Tip 9: Don't be a Bead Snob

I know, I know...the title was a little harsh, but it got your attention didn't it...LOL 

Tip #9:  Don't be a bead Elitist (don't think that's any better than a snob).  Here's what I mean...

Everyone knows that Swarovski crystals and elements are the top of the line, the Grand Supreme, the Grand Pubah...you get the picture...in our little beading world.  But they are also more costly. We all like to sparkle, but you can get a slightly softer, very elegant sparkle from the Czech and/ or Chinese glass beads. The 3mm and 4mm firepolish beads are very popular because of their delightful, miniature appearance can fill in a bead stringing project or substitute for Swarovski beads in a bead weaving project.  Our average customer doesn't know the difference between a Swarovski or the Czech or the Chinese crystal.  Now I don't mean to misrepresent the product that you are using--that's a no-no.  Additionally, using the Czech or Chinese crystals will allow you to pass on the savings to our clients which hopefully will result in return business.

Another area of potential savings is with our metals.  With the every increasing cost of Silver and Gold, using these exclusively don't particularly cater to beading with a budget.  Unless your client specifically requests Silver/Gold and/or has allergies...try using base metals, silver filled or silver plated, gold filled or gold plated metals in your work.

One additional benefit of not being a bead snob...you have an opportunity to upsell...what is upselling?  According to Wikipaedia... is a sales technique whereby a seller induces the customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades, or other add-ons in an attempt to make a more profitable sale. Upselling usually involves marketing more profitable services or products but can also be simply exposing the customer to other options that were perhaps not considered previously. Upselling implies selling something that is more profitable or otherwise preferable for the seller instead of, or in addition to,^[1] the original sale.

Happy Beading!

Tip 8: Get you a light box

I just happen to love most if not all of the jewelry I make and if I had my druthers, I'd probably not sell nary a one. But as you know the satisfaction earned from someone buying something you've made is incredibly rewarding (It also supports our bead habit...no joke...Alcoholics Anonymous ain't got nothing on us! :) )  Ok...let's go!

From everything I've heard and gathered from my beading friends over at +Auntie's Bead Chat, a light box is important to taking good photographs of our awesome products!








A Light box

So what is a light box?  A light box is a device that photographers use to create soft light. There are two types light boxes in photography. The first type, also called soft boxes and chimeras, is placed directly on a light, turning the direct harsh beams into soft diffused light. The second type of light box, sometimes called a light tent, is a small white box that you can use as a set for photographing small objects. It provides a uniform white background, while the white sides allow even, diffused light to pass through. 

I just did a quick Google search and light boxes can be bought most anywhere...photo stores, Amazon and probably even on eBay.  But this tip is about saving money so the goal is to make your own...

Make your own Light box.  This link talks your through 15 steps to create your inexpensive box using a cardboard box and white construction paper some other materials too.  If you are more like me...here's a youTube video that works just as well...unfortunately (or fortunately), I was able to find one on Amazon for less than $40 (not including S&H) that included 4 color backdrops (blue, red, white and black); 2 lamps and the "box" itself.  Now I just need to use the darned thing....

 

 

Can't wait to see what your amazing creations look like!

Happy Beading!

Tip 7: Development (Tutorials)

This tip ties closely with classes.  In the "civilian" and "military" world, we call it professional development...I suppose for us creative types we can call it artistic or creative enhancement...IJS...

There are so many avenues to options available to us to develop our creative side--the skills and techniques--classes, books, and tutorials.  This tip is about tutorials...

A tutorial is a method of transferring knowledge and may be used as a part of a learning process. More interactive and specific than a book or a lecture; a tutorial seeks to teach by example and supply the information to complete a certain task.  Depending on the context a tutorial can take one of many forms, ranging from a set of instructions to complete a task to an interactive problem solving session (usually in academia).

How do I save money on tutorials?  There are lots of great patterns out there--many very talented artisans! And while I'm not an advocate of taking food from someone's mouth (so to speak), in this economic environment we must all watch our pennies.  Prices for tutorials vary depending on what you are making...bracelet, necklace, earrings--from $5.00 to $35.00 (the $35 tutorial is from one vendor who only sells the tutorials at the same cost of in person instruction--so it's not the norm).  This can get pricey.

There are lots of sites that offer free tutorials... for all skill levels.  The ones I frequent are Beads Magic; and Bead Patterns. You can also visit your favorite online bead shop and they offer free tutorials and videos as well...Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads, and Fire Mountain Gems just to name a few.  Most of these tutorials are very clear and consise and all levels should be able to follow.

Finally, I can't begin to tell you how many stitches I've learned and fantastic jewelry I've created just by watching youTube.  I subscribe to as many as I can so that when the designers upload new material I'm notified.  Here's one of my favorites...

Some of my other favorite channels are:  Beadaholique, Auntie's Beads just to name a few...I have lots more favorites and they sure do keep me busy...

Happy Beading!!!!

Tip 6: Classes

How do you learn?  If you are the kind of person that learns by reading, on the learning level, this blog may not appeal to you, but on the socializing tip...here are some options on how to save money on Classes...

Here in my neck of the woods, there are three beading shops that I visit consistently that offer classes... Nomadic Notions; Sea of Beads and Lapis Lane Beads. 

 

Option #1:  Limit yourself: Part of my beading budget includes classes or rather one class per month...if there happens to be more than one class that I really want to take, I have to decrement the beading money...never (well sometimes never) do I tap into the rest of my household budget.  Awesome interaction with other beaders!

 

Option 2:  youTube is my best friend...I've subscribed to my favorites, Karla Kams, Beadaholique or Off The Beaded Path (to name a few) so everytime they upload new videos I'm informed and I can go check them out from the comfort of my own home.  Saves of gas, beads (cause you know you buy beads when you get to the bead store) and "class" money.  Be prepared to hit pause a lot.

 

Option 3:  Beading Groups...  Two of these shops on a monthly basis offer what's called a Bead In or Bead Brunch.  This is where the store opens a couple of hours prior to normal business hours and us beaders can just bead and socialize.  These are free (some conditions may apply).  One of the shops require that you've at least taken one class with them to be eligible to participate in the bead in.  Great interaction with other beaders at different ability levels who just may very well teach you something just because.  If you happen to be in an area where you don't have a Bead Society or other beaders that you know of, you can start your own, like I did.  I started a meetup group at called the Jolly Jems.  At first the group started out at 5 people and now membership is up to 70+.  There are some members who are willing to teach a stitch, or design or something and this we typically do for free.  I organize my own meetings and trips and whatever else and those that are available to participate do so.

 

Happy Beading!!!!

Tip 5: Where to Shop

Today's blog offers tips on shopping for our beads and supplies!

First thing I did, was to get a Sales and Use tax license.  In the state of Texas, that means 8.25% I don't have to pay at Point of Sale.  Of course on the back end, I've got to do a lot of paperwork (I choose to file quarterly), and maintain receipts...that is the life of an entrepreneur.

One of the perks of being a member of the Austin Bead Society, is many of the local bead stores offer discounts...+Legendary Beads (15%); +Sea of Beads (10%); +Nomadic Notions (10%).  Original Beads in San Antonio, offers ABS members a discount as well.  Additionally, Nomadic Notions and Sea of Beads both offer 20% discount off materials on the day of a class. 

I recently discovered ebay as a place for shopping for beads and beading material... I saw a listing on ebay 1000 4mm Swarovski Crystals (this was for auction).  With only minutes left, I bid $.99 and guess what, I won!  Yeah!!!  Good deal right?  Well, seller was in China and it was $10+ for S&H.  My thought process was, at $.01 per bicone, if they truly were Swavorski, this was a major steal..if not and they were Czech or Austrian, still no big deal...there was just nowhere that I could purchase 1000, 4mm bicone crystals for under $12.  Draw backs...long shipping time and you just weren't sure whether or not they were Swarovski's.  To me, well worth it...I just don't list that I use Swarovski Crystals in my product details.

Other places you might find some good deals...

 

Some of my favorite online stores always have deals and specials running...check them out online and sign up for email newsletters...Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads; INM Crystals and of course Firemountain Gems...

 

 

Almost forgot, the best place to shop...bead shows!...OMG how could I forget! There are many to choose from.  I try to stay as local as possible...more money to spend on beads!  It's a beaders dream...beads of all colors, shapes and sizes and all (mostly) priced to sell.  It's wonderful if you have a Sales and Use License (No paying tax) and the vendors (many of them) will have bulk specials...buy 10 get 9 or some other thing that you can really get more bang for your buck!

Happy Shopping!

Tip 3: Bead Swap and Tip 4: Bead Share

Ok, now that you've established your budget (Tip 1) and have decided on the best vehicle to keep yourself on track (Tip 2).  Let's look at some other tips that can help you indulge in your beading passion.

With today's economy, crafters and jewelry designers not only need to think creatively when designing, they also need to get creative when it comes to buying supplies. Bead swapping and Bead Sharing are great ways to add new items to your inventory without breaking the bank!

Of course I've been doing some research (Google--naturally) and there's lots of tips out there for Beading on A Budget.  I've come across Bead Swap and Bead Share (my own title).  Sounds like the same things, huh?  But they aren't--really, there are some differences.

Tip 3:  Bead Swap:  This can be done locally, nationally or internationally (hesitant on the international piece).  What is bead swapping?  Bead swapping is the exchange of beads/beading material. 
1)  Locally, (if you have the beading network) get together with some beading friends for a swap night!  Each participants brings "excess" beads (you know, after you've finished with a project those extra beads that you put aside waiting for the next inspiration to hit you) and then during the course of the evening there's an exchange. It only works if everyone contributes.  This way you add new inventory without spending any money.  You may have to establish rules (or not) so it's fairly equitable.

2) If you live in a relatively remote area and bead friends are not relative close by, then don't dispair.  There are some national options available.  I'm a member of a group on Facebook and at any given time they have swap boxes traveling across the country (they've even establish a swap box for Canada).  I recently participated in a "Seed Bead" swap through this group timing was great as I had run out of a type of seed bead and lo and behold the exact item I needed was in that box...thanks +Elaine Embree.  The disadvantage of this type of swapping?  There is shipping cost involved!  I shipped the box priority mail flat rate and paid $11+ for shipping.  Question is is the value of what received from the box equitable to what I would have spent if I had gone to the local bead shop?  That's for you to decide.  Another opportuity is Bead Swap USA.   I recently joined another group on Facebook (Bead Swap USA http://www.beadswap-usa.com/)

Tip 4:  Bead Share:  Have you gone into your local bead shop and wanted to start using Tila Beads or the 3-cut bead or the P-finished bead and looked at the tube prices and said forget it?  Some of the local bead shops here in Austin have started selling smaller tubes for half the price.  Some Tila tubes are in the range of $17 - $25.  In some seed bead cases, (especially 15/0s, you rarely use even an 1/8), you rarely use all of a tube.  Well, there's 2 scenarios that can work here.

1.  You and a friend have the same color pallet so you decide to purchase 1 tube and split the cost and the tube...everybody wins

2.  You and your bead friend are shopping and there are two colors of beads that you both want, but you can only afford one or the other.  You get together and decide each of you will buy 1 tube and split the tubes..now you have 2 colors of beads and didn't have to spend $50 to get them...

Bottom line:  You can create an opportunity not just for saving money, but more social time with your best bead buds...!

Happy Beading

Tip 1: Set a Budget and Tip 2: Use Pre-paid gift cards

I was asked by a fellow bead chatter +Preethi Iyer to start a blog about tips for beading on a budget.  I laughed out loud because I'm still trying to figure that one out.  But, as always, I'm happy to share my thoughts...

First thing, this craft of ours is not an inexpensive venture as a matter of fact it can become quite expensive. When I started off in my beading journey, I was satisfied with shopping in the craft shops--JoAnn's, Michael's and Hobby Lobby--because I was learning.  As my interest and love of the craft grew, the craft stores, although good for lots of materials, were no longer sufficient as I wanted to improve and increase the quality of the pieces I was making.  Note:  there seems to have been an explosion in jewelry-making because, the quality of materials being offered now has increased tenfold.

Tip 1:  Establish a budget:  Sounds simple, right?  It's not!  You have to know what your disposable income is.  I mean I can set a $300/month bead budget but does that mean I don't eat out, or go to the movies etc.

Look at your income and set aside funds accordingly.  Here's what I do!  I establish a monthly budget (I won't tell you what that is!  LOL).  I set aside the appropriate amount of money from my bi-monthly salary.    One other thing:  I establish a separate budget line for beading classes. Here in Austin, the average class at the bead shops are $35.  I pretty much budget for 1 class per month. 



Here are some sites that provide insight on budgeting!

http://financialplan.about.com/od/budgetingyourmoney/ht/createbudget.htm
http://www.investopedia.com/university/budgeting/basics2.asp
http://www.ehow.com/info_7759849_tips-setting-budget-can-live.html



Tip 2:  Use Prepaid Gift Cards or Loadable DebitCard:   AMEX, VISA or MC prepaid gift cards  or the re-loadable prepaid card.  I either purchase the gift cards or load the re-loadable gift card with the saved funds and this is what I use on my shopping trips.  For example, if my budget was $300/month (it's not), I buy 3 cards and I have at least one with me at all times or transfer the funds to my reloadable card...this way if I pop into a bead store, I don't have to use my debit or credit cards.  Caution:  You gotta watch for "fees" on the reloadable cards though...(each one may be different).  You may transfer $50 but if you don't meet balance minimums there's a service fee...

Once the value of the gift cards are gone, that's it! No dipping into other resources.

This is fun!  Let me know if you have other tips and I'll be happy to share them and try them myself....