Thursday, September 29, 2011

Table Update Again!



Just a quickie post because I need to get to the torch and start crackin'

I've moved some of the trays around. I'm starting to fill up a section for pixie dust discs. I've got my new full spectrum lights for a more accurate viewing of colors. On the right side I have one bowl for orphans and wonkies that will probably be priced a dollar each. I also have an empty bowl that will be filled with delicious candies. Who doesn't love candy?

What you can't see is the risers I purchased which will raise the table by about 8 inches. I also am awaiting shipment of my two white tablecloths and a pretty piece of red and black scroll fabric in this pattern.
I love this pattern and I'm kinda bummed that it's a discontinued pattern. I could only get a yard and a half of it, but it's just enough to add a splash of color and design to my table without outshining my beads.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to have time to order my banner and more business cards.

Eeeek....one month left. I still have a lot of beads to be making.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Organizing your Inventory

In a previous post from long long ago, I talked about doing a major overhaul of my inventory organization. I was new to organizing for my stores and didn't have as many items as I do now.

It's been a few years, so I thought I'd show you what I'm currently doing.
After I've made the beads, taken them off the mandrel and cleaned them, they go in the "beads to be photographed" bright yellow bin.
After they get photographed and edited, each one gets placed in a little Ziploc baggie with its inventory number written on it. On my computer, each bead gets a few pictures of each one labeled with that inventory number that goes in its own file folder.

Oh yes, my desk is a disaster area at this moment. Nothing in this picture is actually listed yet though. As my beads get listed in whichever venue they get filed away in this old beat up filing cabinet.
Tada!

Sometimes I feel guilty filing away beautiful beads in a dinghy old file cabinet, but you've seen my desk and seen why I need to keep them hidden.

Also, this little monster likes to steal them.


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Table Update

I hesitate to call it a table since it's just a taped off section of the floor for now, but here it is as of today

I still have quite a bit to do, but it's coming along nicely. The focal display is just about done. It just needs some paint in some spots. I still need to order my risers and lights from walmart and I need to find some sort of table covering that reaches the floor and covers all sides. Since I don't sew, I'm finding the table covering to be a bit of a challenge.

I can melt glass, but I can't figure out how to work a sewing machine. Silliness.

Not the best picture, but here's my backlit focal display. There aren't any on here yet, but it looks so nice with my lapidary beads. I'll be taking more pictures of this later when it's covered in more transparent beads.

Some scroll beads

And some etched disc beads. I love picking up handfuls of these beads cause they're so soft from the etching process.

And now that I'm seeing all the empty spaces, I'd better get to work!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Humble Beginings of my Bead Table


So here's the start of my bead table. So, it's not actually a table because I don't exactly have space in my house for an 8 foot table. So instead we just taped off a section of the floor in the spare bedroom. Clearly it has a lot of progress to make, but I'm working on getting it full. I'm hoping to post a picture once a week until the end of October when my show is. You've all seen how good I am at updating though :)

I have plans in my head to add a display or two for focals, a clearance bowl (because I have so many beads that need to go), a mailing list signup, and I don't know what else. Suggestions are welcomed from anyone with more bead show experience.

My First Bead Show is Coming up

I've always been nervous and indecisive about doing a show. I'm a very shy person by nature, so the thought of doing a show has been a bit nerve wracking. But, I finally took the plunge and I am signed up for the Innovative Bead Expo in Rochester. It will be held in the Henrietta Double Tree Hotel on October 29th and 30th. If you're local I'd love to see you there. Click the link above for a dollar off admission.

Getting ready for the show is going to be my excuse for not updating in more than a month. :)