Will the following WINNERS - please take a bow?

Alas, our contests are over. We did enjoy giving away so many prizes and gift certificates and were overwhelmed by the gratitude shown to us by some of the winners. We felt that some of the winners realized - we're a TINY family business and giving away so much, when the economy is tough - was tough. However, we truly wanted to THANK so many of our clients and we enjoyed doing so.
Here is a list of contests - giveaways and winners! Thank you all for being sooooooooo special.

Jar oh' Lucies Winner:

Jar oh' Lucies Official count: 1361

Kelly Dale of North Carolina - FINALLY won with her entry:

CandyLovesJosh said...

OK, I'm going to guess 1350 pieces. LOVE LUCITE!

January 12, 2012 11:31 PM 


wins $407 in FREE Lucite flowers and leaves

Day of the Dead Challenge Winners:

First PRIZE values $315.00 : Stephanie Haussler 

Second PRIZE valued $100.00: Shelley Nybakke-Pleines

Third PRIZE $25.00: Beth Dewey

Facebook/Blog Fan Favorite valued $25.00: 

Trivia - Blog - Facebook Giveaways :

December 16^th, 2011 Blog Winners: 

Rachel Riska VanDyne won $25.00

 Vimala Nichols won $25.00

  Patricia Bergman won $25.00

 Tammy Sodavis won $25.00

 Penny Dabato won our Facebook Fan page giveaway – Why do you want to win a kit? A kit valued at $50.00 

December 9^th, 2011 Blog Winners:

 Mandy Duffy wins the book Dimensional Beading by Jamie Cloud Eakin

 AJ Reardon wins the FB Fan page giveaway – Why do I want to win a mystery box?

 Anne Ypsilon  won $25.00

 Mary Marshall won $25.00

 Chris Pratt won $25.00

 Karen Shaffer won $25.00

 December 2^nd, 2011 Blog Winners:

 Kim Dworak won $25.00

 Jeanne Marie DiAmicis won $25.00

 Beverly Moon won $25.00

 Nicole Jones won $25.00

 November 25^th, 2011 Blog Winners:

 Deb Leon won $25.00

 Marilou Porth won $25.00

Mona Peepers Ahleman won $25.00

 DeAnn Shirling won $25.00

 November 18^th, 2011 Blog Winners:

 Freda Smith won $25.00

 Lisa Mason won $25.00

 Shannon Iko Chomanczuk won $25.00

 Valerie Jackson won $25.00

 BONUS: Denise Uttke won the Book Classical Elegance 

BONUS:  Michelle Waugh won the Jean Campbell Book 

BONUS: Dana Smith wins the $25.00 –Kelli Burns FB page winner 

November 11^th, Blog Winners:

 Jennifer VanBenschoten won $25.00

 Katie Nelson  won $25.00

 Juanita Young won $25.00

 Linda Kienzle won $25.00

 November 4^th, Blog Winners:

 Kristen Ho won $25.00

 Kristen Stevens won $25.00

 Vivien Noll won $25.00

Yvette Fontenot $25.00

 Linda Darmes won Bead Riffs by Rachel Nelson Smith 

Mary Marshall won our FB giveaway – a Laura McCabe autographed book and eyeball. 

Elizabeth Schrader won the Swarovski Magazine/Book 

October 28^th, Blog Winners:

 Kristen Ho won $25.00

 Sally Anderson won $25.00

 Donna Fitzgerald won $25.00

 Christina Pawass won $25.00

 October 21^st Blog Winners:

 V. M. Smith won $25.00

 Stephanie Haussler won $25.00

 LisaMason won $25.00

 Evelyn Eslinger won $25.00

 October 14th Blog Winners:

 K. Nelson won $25.00

 K. Dworak won $25.00

 K. Beber won $25.00

 N. Turvey won $25.00

 October 7^th Blog Winners:

 F. Smith won $25.00

 R. Letterman won $25.00

 D. Fryer won $25.00 

S. Hielscher won $25.00 

Congratulations are in order for all these winners and particpants and entries to our Day of the Dead Challenge. We hope you enjoyed our contests...stay tuned. We just might go crazy again. . . soon! 

Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Indomitable Sara Aho Lukkonen

Our last installment of Trade Show Series with Guests: Pat Riesenburger, Kate McKinnon, Andrew Thornton, Wendy Baker, Yvonne Irvin, Michael Burns, Marianne Kasparian, Nikia Angel and Marsha Hedrick.

First, I would like to thank Tamara Allison of The Vanishing Pearl for her help (well, she wrote them all? so help is not a very good description?) and Stephanie Haussler of Pixybug Designs for her suggestions. . . without them, we would not and could not have done this series.

Secondly, thank you to all of our guests – even with the wonderful questions and suggestions by Wendy and Tamara, without the answers of the guests – there wouldn’t have been anything to read? They took time out of their extremely busy schedules to try and shed some much needed light on the bead trade industry – we got answers – we got hope – we got humor and we’re done!

So here is our last guest – Sara Aho Lukkonen of C-Koop Beads!

The Sara I know. . . 

8. Can you share tips for increasing sales:

Always greet your customers.  Not only does this start a sale but it also helps make them aware that you are watching them. I always try to have new products at each of the major shows.  It brings the regulars back to see what is new.  I don’t want them walking by because they have seen everything before. 

9. Outside of shows, how do you market yourself or your brand:

I wholesale to stores.  It gets my product out there to the everyday beaders.  I started my business by going to stores and getting my products out there.  I think that it really made a big difference for me because then people recognized my products when they come to shows.  Also I have been really blessed by the designers submitting their designs to the magazines.

10. Do you use a standard setup for every show you attend or do you adjust your setup for each show:

I pretty much set up the same way every time.  The returned buyers recognize the display and they always think something is new. It is also an easy set up and take down.  It is all about getting out of the show in a timely manner!   I try to be efficient because my time is worth something too!

11. OPTIONAL: What reason would you give your clients for attending shows as a buyer, even if you were not a vendor:

There might be something new out there you just have to have.  Going to shows can bee inspiring!

12. OPTIONAL: What makes you continue to attend shows as a vendor – i.e. money, marketing, social networking:

Some sows are going to better than others.  If I continue to make money at a show then I am going to come back.  But mostly I attend shows to get the new accounts.  Stores are going to buy at the show and continue to buy through the year. Getting new accounts at a show makes it a success.

13. OPTIONAL: If you hire outside help, how do you find them - any info would be appreciated.

I do most of the shows by myself.  But when I am at some of the bigger shows I bring my Mom.  In fact she is the reason I go to the shows out west.  Other vendors look for her at the shows….she is the best Mom in the world and I feel blessed that she wants to spend time with me too. Also the show promoters or someone in the staff that knows you may have a list of people that want to work.

14. Additional comments:

Keep true to yourself.  Don’t let other people tell you how to run your business.  Believe me they will try. Try to stay one step ahead of the designers. Make things that they don’t know they want yet. Smile and have fun!

And with those words of wisdom - we end our series on Trade Shows. Thank you again - to all our guests and Tamara Allison and Stephanie Haussler. 

Find Sara and all her wonderful gadgets at C-Koop Beads.

Stay tuned. We're working on another series and we've got some FUN in store - like prizes and trivia and more! 

Leave a comment, share it, check a box, join us. Thanks for reading.

Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - The Sparkling Pat Riesenburger

I've never "met" Pat. We've chatted, e-mailed and Facebook'd for years. I feel like I know her but I've never actually met her. And if you put a gun to my head, I'd be hard pressed to find a ONE single word that describes her - she's a mother, an innovator, an entrepreneur, a wife, a newly crowned Swarovski Ambassador, a crafter, a thrifter, a comic, an animal devotee, a gardener, foodie, home decorator (running out of breath) and a friend...one of those real friends - you know you can count on - that you know is listening, no - hearing you when you talk and one of the few who accepts you for who you are...not who they need you to be. . . 
And even though I've not met Pat, she's actually created two of the most memorable moments of my life. I'm so very proud to include her in my very intimate circle of people I "tag" as friends and I thank her for the valuable lessons I've learned in the short time I've known her. And here she is - Pat Riesenburger:

Yep, It's really Pat Ain't she cute?? 

1. What brand do you fall under (if any):

Artist, Teacher, Business Owner

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

My show experience has been somewhat limited as I have not been inclined to spend time away from my kids.  I have been a vendor at To Bead True Blue (Tucson) and TNNA . I am hoping to expand my horizons in 2012.  My nest is will soon be empty as my youngest is heading off to college.  I imagine that I will be more free to travel at that point!

Pat's jewelry

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

About 8 months before a show I start to “noodle it around” by loosely contemplating product, display ideas etc.  Things start to get a bit more serious at the six month point, which is when I must commit to product if it is to be available for the show.

4.What type of advertising do you use, if any:

I rely on the promoters for most of the advertising and have been pleased with their efforts.  I also promote the event on my blog and on my website, as well as through e-newsletters.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

I am probably too cavalier with respect to loss prevention.  I tend to adopt a “your karma is on YOU” attitude and assume that folks will behave responsibly.  I am not one of those who ties down display samples.  There is always some degree of …ahem…attrition….but I chalk it up to a cost of doing business.

Pat's Thrift finds

6.Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

Ummm….Errrr…[I am blushing here…..]….basically I show up at the venue and wait for all of the tax people to track me down.  They always do!

7.What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire Marshall specifications:

It is always a challenge to STAND OUT in a sea of color and glitz.  I am the queen of “decorating on a dime” and one of my favorite tricks is to hunt for large framed pictures at thrift stores, never spending more than a dollar or two. I throw away the paintings and keep the frames, which I spray paint black.  I then staple black chicken wire to the back of the frame and VOILA!  I have the perfect display for my hand dyed fibers!  I simply weave the wool in and out of the chicken wire and hang the “artwork” in my booth.  It is cheap, easy, and attracts a whole lot of attention.

If you love what you read - find Pat at the links below:
Urban Stitch Studio - retail
Aussie Threads and Fibers -wholesale only
The Crafty Retailer - blog


See the rest of Pat's answers September 2nd, 2011


Leave a comment, check a box, share it, join us. Thanks for reading.

Trade Show Series (cont.) Guest - Marsha Hedrick

Forgive me. I already missed a deadline. I'm trying not to create a snowball effect - missing deadlines with blog posts...no excuses here, just real life.


Another guest - Marsha Hedrick was gracious enough to answer our questions and after reading you'll know - Marsha is a woman who loves her job. It's obvious when you look at her work - if she didn't love her job - you might think (might know?) she would have to be crazy? nuts? off kilter? Marsha paints tiny porcelain objects to such a degree of perfection that they look exactly like their larger counterparts! Amazing Porcelain? Outstanding? Unbelievable? Incredible - Astounding - any other adjectives wouldn't do her work justice. . . 
So, how does this wonderful artist prepare for her shows? 

1. What brand do you fall under (if any): Independent Jewelry Artist, Business Owner; Artisan and/or other:

I am a porcelain artist, and miniature artisan. I belong to the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) and am an IGMA Fellow. I also belong to the Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designers online SRAJD. I am also a Native American (Oklahoma Choctaw) and I do Native American type art as well.

2. What type of Trade Shows do you attend as a vendor (not buyer) and how many shows do you attend:

Lately I do mostly Native American Shows and Bead shows. I used to do lots of miniature shows but haven't done any of them in a few years. Right Now I do about 4-5 shows a year

3. How far in advance do you plan for each show (i.e. inventory, advertising, hotels):

This depends on the show. I try to have a place to stay lined up so I don't have to pay for the high cost of hotels. This doesn't always work out though as I don't know people everywhere. If you are doing a big show it is a good idea to have your lodging be it hotel or friend lined up as soon as you find out you are doing the show. Usually you can book a hotel and don't have to pay until you arrive.

4. What type of advertising do you use, if any

I have done advertising in magazines, and show programs. These are both pretty expensive but the show program seems to be the cheaper of the two. I'm not sure if they result in much additional sales or not. I personally haven't seen much to indicate that they do. I always try to mail out information to my mailing list about upcoming shows as these are people that have shown an interest in my work in the past. Keeping the mailing list updated is the most economical of all advertising and it tends to be the most effective as well.

5. Do you have any tips to prevent loss/theft at shows:

Preventing theft is an ongoing task. You have to be aware of what is going on at your booth. Don't get too caught up in talking to one customer or friend that you don't watch and pay attention to other people in the booth. Not only are you asking for trouble from thieves you may miss an opportunity for a sale. Set up your booth so you can scan it quickly and see if something is missing. Try to keep up with your stock levels so you don't have a lot of empty holes. Spread things out or put out more things. It is easier to see a hole that way. Being proactive and talking to customers helps too. People are less likely to stick something in their pocket if you are talking to them.

Shows the scale of her work

6. Do you have a timeline for when and how to apply for tax permits or certifications for other states? And a good way to keep up with multiple permits and tax payment deadlines:

I try to apply for the permits as soon as I have the information to do so. Otherwise I tend to forget to do it. As for filing I try to file the tax return as soon as possible after the show as well, again so I don't forget it.

7. What suggestions do you have for display ideas that meet both convention center guidelines and fire marshall specifications:

I have special pieces that fit into the back of the jewelry trays that hold them at an angle. These pieces all attach together so it makes a very stable display that is easy to set up and break down and for travel they are flat and lightweight. They will even fit in the pocket in the front of my tray case. I like them because they put the trays at an angle so they are easier for people to see the contents and the trays can be set up at home so the set up at the show takes less time.




Find Marsha and her work at Amazing Porcelain Creations


Like Marsha's answers to our questions - tune in Friday July 29th for the remainder of her answers and Tuesday August 2nd for Nikia Angel of Buy the Kit

Thanks for reading. Check a box. Leave a comment.

Hump Day. . .

twas Wednesday, almost Thursday now. again. . . I am tired and achy. Trying to keep my head up as I type. So I must say, I'll keep it short again. After the novels I have composed, you must be relieved. haha The above picture suggests how I feel...death on my lips. 

News:
We shipped off Phalange Plot to Step By Step Beads last week. We got an e-mail stating they received it.

We shipped off another project to Bead & Button a couple of weeks ago, no word as to what has become of it.

We shipped off another project to BeadWork three weeks ago, haven't heard from them either.

Bead Unique has requested Material Girl. However, another magazine requested the same project. Now we don't know what to do. I just know I better feel better soon or we won't get anything sent anywhere. We have many other projects in the works but nothing I have yet to report.

Would you like your projects posted here on our blog? Send us a picture with your name and if you have a website, we'll try and post it. 

Thanks for reading. Thanks for being here. Post. Comment.

x0x0x0

Kelli