Author name: emily

Artists at Play:Rings & Things Bead Show in Denver

Categories: Art Biz, Artists at Play, beads, shopping

Rings & Things made a stop in Denver on their 2011 Bead Tour, and I was so excited to attend my first wholesale show!  I went armed with a list, notebook, calculator, and ample time.  It proved to be a great show, and I am thrilled to be a new customer of Rings & Things!

Though they had wire, jewelry findings and crystals available, I was primarily interested in shopping for semi-precious gemstone beads. Brimming with excitement, I browsed the many tables for hours.  I felt like I was back in my college geology course while I curiously examined the vast array of colors, sizes, styles (and prices) of gemstones.

I think it’s important to attend one of these shows if you are new to the jewelry business.  Not only is it an opportunity to buy inventory at a discount, but seeing gemstones in person is much more informative than browsing a catalog. Rings & Things has a beautiful catalog that’s well-organized with brilliant full-color pictures, but it makes a difference to see gemstones up close.  You can better appreciate their true color, opacity, weight and shape.

As a “show newbie,” I was daunted by the task of selecting beads for my business.  They are all so beautiful- how can you choose? 

First: I established a reasonable budget, and I was determined to stick to it! 

Second: I researched a few bead catalogs and magazines I had to familiarize myself with names of stones, and which types I was drawn to.

Third: I made sure all my beads were organized before I attended the show, and I wrote a list of “holes” I had in my inventory. 

Fourth: I attended the show with the resources I needed to successfully meet my budget goals : notebook, calculator, and time!

Here are some of the lovely beads I bought

(which I am excited to start working with!)

Rhodonite, Pink Crazy Lace Agate, and Rose Quartz

 

Carnelian

Goldstone, Citrine and Yellow Jade (Serpentine)

Olive Jade (Serpentine)

Moss Agate, Lizardite (Serpentine),

and African Green Jasper

Blue Lace Agate and Sodalite

Smoky Quartz, Red Creek Jasper,

and Brown Snowflake Obsidian

Snowflake Obsidian, Howlite, Moonstone, and Black Onyx

I had a great time, and was equally giddy when I brought my treasures home to show off! I will definitely be attending the Rings & Things show again next year.  In fact, I’m sorta a huge fan of theirs now that I’ve had the opportunity to experience their service and product! 

(I’m also realizing that I totally love rocks…especially smooth, shiny colorful ones!)

 

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Color Inspirations: March {Visions of Viridian}

Categories: Color, Inspirations, March

First Image: wool yarn, Kamilla Alnes, smoky eyes, succulents

Second Image: swarovski ring, Atonement dress, ferns, green interior

Third Image:  Bells of Ireland,  lush woodland, vintage thread

Fourth Image: Italian garden, kiwi cooler, happy Hawaiian, Irish cake

I know I am not alone in finding myself wishing for the brown earth to start sprouting little sprigs of luscious green! This is the color of life, vitality and growth.  It can inhabit such a lovely variety of hues and texture from mossy foliage to hard emerald gemstones or liquid viridian silk.  I am inspired to add pops of this color to my wardrobe, and dreaming of the day I can feel the lush grass squidge between my bare toes!

How does green inspire you?

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It’s Bead Table Wednesday!  I’ve received my first online bead order from BelloModo, which was full of Vintaj goodness!  This key was on my table a few weeks ago, but I’ve been in the middle of a studio move and re-organization,so it’s been delayed.  I’ve finished my focal, and look forward to stringing/linking my new components into a complete piece! Inspired by Monet, this set will feature purples, greens and pinks with botanical and nature-themed accents.

How is your studio set up?

Do you have a dedicated space for your creative work? 

I am in the early stages of my business. I’ve traveled this road many years before (as in, before two children), but am finally able to commit to the long journey ahead.  I’ve claimed a portion of the house as my own, and have been busily transforming a make-shift environment into a fully functional multi-media studio (that’s a tall order!)

Studios are such a site-specific endeavor! Though I’ve tried to research the best organizational methods, I’ve found everyone’s space/budget/resources to be completely unique.  I encourage you to mindfully determine your own needs.  Creativity occurs at the heart, no matter the space, budget or audience!

If you are serious about a jewelry business, then no matter what, organize those beads!

1.) You’re not alone! Look at my mess! For too long I’ve been stashing my bead finds in a mish-mash of varied containers.  Consistency and uniformity are key to a successful organizational system. 

2.) Enter the label-maker and simple containers. I’ve separated my beads by vendor, color an function.  This way I can easily pull the pieces I need, reference what I have used and clean-up will be easy!

3.) I (luckily) salvaged some flat files from a down-sized company.  These are essential for the fine-art component of my business, but are also helpful for beads!  You could also stack your bead organizers on shelves or in a re-purposed dresser.

4.) I also utilized black desk-drawer organizers for threading elements, and labeled compartments of my  bead organizers for specific components.  With meticulous labeling, I can easily access a specific tool, as well as reference a component in my beading resources.

Once you make that gorgeous jewelry, you have to photograph it!

Another important component of a successful beading studio is an area specifically designated to photography.  Focusing on available sunlight, I have set up a table, prop shelf, and mannequin near a window in the studio.  Even if you don’t have an area you can permanently dedicate to photography, find a place with a table near a window and keep a plastic tub full of your props close by.

A light tent, with additional lamps, is an essential tool for photography when light is not ideal in the studio (night, cloudy day, etc.) Props: busts, books, vases, glassware, etc. are also crucial for adding interest to your jewelry photos.  Personally, I feel a life-sized mannequin is a necessity for building your jewelry pieces, as well as communicating their scale.

This is the first of a series of studio organizational tips. 

 Are you having difficulties organizing your creative space?  Do you have advice to share with other artisans?  

 Let’s talk!

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