came to mind while I was flipping through some of her scrapbooks, and various books and magazines - and that was, how useful all that stuff could be for beading! Sounds silly, probably, but there was one particular page which had some interesting combinations of colours, and I started thinking, wow, I'd really like a necklace in those shades....
Yep, it's true! Keep your eyes open, and you'll find inspiration for your beading everywhere you turn.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Finding the Right Bead For You By Ariana Cherry

Beads. Ahh, the world of beads!! If you are a jewelry maker or handmade jewelry lover, then you know what I’m talking about. There’s so many to choose from, that it makes it hard to decide which ones are best for your own personal designs.

Sure, if you are following a specific pattern, then you purchase the beads that the instructions call for—but what if you want to spread your own wings and flourish from that pattern? Then you go to the world of beads!

First, you find a craft store or bead store – You can find some of the neatest beads at chain stores such as Wal-Mart. Then there are craft stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Of course, then you have your specialty stores too. But then—its not always about the store----its about the BEAD.

Now, look deep into your very crafty-or should I say… “Beady” soul. What colors scream you? What designs catch your eye? Do you love the water? Do those clouds up above just mesmerize you? Are you just a faithful lover of the color blue? Then go look for those pretty shades of blue… Sky blue, navy blue, ocean blue, and/or turquoise, etc. Then you can find patterns with flowers, cat-eyes-anything to your hearts content. Baby—if you love blue—then bead the night away in blue.

How about nature colors? Our mother’s great outdoors have just color that travels a million directions! You have the soft green grass, the colors of leaves in autumn, all of the animals, brilliant pinks and purples in the flowers. There is just so much color in the world of nature! Take your favorite picture of nature’s outdoors with you when choosing your beads—this will help you wonderfully.

Of course, there’s even more patterns and colors that can help you decide. Perhaps you already have favorite colors you like to work with. It’s almost like taking a test—Your first instinct is always the right answer! If there is a bead that is just talking to you-go for it! Pick her up-touch it, feel it, and imagine it in your studio—with your designs! I promise you-it will talk to you. Everybody’s perfect bead is different.

There is no right answer in creation. Your designs, your colors, and your beads—they are all about you. And ONLY you. Create from your heart- our heart is always right-no matter how much you might want to ignore it at times.
http://www.sentimentaljewelrycreations.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariana_Cherry

Earrings for Mom

nerdcraft: Earrings for Mom: "They're made of glass fish-shaped turquoise beads, with coral-colored round glass beads on top. I got the beads and accoutrements (love that word...haha) at the Original Ornament in Carrboro. To be honest, I haven't beaded since I made plastic pony bead bracelets in middle school, and I have no idea what I'm doing. I think these turned out okay, though, and I'm working on some more pairs. "

These are cute!
Felicity 8-)

Necklace revamp

viva metal! - Princess: "I redid this necklace tonight. I made a new chain for it with smaller rings to make the pendant stand out more and redid the beading to be more substantial. And now it's up on Etsy!"

I love seeing before and after photos!
Felicity 8-)

BlossomLuxe Jewels : Wish me luck...

BlossomLuxe Jewels : Wish me luck...: "Tomorrow (July 14, 2006) the 25 finalists are being announced for the Creative Beading Swarovski Awards of Excellence, an Australian competition to design a piece of jewellery using only Swarovski beads.

My entry is a scarf-style lariat, made from what I estimate to be over 1200 individually wire wrapped Swarovski crystal bicone and round crystal beads.

The design was inspired by the art-deco style square frame crystals, that in the Jet colour reminded me of 1930's hollywood glamour with an oriental twist. I chose to stick to a monochrome palette (because black is the new black this year) and graduate the colour from Jet through to Crystal, with all of Swarovski's grey/silver shades in between including some of the newer beads like Crystal Silver Shade."

This is gorgeous!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Craft Sale Check Sheet - Items to Pack for a Craft Sale

Craft Sale Check Sheet - Items to Pack for a Craft Sale: "Craft Shows can be an exciting time. You've created a product and now you're ready to promote and sell it at the local craft fair. However, it can be challenging to pack, load your vehicle, drive to the sale and then set up.

An organized system with a good check sheet is essential. Keep the check list on your computer and update and print it whenever you need it. If an item is forgotten, it may result in a poor display and a loss of income. Load your vehicle a day in advance so you have extra time to think of last minute items. Pack as compactly as possible, and arrive early so you can unload before the vendor parking area is congested. Use a dolly or cart to move your load quickly in and out of an event."

I found this article really interesting, so if you regularly participate in craft shows, I'd recommend you go and read it.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading until it hurts!

To win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths. -: "Beaded like a crazy person last night - made a wire coil bracelet, some odd twisted wire tree earrings, a choker of sorts with beads and wire, and am 2/3 of the way through an experimental square-stitch necklace. Photos when I have a few more things finished, I think. I beaded so much that my right arm actually feels sluggish today!"

Now that's what I call a creative spurt!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Antique Typewriter Key Beaded Initial Pendant

Antique Typewriter Key Beaded Initial Pendant: "You can make this fun Antique Typewriter Key Beaded Initial Pendant for yourself with just a few basic beading supplies. Antique typewriter keys are available on auction sites. If you have an old typewriter, you can remove the keys and file the little nib off of the back or have someone with a grinder do it for you. You can also find old typewriters for sale a second hand, thrift and antique stores just about everywhere.


What an interesting piece of jewelry - something different for someone who perhaps likes antiques? Click on the title to get full instructions
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

I love this clasp!

blog.myspace.com/marymuffin: "I love this clasp, but alas, it will be replaced by a sterling silver one of a slightly different design (but my wrist will enjoy it anyway - and anyone else who would want this even though it isn't sterling silver)"

This is a gorgeous clasp - I haven't seen one like it before.
Felicity 8-)

Bead work cover story

Bead work cover story: "On her fourth decade of creative adventures and a serious beader since 1997, Deni Whaley this month reached an artistic pinnacle.

Her innovative scented beaded beads are the featured cover story in the August issue of Bead and Button Magazine, a top glossy publication for avid bead-lovers around the world. The cover photo features a rainbow creation she made six years ago and inside her step-by-step article lays out the basics of recreating her idea.

Getting top billing surprised her for an idea she pitched last fall, got approval for around Christmas and wrote up this spring. She just found out recently that her necklace, one of four she sent to magazine staff at their Milwaukee, Wis. headquarters for photos, would be the cover art."

I really enjoyed this article, I hope you do too! Some unusual beading ideas in there too.
Felicity 8-)

Beading : Discover the Fun, Benefits and Beauty of this Popular Hand Craft By Rose Mary

Beaded items are very popular nowadays. In shopping malls, department stores or designers’ stores, we will not fail to find lots of beautiful beaded items for sale such as bags, purses, bracelets, necklaces, wall hangings, cushion covers, etc. A lot of people find beads not only attractive but irresistible. Beads come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, colors and designs. Designers of accessories, jewelry, and interiors make use of the richness of their colors and the diversity of their shapes to create astounding pieces. Items made with beads are indeed captivating and useful. People use completed beading items such as bracelets and necklaces as accessories to enhance their appearance, while beading items like wall hangings, cushion covers, etc are used to decorate their homes. Fabrics with beads could help to add to the decor of homes.

Beads have been valued for centuries. Since early times, people have been acquainted with beads, primarily in the form of berries, seeds, stones and shells. Later, beads came to be manufactured from clay, glass, metal and crystals and, more recently, acrylics and plastics. People have been involved in beading for a very long time. They enjoy selecting beads and combining them to form an attractive piece of work. It is a very popular form of craft work for both old and young. Some do it for work, others do it for hobby. People enjoy beading because they find it extremely rewarding. It offers them an opportunity to unleash their creativity and helps to enhance their lives. There are those who believe that beads can become an obsession. Some say that it could be addictive. Nonetheless, it is indeed satisfying to use beads to make beautiful masterpieces for yourself, for your home, or even as gifts for your friends.
The beauty of beadwork is its versatility. There is a wide range of beads you can choose from the market. An extensive range of beading supply is available. You can select the types, shapes, sizes, colors and textures of the beads to create the pattern you want. Besides, there is a wide spectrum of beading techniques that can be applied to beads – wiring, threading, weaving, sticking and embroidering. You can choose to use the method you like. Beading techniques could be either threadless or threaded. Although there are relatively few ways of uniting beads without thread, such as with glue or tile grout, however, there are hundreds of ways involving the use of thread. As each completed item would be a result of your own selection, creativity and skill, you will certainly derive great satisfaction from your work.

Beading is considered an economical craft work. You do not need a special workshop. You only require a table, good lighting, some beading equipment and selected beads. With these, you can design and make really exciting pieces of beaded items. You can even create a piece of jewelry that will become a family heirloom!

The basics of beading are easy to learn. There are many resources available with step-by-step beading instructions to enable a starter to learn doing beading projects. When you have learned the basic techniques, you can go ahead to create even more pieces using a multitude of your own ideas. This could be as simple as changing the colors on one of the beading patterns you have learned or using beads of a different size. You will be surprised at how much these small changes can alter the look of the original piece. The possibilities of creating new designs are endless. You can attempt to test your design after creating it. If you find that your idea doesn’t work, you can take it apart and try a new one. Beading is fun and interesting. Be adventurous, always experiment and you’ll enjoy it.

More information on beading techniques can be obtained from the below link : Beading Instructions

Rose MaryEnjoys and appreciate beading and beading items. Beading Instructions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Mary

Hope you enjoyed this!
Felicity 8-)

Patricia's beading designs

Patricia sent me these great beading projects. The bags are really cute, and apparently the foot thongs are very popular with young girls. So perhaps you can get some gift ideas! These also sell very well, apparently.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

:::::Kate::::: - Beads are addictive

:::::Kate::::: - Beads are addictive: "I was talking into going to a beading class. I think I'm now officially addicted. I figure if I can go to one class and end up dreaming of beads and all the things I can do with them, I guess that's a sign I'm getting obsessive.

On the plus sign, after getting comments from everyone who saw my very first pair of earrings, I could start selling them, and in terms of income, it makes perfect sense. The cost of putting a pair of earrings together is less than $1, and I can easily sell them for $5 a pair. I've also learned to make charm bracelets and necklaces and all sorts of professional looking things. I had had ideas of perhaps selling some of my knitting, but selling jewellery looks like it can be much more lucrative. So I might see what happens. Even if I don't sell them, I have birthday, Christmas and just-because presents for people that can be unique and yet not cost me a fortune - depending of course on what sort of beads I use."

I love to read posts like this - partially because it's nice to know there's another addicted beader out there, but also because it's great when people can do something they love and get paid for it.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Summer Bouquet Pins

Liz posted this in the forum recently, and it was so gorgeous I had to add it here!
These are her comments:

"Just a way to use up any extra beads you have lying around.
Make a "Summer Bouquet" pin... Ps...Mine sold three hours after it was made."

Even better, she chose my favorite colours!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Stitch Markers

Rachel Knits: Stitch Markers: "Behold my stitch markers (and blurry picture)! Yep, these beaded stitch markers are functional quality artfully created beaded alright. Actually, if you pretend not to see the wire coming off the side of one of them, they aren't too bad for my first try. Especially if you consider that I have no idea what I'm doing. The closest I've ever come to beading is picking out pretty beads at the bead store/head shop and having someone else string them into a pretty necklace."

I think these are a great first effort!
Maybe there's a market out there for stitch markers, if you're keen to find an untapped niche market!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)