All About Beads

Last February my Aunt Martha invited me to a Jewelry Party. Not being a huge wearer of jewelry at the time I debated going. But in the end thought it would be fun just to go and see what this was about.

Once I showed up, and saw a few examples I was pretty sure I wasn't creative enough to be attempting this feat! So I grabbed a bracelet I liked in hopes of copying it in a different color. I thought about what color do I wear the most, and it is definitely corals or reds. I found the perfect mix of stones and proceeded in copying the design with a bit of a twist. It actually turned out gorgeous! I think in part because the beads available were incredibly good quality and easy to match with each other.

The consultant liked it so much she took a picture and planned to make the exact copy for her display. I was sooooo proud of myself! Maybe this is some hidden untouched talent! I told her to sign me up for her next party!

A few weeks later my sister was in town to attend the bridal shower of a cousin. We got to talking and I showed her my bracelet I had made. She wanted to make one too! Luckily, the consultant was my cousin's sister-in-law. So we grabbed my two nieces and headed off to her house to make some jewelry. My sister made a really pretty bracelet with the Rose Quartz, and decided she wanted a matching necklace as well. Both of my nieces were able to make their own bracelets as well. My one niece Ginger is only 8, but she was able to design a very cute yet sophisticated bracelet. My older niece Kayla, 13 designed the perfect teen look. Both were incredibly happy with their new jewelry.

This is when my sister asked about becoming a consultant, and I thought... hey this is something I could really do. I researched it a bit further and then signed up, my sister signed up soon after as well. So now I am busy with making my own designs which I sell at work or on eBay. I've really enjoyed learning more about the jewelry making process. I've even researched the gemstone meanings! I still like to look at other jewelry to get designs, as well as what the latest fashion trends are. But as I continue to make jewelry I'm really starting to gain some confidence in my abilities.

I recently found an incredible massage therapist, and she is going to let me display my designs in her office. So I'm trying to create some unique sets to put up there. I really need to put more of an effort into having my friends host parties and building up that aspect of my business. I enjoy the parties as it really lets me see different designs and ways to put beads together. Amazingly I have yet to see a design that I think is horrid. Mainly because Diane, (owner of All about Beads) has an amazing eye for great looking beads that work together.

I had bought beads online and at bead shops before signing up as a consultant. There are some really great online stores to buy from. However, the quality just never seemed to match up. Which was a HUGE reason for selecting to become a consultant with All About Beads. I purchased a sign to put up on my car. It's just the vinyl lettering in white, and it goes on my back window. But I have had some fun and interesting calls from people interested in beads and making jewelry.

My most recent creation is making beaded straps that you can attach to basic cell phone cases. I made one of these for me, as I am constantly losing my cell phone in the black hole I sometimes refer to as a purse. So now I have a cute beaded strap that I can attach to my purse strap to quickly retrieve my cell phone.

I brought these into work one day and everyone loved them. Sold out of the pink ones, and halfway through the black cases. I'm now trying to find some cases that will hold the Razr phones. Hopefully I will find a distributor soon. I've also learned a few new ways to make earrings with wire into tear drop shaped hoops.

I'm currently up to having over 300 different types of beads! So I'm trying to decide if I should take my storage room and turn it into a craft room so I can store the beads easier. I think that will be my goal for now. Hopefully, I'll be able to earn enough doing parties and selling jewelry to pay for the remodel to be done within a year. Wish me luck!