The Mind of Beads

Look What the Clouds Brought In

2011-07-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

Aw summertime... For most, I'm sure you think summertime in California has to be gorgeous with the beaches and mountains. It can't get more than 70 or 80 degrees there right? Ha! You have been watching too much tv or movies. Or perhaps if you have ever visited California it was coastal and not beyond a mountain range. Most of California is a desert which means it can get up to 100-115 degrees during the day and no cooling off in the evenings. Where I live is closer to the desert area so dry, hot, heat is what you get. There are days you see shade under a tree and think ah relief. Further from the truth, there is no wind so dry, hot, heat even in the shade. Well last week we got a break and there was a very overcast and cloudy day. It was actually too cold to wear shorts and I was really wishing I had a sweatshirt. It felt like a normal day at the beach. But I pressed on and took 647 pictures of gemstones. Was able to take some pictures of gemstones that have a high glossy coating and have been really hard to get a shot without all the glare. So this next week I will be re-doing some of the pictures of listings and also listing some new beads for you to enjoy. Here is just a small sample:

My Little Corner of Facebook

2011-03-03T00:25:00.001-06:00

YaY!! Excited to announce my own little corner of Facebook now has it's own official url. Thanks to all who have been "liking" Beads2string on Facebook, http://facebook.com/Beads2string is now alive and kicking. You know I literally could not have done it without you. It will look more professional being able to use this nice, neat url instead of that long jibberish one don't you think?

Well that's it for today, nice, short and sweet. Nothing else to see here until next time. Go on... have a fabulous day.

To a New Year and Changes

2011-01-19T00:04:00.000-06:00

This year is going to be fabulous I can already tell. Or at least I'm bound and determined to make it go that way haha. Am very excited to soon be introducing some more flowers to the bead stores. Including some pretty flower cabochons, so be looking for the pretties coming in February. There will also be some new charms coming your way too.

For those of you who may not be following me on Twitter I've had some changes going on this past year. One particular is a new computer due to the death of the old one. With that, went pictures of all the beads and findings in the stores. So it is time to get an overhaul, revamp, chachachachanges with the look of the store pictures. You will be seeing a lot of colors soon with the backgrounds of the product pictures. Some can already be seen with the findings category. Hope you like the changes coming your way.

Get A Great Deal While Shopping For Beads

2010-11-26T14:43:00.000-06:00

Beads2string is saying "Thank You" to all Customers by having a SALE ... 20% off all items ... through Cyber Monday. So stay nice and cozy in your warm house and enjoy shopping for beads and jewelry findings this weekend. Sale is available for shopping on ArtFire and Etsy. Here are the details:

ArtFire: 20% off items will automatically be applied at checkout. ArtFire is so awesome that you will already be able to see the sale price while shopping. Discount is for items in the studio and excludes shipping/handling.

Etsy: In order to receive 20% off items you must input a coupon code at checkout: givethanks2010
The coupon code is not case sensitive when entering. Discount is for items in the store and excludes shipping/handling. Due to venue/payment processing fees it will be necessary to enter the coupon code at checkout to receive the discount.

Change Up for Chat on ArtFire

2010-11-22T17:16:00.000-06:00

Live chat is still available when you visit Beads2string on Artfire; however, I've done a little change. No longer will the chat box be provided by AIM. Instead the chat box is now brought to you by Yahoo's Messenger Pingbox. This system will give better functionality to the live chat option. If you utilize the chatbox you can choose to use your Yahoo IM account or be a guest account. If you are an ArtFire member or previous customer, please just let me know who you are.

Ok so the real reason behind this change is that the AIM chat would come up in a different tab on my browser window. If I am in deep thought listing beads I may not realize or see the blinking tab. (hey I am blonde and have a 30 second delay haha). With the Yahoo pingbox it acts just like the Yahoo Messenger and comes up in a pop up box on my window so all around it will help to better assist your concerns. And a big bonus with the Pingbox is you can set cute backgrounds for the chat box. Now with that option alone how could I refuse?

What's in the Making??

2010-05-27T14:42:00.000-05:00

I have created many different crafty things over the years. Started making jewelry um how many years ago? Oh man, hurts to think back that far haha but 2 decades ago. Even before that as a child was always making something. I began to paint on ceramics (made by my Grandma) when I was in elementary school. In my 20's I worked at a circus painting on sculptures of clowns, Disney, Warner Bros characters. Best job I ever had; well compared to where I am now. A few years ago I combined both talents of jewelry and painting and started designing pendants. I've had a lot of "ooo's" and "aahhh's" with my pendants and it was just lately that a friend said I need to put them available in the Beads2string stores. Wow stupid me, why didn't I think of that. So this is what I'm currently working on. A lot of the pendants that will be used are from what I currently have in the store; just spruced up a little. Some have faux patina's and some have a little more for your artistic flare. I am not going to set a specific date when they will arrive in the stores as it honestly will depend on how the fibromyalgia lets me use my hands. I usually only do 1 or 2 on occasion but this is bringing me back to the time I worked in the circus and painted by the piece work method. But I'm excited to bring you a variety of colors with pendants that you can use in your designs.

Also now that I'm moved into my new townhouse I'm going to be working on more flowers and leaves that you have been asking for. I do apologize for my supply being limited at this time. Oh and going to do some aging on the raw brass I carry so you have more options to purchasing raw or being oxidized. So be looking forward to all of the new goodies soon.

Come Chat With Me Live

2010-03-31T12:20:00.000-05:00

It is so wonderful to be able to say this phrase "Come Chat with Me LIVE!" Are there times you are looking around the shop and wish you could have more of an item? Or maybe you have a concern about size or color of an item? Maybe you want to see if I have more of a sold item? Want to ask your question but don't want to have to wait for a reply to be sent via email? Well now in the Artfire shop you will be able to chat with me live, right in the shop (When I'm not offline playing with beads). This will be a wonderful opportunity to be able to provide you with a quicker response time to your concerns. I'm excited to be able to offer more Customer Service options to you; come chat with me.

When using this chat feature I ask that you please let me know who you are (either username or name), if you are a repeat Customer, someone I already now. This chat feature will not advise me your name unless you are logged into an AIM account.

This Just In

2010-03-28T17:48:00.000-05:00

Some beautiful glass faux pearls are coming your way. Colors include a variety of pink shades from dusty pink to rosey cheeks, green shades of sage, brown mochas, and apricot. Have the glass pearls in size 4mm - 12mm. There is a limited amount available in each color.

January 2010 A Personal Milestone

2010-01-16T14:43:00.001-06:00

January is so much more for me than just a new year. It also happens to be my birth month. This year is a milestone for me as I turn 40 years old. No I don't think I'm old, more just so very happy to be alive and where I am at physically, mentally, spiritually. It's the Fabulous 40's. I am a big kid at heart so age doesn't mean much to me but a number. Heck, one of my favorite places to be is at Disneyland. Which if you ever saw my office you'd see this side of my personality.

As one of my Customers in January you get to celebrate with me and any product order of $50.00 or more will get you Free Shipping. For my stores at http://beads2string.net/ or http://beads2string.com/ your shipping/handling will be refunded via your method of payment. At http://beads2string.artfire.com/ use the special coupon code: 50FREESHIP at checkout.

With 2010, I wash away the the past and my 30s and say Bring It On 40s. Going to make this the best time of my life. Living my dream with my bead stores thanks to you. Going to make Beads2string that much bigger and better for you and me. In March, will be making another huge move from Texas to North Carolina. Can't wait for what new adventures come my way. Happy Happy Birthday to Me.

This Just In

2009-09-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

Findings, Findings, and more Findings on Beads2string @ Etsy for you. This includes the sought after round head pins now available in silver plated, antiqued bronze, antiqued copper. More antiqued copper findings to choose from. Also now available is a variety of chain for your designs. The chain selection comes in different finishes of the silver plated, antiqued bronze, antiqued copper so you can coordinate with the jewelry finding selections. There will be a few more selections being added for chain.

Seasons of Change

2009-05-22T15:34:00.002-05:00

This time of year is truly as season of change. From the weather to how we feel. Spring has always been the official time of change. So dubbed the term "Spring Cleaning". Why not take this opportunity to start shifting gears; where do I want Beads2string to be? What items do I really want to carry in the store? Don't fret there will always be a variety of items to browse through. Just believe some sections need to be expanded upon more than others.

First to do is some spring cleaning; therefore, the glass beads section has been vamped over and prices have been slashed. The amount of regular glass beads in the store will be limited in order to make more room for other sections.

I personally have a huge love for all things vintage (always have and always will) so that section will grow as I find more treasures to pass along. Will also be expanding the Czech glass section and bring more varieties of color and shapes. But the most recent change will be expanding the findings and stampings section. Huge orders are currently enroute to me and am so excited; can hardly wait for their arrival. Will finally begin to offer some chain in AS, AC, AB finishes. There will be more beadcaps, headpins offered. Along with stampings, filigrees, charms will be a new addition to the findings section. Oh and yes there will be included in this some settings for the fabulous cameos.

Once new items have arrived and are ready to make their appearance in the stores there will be a "This Just In" post to TheMindofBeads.

This Just In - - Cameos

2009-05-16T18:38:00.003-05:00

So very happy to announce that Beads2string is now carrying a variety of plastic cameo cabochons for your designing pleasure. This is only the beginning of what the stores will carry. In the future I will also be getting the cameo settings in different finishes also. But have to start somewhere right? Here are a few pictures to give you a taste of what you can go shopping for.

Going to begin to use this new Post Title "This Just In" to let you know what new items will be coming available at Beads2string stores. Most new items usually get put up first on Etsy at this time. Only reason being, that it is the store which is full in stock. Once my other two venues: ArtFire and website are fully stocked this will change. So when that happens I will try to let you know what is what and when, where, and why is that. So if you have a preference of where you shop at Beads2string and the new items are not yet stocked there yet, just send me an email and request the item be listed.

ArtFire Studio is Starting to Come Along

2009-05-08T16:40:00.002-05:00

Yes I have finally taken the plunge. Realize my ArtFire Studio for Beads2string has been sitting empty for the last couple of months. Didn't want to start listing beads without getting the store front set up first. Noticed categories are listed alphabetically so it was a matter of how did I want the titles to be named. Was also working on the look of the banner for the Studio. Think it is all coming together.

I am now at the point where an endless amount of time is being taken to list all of the findings, beads, stones. Wish I could magically say "poof" in my sleep and wake up to find everything listed. Wouldn't that be a wonderful dream? Hey my office decor is Disney so "Dreams can come true?" haha.

On a side note it really was my intention to have the Studio all listed and ready to go for May so I could use that fun %off discount button that ArtFire provides. I am learning in life that with CFS, Fibro, Hypothyroid time lines are just an outline and not a set schedule. Once a few hundred items are listed I will announce a Grand Opening Sale for Beads2string on ArtFire. It will be a 20% discount on items when the sale does happen. But just think, at that time you will be able to shop from a bigger variety of findings and am also bringing cameos to the store.

ArtFire Here I Come

2009-03-21T01:00:00.005-05:00

Have debated a long time whether to expand and include ArtFire or not. Kept going to the site looking and exploring what there is to be offered to sellers. Everything looked good, but was good, too good to be true? Well it is still in the Beta stage so only time will tell. Decided to give it a chance and see how it will be. Well once I joined was able to see that sellers are able to easily do a sale for their shop at a % off. That in itself made me excited. This is one reason I'm eventually going to expand and Beads2string will be a website on its own. (I said eventually). The first week I was trying to get the feel of the site and only put up about 10 items. Since that time they have upgraded the search engine and a Buyer can search within your own store. That is awesome, stupendous, crackalackin! Way to go ArtFire, hope this kind of thing will continue which will benefit everyone.

So have been continually updating photos and am ready to do a super charged, sit down, shut up and hold on listing rampage this weekend. My intentions will be to get a few hundred items listed this weekend. Then next week get a few more hundred items listed and just have a Grand Opening Spring Sale. Just have to decide what % off to go crazy with. Can't wait to finally have an easy and pleasing Sale experience for Customers.

May I just say Thank You ArtFire

What To Do With A Mound Of Stones?

2009-03-19T21:59:00.004-05:00

Found a bag full of strands and strands and more strands of stones. Where did I get it and what was I going to do with all of them? Have no idea but there are a lot of them and all single strands. Mostly Quartz, Aventurine, Kyanite, Moonstone, Labradorite, and Garnet. So I had this image come into my head. The scene from Close Encounters of the Third Kind when they are at the table and he starts making the mountain out of mashed potatoes. I don't know where that thought came from, maybe I'm craving mashed potatoes since I'm not eating sugar or carbs? Hey whatever, right. Its just one of those random thoughts we use to create something. Well for whatever it is, this is my version of the mountain made with stones. I know, I know mashed potatoes does such a better job.

Well anyhoo, I've split my mountain up into sections of 5 strands each and will be listing them on Beads2string. Going to have a blow out Sale section. If anyone purchases one of the listings it would be great to see what you have created. Send me a picture of your design and I will do a little feature here on The Mind of Beads.

Winter Time Hues

2009-01-24T17:36:00.005-06:00

So I admit being a little addicted to lucite. Especially the flowers and leaves that have become available within the last couple of years. Some are vintage lucite pieces that have been found in warehouse storages and some are newer stock. So many varieties of flowers to choose from. They bring so many designs to the imagination with the wide range of colors available. Here is a little taste of the most recent colors that I've added to my inventory for the store. I am so excited to be able to share them with everyone.

Vintage Vamp

2008-12-08T17:28:00.005-06:00

Some more revamping is going on in my Etsy store. Have taken new pictures of the vintage lucite beads. Think the background helps to give the beads that vintage feel also. Really like how most of the pictures have been coming out. Will use the same background for the flowers and leaves section of the store also.

Risky Beads: Double Agents on Etsy--Those You Know and Some You Don't

2008-11-20T15:58:00.005-06:00

Risky Beads: Double Agents on Etsy--Those You Know and Some You Don't

Take a read above and discover some great supply finds you may have never thought of. It is a wonderful article by fellow Etsian: RiskyBeads. And there is information at the bottom of the blog how to get a discount through 12/20/2008 at Beads2string.

Revamping

2008-11-20T10:50:00.006-06:00

Have been really trying to decide the look I want for the background of the findings at Beads2string. Getting tired of looking at the white backgrounds. Also want to bring out more of the details in each finding as they are so beautiful in person. So when I was taking pictures of items to put in my new store MySweetVintage, I noticed on the back there was this great design just waiting to be behind the findings. So I took the below picture as a demo to see how it will look. It really gives a great contrast to the antiqued bronze and helps show off the great detail of the piece. So I'll be revamping the look of all of the findings at http://beads2string.etsy.com/ in the coming weeks. I can't wait to see the whole look of the store; it will probably make me want to revamp other sections. Hahaha just a never ending process isn't it?

Happy Etsyversary

2008-10-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

Want to take time to thank all of Beads2String's new and returning Customers. It has been 1 year since the Beads2String store was open on Etsy. The 1 year Etsyversary occurred on 9/30/2008 (I almost missed it). It has been a tremendous ride with a new stores ups and downs, but definitely worth it. There is so much more growth that Beads2String will be experiencing in the future and can't wait to bring all the new inventory to my fabulous customers. Also due to the demand to be able to purchase more of a variety, I am currently working on brining more 1/2 strands with the gemstones as many have been requesting.

Thank you for allowing me to be able to help you grow and expand your Jewelry Designs. I love all of the final product pictures you provide. It is so exciting and inspiring to see what your visions and imaginations create.

Getting Further into the Blogging World

2008-09-27T19:40:00.008-05:00

So I am getting a little further into the blogging world. Does anyone else feel like such a dork when they enter into this world? Hey I will freely admit it, my creativity is in the physical world not the world of the internet. When I look at other people's blogs I always say oh this gadget is cool, or love how they have this set up. Well now Mind of Beads includes the subscribe to this blog and Are You Following me gadgets on the sidebar. I know, I know finally!! Be patient with me I am blonde so does that give me the 5 second more rule? Hoo hoo 2 down and a whole bunch more to go hahaha.

Time on My Hands

2008-08-07T12:04:00.006-05:00

Now that I have time on my hands, I've been revamping http://beads2string.net/ and wow what a difference pictures can make. It is looking so great and excited to get going on my other 2 websites. I am just one of those people who can't get use to a digital camera. It is nice to have the convenience of just uploading pictures right to the computer; however, really never happy with the quality of lighting. So over the course of the year I have retaken and retaken pictures of the beads, gemstones, crystals you see on Beads2string. Being in a different state also takes getting use to for when the best time is to take pictures with natural light. Think I'm closer then I've been before. For me in Texas I have to go out either really early before the humidity rises or right at dusk before sunset. Since pictures are frustrating for everyone thought I would share with you the beginnings and the end of my journey of what worked best for me.

Tried with different lighting inside and different backgrounds. Just was not satisfied and this satisfaction is based soley on my own; like your pictures have to be based soley on your satisfaction. Yes you can go in the forums and ask how people like your pictures but come down to it, how do You like your photos? Some like the bright color backgrounds, some bright white to black. I've used them all and it just wasn't saying what I wanted my store to say. I'm a total California girl who loves the mountains and beaches and everything nature has to offer. Want to bring that into my stores. My background for pictures now are from the outside world and I am very excited about the outcome. Now I do still need to work on timing and when to go outside. And believe me 10 minutes makes a big difference as one day I went to get something inside and when I went back out the sky had ugly dark clouds and God opened the flood gates. All things purple or hot pink are the only colors really frustrating me at this time, just can't get the right hues to show up in the digital camera still.

Well anyhoo here are some before and after pictures so you can see how a store like me still keeps trying to find that "1 look" that fits your store. It may not be a big difference for some but I want a look that will smoothly transition throughout my stores and keep a uniform look for glass, gems, lucite, crystals and make the beads themselves "pop" out and have the background be exactly that. So the below pictures are of Red Aventurine. I really do like the 2nd picture and the look with the store name but the white background is just not working for all beads. The final picture's backdrop has been working great and even my vintage lucite just "pops".

The Gift of a New Day

2008-07-24T19:15:00.004-05:00

~ We can bring so many blessings into our lives just by realizing that it is never too late. Before you turn the page on this day, make a pact with yourself to untie the ribbons and open the gifts we are given in this life. Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Have health and hope and happiness! Live a full life on this earth, understand your real worth, and wish on all your stars. And don't ever forget, for even a day, how very special you are ~

I've read this before but it didn't really sink in until now. I realize it is not too late to get my healthy body back and love life again. Little things every day make me smile again and it has been a long time for that. I am excited to get back to creating, and have so many ideas. Once you let that creativity open in your brain the flood gates also open. It is so exciting and I'd rather be poor and happy then make good money at a stressful job that kills your body. I am remembering every day to "invest in myself". I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I'm So Freakin Excited.......

2008-06-13T23:54:00.003-05:00

It is 12:00 am so I now have officially two more days until my sisters come from California to visit me. We are very close and best friends. By looking at the picture we also all look alike. It has been two years since I have seen them and it has been just killing me inside. I never realized how much my heart could hurt from moving so far away from home. But it gets better not only are my sisters coming but my neices and nephew in the picture are coming too. They are right now on a train on their way here. I told my neice that we have to do one of those cheesy movie scenes and do the slow motion run towards each other. Only thing missing would be the field of flowers.

Spring

2008-04-01T18:59:00.004-05:00

Finally it is here I have been wanting this time to come for awhile. Spring ~ the season when flowers start to bloom and butterflies start to fly. Hope Spring is a better season for everyone. It is definitely a joy to see this season in my house. Well, as long as Texas doesn't see all of the rain it did last year. I would like to enjoy walking in the evening with a beautiful sunset and listening to the birdies chirp. My Iris have been really growing and multiplying so I can't wait to see them bloom. They will be so beautiful and make a great picture.

So why are you happy Spring has sprung? Finally able to get rid of the Winter blues. Maybe you worked hard in the Fall planting those bulbs in the garden. Being able to enjoy the day at the zoo with family and the animals will actually be outside. Maybe you like going to my favorite place, Disneyland, and seeing their beautiful landscaping in the Spring air. What ever the reason, Spring it is here and time to enjoy something wonderful in life.

I found some great poems that would be good for Spring and starting to get your creativity flow and imagination working:

Be creative! You're the artist here. You're the one who can brush away the clouds and make the sun shine. Paint your own picture, choose your own colors. And forget all that business about having to stay between the lines.

~ ~ Douglas Pagels

Every artist dips his brush in his soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. ~ ~ Henry Ward Beecher

To affect the quality of the day ~

that is the highest of the arts.

~ ~ Henry David Thoreau

The Gift of an Angel by Your Side

2008-02-07T10:06:00.001-06:00

May you always have an angel by your side ∞ Watching out for you in all the things you do ∞ Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days ∞ Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to come true ∞ Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun ∞ Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide ∞ May you always have love and comfort and courage ∞

And may you always have an angel by your side ∞ Someone there to catch you if you fall ∞ Encouraging your dreams ∞ Inspiring your happiness ∞ Holding your hand and helping you through it all ∞ In all of our days, our lives are always changing ∞ Tears come along as well as smiles ∞ Along the roads you travel, may the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely ∞ May they give you gifts that never, ever end: someone wonderful to love and a dear friend in whom you can confide ∞ May you have rainbows after every storm ∞ May you have hopes to keep you safe and warm ∞

And may you always have an angel by your side ∞
-- Douglas Pagels

Here I am......

2007-12-22T23:44:00.000-06:00

So I'm finally here at the crazy blog world. Excited yet scared as to what might come out of this mind that tries its hardest to keep all balled up inside. I will not, I say I will not be responsible for what might appear on this post. All I can say is when you get to know me you will know not to take me seriously at all times. There is a quirk or a quork in my mind that plugs the hole in my head and when it gets jarred around, well I'm just sayin' it could be something goofy to sarcastic but if you have either thought about it or laughed then my job on Earth as we know it is complete. And please don't ever get offended by anything I say. My philosophy on life is "If you can't laugh at yourself for being Human then who can you laugh at?" And then after that the next one would be "Just go with the flow." That is my answer to everything.

Oh and on a side note; I am a religious person and yes at times you will see an inspirational item, verse and such not to help get through this crazy world of ours. Hey wasn't it curiosity that killed the cat or was it what just made the cat go mmmmmmmmmmm ppppppuuuuuurrrrr. Oh and of course different stuff that goes on with http://www.beads2string.net and http://www.beads2string.com my growing babies.