Change Up for Chat on ArtFire

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??

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

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

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

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

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

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.