tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19052364474153387932024-03-13T09:44:58.351-07:001 Stop Bead ShopWe are Central Ohio's bead class headquarters, offering over 100 classes each quarter in Beadweaving, Bead stringing, Wire Working, Chain Maille, PMC, Lampwork Bead Making, Bead and Wire Crochet, Fiber Art Jewelry and more. Our staff of 14 instructors have more than 100 years of combined experience creating and teaching the art of jewelry making. Please visit our classes page to view our current class schedule.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-7729055889782672532012-07-25T12:45:00.000-07:002012-07-25T12:45:12.437-07:00Craft Shows - Cash for your Stash!Craft Shows have for years been a great way to make a little money to support your bead "habit." You can sell the extra jewelry you are no longer "in love" with, make jewelry specifically to sell at the show, or make samples and take orders. And craft shows are coming back with a vengence. The economic crash of a couple of years ago had some benefits for new people wanting to get started selling their jewelry: Many of the smaller craft shows that had cropped up didn't survive, and they took with them many "hobbiests" who had jumped on the craft show bandwagon. <br />
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<b>Did you know that a Craft Show was the beginning of <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>? </b>Back in the day, before I opened <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>, I was just happily learning to make jewelry for myself. My back yard neighbor asked me to come do a craft show for her church fundraiser. When I told her I had never made jewelry to sell before, she said, "Well, get busy." Two things happened at that craft show: 1) I talked to other vendors who gave me a list of some of the best craft shows. 2) After taking quite a few orders, I went to Byzantium to get all the supplies I needed and discovered I needed beads I could not always get there. That need, to have more beads than I could get locally, is what grew into the idea of <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> just a few months later.<br />
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Here are a few pointers I can<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnMw2OnBHJ2ZqC_wfQsN_D9iwcCYZWKxWXogkIVkHhU_sIKxOdRUC49nsVjeB-8ttOEsA7EYFAvpUHOGcL987dPfK1zmV8MjJ7Tw_oRZRf98jMoUQsq7HIqXwAlbqm4hU__M3f0unjJz2/s1600/craft+shows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnMw2OnBHJ2ZqC_wfQsN_D9iwcCYZWKxWXogkIVkHhU_sIKxOdRUC49nsVjeB-8ttOEsA7EYFAvpUHOGcL987dPfK1zmV8MjJ7Tw_oRZRf98jMoUQsq7HIqXwAlbqm4hU__M3f0unjJz2/s200/craft+shows.jpg" /></a></div>give you if you're thinking about doing craft shows: <br />
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<b>HOW to Find them</b><br />
1) Contact local schools and ask if they are hosting any craft shows in the fall. Ask them for the contact information for the coordinator.<br />
2) Churches often host craft shows or rent their facilities to other orgnizations for their craft shows.<br />
3) The internet has scores of lists of craft shows. <br />
4) Large companies often host shopping events for their employees. Ask your friends if their company does this. They can refer you to the contact person.<br />
5) Schools will sometimes allow you to set up in the teacher break room. Start with your own school where they know you. And always be nice to the secretary. If she's excited about it, you're golden.<br />
6) Ask your friends if they'll host a private showing for you and invite their friends. Giving her a complementary or highly discounted piece of jewelry is always a welcome incentive.<br />
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<b>Some DO's & Don'ts for a Successful Craft Show:<br />
</b> 1) DO display your jewelry beautifully. It will sell for more and attract more attention if you give it a high quality look.<br />
2) Don't do 1st time craft shows. They are often not well advertised and don't have a following yet. When in doubt, ask.<br />
3) DO ask if you can have an "exclusive" and be the only jewelry vendor there. If not, ask them if they at least have a limit.<br />
4) Don't forget to take change with you - Ones & Fives. If you price everything in even dollar amounts you won't need small change. <br />
5) DO keep a record of your sales & be sure to get the buyer's name and email so can let them know about other craft shows and new designs they'll like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLnztflERoWOOvRvWObfaZCN-0bzmxI7wPL1JaAwyDevkGuIL3PC1HfpcPEefduRJtcZt2hp4K-WuIr6QAf5f0TrNqdl1qvGmmWyXrqDtcWQnxixR3Ni9F_rhiWX8p4CQ3iQMzRmTW0vP/s1600/goose+golden+egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLnztflERoWOOvRvWObfaZCN-0bzmxI7wPL1JaAwyDevkGuIL3PC1HfpcPEefduRJtcZt2hp4K-WuIr6QAf5f0TrNqdl1qvGmmWyXrqDtcWQnxixR3Ni9F_rhiWX8p4CQ3iQMzRmTW0vP/s200/goose+golden+egg.jpg" /></a></div> 6) DO get into juried craft shows if you can. A juried craft show is when you have to submit samples of your intended wares to be voted on by a committee. These shows tend to be longer running with higher end merchandise which attracts clientelle who come to spend rather than just gather ideas, and have better advertising drawing larger crowds. <br />
7) DO your homework. Do as much research as you can about Craft shows. The internet is full of sites that will give you great pointers and ideas. Sometimes an idea you never expect will be the goose that lays the golden egg. Here are a couple with some worthwhile pointers:<br />
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<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/76936">How to Sell at Craft Fairs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Craft-Show-Business-off-the-Ground">Get Your Craft Show Business off the Ground</a><br />
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Good luck in your Jewelry Business. It has brought me years of enjoyment. Come back to the <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/blog-i-32.html">1 Stop Bead Shop Blog</a> in the weeks to come for more ideas on how to make money doing the craft you love!Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-62087681970918735812012-05-04T08:44:00.000-07:002012-05-04T08:44:19.148-07:00Class Levels & What to Bring to a 1 Stop Bead Shop ClassYou may have noticed that we like teaching <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-c-223.html">classes at 1 Stop Bead Shop</a>. In fact, 1<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com"> Stop Bead Shop</a> offers more jewelry making classes than most area stores combined. We have been offering over 90 classes per quarter for over 6 years now. With all those classes, there is a lot of information we have to communicate in a very limited space. So occasionally questions come up. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked ones:<br />
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<b>Class Levels – What they mean & why they are important to you:<br />
</b><br />
<b>Level 1 – Beginning</b> – Open to all students. No previous knowledge required. All the basics will be covered and the class will be gently paced.<br />
<b>Level 2 – Beginning/Intermediate</b> - Open to all students - Some previous knowledge or the ability to pick up new techniques easily suggested. Some basics will still be covered, but these classes will move more quickly beyond the basics and the techniques learned will be somewhat more challenging. This level is often assigned to beginning classes that will not be completed in the space of time of the class. No pre-requisite experience required. <br />
<b>Level 3 – Intermediate</b> – <b><i>Pre-requisite experience in a similar skill set required</i>.</b> This level of class will require that you know the basic skill sets and will move quickly into an exciting new challenge for the advancing beader.<br />
<b>Level 4 – Intermediate/Advanced</b> – Pre-requisite classes or experience required.<br />
<b>Level 5 – Advanced</b> – For the student who wants to learn the secrets of the artists!<br />
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<b>Q. Can I take a level 3 class if I have not had the Pre-requisite?<br />
</b>a. No. Pre-requisites are listed to ensure that you and your fellow students have the most positive experience possible. If you are struggling for lack of the necessary skills, your experience will be frustrating and you will take valuable instructor time away from students who are ready for the next step.<br />
<b>Q. How do I ensure that I am in the appropriate level class?<br />
</b>a. Refer to the schedule or class description on-line and inquire with store personnel if you are still unsure. <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com"><b><i>1 Stop Bead Shop</a> personnel does not screen students to ensure pre-requisite knowledge</i></b>. Our philosophy is that we provide as much information as possible to allow the student to make an informed choice. <br />
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<b>Q. Will I finish my project in class?<br />
</b>a. With the exception of the most basic Level 1 classes, many classes will NOT finish in class. Because of the nature of most bead weaving classes, often the bulk of the time in a project is spent repeating the stitch to the desired length. In order to keep the instructor cost as reasonable as possible, most of our classes are 2.5 to 3 hour classes. All instructors provide written instructions and design their classes so that you have learned how to add the finishes at home once you have completed the project. <br />
b. Classes that require use of a torch or kiln will generally complete the project in class, but it may need to remain in the store until it is kiln fired, or cools. <br />
<br />
<b>Q. Will I receive written instructions?<br />
</b>a. Yes. All 1 Stop instructors provide written instructions so that you will be able to complete the project and/or make more later.<br />
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<b>Tools & Materials to bring to class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylIfyPVaNia18sZAenFzbWhrlMSSpjChfGLRC4RNql8j87la-zxorkD5mRJ3BuVg2ajYrsQOD5V7Q_Z1NJpLhdwkQH3714eoS81Gi7M4YpqyUEL3AHSdySA4OVXONVe0GJCIzCpt1M_Ds/s1600/7pc+mini+tool+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylIfyPVaNia18sZAenFzbWhrlMSSpjChfGLRC4RNql8j87la-zxorkD5mRJ3BuVg2ajYrsQOD5V7Q_Z1NJpLhdwkQH3714eoS81Gi7M4YpqyUEL3AHSdySA4OVXONVe0GJCIzCpt1M_Ds/s200/7pc+mini+tool+set.jpg" /></a></div></b><br />
<b>Q. What should I bring to class? <br />
</b>a. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/tools-c-63.html">Tools<br />
</a></b>b. Beads or materials – unless kit is indicated<br />
c. Glasses, magnification, task light – if you need/want.<br />
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<b>Q. How do I know if the class requires me to bring my own beads?<br />
</b>a. The printed class schedule and the class description on the website will say “Kit” or “Materials.” Sometimes it will indicate both, which means there is a partial kit, but also materials you should bring. <br />
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<b>Q. Where can I find the list of tools/materials needed for class?<br />
</b>a. Contact store personnel – via email, phone or in person – and a complete list will be provided. Materials lists are generally avail 3-4 weeks in advance.<br />
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<b>Q. Does 1 Stop Bead Shop provide the tools for class?</b> <br />
a. Generally NO – <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop </a>does not provide tools for classes. – <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> has the philosophy that you are learning to do a technique that you cannot repeat at home unless you own the tools.<br />
b. Exceptions:<br />
i. Beginning Lampwork – we provide everything. If you want to buy the tool kit, it is available for purchase after class.<br />
ii. Kumihimo on the Marudai – You may rent the marudai for the class. If you decide to purchase, rental fee applies to purchase.<br />
iii. Specialty classes – Unusual classes that require tools you are not likely to already own. Torch classes often fall into this category.<br />
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<b>Q. Can I borrow tools for the class?<br />
</b>a. <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> has a limited number of tool sets available to share in class. These are provided as a courtesy for those who may have forgotten theirs or have not yet decided which ones to purchase. Depending on the size of the class, tools could be shared between 4-5 students.<br />
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<b>Q. Why isn’t there a kit for every class? <br />
</b>a. A lot of 1 Stop Bead Shop students already own many beads that they would like to use in their class projects.<br />
b. Advanced classes sometimes have creativity options that allow you to alter the design.<br />
<br />
<b>Q. Can I bring my own beads if the class schedule says “Kit.”<br />
</b>a. No. If the class schedule indicates “Kit” then a kit purchase is required. When kits are required it is generally for 1 of 2 reasons:<br />
i. It is a very beginner class and kits are made available to simplify the often daunting task of choosing and matching colors. <br />
ii. It is imperative to use the “exact” thing that the sample was made with in order that the project work correctly – ie. Size of bead, bead hole size, size of jump ring, gauge or type of wire, etc.<br />
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<b>Q. Does 1 Stop Bead Shop guarantee the EXACT same beads or colorway that was used in the class sample?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEITsjh71Af_Thyl_moOHv-2Hx_w8AWKLY8MPUB1709_AO4beWqwnyM2FqHdbAH7d2DMo3GS95A01cMK2NnQsv_42Uf7ZUZYLMzu-5m9v16cguNmEaAuNNoDsTsjna84gmKC-I4pa75Pj0/s1600/Seed+beads+at+1+Stop+Bead+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEITsjh71Af_Thyl_moOHv-2Hx_w8AWKLY8MPUB1709_AO4beWqwnyM2FqHdbAH7d2DMo3GS95A01cMK2NnQsv_42Uf7ZUZYLMzu-5m9v16cguNmEaAuNNoDsTsjna84gmKC-I4pa75Pj0/s200/Seed+beads+at+1+Stop+Bead+Shop.jpg" /></a></div></b>a. No. Beads come and go. With the exception of a few brands (<a href="http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/index;sid=5eCzcPHHFK2zcL5kEY2wVpjNgs1spX0sSZ0_m126OcwQwQ==?BannerID=04000660.200">Swarovski beads</a>, most <a href="http://www.tohobeads.net/">Japanese Seed Beads</a>, <a href="http://www.vintaj.com/">Vintaj</a>, <a href="http://www.tierracast.com/">Tierra Cast</a>) most beads are made at the whim of the designer/bead maker. Additionally, manufacturers don’t always have all of their beads in stock either, and they also discontinue shapes and colors. Think of it like a clothing store - you do not expect them to carry every size in every color forever. <br />
b. <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-c-223.html">1 Stop Bead Shop’s guarantee</a> is that we will have everything you need to complete the project successfully, and will offer you as much variety as possible if choices are appropriate for the project. <br />
<br />
<b>Other Misc. Class Questions:<br />
</b><br />
<b>Q. I’ve seen a class in your store and now I’m ready to take it, but don’t see it any more. Can I still take it?<br />
</b>a. Perhaps. Let the staff know what you want. We can add you to a wishlist, or suggest a private class.<br />
<br />
<b>Q. Does <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> offer private classes?<br />
</b>a. Private classes can be coordinated if:<br />
i. No class is being offered (or will be in the near future) that teaches the skill you want to learn – provided we have an instructor who knows the technique and is willing to arrange for a private class.<br />
ii. You want to learn multiple techniques in a condensed period of time.<br />
b. Private class fees are $45 an hour w/ a 2 hour minimum, and are by appointment only.<br />
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<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> just released our <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/documents/2012_Summer_Schedule.pdf">BRAND NEW Summer Class Schedule</a>. Click on the link and sign up for a class today. Find out why <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is your Beaducation Headquarters in Central Ohio.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-7081716439385681332012-04-05T13:48:00.000-07:002012-04-05T13:48:22.509-07:00Making the World a Better Place One Person at a TimeI just read 2 things yesterday that got me to thinking and inspired me to share them with you.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmf3savvtDy3DSXPHoELb6-WYKv7e8iPeeeV_xZjd9YruMz1dhHQfzMSB0joQg5n9VSUPEJ9RpYx6J2hByEVvl5MKpnsM-VZBkvI-kBT74GwNRD1s1F4vnjP_L28Z2LHA72jA8qlKrwYIl/s1600/Lex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmf3savvtDy3DSXPHoELb6-WYKv7e8iPeeeV_xZjd9YruMz1dhHQfzMSB0joQg5n9VSUPEJ9RpYx6J2hByEVvl5MKpnsM-VZBkvI-kBT74GwNRD1s1F4vnjP_L28Z2LHA72jA8qlKrwYIl/s200/Lex.jpg" /></a></div>The first one was in a <a href="http://614columbus.com/article/speak-easy-4841/">Blog article about my very good friend Alexa McCallister</a>, and the 2nd was a book... more about that in a minute. What caught my attention in Alexa's story is how her mother started her from the tender age of 6 by teaching her to talk to the wait staff when she was out to dinner. She taught her how to ask them questions about themselves with the goal of teaching her daughter to socialize. But what Lex's mother accomplished that was even more important than Lex's ability to socialize, was how to find the value in every person she meets. Today, Lex has built a career of connecting people because she intuitively sees how they can help each other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEJP6bQuQ3C5cK7lfE9i49aNJlxB2niXJgyOn9ra8fcONAMChsO2nzU-PnwnuxPDQaKbXneZnaTz2BibBC5HUcZ8B70-HNTMsCyClucRpLt0Dvnq7mwSuHtFTtl3A4qS8mlet7xOqiG97/s1600/invisiblethread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEJP6bQuQ3C5cK7lfE9i49aNJlxB2niXJgyOn9ra8fcONAMChsO2nzU-PnwnuxPDQaKbXneZnaTz2BibBC5HUcZ8B70-HNTMsCyClucRpLt0Dvnq7mwSuHtFTtl3A4qS8mlet7xOqiG97/s200/invisiblethread.jpg" /></a></div>There is a connectivity thread in life, and when we begin to see it our lives start to have a larger vision and generally make more sense. Alexa's story put me in mind of my father, who always talked with the waitresses, "entertaining" them with his silly iced tea joke, and finding out about their lives. Some kids might have been embarrased, but for me, it was fun watching Daddy comfortably talk with everyone he met. I never realized (and he probably didn't either) that he was training me to pay attention to people. Without realizing that it was a "learned" behavior, I have gotten to know a lot of servers, clerks, even bathroom cleaning people over the years, just by smiling at them and starting a casual chit chat. I did it because I genuinely like people - getting to know about their lives. But there was a residual effect that I was less aware of until recently - it's possible that my little acts of friendliness made the other person's day a little better too. <br />
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The more I have put this front of mind, the more I have realized how hungry we all are for connectivity, recognition, a feeling of worth, a smile, a friend, being noticed. And the more I realized that, the more I realized how much POWER we all have to <b>Make the World a Better Place One Person at a Time</b>. My husband does this a Christmas time. A few years ago he recognized that clerks get a lot of abuse by grumpy, inconsiderate shoppers at that time of year. He made a conscious decion that he was going to smile and give a cheery greeting to every clerk he encountered. Some of them have been genuinely surprised - imagine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOpbOZ_XBQKj7REHZ7AdhvdlgSv0o0f22srt3xjHA7Wjh9dguuiT2wXZrGXEdxZ4xiWylIXDtDtG-Ot0cwuf-D0JQjno7Py4mbYGXfHHZile-P_6ZBlRn4GCBsAFCqm9Vh7DZj_3JjIb/s1600/clean-public-toilets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="178" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJOpbOZ_XBQKj7REHZ7AdhvdlgSv0o0f22srt3xjHA7Wjh9dguuiT2wXZrGXEdxZ4xiWylIXDtDtG-Ot0cwuf-D0JQjno7Py4mbYGXfHHZile-P_6ZBlRn4GCBsAFCqm9Vh7DZj_3JjIb/s200/clean-public-toilets.jpg" /></a></div>Trying to put it into even more practice in my life than just talking to the people who are taking my dinner order, I have found myself thanking the person who is clearning the public bathroom while I'm in there. If you want to see someone look surprised, just try that sometime. They are surprised you even SEE them, let alone speak to them. <br />
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One of the things I believe in strongly is that "You get what you focus on."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_Z7DnEqGTdX8XWYgeVlhLse9A4kBe7JoGxjFFUpvfN3JxzJt6UzFTFT1tlromoTs_VjpLhil7nudqsHO3qqU7ap9GZv-oSExHaFkAgOZUrphzo77mP0pgxJ2MS5HqKqd1yzQ7ZrJ87Ed/s1600/Fred+Factor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_Z7DnEqGTdX8XWYgeVlhLse9A4kBe7JoGxjFFUpvfN3JxzJt6UzFTFT1tlromoTs_VjpLhil7nudqsHO3qqU7ap9GZv-oSExHaFkAgOZUrphzo77mP0pgxJ2MS5HqKqd1yzQ7ZrJ87Ed/s200/Fred+Factor.jpg" /></a></div>I recognized that occurring again yesterday when I went to <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">Barnes & Noble</a> for a book that they did not have in stock. Wanting something to read, I spotted a book I had heard about before from <a href="http://www.actioncoach.com/rickcrossland">Action Coach</a> - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fred-factor-mark-sanborn/1102820447?ean=9780385513517&itm=1&usri=the+fred+factor+by+mark+sanborn">The Fred Factor</a>. As soon as I read the dust cover, I KNEW it was the book for me. I haven't even finished it yet, but I highly recommend it to everyone. It's the TRUE story of a US Postal carrier named Fred who made everyone's life around him better by focusing on how he could best fill their individual needs as their postal carrier. As I read how he did it, I was inspired to make that my life's mission - To Make the World a Better Place One Person at a Time - by noticing them, talking to them, acknowledging them, smiling at them, listening to them, being kind to them, helping them, being polite to them. <br />
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We've all had experiences like this, whether it was from the giving end or the receiving end. It made me wonder, what would our little corner of the world look like at the end of 2012 if EACH of us just started focusing on the people who are all around us. So my challenge to all of the super-nice people I know who shop at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>, is what can you do today, tomorrow, and each day after to Make the World a Better Place One Person at a Time? <br />
<br />
I want to hear your stories - stories that have happened to you - stories of simple little ways that you made someone's day better today. Won't you please take a moment and share your stories here or on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">1 Stop Bead Shop Facebook page</a>? How cool would it be if we started our own little <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> "Better World" movement? Just a quiet little movement of noticing and being nice to everyone around us....<br />
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What's your story?Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-21581711524391205922012-03-30T08:06:00.000-07:002012-03-30T08:06:59.371-07:00Stephanie's Ode to An Ugly Necklace - In honor of our Ugly Necklace ContestOde To An Ugly Necklace<br />
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My so-called "ugly necklace" has quite grown on me.<br />
It's hideousness bewitching.<br />
Clumsy - yes.<br />
Awkward - a bit.<br />
But, on my neck, a perfect fit.<br />
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With it on I feel like a goddess,<br />
The stares -- they don't faze me.<br />
Though I must be particularly careful<br />
The Fashion Police don’t charge a fee.<br />
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Critics call my work "over-zealous,"<br />
But I think they are just jealous.<br />
"Principles of Composition,"<br />
Oh please!<br />
Beauty is what the beholder sees.<br />
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<i>(Inspired by: <a href="http://www.landofodds.com/store/ugly6dods.htm">Kimberly Dods' An Ode to My Ugly Necklace </a>- Peralta, New Mexico)<br />
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Voting for the <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/documents/Ugly%20Necklace%20Contest.pdf">Ugly Necklace Contest </a>extended through Easter weekend 2012. Stop in today and support your favorite "Ugly" Necklace.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-11967760308060029872012-03-28T12:42:00.000-07:002012-03-28T12:42:29.248-07:00What's in a Trunk ShowI remember the first time I heard the term "Trunk Show." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkPLCEvJrbrWTxSG9PIybBSsri0dK1NIkSQhGND1oXiqz_40qnLlMiz3Ew6ORKtQXZLVIhDheGjnCPJUsL-KAbc0kP5gCshZmxLyzpZ3f_WLb4WW3uOJsBIn5iVQo8kmsNdbeV7_sDCXc/s1600/trunk+show.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkPLCEvJrbrWTxSG9PIybBSsri0dK1NIkSQhGND1oXiqz_40qnLlMiz3Ew6ORKtQXZLVIhDheGjnCPJUsL-KAbc0kP5gCshZmxLyzpZ3f_WLb4WW3uOJsBIn5iVQo8kmsNdbeV7_sDCXc/s200/trunk+show.bmp" /></a></div>I was a neophyte beader and didn't know that such a wonder existed. I tend to see pictures in my head, so this is what popped into my head first:<br />
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I could just as easily have seen this: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9aqZgmX9mbAaqQaGLyvsrsUOArPZmV2KDq3c5OgYbDhL-pFioCvi9n5zrFVQTRpryZ9Ckc2bATZR8E4bf1_DBUAXVihD_GUxMdPCMgt4_PlIC_8REUjobMQbCy4h42E0E6tg-g80A0gR/s1600/car+trunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9aqZgmX9mbAaqQaGLyvsrsUOArPZmV2KDq3c5OgYbDhL-pFioCvi9n5zrFVQTRpryZ9Ckc2bATZR8E4bf1_DBUAXVihD_GUxMdPCMgt4_PlIC_8REUjobMQbCy4h42E0E6tg-g80A0gR/s200/car+trunk.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Or this: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5joWNvsGh9S9hkpvZgSQdFVRxmz1wgSo_bfWNzxm3cIvkwYfutsjB5_Dzkbgx_-D20DWQ0Llb0hPq2nd39qiQSBPPOLsxjX83jiPHZgBH9BZBg8QvL9Gixt4HZ4oKUp7-Dl7lRIqr1ZPi/s1600/chest+trunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5joWNvsGh9S9hkpvZgSQdFVRxmz1wgSo_bfWNzxm3cIvkwYfutsjB5_Dzkbgx_-D20DWQ0Llb0hPq2nd39qiQSBPPOLsxjX83jiPHZgBH9BZBg8QvL9Gixt4HZ4oKUp7-Dl7lRIqr1ZPi/s200/chest+trunk.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Not sure I would have seen this - it gives new meaning to Trunk "show":<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMSvKUJVOHMfgkymxq1twDOT6IDlHCvrAfLggx4OK8SYAzw5M2oAvZdMLjyjhtE3ZLL1eitchrpYNF1PaQjX4tRxbyzrzXJJGHJY3jZMFFDTRtQid_AJDzVkUO_SJae35_Gew43-Ko_dU/s1600/Bear+Trunk" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMSvKUJVOHMfgkymxq1twDOT6IDlHCvrAfLggx4OK8SYAzw5M2oAvZdMLjyjhtE3ZLL1eitchrpYNF1PaQjX4tRxbyzrzXJJGHJY3jZMFFDTRtQid_AJDzVkUO_SJae35_Gew43-Ko_dU/s200/Bear+Trunk" /></a></div><br />
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But <b>THIS</b> is what you're going to see:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0JoV4jACo7Fk4RI_108C8XySxVBN-BOV-87k6rJu9W0RLJMfVNABdr-OrIORJOilGMRpuRyVcI9Hemq7qjPpIGPzuDoJTIsp3euPxMCVKwOl-AhHPoVZM6vjidkIqSu1yGtzIN503B93/s1600/semiprecious+trunkshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0JoV4jACo7Fk4RI_108C8XySxVBN-BOV-87k6rJu9W0RLJMfVNABdr-OrIORJOilGMRpuRyVcI9Hemq7qjPpIGPzuDoJTIsp3euPxMCVKwOl-AhHPoVZM6vjidkIqSu1yGtzIN503B93/s200/semiprecious+trunkshow.jpg" /></a></div>AND...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY7vQLhuelYqN-NM24XipVpx61AhFuTCvTo_yk9xDo-kSC9EykishyT5W0Ft9r2EzlVU0tLsH78E_J8FRBYt0_t7xYDYcrDQilCYlSA5wj2AICeqaWGjHrZb5vmR1bOXDGra5WVTof47T/s1600/Da+Bead+Trunk+show+another+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY7vQLhuelYqN-NM24XipVpx61AhFuTCvTo_yk9xDo-kSC9EykishyT5W0Ft9r2EzlVU0tLsH78E_J8FRBYt0_t7xYDYcrDQilCYlSA5wj2AICeqaWGjHrZb5vmR1bOXDGra5WVTof47T/s200/Da+Bead+Trunk+show+another+store.jpg" /></a></div>And even though pictures do speak a thousand words, let me speak just a few more:<br />
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<b>Fantastic Sale Specials </b>- to be announced at show!<br />
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<b>Thousands of bead strands </b> - <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">Visit our website </a>for product listing.<br />
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<b>2 DAYS ONLY! </b>- They bring the beads to us and take them home. NO HOLD OVER DAYS for this show.<br />
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<b>Friday & Saturday, March 30 & 31, 2012</b><br />
<b>10:00 - 6:00 Both Days</b>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-45773166004781636732012-03-21T11:01:00.009-07:002012-03-21T11:10:57.565-07:00Meet the Artist - Carol Cypher<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is excited to offer you a "once in a great while" opportunity to learn a technique that is <b>NOT</b> taught at our store - Felted Jewelry making. While you may not have woken up this morning, saying, "I want to learn Felted Jewelry," it is an intriguing and fun medium that has never been explored at 1 Stop that you can add to your already extensive repretoire of techniques. At the prices for which <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is bringing you the classes, you can afford to "try it out." <br />
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Carol Cypher, a professional fiber artist focusing on feltmaking and beadwork, is known for her provocative pairing of the two mediums. Cypher teaches workshops throughout the US, Australia, Germany, the U.K. and Japan, and her work is exhibited and widely published in these places. <br />
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<b>PUBLISHED - Her Books:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsy8tsL49-oJKGE1_2SetY5AqRwpYC0eGtv7G1kwpzeXVhzfQtkDKBT8A25trYgF3VHgbGM98qW1CPvlBoljxIsCb4FvxRwRzgvgf0xnHssEhxf7W93GXeb4twtuCU4fl33U65gz-w2Kh/s1600/Hand+felted+Jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsy8tsL49-oJKGE1_2SetY5AqRwpYC0eGtv7G1kwpzeXVhzfQtkDKBT8A25trYgF3VHgbGM98qW1CPvlBoljxIsCb4FvxRwRzgvgf0xnHssEhxf7W93GXeb4twtuCU4fl33U65gz-w2Kh/s200/Hand+felted+Jewelry.jpg" /></a></div>Her first book, <b>HAND FELTED JEWELRY AND BEADS: 25 ARTFUL DESIGNS </b>enjoyed a couple printings and is now declared "out of print.<br />
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Her book <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/mastering-beadwork-p-9525.html">MASTERING BEADWORK: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO OFF-LOOM TECHNIQUES</a></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbZuai6I2l4wjXueiSIwEv0FbiCref0P_sN3MN_YVBIzSG3ftr4fyC2cg3L48W_vRDdfURw19DECR4stn-pBGeG2KmwGZ6YZlHRt8Z35YYvu5zaMrk5K4iZ7BN8tVP-Nr0KUdXdDb5dk4/s1600/Mastering+Beadwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="175" width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbZuai6I2l4wjXueiSIwEv0FbiCref0P_sN3MN_YVBIzSG3ftr4fyC2cg3L48W_vRDdfURw19DECR4stn-pBGeG2KmwGZ6YZlHRt8Z35YYvu5zaMrk5K4iZ7BN8tVP-Nr0KUdXdDb5dk4/s200/Mastering+Beadwork.jpg" /></a></div>is a compilation of 63 original projects that provide a full and rounded repertoire of beading stitches. Currently <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/mastering-beadwork-p-9525.html">in stock at 1 Stop Bead Shop.</a> (Click on the title to buy.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5x67RY-2yesPRp7BfWFRYTzrnCc6mxhSGTwev73x4P6mkkDKbg7Z1EnD7Gu8Vyy2XkkdqDoWVw6XD8Tjx9RauBM5iFkh-tsOoiekBs3-BQwZSh4xcg8CBbyhG3pEz71p3M-4DvX0CcBr/s1600/How+we+Felt.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5x67RY-2yesPRp7BfWFRYTzrnCc6mxhSGTwev73x4P6mkkDKbg7Z1EnD7Gu8Vyy2XkkdqDoWVw6XD8Tjx9RauBM5iFkh-tsOoiekBs3-BQwZSh4xcg8CBbyhG3pEz71p3M-4DvX0CcBr/s200/How+we+Felt.bmp" /></a></div><br />
In <b>HOW WE FELT: DESIGNS AND TECHNIQUES FROM CONTEMPORARY FELT ARTISTS</b>, Carol shares tips and technique of 20 felt artists, including her own. When asked to write a book on feltmaking for the Japanese publisher Patchwork Tsushin Co., her English manuscript was translated into Japanese by Motoko Natsubori and published October 2008. She has shared her techniques on PBS, DIY and HGTV television networks in addition to workshops and classes worldwide.<br />
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<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is honored that Carol has agreed to travel to Ohio to share her extensive knowledge exclusively for 1 Stop students. In an intimate classroom setting, and a much smaller venue than the Bead & Button Show, 1 Stop students will have 20 hours and 5 class opportunities to get to know Carol while they learn from one of the nation's elite and most respected beadwork and Felted jewerly designers. What's more, 1 Stop students get the classes at a great reduction from the exact same classes taught at the Bead & Button Show. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7SMy2XnTaHmOKtxjbEvaE43HI1sc1jKmvu6i1gdX_afkrOWOXLSjEfF2VsczZjn0E2hf0UACZ_dWGZs6_KPqq9ww-phK9YZUfoHlshjLNJVPijfk88eOWfHMXLlyYSQc_s97sLKZPSTX/s1600/Felted_Bangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7SMy2XnTaHmOKtxjbEvaE43HI1sc1jKmvu6i1gdX_afkrOWOXLSjEfF2VsczZjn0E2hf0UACZ_dWGZs6_KPqq9ww-phK9YZUfoHlshjLNJVPijfk88eOWfHMXLlyYSQc_s97sLKZPSTX/s200/Felted_Bangle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Compare <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/hand-felted-bangle-with-beaded-bead-p-9433.html">1 Stop Bead Shop's Hand Felted Bangle with Beaded Bead</a> at <b>$50</b> to <a href="http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b121437.html">B&B's exact same class</a> at $100! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQmup0X_MspzZfnJ7CONunWQjl7BKX-ATfuWUCI3mn8DcVxaNyEv-LW5TsbPn7ZSimF87sSCmTcdKKXKXq60gW51HPOG2mVIfAsYtskML_WE6gEiM-DXZX5y9rEIxqBofqJq2pJbpDh9Q/s1600/Complex+Cane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQmup0X_MspzZfnJ7CONunWQjl7BKX-ATfuWUCI3mn8DcVxaNyEv-LW5TsbPn7ZSimF87sSCmTcdKKXKXq60gW51HPOG2mVIfAsYtskML_WE6gEiM-DXZX5y9rEIxqBofqJq2pJbpDh9Q/s200/Complex+Cane.jpg" /></a></div>(Click on the 1 Stop links to sign up for our classes.)<br />
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Or compare <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/complex-cane-hand-felted-beads-p-9434.html">1 Stop Bead Shop's Complex Cane Hand Felted Bead Necklace</a> at <b>$80 plus $30 kit</b> to B&B's $190 for <a href="http://www.beadandbuttonshowstore.com/b121450.html">the same class!</a><br />
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Carol has a <a href="http://carolcypher.blogspot.com/">Blogspot</a> where she shares ideas and tips about her work, and you can learn more about why felting has become so popular.<br />
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<b>What Others are saying about Carol:<br />
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(From Imagine - Felt Making Weekend with Carol Cypher)<br />
"The Felt Making Week-End with Carol Cypher at Imagine! was a magical and wonderful experience. Carol is delightful, kind and great fun. She is articulate and a generous expert in her field. She taught the class how exciting it is to make felt and then to embellish it with beads to make gorgeous jewelry and accessories."<br />
"Everyone agreed that we want her back. She coved so much in her two day sessions including needlefelting which was more intricate and bold than most of the craft work that we have seen. She shared several types of felting techniques and tips and she brought lush samples of her extraordinary work for inspiration."<br />
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<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is proud to be hosting Carol Cypher as our Featured Guest Artist in May 2012. Visit <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">our website</a> for all the details and to sign up for Carol's classes, or call the store at 614-573-6452.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-18796724838478405792012-03-14T08:46:00.000-07:002012-03-14T08:46:15.341-07:00Where Have All the Good Pearls Gone?Have you noticed that searching for Pearls today feels very much like Johnny Depp’s quest for the Black Pearl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXqh8sul_2QQW352whRqO-Ai1u18AenvcL-5g6V6sp8Fq888Ckh202tY-bSBBL3Y8UWFmLhqBI4Qo-S0ld_oWM0KrkWlKDwP4EziOOj_kyWsw49pSfdjCT1Edh67VCjJD0ZNU6XcX19Ts/s1600/black-pearl-ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="130" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXqh8sul_2QQW352whRqO-Ai1u18AenvcL-5g6V6sp8Fq888Ckh202tY-bSBBL3Y8UWFmLhqBI4Qo-S0ld_oWM0KrkWlKDwP4EziOOj_kyWsw49pSfdjCT1Edh67VCjJD0ZNU6XcX19Ts/s200/black-pearl-ship.jpg" /></a></div>and leaves you asking the same question he wanted to know about the rum, “Where have all the pearls gone?” We certainly noticed, so we went on a quest to find the answer. Turns out is not as simple as we were originally led to believe. <br />
According to one of our vendors, the Japanese pearl beds were hard hit by the tsunamis and subsequent radiation leaks, and it destroyed Japan’s oysters. While there were a couple of initial reports that this “could” be a problem, most reports coming from Japan say that the oyster beds were in the south & west of Japan where the tsunami didn’t have a primary impact. So that still leaves us asking, “Where have all the pearls gone?”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03vSQVJcvqjkbGoWMLZWuIx2daakwUkZW9AOzrYhxo_DqsaxapqYpxPmK-uD7zH58uNIkcwYzMR37v5tI8yS_2KtHXa0Peaf8xjVV2wemD_BEAAgeS9lv5EL05SgjqoSdFAee4dxypORG/s1600/Rum-gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="125" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03vSQVJcvqjkbGoWMLZWuIx2daakwUkZW9AOzrYhxo_DqsaxapqYpxPmK-uD7zH58uNIkcwYzMR37v5tI8yS_2KtHXa0Peaf8xjVV2wemD_BEAAgeS9lv5EL05SgjqoSdFAee4dxypORG/s200/Rum-gone.jpg" /></a></div>Perhaps the answers lay less in environmental factors and more in economic factors. It takes 18-36 months to grow a decent quality pearl. Even the lowest quality pearls (some would be hard-put to use the word “quality” at all) take a minimum of 8 months to grow. China is the number one producer of freshwater pearls in the world. As the US bead market grew, Chinese growers produced like crazy, shortening the growing times and flooding the bead market with low quality freshwater pearls. Pearls were everywhere! And prices were low, low, low as vendors practically beat each other up vying for our business. And like the tide, where there is a flow, there must be an ebb. Where there is low profitability, a slowdown or cease in production will inevitably follow. <br />
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And the Chinese bead producers found a new love – crystal! Crystal – faster to produce than pearls – you don’t have to GROW them – has the sparkle of money. And there are always rocks – they are already there. They just have to be dug out, shaped and polished. And that leaves us with what we saw at the Gem & Jewelry Show this past weekend – nearly every vendor was Chinese and most of them had only low quality “semi-precious” and crystal beads. The pearls that were there appeared to be leftovers from years gone by – very large, weird colors, or extremely rough quality.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpko6ZsRvWTXbZ1WZ0XlNLgFnrw_GbAnz2NPsfx6n8Dltsv2J3_nIovbZhQduWq2-V1ObMmQMt1gJJUhjLSpdl2QdlgPQMSzO2SI6u2yVHxc-SssMRkAcIlnTLsX5HKmwGmpQiTxJ-f84u/s1600/pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpko6ZsRvWTXbZ1WZ0XlNLgFnrw_GbAnz2NPsfx6n8Dltsv2J3_nIovbZhQduWq2-V1ObMmQMt1gJJUhjLSpdl2QdlgPQMSzO2SI6u2yVHxc-SssMRkAcIlnTLsX5HKmwGmpQiTxJ-f84u/s200/pearls.jpg" /></a></div>So will the inexpensive freshwater pearls we had become accustomed to be back? It’s anyone’s guess. (We could start a pool and see who turns out right in 3 years or so.) If pearl beds were allowed to die, the mollusks will have to be re-cultivated, and pearl growing resumed. Our vendor predicted at least 3 years (the ideal time to grow a pearl) before we see pearls back on the market. Even if easy-to-find pearls do reenter the market, it is likely that we will never again see the rock bottom prices and easy pickin’s of the past. <br />
<br />
Bottom line, enjoy the pearls you have, and expect to pay higher prices for pearls for the foreseeable future, as we all wait to see whether pearls will make a rebound in a few years or not. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> has a small supply of reasonably priced ($6-$12 strands) ivory freshwater pearls still in stock… while supply lasts.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-43925098720009273242012-03-08T09:07:00.001-08:002012-03-08T09:08:43.609-08:001 Stop Bead Shop Gives You Lots of Ways to Show Off Your TalentsAt <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>, one of our goals is to support and expand the beading community. We do that by offering <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-c-223.html">classes</a>, and also by supporting, sponsoring, and designing contests in which you can participate. There are currently 2 contests running with upcoming deadlines for entry, and we just increased our sponsorship of the <a href="http://www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/downloadbooks/specialevents/2011/ip_handcraft.pdf">Ohio State Fair Jewelry competition</a>. Here's what you need to know to participate:<br />
<b><br />
<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/documents/Ugly Necklace Contest.pdf">1 Stop Bead Shop Ugly Necklace Contest</a></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QgR1SFij-4GCE5MVR-mIhbyUrQQ2xSfm1s9ArtezNKTnkF1iXf-j6p5UKpi0i7Xf1IrTo3XLVxNudXkzOqWW5kKHdcy8RXGgyLiLGt9ax5SOdVt395vVs0r1mQGV8yuPUNx_osmQxuMu/s1600/ugly+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QgR1SFij-4GCE5MVR-mIhbyUrQQ2xSfm1s9ArtezNKTnkF1iXf-j6p5UKpi0i7Xf1IrTo3XLVxNudXkzOqWW5kKHdcy8RXGgyLiLGt9ax5SOdVt395vVs0r1mQGV8yuPUNx_osmQxuMu/s200/ugly+necklace.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!<br />
<br />
We want your ugliest creations! We are so used to making gorgeous things and we want you to try to do the opposite. Use your choice of colors, bead types, design styles and whatever else you think of to create the ugliest necklace possible.<br />
<br />
Rules & Information:<br />
1. Must submit finished piece on or before Thursday March 22, 6:00 p.m.<br />
2. Finished piece must be a necklace.<br />
3. In-store voting will take place Saturday March 24 through Saturday March 31.<br />
4. Winners will be announced via phone Monday April 2. Winners will also be announced in the weekly newsletter Thursday April 5.<br />
<br />
Prizes:<br />
Grand Prize: $25 Gift Card<br />
1st Runner Up: $15 Gift Card<br />
2nd Runner Up: Bead Prize (Valued at $10)<br />
Staff Honorable Mention: $15 Gift Card<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.teamtoho.net/Goodies/Contests.aspx">2012 Treasures of TOHO Competition</a></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVeeiG8Z1BBm0wVkYrC87LP6erFzAL_3HFapirVCRnv6Z_9j2fvBPBtJ3Nftxzqy5dwDpIUrjoO2c3nz7Zd2qJCUpORO9MPLh5CvhhqITVO86nrkKVt_ks2bEvYH1g_DjyXw1K95iOFDz/s1600/Toho-Competition-2012-small.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVeeiG8Z1BBm0wVkYrC87LP6erFzAL_3HFapirVCRnv6Z_9j2fvBPBtJ3Nftxzqy5dwDpIUrjoO2c3nz7Zd2qJCUpORO9MPLh5CvhhqITVO86nrkKVt_ks2bEvYH1g_DjyXw1K95iOFDz/s200/Toho-Competition-2012-small.png" /></a></div><b>4/6/2012 Last Day to Submit Artwork to Stores</b> <br />
Even though this date is only a month away, don't let that intimidate you. <br />
Many of you already have finished designs that qualify. <br />
If you bought your <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/seed-beads-c-40.html">seed beads at 1 Stop Bead Shop</a>, they are Toho!<br />
<br />
<b>Competition Divisions<br />
</b>Beginning Beader: 1-2 Years Experience<br />
Intermediate Beader: 3-4 Years Experience<br />
Advanced Beader: 5+ Years Experience<br />
<br />
<b>Competition Categories<br />
</b>Wearable Art: necklaces, bracelets, gloves, clothing, purses, adornments<br />
Sculptural Art: free standing work, wall hangings<br />
AIKO Beads: wearable or sculptural <br />
<br />
<b>Competition Rules<br />
</b>• All Work must be original.<br />
• Designs must be at least 80% TOHO beads. Embellishing w/ crystals, stones, silver, etc. must be only 20% of the design.<br />
• No submissions that have been published or in another compeition<br />
• Registration forms and a complete list of rules can be found at sponsoring store.<br />
• Entries must be turned in to <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop </a>by April 6, 2012 at 6:00pm.<br />
• Store will select 1 design from entries submitted to forward to Toho to be entered in the national competition. Designers will be contacted to announce selection. Selected design will be returned after the Bead & Button Show in early June.<br />
<br />
<b>Competition Prizes<br />
</b> First Place: $300 Gift Certificate<br />
Second Place: $200 Gift Certificate<br />
Third Place: $100 Gift Certificate<br />
There will be a First, Second & Third chosen in each Division and Category. Prizes will be supplied by TOHO and issued through the sponsoring store.<br />
Please visit your local participating bead store for more information and the complete rules.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tambrookbeads.com/treasures_of_toho.htm">Past Winners can be seen here</a>. Great for oogling & for inspiration.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is again <a href="http://www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/downloadbooks/specialevents/2011/ip_handcraft.pdf">Exclusive Sponsor of Jewelry Division Competition at Ohio State Fair</a>!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXF9CCpL83gX6FhS-VFtSFWgKBZLVcJqUe2355ADeDQ9RywldCLgKkP3heAFvX26qal2fHnw_s0gVCmPL0zkQLYCkD1dmtdZAVgyzcHkIx1lxjVW5U3KfHQpugKbLKzxRsT7l6h9eROw0/s1600/Ohio+State+Fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="106" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXF9CCpL83gX6FhS-VFtSFWgKBZLVcJqUe2355ADeDQ9RywldCLgKkP3heAFvX26qal2fHnw_s0gVCmPL0zkQLYCkD1dmtdZAVgyzcHkIx1lxjVW5U3KfHQpugKbLKzxRsT7l6h9eROw0/s200/Ohio+State+Fair.jpg" /></a></div></b><br />
<b>And, we've raised the prize levels by $200 for a total of $600 in Prizes to be given away!</b> <i>(Please note: <a href="http://www.ohiostatefair.com/osf/downloadbooks/specialevents/2011/ip_handcraft.pdf">Link to Jewelry Divison</a> is from 2011 and has not yet been updated with category changes or prize amounts for 2012.)</i> <br />
<br />
Deadline for REGISTRATION is not until Mid-June. Watch the <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop Website</a> and the <a href="http://www.ohiostatefair.com/">Ohio State Fair Website </a>for announcement of dates.<br />
<br />
<b>Categories & Prizes are:<br />
</b><b>Class: Awards<br />
</b>1. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/beginning-lampwork-2012-p-9466.html">Bead Making</a></b> - defined as the art of making beads from glass, Metal Clay, paper,<br />
textiles/fibers, polymer clay, ceramics, Lapidary, wood carving, etc<br />
2. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-bead-stringing-classes-c-223_230.html">Bead Stringing</a></b> - defined as one bead after another strung in a linear fashion<br />
on flexible beading wire<br />
3. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/bead-weaving-classes-bead-embroidery-c-223_224_350.html">Bead Embroidery</a></b> – <b>NEW</b> - defined as any bead project using needle to sew beads onto a fabric surface<br />
4. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-bead-weaving-classes-c-223_224.html">Bead Weaving</a></b> - defined as any bead project which uses a needle, where beads are sewn to each other, including any bead weaving stitch and loom weaving<br />
5. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-knotting-c-223_231.html">Knotting</a></b> - defined as bead crochet, knitting, Kumihimo, pearl knotting, macramé, micro macramé, tatting, etc<br />
6. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-cold-metals-classes-cutting-shaping-stamping-riveting-c-223_287.html">Metal Smithing</a></b> - defined as made of hand forged, textured, shaped, riveted, soldered or otherwise worked metal, wax casting, metal enameling etc<br />
7. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-wire-working-classes-c-223_235.html">Wire Working</a></b> - defined as wire wrapping, coiling, chain maille, wire knitting<br />
and crochet <br />
8. <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-polymer-clay-apoxie-sculpt-resin-c-223_249.html">Other</a></b> - defined as textiles/fibers, mixed media, resin, non-metal enameling, paper, lapidary, polymer clay, wood or anything not fitting in above categories <br />
9. <b>Youth</b> - Any piece from above classes (youth ages 6-12) <br />
10. <b>Best of Show</b> - judge’s pick for single best entry from all categories<br />
<b>Prizes:<br />
</b>1st Prize Ribbon & $30<br />
2nd Prize Ribbon & $20<br />
3rd Prize Ribbon & $10<br />
Best of Show Rosette & $60<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl_GJPG_E45oqv1CxqlbJyUzhaxx3trFb5yaEgbp5UbRHWfhX4Vg0olAc0KHD-wGY8fk2mThGbIWksVeUvjf6GejpzcqkxXL71TNDR_en0E1BrJiTHKohgk5hrbr9VP75JajqtmofOaX0/s1600/Ohio+state+fair+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="188" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicl_GJPG_E45oqv1CxqlbJyUzhaxx3trFb5yaEgbp5UbRHWfhX4Vg0olAc0KHD-wGY8fk2mThGbIWksVeUvjf6GejpzcqkxXL71TNDR_en0E1BrJiTHKohgk5hrbr9VP75JajqtmofOaX0/s200/Ohio+state+fair+ribbon.jpg" /></a></div>You can submit 1 piece in each category if you like. Don't know what to submit? Take a <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-c-223.html">class</a> at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> and learn something new!<br />
<br />
<i>(Note: If it shows up in Red or a different color from the rest of the script, click on it to be taken to that page.)</i>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-15921963879110638652012-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:55:32.134-08:001 Stop Bead Shop Vision and MissionAs a follow-up to my <a href="http://1stopbeadshop.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-years-challenge-for-my-friends.html">January 4, 2012 Blog article on Goal Setting</a>, I got some feedback from a couple of you that the ideas I shared had value to you, so it occurred to me that you might enjoy it if I shared occassional insights I have received from working with my business coach - <a href="http://www.actioncoach.com/rickcrossland">Rick Crossland</a>. Currently we are preparing for a team function and Rick asked me to take a look at my Mission and Vision statements for <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> to see if there was anything I wanted to improve or change. Here is what I learned that you might be able to apply to your own life:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY8Ck_cY45eKflkv7pkhtvIrqO0XdF6683kL9FxX4ih81nZqkBSIS_lwIKLt2kwzqjAkzC2LcS2W_otrprxJeS5dpEfSnlYiz5lT6yW4SPs-DycWRzSAa-R7pKP3Otue1LB7Hh1ZkCmLn/s1600/creating+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY8Ck_cY45eKflkv7pkhtvIrqO0XdF6683kL9FxX4ih81nZqkBSIS_lwIKLt2kwzqjAkzC2LcS2W_otrprxJeS5dpEfSnlYiz5lT6yW4SPs-DycWRzSAa-R7pKP3Otue1LB7Hh1ZkCmLn/s200/creating+yourself.jpg" /></a></div>I found 3 different helpful definitions for the difference between a Vision statement and a Mission Statement - all of which have valuable nuances: 1) My Vision is <b>WHO</b> I am. My Mission is <b>WHAT</b> I do. 2) Our Vision is <b>WHY</b> we exist. Our Mission is <b>WHERE</b> we are going. 3) A Mission statement focuses on your <b>present state</b>. A Vision statement focuses on your <b>future</b>.<br />
<br />
So, why would you care? When <a href="http://www.franklincovey.com/tc/">Franklin Covey</a> teaches goal setting, they don't have you START with goals - they have you start with your vision & mission in life - the REASONS why you set the goals in the first place. While the idea of answering the question, "WHO am I, and WHY am I here" sounds duanting at first, <a href="http://www.franklincovey.com/tc/">Franklin Covey</a> breaks it down into managable steps:<br />
1) Start with your titles - the hats you wear. For instance, I am a mother, a wife, a Christian, a business owner, etc.<br />
2) Define those titles - what do they mean to you? For instance, cooking is not where I find my value as a mother. However, Marie on "Everybody Loves Raymond" (Rays mom) completely defines her value as a mother in how she nutures her flock w/ her wonderful cooking. <br />
<br />
Those 2 steps answer the "WHO am I?" question. Finding your Mission can be more challenging, and for those who truly seek to answer it, can become the most worthwhile pursuit of their lives - "WHAT am I here for? WHAT is my purpose? WHAT will be my legacy? WHAT do I wish to leave behind when I am no longer here?" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZI5bDeVDD7JgdXyfnYEbhYV2dBgAZyMYiwYlTsmidihm6nnm16Uo-JnDOpBV8n2rj9OtjLZEyORAtuqLKpw9_fe_v-NmjjUpejRKetCr0XmEGZ0jZT2npZ7VMAijyGvYsBIzTGNYiHZx/s1600/Give+something+beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="140" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZI5bDeVDD7JgdXyfnYEbhYV2dBgAZyMYiwYlTsmidihm6nnm16Uo-JnDOpBV8n2rj9OtjLZEyORAtuqLKpw9_fe_v-NmjjUpejRKetCr0XmEGZ0jZT2npZ7VMAijyGvYsBIzTGNYiHZx/s200/Give+something+beautiful.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For some, like my mother, they know the answer early. She knew by the 1st grade that she was going to be a teacher and change the lives of young people. She did it formally in the public school system for over 30 years and has continued to do that in her local church. For others the journey of discovery can take years. <br />
<br />
What I discovered in reviewing <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/about-us-i-3.html">1 Stop Bead Shop's Vision & Mission</a> was that they were really rolled up in one. I broke them apart, and added some value words and here's what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<b>Our Vision:</b> <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is the recognized leader in our community as the go-to source for all aspects of jewelry making. We are passionate about creating a rewarding customer experience that stimulates creativity and provides opportunities for growth & community.<br />
<br />
<b>Our Mission:</b> At <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> we provide our shoppers with superior customer service, the broadest product selection, and the most innovative classes embracing the beginner to advanced student in an upbeat, friendly community environment that feeds the individual and promotes the art and craft of jewelry making.<br />
<br />
At my <a href="http://1stopbeadshop.blogspot.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop Blog</a>, I love your feedback, which is why our comments section is open to all. I would sincerely value your feedback on our Vision & Mission statements: <br />
Do we live up to them? <br />
Are there other things you value about <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> that are not encapsulated in our vision or mission? <br />
<br />
I would also love to hear from any of you who take my challenge to create your personal Vision & Mission statement - What is your personal Vision & Mission statement? And, what did you discover while working on it?<br />
<br />
Here's to sharing our lives & growing together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRIOWhDibAqyVoRxzNsvjtwve4wqIkCNnMMgHSVBJEBlhFvZ9tES1G9qUWsoEQdgZpu0kYDgO0j_SehWQhiAso-nfzh_C5YeB32AKUUKb3uDE5-Gawmr7j7ius4RuNkY6_bLe5bWxfyjx/s1600/This+is+your+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRIOWhDibAqyVoRxzNsvjtwve4wqIkCNnMMgHSVBJEBlhFvZ9tES1G9qUWsoEQdgZpu0kYDgO0j_SehWQhiAso-nfzh_C5YeB32AKUUKb3uDE5-Gawmr7j7ius4RuNkY6_bLe5bWxfyjx/s200/This+is+your+life.jpg" /></a></div>(Click on picture to enlarge.)Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-52908227141198604382012-02-03T11:39:00.000-08:002012-02-03T11:47:39.897-08:001 Stop Club Bead Members Give BackOur <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/about-us-i-3.html">Club Bead </a>Members have been busy over the past several months, giving up some of their own beading time, to make bracelets for the <a href="http://www.beadingtobeatautism.org/">Beading to Beat Autism </a>cause. Michala started this movement at age 10 to help her little brother Evan who has Autism. Her story is an inspiration to all people who have a dream. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.beadingtobeatautism.org/">here</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVBN4JCA5h49ETdzgBJy4N-e9WXCja6badxTX2KJwZT4j6lVjw_CHMhJUHfNN6pzZVw872-npHpuqd8z2ll7sYzNHct2fzZtCHb5kryOqwS4Ub_T5e6JEpVGxHz90AhRgeM3vmySPshSO/s1600/Beads-on-arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVBN4JCA5h49ETdzgBJy4N-e9WXCja6badxTX2KJwZT4j6lVjw_CHMhJUHfNN6pzZVw872-npHpuqd8z2ll7sYzNHct2fzZtCHb5kryOqwS4Ub_T5e6JEpVGxHz90AhRgeM3vmySPshSO/s200/Beads-on-arms.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The effort was spearheaded by Jen Mackan, <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> customer and <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/about-us-i-3.html">Club Bead Member</a>, who worked with <a href="http://www.beadingtobeatautism.org/">Beading to Beat Autism</a> organization to obtain the beads and supplies. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB74xuOyP9Fl9AEb3KeOTrA9rLvcxse6g_tMtIfqICLrvMtN2DG80PaACQfgyB71lOoFxXJWCuf8l_cMXGueMW3lnJobX_t3eBmSt7NO6MSeRmf2XqoBekZ9tEubEw2FWDpxk4QKP7PyPB/s1600/bracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="155" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB74xuOyP9Fl9AEb3KeOTrA9rLvcxse6g_tMtIfqICLrvMtN2DG80PaACQfgyB71lOoFxXJWCuf8l_cMXGueMW3lnJobX_t3eBmSt7NO6MSeRmf2XqoBekZ9tEubEw2FWDpxk4QKP7PyPB/s200/bracelets.jpg" /></a></div>Each <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/club-bead-p-5205.html">Club Bead Friday night</a> for several months, nearly a dozen different individuals have contributed their time to string and tie these simple little stetchy seed bead bracelets in a host of color ways. <br />
<br />
The bracelets make great gifts for friends & family, and are a simple reminder of life's blessings and challenges. The bracelets are now "on sale" at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> for a suggested donation of $3. Their goal is to raise $300,000,000! All of our efforts working together can help make this happen. Won't you help this great cause and pick up a few the next time you're in?! <br />
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Collect them all, and start a trend!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8q6UpfAYSLH48ozQCsldLL0kChMFhIvVbf-GyySxWhpxH36wfj57_ERPXZkPy4gOMEXNB0yaPMwXYxyWJeUf3Q2s2tdMPDK6fddthSFufGs6yuvsvHL6JGhNvZWngdFLLsirHAF-yYUk/s1600/autism+bracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8q6UpfAYSLH48ozQCsldLL0kChMFhIvVbf-GyySxWhpxH36wfj57_ERPXZkPy4gOMEXNB0yaPMwXYxyWJeUf3Q2s2tdMPDK6fddthSFufGs6yuvsvHL6JGhNvZWngdFLLsirHAF-yYUk/s200/autism+bracelets.jpg" /></a></div>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-60291351977143302732012-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:36:10.105-08:001 Stop Bead Shop Receives Community Award Reconition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p3RdSpqffB4JvEK57AXM78yZ61UZEMizWqXYj__5hFVsCHO7C2eIcZvLaUqxl04FHWuJojRoVNYGqEK-m26YI9i8gJ79-weYbQBz-WpX6bEJETeX1h3LyGqFPcGoyxrXD3w4jQ3xFbHg/s1600/Irish+is+an+Attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="90" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p3RdSpqffB4JvEK57AXM78yZ61UZEMizWqXYj__5hFVsCHO7C2eIcZvLaUqxl04FHWuJojRoVNYGqEK-m26YI9i8gJ79-weYbQBz-WpX6bEJETeX1h3LyGqFPcGoyxrXD3w4jQ3xFbHg/s200/Irish+is+an+Attitude.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For Immediate Release<br />
January 25, 2012<br />
<br />
“Living the Irish Attitude Award” Winners Announced<br />
Dublin CVB honors three local businesses<br />
<br />
DUBLIN, OHIO – The Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today its 2011 “Living the Irish Attitude” award winners, recognizing those local businesses that are embracing Dublin’s destination brand and slogan: “Dublin, Ohio -- Irish is an Attitude.” <br />
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The following were selected as recipients of the 2011 “Living the Irish Attitude Award:”<br />
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• Sunny Street Café (Hospital Drive location)– For creating customizable Irish themed dinner menus and events to appeal to the group tour and meetings markets<br />
• <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a></b> – For creating Irish jewelry making classes for groups and a special section in the store dedicated to Irish-themed beads<br />
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• The Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon – For creating an Irish themed event in Dublin that draws visitors, participants, media attention and benefits local charities <br />
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Businesses were selected for the awards based on the following criteria: Business/organization must be located in Dublin, Ohio; business/organization must endeavor to attract and welcome visitors; business/organization must promote the Dublin destination brand to its customers; business/organization must integrate the brand into its daily operations.<br />
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The Bureau launched Dublin’s new destination brand in January, 2007 in an effort to raise awareness with the traveling public by positioning the city as a unique and desirable destination for leisure, business, athletic and group travel. The DCVB logo and positioning line, Irish is an Attitude, makes use of the “Irish” equity that exists in the Dublin name and promotes the idea that you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy Irish fun.<br />
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“Dublin’s Destination Brand is not simply a campaign theme or positioning line,” said Scott Dring, executive director at the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It is an expression of a compelling, unique experience that Dublin offers potential visitors and will help set a roadmap of success for the Bureau for years to come.”<br />
<br />
Award winners will be highlighted in the Dublin Visitors Center and materials promoting Dublin’s destination brand. The Bureau honors a few select local businesses annually with the “Living the Irish Attitude” award. For more information or to nominate a business for an award, call the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau at (614) 792-7666. <br />
Contact: Scott Dring, Executive Director <br />
(614) 792-7666 sdring@IrishisanAttitude.comLisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-1412022344769309352012-01-12T12:07:00.000-08:002012-01-12T12:07:47.565-08:00Kidnapped by Aliens at 1 Stop Bead ShopAt least that's what you can tell your husband. <br />
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"Honey, I was drawn by the freakishly bright sparkle beyond the portal with the sign that said <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">BEADS</a>, and I couldn't help myself. Once inside, thousands of beams of sparkly lights blinded me and made me act out of complete instinct. Little voices in my head kept saying, 'Take me home,' and I felt insanely compelled to bring those tiny sparkling objects home with me. <br />
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There were aliens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu442E4wcaTJyd7pKEw7QNSqjltmwmAzdN_x4gFhQ3wiJi6pEZvb3KYavJUNEZrTHLoM3afhrjgCdQELLabvaXgvn61jUvDWMcbVp2TI9_3n1eAeMZcpCt2jqHiRtjbwUoWYhUgf5Vg1B/s1600/Cute_Pink_Aliens_clipart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="146" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu442E4wcaTJyd7pKEw7QNSqjltmwmAzdN_x4gFhQ3wiJi6pEZvb3KYavJUNEZrTHLoM3afhrjgCdQELLabvaXgvn61jUvDWMcbVp2TI9_3n1eAeMZcpCt2jqHiRtjbwUoWYhUgf5Vg1B/s200/Cute_Pink_Aliens_clipart.jpg" /></a></div>mascarading as nice humans who kept showing me one exciting project after another and in order to go back home they told me I had to sign a contract to agree to come back and learn more about their alien culture. They made me repeat after them - <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-c-223.html">'1 Stop Bead Shop teaches classes</a>.' It all seemed so natural."<br />
<br />
"No honey, those <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/seed-beads-c-40.html">beads</a> are NOT things I haven't finished - those are UFOs! (UnFinished Objects)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55uoGbMa5amkpKd1BtQCq6mEj0JCkCOpvVu1-bf2zSuo6UlYfDZa4KmHoRyyY5-D-cPjvG4zYzhKOcYCH98FSxEO2hgyD6v8wg5cn_wJDFJm3gLn9LikM609aXZ24f7KD1AByb-DzegF7/s1600/ufos.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55uoGbMa5amkpKd1BtQCq6mEj0JCkCOpvVu1-bf2zSuo6UlYfDZa4KmHoRyyY5-D-cPjvG4zYzhKOcYCH98FSxEO2hgyD6v8wg5cn_wJDFJm3gLn9LikM609aXZ24f7KD1AByb-DzegF7/s200/ufos.gif" /></a></div>They even have a club for others like me that have been aboard their spaceship where we can get together and talk about our experiences and work on our UFOs. They call it <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/classes-club-bead-stop-bead-shops-girls-night-c-223_243.html">Club Bead</a>.<br />
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The aliens told me that I won't die until all my UFOs are finished. So, if I just keep going back to their alien spaceship, it doesn't matter how many UFOs I encounter, only beading heaven awaits me. And it's a real place! They showed me pictures."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLyAVBFUwREQrcmYeRZBpLuOq6B4b9u8KFzED-byz2pEXujQKVO57RaZcBw1iBQAOp08ctJ1L5fT5ix9fYQc8JRtGLyxdZ69n6B_PBJuJEXVeIBMkJrdschwObq1W-Dcs2qRSPCdWrxuM/s1600/bead+heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLyAVBFUwREQrcmYeRZBpLuOq6B4b9u8KFzED-byz2pEXujQKVO57RaZcBw1iBQAOp08ctJ1L5fT5ix9fYQc8JRtGLyxdZ69n6B_PBJuJEXVeIBMkJrdschwObq1W-Dcs2qRSPCdWrxuM/s200/bead+heaven.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
"That's my story, and I'm sticking with it!"<br />
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You might as well tell him that. It will make just as much sense to him as the truth!Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-34692062061904432352012-01-04T13:27:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:32:42.658-08:00New Year's Challenge for my FriendsA few of you have commented before on how I set my goals. I thought I would not only share w/ you what Don & I did today to start the new year, but also challenge you, my <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> friends, to do something similar for yourselves. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jf9_-4oyGsTN_P5Hp1qm62Rx2ftf7btIGmGqS02l-4kMRkCaHu744vUzBc8eKjZJ3o_6cD9H6MRYSDxedw4ci7D917AGXpoVz2zuskgLKgLtbzHUoDflXXa7yMpmcfZswcYNFcx7v3cf/s1600/Goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="144" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jf9_-4oyGsTN_P5Hp1qm62Rx2ftf7btIGmGqS02l-4kMRkCaHu744vUzBc8eKjZJ3o_6cD9H6MRYSDxedw4ci7D917AGXpoVz2zuskgLKgLtbzHUoDflXXa7yMpmcfZswcYNFcx7v3cf/s200/Goals.jpg" /></a></div><br />
According to Dave Kohl, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, people who regularly write down their goals earn nine times as much over their lifetimes as the people who don't, and yet 80% of Americans say they don't have goals. 16% have goals, but don't write them down. Less than 4% write down their goals, and fewer than 1% actually review them on an ongoing basis. Guess which 1%? <br />
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Even if your goal or mission in life isn't to be among the top earners, earning doesn't have to mean $. I find it interesting that in the NRV version of the Bible Jesus's parable of the 3 Servants from Matthew is known as the parable of the Talents - talents of course being a unit of money. But, I find it striking that it translates in English as talents or gifts. He gave each servant an amount and was happy with the 2 who used their talents and grew them, and was very unhappy with the lazy, wicked servant who just sat on his and gave it back. Whether it's actual financial goals or spiritual, life, family, charitable goals, etc. the same success principles apply - if we're serious about achieving them we stand the highest chance when we write them down and review them. <br />
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So here's what Don & I did today - we wrote down our individual goals and then came together and decided on family goals for 2012 in these areas:<br />
1. Spiritual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTkn_ylUvicB9WxIH0N_LkoWDsfhGEKy6bYVVdF182fLWaZ2rVRxsvk8zujyV5r7WEXBa0mzBA0cwUQMLZXyryD01sgz5A7mtIM7k5aTlTxSbttFpSa0hqS_s4fUHZgRRQNAmhN3B_2DL/s1600/smart-goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTkn_ylUvicB9WxIH0N_LkoWDsfhGEKy6bYVVdF182fLWaZ2rVRxsvk8zujyV5r7WEXBa0mzBA0cwUQMLZXyryD01sgz5A7mtIM7k5aTlTxSbttFpSa0hqS_s4fUHZgRRQNAmhN3B_2DL/s200/smart-goals.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2. Family<br />
3. Career<br />
4. Health<br />
5. Financial<br />
6. Education<br />
7. Recreation<br />
8. Adventure<br />
9. Travel<br />
10. Romance<br />
11. Relationships<br />
We found we didn't have a family goal in all those areas, but it was still good to talk to each other about where we were personally. The process took about 3 hours (not much time in light of an entire year) and we now have a guide for being on the same page as a team, for measuring our progress, and for encouraging each other. <br />
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My challenge to you is to do the same thing THIS week! Don't let the week get away, or the next thing you know we will be ringing in 2013. Why would I challenge you to do this? Because I care about you. Rather than just pray you have a successful and prosperous year, I thought I might encourage you to take a proactive step that will go a long way to ensure you a happy & focused 2012. <br />
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I'll be excited to hear what you do with my challenge. <br />
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Happy New Year from <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>! <br />
<br />
LisaLisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-24961101034143901522011-12-28T13:09:00.000-08:002011-12-28T13:09:28.274-08:00Out with the Old - In with the New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q5qkNM5354N3E_rupiecikkbFmA_ObrmurxuvtJiOLSQkEChAIcCVrbq-hxy9U7rEVcMTIPrWzzt-FDwZxSPX0y6_kuiwVKxxl18nw_KbETgCEFb6Yuf04HWvwaKGq1PvLGF5xfFSG4y/s1600/Christmas+clutter.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5q5qkNM5354N3E_rupiecikkbFmA_ObrmurxuvtJiOLSQkEChAIcCVrbq-hxy9U7rEVcMTIPrWzzt-FDwZxSPX0y6_kuiwVKxxl18nw_KbETgCEFb6Yuf04HWvwaKGq1PvLGF5xfFSG4y/s200/Christmas+clutter.bmp" /></a></div><br />
Every year at this time we all find ourselves anxious to put away the clutter of the holidays (pretty as they were a week ago) and create a clean, fresh slate to launch all our New Year's resolutions. <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a> is no different. This year, more than ever though, Robin and I have been cleaning shop, dusting out the corners and really drastically reducing bead colors and styles that have been here a while. Our GOAL - Make room for new exciting beads, brands, colors, and styles that follow the latest jewelry trends for the spring.<br />
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All that is "Old" will be on sale at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop </a>next week - January 2-7, 2012. <b>Here's a tiny sneak peak </b>of what will be on sale different days next week. See tomorrow's <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop </a>newsletter, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">1 Stop Bead Shop Facebook Page</a> & our <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop Website</a> for the daily sale specials.<br />
• Kazuri<br />
• Grace Lampwork Beads<br />
• Most Artisan Beads<br />
• Lampwork Focal Beads<br />
• Beading Kits<br />
This is just the tip of the iceberg. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbVy3SqZsq3L3PWmPoqATqKKvHYI5eP1bYj2mrvqEtihoyXW11gmKGBjW_XSwNMBzHhW5pR5SmRpyCWEiZgqmZIg6Y5nJHu82SMfxTIcafELieI_oJIzPBXin2xMJLh9viL8dTwnivDwE/s1600/Out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new---.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbVy3SqZsq3L3PWmPoqATqKKvHYI5eP1bYj2mrvqEtihoyXW11gmKGBjW_XSwNMBzHhW5pR5SmRpyCWEiZgqmZIg6Y5nJHu82SMfxTIcafELieI_oJIzPBXin2xMJLh9viL8dTwnivDwE/s200/Out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new---.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So if that's "Old" what will be new at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>?<br />
• New Styles of Base Metal Chain<br />
• New Swarovski Bicones on Strands – 3 & 4mm<br />
• Polymer Clay – coming before spring<br />
• New Styles of Grace Lampwork<br />
• New Kazuri colors and designs for spring<br />
And dozens more!<br />
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Beginning Mid-January watch the 1 Stop Bead Shop Newsletter, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">1 Stop Bead Shop Facebook page</a> & <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop Website</a> for announcements of new arrivals daily. <br />
<br />
It's going to be an exciting winter at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2c7d7OjSCluII3BQ62hU4WljRkR1_MAbwt56BLCUzwzLRze4HnEYX686ofmMNSrNOEdmw1jySp0nzaXAzDVeSJRg7Ip6LYPTtdc0dFzIyw966FLVds3fjg8_Yc2UVjerRE0MkAy07F45/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2c7d7OjSCluII3BQ62hU4WljRkR1_MAbwt56BLCUzwzLRze4HnEYX686ofmMNSrNOEdmw1jySp0nzaXAzDVeSJRg7Ip6LYPTtdc0dFzIyw966FLVds3fjg8_Yc2UVjerRE0MkAy07F45/s200/Happy+New+Year.jpg" /></a></div>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-59396102304290532372011-12-22T15:20:00.000-08:002011-12-22T15:20:19.324-08:00My Christmas BlessingsThis year more than ever I have been blessed by an outpouring of love as evidenced by the number of people who have lavished my staff and I with gifts, cards & emails. One might say that the gratitude thing I talked about in my Thanksgiving Blog (scroll down if you want to read it) must be coming back to us. And while gifts & cards are not the only way to show love, you can't imagine how touched I am when bead friends who shop at 1 Stop Bead Shop bring gifts to us. That's now how it usually works! I can't imagine that there are too many retail stores out there where shoppers bring gift TO the store instead of the other way around. Every day this holiday season I have been reminded of just how fortunate I am to be surrounded by amazing, wonderful people. <br />
<br />
So, on behalf of myself and the entire staff of 1 Stop Bead Shop, I'd like to wish all of you a blessed, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi7vPzM5ahHMCE8ydxMoQhnKPcnz0VwJ3iX3RM2lfIx9kOA4mkX0q4_8vzDS8iREt66ojygVPkHRljaesHyTC5sXNy_oXpQZ5OtRpoRn6c3kIBSYuFZhVsQDfvEW6NOU_4lI5Cx1D43Ac/s1600/God+bless.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="145" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi7vPzM5ahHMCE8ydxMoQhnKPcnz0VwJ3iX3RM2lfIx9kOA4mkX0q4_8vzDS8iREt66ojygVPkHRljaesHyTC5sXNy_oXpQZ5OtRpoRn6c3kIBSYuFZhVsQDfvEW6NOU_4lI5Cx1D43Ac/s200/God+bless.gif" /></a></div><br />
My prayer for all of you is that God will protect and watch over your family, keeping you safe and bringing you much joy throughout the year.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-18425658896057174192011-12-14T12:51:00.000-08:002011-12-14T12:51:07.821-08:00Twas 2 Weeks Before Christmas & What to Get Mom?Twas 2 weeks before Christmas<br />
And what to get Mother?<br />
She's so busy beading<br />
Making gifts for another.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqznqI1HOJMDMRbmHLEFCmjcRfJAsy0UvM-A4qbTqnvuuMwNcy9sJf2DgMTo7c9cmdtbDG1RY-W2yY8m0Q1NLQe7SlzKzF3G3VatXPnctX_8R5HFduCDIOkh-7H74Sns_2pM-9Ucv50TB9/s1600/LIFT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="92" width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqznqI1HOJMDMRbmHLEFCmjcRfJAsy0UvM-A4qbTqnvuuMwNcy9sJf2DgMTo7c9cmdtbDG1RY-W2yY8m0Q1NLQe7SlzKzF3G3VatXPnctX_8R5HFduCDIOkh-7H74Sns_2pM-9Ucv50TB9/s200/LIFT.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And that's when it hit me,<br />
It came like a flash - <br />
<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/gift-cards-c-517.html">A gift Card</a> from <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop<br />
</a>is better than cash.<br />
<br />
Right now it will get me<br />
into a contest.<br />
Winning another $50 <br />
Would be would make me the "bestest."<br />
<br />
But as I entered <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop<br />
</a>and looked all around<br />
There were gifts ideas everywhere<br />
Even on the ground.<br />
<br />
There were bead organizers<br />
of all shapes & sizes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRXnSFAG58Nj9V9Vxvpugm0aKMT28QAc2XsLTGrd1B3tLHLf_DL75q5mPhNSy0EOr9-RNufrLj6hoSfp_pjbDon_bFqT98jSGzKQf_9YXFvaEM6knx5ECgKtSTYAE4cisKXJI5ybiokLc/s1600/craft+mate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRXnSFAG58Nj9V9Vxvpugm0aKMT28QAc2XsLTGrd1B3tLHLf_DL75q5mPhNSy0EOr9-RNufrLj6hoSfp_pjbDon_bFqT98jSGzKQf_9YXFvaEM6knx5ECgKtSTYAE4cisKXJI5ybiokLc/s200/craft+mate.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Mom's craft would be easier<br />
With these maximizers.<br />
<br />
There were eye glasses that light up<br />
and Tool Kits galore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUuG4hpzXCZ23btCCVfmmZLKuHnPU0Ohb_XYrZQDn0j5fG_0DpKPu629gMjZOL8NLCZuLsSFCgiYV8eXD4uDXwPfml1slDJmJMsARc8nYI7S4IuH0glzSAeVQ-6y17b-RN8Krzxz8liKA/s1600/Design%252520Save%252520%2527n%252520Go%252520Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="168" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUuG4hpzXCZ23btCCVfmmZLKuHnPU0Ohb_XYrZQDn0j5fG_0DpKPu629gMjZOL8NLCZuLsSFCgiYV8eXD4uDXwPfml1slDJmJMsARc8nYI7S4IuH0glzSAeVQ-6y17b-RN8Krzxz8liKA/s200/Design%252520Save%252520%2527n%252520Go%252520Large.jpg" /></a></div><br />
There were lap boards and tote bags<br />
And binders and more!<br />
<br />
I found earring kits that were perfect<br />
to stuff in the stockings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2sawdkcLCBn2ITweAP3QJlMFb_clZF-dhmjOAAxMYdsTM_70_NbX01ybHwHhV-NxiKs8O5r0ymNvSFiVpP2_11Gk_Vu5KirVoPWe0Y7Xt9GeEiScgMTAOgT9N1b4H2Ptjne4-b9vx17H/s1600/Christmas+Tree+Earring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2sawdkcLCBn2ITweAP3QJlMFb_clZF-dhmjOAAxMYdsTM_70_NbX01ybHwHhV-NxiKs8O5r0ymNvSFiVpP2_11Gk_Vu5KirVoPWe0Y7Xt9GeEiScgMTAOgT9N1b4H2Ptjne4-b9vx17H/s200/Christmas+Tree+Earring.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And wire and Books. <br />
The excitement set my knees knocking.<br />
<br />
There were sterling core beads with big holes<br />
to fit her Pandora<br />
And at just $10 a bead<br />
I could afford to get more ah...<br />
<br />
What's that over there?<br />
I wish I could see...<br />
That magnifier would help mom<br />
even more than it helped me.<br />
<br />
But what to my wonderous ears <br />
did I hear?<br />
You'll <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/bead-month-clubs-i-18.html">ship beads to my Mom<br />
</a>Every month of the year?<br />
<br />
I understood what Mom had been saying<br />
When I was all done<br />
Shopping at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop<br />
</a>was 2 tons of fun!<br />
<br />
I had presents for mom,<br />
and some for the teachers<br />
I even found a necklace<br />
for the wife of our preacher!<br />
<br />
So if gifts for the holidays<br />
is what you're after.<br />
<a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/index.php">1 Stop Bead Shop's </a>the place<br />
For all happy crafters!<br />
<br />
Okay ladies & gents! Now you can print or email this poem and just highlight the items for your wish list. We've made it easy for the shoppers in your life to get you just what you want this Christmas & Hanukkah!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!<br />
<br />
LisaLisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-28930700352418634922011-12-07T09:33:00.000-08:002011-12-07T09:33:35.332-08:00Where’s 1 Stop Bead Shop on the Web ContestHow many places on the web can you find 1 Stop Bead Shop listed? Find them and <b>get entered into a contest to win 1 of several 1 Stop Bead Shop Gift Cards! </b>Add a testimonial to the sites and get another entry. We want to hear from you our Raving Fans! Go 1 Stop!<br />
<br />
<b>Details:<br />
</b><br />
<b>Contest Entry Dates:</b> Dec 7, 2011 - Jan 3, 2012<br />
Winners will be notified by Jan 6, 2012<br />
<br />
<b>How to Enter:</b> Send email to lisa@1stopbeadshop.com<br />
Include Name of site, link to site, and NOTE if you made a testimonial. <i>(Minimum of 5 sites, not including the 1 Stop Bead Shop main website, must be listed.)<br />
</i><br />
<b>Prizes:<br />
</b> - 1 Entry into drawing for a <b>$25 1 Stop Bead Shop Gift Card </b>for sending email with the list of sites with links.<br />
- 1 Entry into drawing for a <b>$25 1 Stop Bead Shop Gift Card</b> for each "original" (not copy/paste) testimonial added.<br />
- Person who finds the most sites that list 1 Stop Bead Shop wins a $10 1 Stop Bead Shop Gift Card. (<i>In the case of a tie, winners will be drawn from a tie-breaker. Site entries will be verified, and must include links.)</i>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-63778788957597792082011-12-01T11:14:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:14:26.143-08:00Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New TraditionAs the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.<br />
<br />
Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?<br />
<br />
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUaQaTB45-xeRjtkH35Mmkm43p9xEN59Qypv22V8VOKPYxGTsy8pXHQteMI1PRPsteGI2lWb42IPnmmnd9rQ-GTQeJX4LspMb2hz23BbdbKEmWgLwvzYwTjRwSIEGaxgt43kRsvIBaksd/s1600/healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUaQaTB45-xeRjtkH35Mmkm43p9xEN59Qypv22V8VOKPYxGTsy8pXHQteMI1PRPsteGI2lWb42IPnmmnd9rQ-GTQeJX4LspMb2hz23BbdbKEmWgLwvzYwTjRwSIEGaxgt43kRsvIBaksd/s200/healthy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.<br />
<br />
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.<br />
<br />
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9urm3kZP3QiDMonDv9WjmVSSYRvg8VXz0FYxwU13myfnVl7DWe626W97HJzA3JIT4YKSLgMcSFxh2OCIoE4_vh9KR5uI1tGrnCtKTLi0VgQ_gIag7QjN-LOyAcme533Ww6GOCbgwyhArg/s1600/lawn-care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9urm3kZP3QiDMonDv9WjmVSSYRvg8VXz0FYxwU13myfnVl7DWe626W97HJzA3JIT4YKSLgMcSFxh2OCIoE4_vh9KR5uI1tGrnCtKTLi0VgQ_gIag7QjN-LOyAcme533Ww6GOCbgwyhArg/s200/lawn-care.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.<br />
<br />
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.<br />
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck, or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?<br />
<br />
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.<br />
<br />
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.<br />
<br />
OK, you were looking for something more personal. You have the ability to create a stunning piece of jewelry for everyone on your list with the skills you learned at <b><a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop.</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx8OaELZdPgO-gSajfum9mPqifTqWxxkw-660LXgAuQX0tlg9mGb_nkFKEWWMZXavu2pUJHD6VcJP4uFsG-5zLUfeer_pZMQ9MNTqJQyDv7hWn0AMqmAEBa4X4e3EV2vwy87cMVKdiZc6/s1600/storebanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx8OaELZdPgO-gSajfum9mPqifTqWxxkw-660LXgAuQX0tlg9mGb_nkFKEWWMZXavu2pUJHD6VcJP4uFsG-5zLUfeer_pZMQ9MNTqJQyDv7hWn0AMqmAEBa4X4e3EV2vwy87cMVKdiZc6/s200/storebanner.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
</b>Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. <br />
Even better, <b>YOU</b> can become one of the local crafts people and make a little money back, selling the jewelry you have created from beads found at <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">1 Stop Bead Shop</a>. It's easy - just call or email everyone you know and ask them for 1 person they would like a piece of custom-made jewelry for - Voila! You're in business! <br />
<br />
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.<br />
<br />
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy, or babysitter a nice BIG tip.<br />
<br />
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqRCJTrHLR-7OUOCcB_Li62-MlE6Ie0HOEm7o2qdvP6YUIM0xHjCcy8TtKxUIDZY7dcCHkb3RfVq_Onq5dmpPSX7x6ZZsNjE_MMDZg6L5pZtYoDXgOA3fwNyagl8FEoLIhVvW95oNAyHP/s1600/buy+local.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqRCJTrHLR-7OUOCcB_Li62-MlE6Ie0HOEm7o2qdvP6YUIM0xHjCcy8TtKxUIDZY7dcCHkb3RfVq_Onq5dmpPSX7x6ZZsNjE_MMDZg6L5pZtYoDXgOA3fwNyagl8FEoLIhVvW95oNAyHP/s200/buy+local.jpg" /></a></div><br />
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.<br />
<br />
<b>THIS IS THE NEW AMERICAN TRADITION!<br />
</b>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-30734877231449000002011-11-23T12:35:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:35:55.725-08:00Gratitude – What is it good for?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgW0fe5GqblKo-8Ned01XLxapc_JIiSgq4pwrUoRnT0UL5LwjGHcp4YlEdDnX6Pc-OQZD_sUu9U0mhZZ7RNrbgawHmEIcEUF_2wYtImooas6RTKTaPSMuuqYOq0lPw3pa-nympN5RMAvoB/s1600/gratitude_p78de%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgW0fe5GqblKo-8Ned01XLxapc_JIiSgq4pwrUoRnT0UL5LwjGHcp4YlEdDnX6Pc-OQZD_sUu9U0mhZZ7RNrbgawHmEIcEUF_2wYtImooas6RTKTaPSMuuqYOq0lPw3pa-nympN5RMAvoB/s200/gratitude_p78de%255B3%255D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Over the past year, I have given a lot of thought to Gratitude. That word seemed to be popping up all around me, and I have learned to pay attention when an idea or thought frequently emerges. I was hearing it in my business training seminars & coaching books. I heard it from Pastor when he challenged us to write down 100 things we were grateful for and to review the list daily. I heard it from a motivational CD series I listen to frequently. Repeated in what I was hearing was some version of, “Be grateful for what you have, if… you want more, you want peace, you want happiness, you want love….” I made a conscious decision, like so many of my mentors had, to embrace gratitude and thought maybe if I shared it with you, my results might encourage someone else. <br />
<br />
I have so many examples that it’s hard to know where to begin, so I’ll just share one of the most significant. 1 year ago just before Thanksgiving, my husband lost his job (I know that so many people can relate to that.) 1 Stop Bead Shop had never been positioned to support my family, but now I was in the position as primary provider. There were so many reasons that we could have become depressed or negative about the situation – after all, we had to cut back on spending, make lifestyle changes, etc. It was a bit intimidating. But, I made a conscious decision to be grateful for what we had rather than focus on what we might have to give up. I am grateful that we have a home, a healthy family, the support of family & friends, a good business with great customers and employees that, as it turns out, can support us, and through it all the promise that, “All things work together for good for those that love the Lord & are calling according to His purpose.” We had no way of knowing that 1 year later, we would actually be grateful that he lost his job. Our entire family is closer and happier than ever. And, my husband, who had been living under a cloud of stress for years, is free of that cloud and has found a new career path that he’s really excited and motivated about for the first time in his life. <br />
<br />
So why do you care? You may not. The nice thing about a blog, is that the writer gets to be a bit self-indulgent. But, I’m hopeful, not necessarily that you’ll celebrate with me, but that from my story you might take inspiration. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQcxiWZDfaLTHe1d13AI4D3AJm4838Qbu9NGMMTAjmPYaxgY-7RQk4hPTJIioRiHYxFJljiW4zihcC5jI2IhbwoZCoEBJueBN9YQtqwqDbzB93QQ4bhxUj1JxAJK2-3xAkzyK-4sA2cz/s1600/gratitude-happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQcxiWZDfaLTHe1d13AI4D3AJm4838Qbu9NGMMTAjmPYaxgY-7RQk4hPTJIioRiHYxFJljiW4zihcC5jI2IhbwoZCoEBJueBN9YQtqwqDbzB93QQ4bhxUj1JxAJK2-3xAkzyK-4sA2cz/s200/gratitude-happiness.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The more I “DO” gratitude the more things I find I have to be grateful for. And yes, I said, “DO” gratitude. I have found that being grateful takes a conscious decision and conscious thought – at least at first. I had to train my brain to think about what I was grateful for first thing in the morning when I got out of bed. I really like my bed, and would often rather chose to stay in it rather than get out. That has, over the years, set the stage for me to allow myself to get up grumpy, “I hate mornings,” rather than get up grateful. So, it was a conscious decision to say “Thank” when my first foot hits the floor, and “You” when my other foot hits the floor. “Thank you for this day, and the opportunities the day holds.” After that I have set aside time to say my thanksgivings for the day and really think about the things that I am thankful for. Some mornings that alone can take 20 minutes. There are big things to be thankful for like the sunshine to warm us and make us cheery, or the rain that waters my plants so I don’t have to pay for the water to water them – yep, I can be thankful for the weather either way. There are personal things to be thankful for, like that I was born with all my parts working correctly, that I can see, hear, smell, taste, touch, sense, or that I still have all my teeth. There are family things to be grateful for, like that my kids came home safely from school today. There are business things to be thankful for, like a staff that I truly enjoy spending time with every day and loyal customers who make it possible for me and my staff to do something for a living that we truly enjoy. There are mundane things to be grateful for, like air conditioning and hot running water – 2 amenities that make be grateful I was born in this century and not earlier. There are life things to be grateful for like being born in this country where I’m free and relatively safe, and where we’ve all got it pretty good compared to some places in the world. You can see where the gratitude process each day could take a very long time as I really start to list all the things I have to be grateful for each day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiT5aRsNpEfLPkXwDgnZB1q8VKuSeWpXD6o53eDFFujBN4Ky-sfzThqKD3J4GFMi8uictAekIUJy02v8zcngXwCAd0iDSzsvJuXDZXM3z0TEVyG-qmfG4GgxZbji2fYiSqCK1zWH02Y7j/s1600/gratitude-wordle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="96" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiT5aRsNpEfLPkXwDgnZB1q8VKuSeWpXD6o53eDFFujBN4Ky-sfzThqKD3J4GFMi8uictAekIUJy02v8zcngXwCAd0iDSzsvJuXDZXM3z0TEVyG-qmfG4GgxZbji2fYiSqCK1zWH02Y7j/s200/gratitude-wordle.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Did you know you can even be grateful for your big toe because it allows you to balance and makes it possible for you to walk? <br />
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So what happens when you spend all this time being grateful? Many of the things that seemed worth complaining about seem insignificant or get forgotten altogether. Many of the things you thought were worth complaining about can actually be seen from a positive point of view, which in the long run makes you a more positive person. When you’re more positive, more people like you and want to be around you. And, when you start looking through eyes of gratitude you start seeing all the people around you differently too. Something happens – it’s almost like gratitude turns into love – which of course it does.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPU3S4V7wS6qrJutFPZIjGplhzI8z9-cZpK0X0mu0rnJ1uhWpWRuAaTSQUL0fiIkDl5jfNcRfQKqar87wW1Zpl9jMKxPjdq7Db2yqVwIChNTTl25AcA4IyEcmz-YYaYJhC1Hzn6aZpy_B/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPU3S4V7wS6qrJutFPZIjGplhzI8z9-cZpK0X0mu0rnJ1uhWpWRuAaTSQUL0fiIkDl5jfNcRfQKqar87wW1Zpl9jMKxPjdq7Db2yqVwIChNTTl25AcA4IyEcmz-YYaYJhC1Hzn6aZpy_B/s200/gratitude.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, so enough guishiness (not a word – I made it up). I wouldn’t have bothered to share all this with you if I didn’t have a purpose. My hope for you, is that you’ll try it too. Imagine a world where more of us were grateful for ALL the blessings we have. What would that world look like? I imagine that it would be a world where everyone is nicer to each other, because we are all so grateful for our blessings that we can focus our positive energies on being kind and helpful to one another. I like that world. I hope you’ll come live in it with me. There’s an infinite amount of room in the world of gratitude. <br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WnBfaCQthi07jyTenxtgS-ebQJqJ2MVbkArBKiPk5LTxPi6zkDgPTY1WbgQ3vs-IO1QzwiNKp5iynvT6tpbQQ0duvSi_r9tYqSWGr2JJmfI0YdyPPhbLDYIPROa_NTyedXa88Mk1fWJT/s1600/turkey-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WnBfaCQthi07jyTenxtgS-ebQJqJ2MVbkArBKiPk5LTxPi6zkDgPTY1WbgQ3vs-IO1QzwiNKp5iynvT6tpbQQ0duvSi_r9tYqSWGr2JJmfI0YdyPPhbLDYIPROa_NTyedXa88Mk1fWJT/s200/turkey-3.jpg" /></a></div>Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-38008166046246264072011-11-16T11:21:00.000-08:002011-11-16T11:21:03.776-08:00Small Business SaturdayIt seems the media machine is always creating some marketing craze or other. 1st they picked up a derogatory term used by employees of major retailers to describe their loathing of having to work the day after Thanksgiving, what with the crazy hours, jostling bodies, and hasseled & harried often grumpy customers, and turned it into a term that we shoppers readily embrace as "ok." During the Dot.com boom, they started referring to the day after Black Friday as Dot.com Saturday, where websites lured everyone to spend boocoupe bucks on sites we'd never even heard of before. Apparently there was some backlash, because this year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is being referred to as Small Business Saturday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZSHJov7Ed9Vuv5ynzOhXhXmE2j1w5ET8FxueBt9DeNtPuuH0TILP8MqXnf8kKn5CyR31Sjvfv-qlRsIZxDFN-b17dGnl3OilUOcuH2DwZewCSwiWDi2DDPhur_Ee4WDc7fhFyqhQUCdp/s1600/Small+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="113" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZSHJov7Ed9Vuv5ynzOhXhXmE2j1w5ET8FxueBt9DeNtPuuH0TILP8MqXnf8kKn5CyR31Sjvfv-qlRsIZxDFN-b17dGnl3OilUOcuH2DwZewCSwiWDi2DDPhur_Ee4WDc7fhFyqhQUCdp/s200/Small+Shop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Now here's a media driven incentive I can really get on board with. Well, obviously - I have a small business. More than that though, I really believe it benefits everybody in our community if we keep as many of our dollars as we can in the local economy. While our government is throwing out money faster than they can print it to anyone - be it business, citizen, non-citizen, or country - that puts their hand out, we do still have some control and say about where we choose to spend the little we have left after taxes. And I, for one, think it's high time we look out for each other, and our friends and neighbors who own the local businesses, who are supporting their families, putting their kids through school, volunteering at the PTO and Band Boosters, and paying wages that support other local families. For years the media has taught us to think globally, and meanwhile our local stores have come and gone and in many small towns have all but disappeared and been replaced with Antique Malls, which really puts a cap on it, doesn't it?<br />
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Being raised by a father who was in retail, I was always taught that you did business with your friends & family first. He had a friend that owned a hair dressing studio 45 minutes away. Guess how far we traveled to get our hair done? Good thing gas was only $.60 a gallon. Over the years I continued to practice the friends and family thing whenever it was possible, but I never really thought about local community owned businesses until I was shopping for a Halloween costume for my daughter 3 years ago. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0J7R_InocbvH0YAPXn0bCLzS4I8qmkF1crfKDozCjrNn54OT8DCBprJ5huVt03S2RAx7cewZbTIuYaZWP3DIVmzLzGq4MLtXN6EswfxAYa8DuVsJVimzI2dHttndZmVgJKXldiUC3_Pr/s1600/Costume+Holiday+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0J7R_InocbvH0YAPXn0bCLzS4I8qmkF1crfKDozCjrNn54OT8DCBprJ5huVt03S2RAx7cewZbTIuYaZWP3DIVmzLzGq4MLtXN6EswfxAYa8DuVsJVimzI2dHttndZmVgJKXldiUC3_Pr/s200/Costume+Holiday+House.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We had been in and out of several of those pop-up (non-locally owned) Halloween stores looking for something (can't recall exactly - had to be something that suited the little girl) and comparing prices. We needed to go to Costume Holiday House (LOCALLY OWNED) anyway because they had rentals for the costume party we were attending. I was really pleased to see that they had just as good of a selection and competitive prices. As I chatted w/ the owner that evening, I had an eye opening experience. She shared w/ me that those pop-up stores were costing her business in excess of $200K a year and were really challenging her ability to support her family and stay in business. Costume Holiday House is one of, if not the only, costume store that rents to local school theaters and churches for their VBS. If they go out of business, where do we get those costumes and stage make-up? That's when I realized that "Buy from friends & family" should be expanded to "Buy from locally owned businesses first!"<br />
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This year, 1 Stop Bead Shop is pleased to participate in Small Business Saturday. Visit <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com/">our website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">our Facebook page</a>, and read our newsletter next week for updates and specials. <br />
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Then after you visit our store, stop by some of our other local favorites for great gift ideas:<br />
<a href="http://www.generationgreenstore.com/">Generation Green</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ourcupcakery.com/">Cup Cakery</a> in Dublin<br />
<a href="http://www.hapennybridgeimports.com/mysitecaddy/site3/">Ha'Penny Bridge</a> in Old Dublin - your local source for all things Irish<br />
Then grab a bite to eat at <a href="http://www.biddies.com/">Biddies Coach House</a> in Dublin for some of the best home cooked food in Dublin - owned & operated by Diane Hammons - my son's former grade school principal (the friends/family/community connections never end!)<br />
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Got any great local Columbus area businesses that you love? Please share them with everyone in the comments box below! The more we share, the more we all benefit! Happy Shopping!Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-83899812842427964862011-11-09T10:10:00.000-08:002011-11-09T10:10:16.431-08:00The Quilting Bee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN0IGvUSTLGcw_N48Uj525H8vhjsC9kobSRXZer4nlBa51Nav-shQOQqBsR_FJ6u0x97LaMEIgxND7SXbSeN48HxQ4zDSaw_TRJfaTYdRYcyjcBbZO249f5CF04tx6UJHMi-UEf434YZF/s1600/quilting-bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="197" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN0IGvUSTLGcw_N48Uj525H8vhjsC9kobSRXZer4nlBa51Nav-shQOQqBsR_FJ6u0x97LaMEIgxND7SXbSeN48HxQ4zDSaw_TRJfaTYdRYcyjcBbZO249f5CF04tx6UJHMi-UEf434YZF/s200/quilting-bee.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In the mid to late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries every community had it's quilt bees and most followed a similar pattern. Women spent long winter months piecing tops and over the summer months called on their friends and neighbors to help quilt them. No one wanted to miss a quilting as this was a major social occasion and chance for gossip, if you weren't there yours could be among the names bandied about over the frame! (or frames, often more than one quilt was worked on at a bee in the summer, when the quilting was outdoors). Children were called upon to keep the needles threaded and less skilled quilters and young ladies were often relegated to KP duty, it paid to polish your quilting stitch! Perhaps the most festive Quilting Bees were held to quilt a brides quilt. Traditionally this quilt would be the thirteenth quilt a young girl had made, and displayed her finest work. The time between engagement and wedding was a flurry of quiltings as none of the thirteen quilts were quilted before the engagement. The most expensive part of a quilt was the backing and batting and this investment was not made until it was certain the quilts would be needed to set up housekeeping. The quilt bee was a party as much if not more than a working occasion and a lady made every effort to put on her best for her friends and neighbors. At the end of the day the men joined the ladies for a festive supper and perhaps a barn dance. These events were particularly cherished by the women of the great plains and western states as it was a rare opportunity for them to see other women, they spent most of their days with their own families and chores and might only see others every few months and not at all in the winter. It might be a four or five hour or more journey to the nearest neighbor, a truly perilous trip in winter. Some women were very fussy as to who was invited to a quilting, wanting only the most skilled to work on her quilts. Occasionally the stitches of a less skilled quilter were removed after the bee and redone by the quilts owner. Pride was taken in ones stitches! Quilt Bees still take place today though they are more likely to take the form of a church or charity organization which quilts to raise funds for well deserving causes than as the social occasion which also resulted in the completion of a necessary but tedious task. (Article drawn from <a href="http://www.quiltersbee.com/qbqhisto.htm">“Quilt History”</a> by Christina {no last name found})<br />
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Much was lost when the tradition of the quilting bee died out in the early 20th century. Ready-made textiles became the rage and quilts came to be viewed as a “country item," not a quality textile. Not only did we loose a uniquely American wedding tradition that had been passed from generation to generation, and the tradition of teaching the next generation how to sew, we lost one of the great social outlets for women. Beginning in the early decades of the 20th century, women started to go to work in factories, as domestics, or as secretaries outside the home, and time to get together became more limited. Over the decades, we women lost the close social contact that the quilting bee had provided. Today there are very few outlets for groups of women to get together, just be social and form casual friendships born of kindred activities.<br />
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The first month I opened 1 Stop Bead Shop, I instituted Club Bead – 1 Stop Bead Shop’s Girls’ Night Out. I didn’t have quilting bees in mind at the time, but just saw it as a great chance for fellow beaders to get together once a month, do their craft, chat & share ideas. Our first Club Bead was very small – just me and 3 other women – Dena, Lori & Jennifer – but it grew each month as beaders started to look forward to their beading time together and invited their friends. Many friendships have grown and blossomed into friendships that go far beyond the walls of 1 Stop Bead Shop. <br />
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If you enjoy beading and like the idea of hanging out with others who are as passionate about it as you are, why don’t you consider joining us for our version of the Quilting Bee – 1 Stop Bead Shop’s Club Bead - this Friday, 11-11-11 from 7:00-10:00? It’s a great way to make new friends and get great feedback & ideas. Just $15 pays for an entire year through Dec 2012! See you Friday!Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-61432087763049277992011-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:002011-10-26T12:26:00.752-07:00Specials friendships at 1 Stop Bead ShopOne of my favorite stories is from a special 1 Stop Bead Shop friend – Marilyn – a resident of Springfield, who found us one Saturday morning and stayed to bead for 5 hours on her first visit. She came EVERY Saturday for several months and called 1 Stop Bead Shop her “Special Place.” 5 years later, Marilyn still stops in every couple of months and spends a few hours at our tables making jewelry and chatting. We helped her pick out the perfect beads for her daughter’s wedding jewelry and for the mother & grandmother bracelets when the 1st grandchild was born (we even got to hold the baby!). For her next big life milestone, Marilyn is about to celebrate her 60th birthday with us this spring! Thanks Marilyn for making us part of your life!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zrcvNoiX5So1RSqp_JXrJAyVXjxePdnualSL5ZjoON3v8Y9P_9MC-U2_l6vg53xm6-Zt5s7vVTyuWeLtcxnJ8b7v67pI-ZwmlrU0RvkvXxAXGAKtb4-Bw7HXeOoxJOrSiLAa6rYy8y6l/s1600/Marilyn%2527s+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zrcvNoiX5So1RSqp_JXrJAyVXjxePdnualSL5ZjoON3v8Y9P_9MC-U2_l6vg53xm6-Zt5s7vVTyuWeLtcxnJ8b7v67pI-ZwmlrU0RvkvXxAXGAKtb4-Bw7HXeOoxJOrSiLAa6rYy8y6l/s200/Marilyn%2527s+daughter.jpg" /></a></div>Mom & baby - wearing the necklace she made the day we got to hold the baby!<br />
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Another of my favorite “bead friends” stories has repeated itself over and over again. A couple of people see each other in class – they’ve never met before. Maybe they strike up a conversation, or maybe not. But, next week, they see each other again. Over time, conversations are struck up, and the next thing you know there is ride sharing, signing up for classes together and dinners out. The quintessential example is a group of three ladies who love to hang out at 1 Stop Bead Shop, love to hang out together and even bring their husbands with them, so that we’ve gotten to know them too. It was spooky one Saturday when they ALL ended up here at the same time, and none of them had told the other they were coming. The best people really DO hang out in the best places!<br />
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When I opened the store, as most of you have heard me say, I envisioned the “Cheers of Beading.” Once I began to see these friendships forming, I knew that we had achieved even more than I had ever dreamed – a place where people can belong & make friendships, which can be hard to find in our hectic, busy world.<br />
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I’m sure there are countless stories I could share, but I’d rather hear them from you. Will you please share your special 1 Stop Bead Friend story? <br />
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I have opened up our settings so you can share your story right on our Blog, or you can share on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">1 Stop Bead Shop Facebook</a>. I look forward to hearing from you.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-59086722325596073032011-10-20T14:03:00.000-07:002011-10-20T14:03:19.428-07:00This Week's Blog dedicated to Tierra CastI got this email from Tierra Cast today and thought it was worth sharing. During the entire time we have been in business, we have been extoling the quality of the Tierra Cast Lead Free Pewter. See what their research showed about the metal finding industry as a whole.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYqT8Ws8f6JF9OS8NpAVXCm9GlPgVu_4UfQl2zc5K_JFDWXhKZHRfmczVr3HANRgrKDnEee_EbKGu-rbDAjx9cvHEGaEyogRAu_rTTNkjIwS5-a8RkSl_t9Og66bXG7XuRt0iAzWx9Hvt/s1600/TierraCastLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="75" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYqT8Ws8f6JF9OS8NpAVXCm9GlPgVu_4UfQl2zc5K_JFDWXhKZHRfmczVr3HANRgrKDnEee_EbKGu-rbDAjx9cvHEGaEyogRAu_rTTNkjIwS5-a8RkSl_t9Og66bXG7XuRt0iAzWx9Hvt/s200/TierraCastLogo.jpg" /></a></div><b>Principles of TierraCast<br />
Lead Free Pewter</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mlxqez4dqxOZU5YCmenHtOfFcfGNOAloJTvSvqvOZo4yUx1fNF4Du6NVvelmYCI3m4FhUblMzqqcWYz4U18nzGj6HYnzURmHfOQ8t2C95xNa-iYoKKtNQGp2BmAtVM1WNNGaAbXlI00R/s1600/tierra_cast_charms_10_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="146" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mlxqez4dqxOZU5YCmenHtOfFcfGNOAloJTvSvqvOZo4yUx1fNF4Du6NVvelmYCI3m4FhUblMzqqcWYz4U18nzGj6HYnzURmHfOQ8t2C95xNa-iYoKKtNQGp2BmAtVM1WNNGaAbXlI00R/s200/tierra_cast_charms_10_11.jpg" /></a></div>You see us promote these<br />
phrases all the time: <br />
Lead Free<br />
Pewter <br />
Made in the USA<br />
Original Designs<br />
Quality in the Making <br />
— but why do we stand by<br />
them, and how do they guide<br />
decisions at TierraCast?<br />
<br />
<b>Why it Matters to Us<br />
</b><br />
These days virtually all pewter products are advertised as "Lead Free Pewter". This is not surprising since public awareness has grown in response to concerns about toxic content in pewter, and recalls of cast jewelry from overseas manufacturers.<br />
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However, advertising claims don't always hold up. We recently commissioned an independent lab test of sample products advertised as Lead Free Pewter, and discovered that only 35% actually turned out to be pewter (many were zinc or steel). And of the samples that were pewter, <b>none were lead free</b>. Results like these make it clear that consumers need to be cautious and informed when making purchases.<br />
<br />
Results of our tests<br />
of other "lead free<br />
pewter" products.<br />
<a href="http://www.tierracast.com/isitleadfree.php">Click here</a>.<br />
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TierraCast has been requiring our metal suppliers provide us with safe<br />
pewter alloy long before it was mandated by law. Not because we<br />
hope it will help us sell more parts; but because our values dictate it. We<br />
don't want to sell a product that could be potentially harmful, especially<br />
when safer alternatives exist. <a href="http://www.tierracast.com/leadcontent.php">To view chart showing test results of TierraCast's pewter alloy, click here</a>.<br />
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Whether you'll find this true throughout the marketplace isn't quite as clear, so it's crucial that you know what is and is not "lead free pewter." We'll help by clarifying the definitions below.<br />
<br />
<b>What is Pewter?<br />
</b>In order to be<br />
presented as pewter,<br />
a product must<br />
contain at least 90%<br />
tin.<br />
<br />
<b>What is Lead Free?<br />
</b>The industry<br />
standard is no more<br />
than 500 parts per<br />
million (ppm) lead<br />
by weight.<br />
<br />
We're committed to providing quality products that are safe to use. So when you see Lead Free Pewter on our products and advertising, you can rest assured we mean it. We tested it; and we can prove the claim.<br />
<br />
1 Stop Bead Shop is proud to be Ohio's largest retailer of Tierra Cast beads & findings. We have a long track record of using Tierra Cast findings in our jewelry which even pre-dates the store. Visit <a href="http://www.1stopbeadshop.com">1stopbeadshop.com</a> or stop in the store to check out our entire selection. Can't find the Tierra Cast product you are looking for? Just ask! We can order any product they make for you.Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-680992491216640022011-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:002011-10-14T10:39:00.506-07:00The Fanciful Fire Polish Bead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YY5al-2IuYqTghnhLnjgVuSL8Qajz4Ktx4KDvq4ZxnN8Lgss9gmb8H0rFE-szXo2aVqZIIMwcPiCQgjiNSsIOO6ymdfslmxHztunRYPfalkSsQsv0fDuOBZm-5xFtlHFWe7bKcAOuIjM/s1600/fire-polished-beads-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="110" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YY5al-2IuYqTghnhLnjgVuSL8Qajz4Ktx4KDvq4ZxnN8Lgss9gmb8H0rFE-szXo2aVqZIIMwcPiCQgjiNSsIOO6ymdfslmxHztunRYPfalkSsQsv0fDuOBZm-5xFtlHFWe7bKcAOuIjM/s200/fire-polished-beads-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
My love affair with beads began with Seed Beads & Fire Polish beads. In fact, you could say that those 2 beads are the main reason 1 Stop Bead Shop exists today. I couldn’t find enough of them, and I wanted a broader and more consistent selection of colors & sizes. I always valued the Fire Polish bead because it was easy to use as an accent bead with seed beads, didn’t cut my thread the way crystals could, was less scratchy than a Swarovski bicone bead, and was so much less expensive than Swarovski beads. When I traveled to the Czech Republic on a bead trip, I was able to witness how they were made, and was astonished that they are as inexpensive as they are. <br />
<br />
Fire Polish beads are one of several types of glass beads that have been produced in the Czech Republic (formerly Bohemia) for centuries. Sources vary on the century in which these beads emerged, but the majority seem to agree that it was between the 12th & 16th centuries that the Venetians and Bohemians were competing fiercely with each other in the glass bead market. Toward the end of that period, competition finally eased when the Venetians stayed with their signature Lamp Work styled hand-made beads, while the Czech preferred to utilize emerging technologies to mass produce their glass beads. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg5gnXMZKo-RYVmEn1wa1AOcMzP4wVWBoose0hoRfYlLk02PMzgH64gKnLn5jV6wITPWHUWKe62I1ShIbh1ZBUagmwPwuV7Y6PQ5lmEcmWrdX6if9bNqakv0mCPAFwUz3RD1jo0iKyBWz/s1600/Czechfacetedgrindingwheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="112" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg5gnXMZKo-RYVmEn1wa1AOcMzP4wVWBoose0hoRfYlLk02PMzgH64gKnLn5jV6wITPWHUWKe62I1ShIbh1ZBUagmwPwuV7Y6PQ5lmEcmWrdX6if9bNqakv0mCPAFwUz3RD1jo0iKyBWz/s200/Czechfacetedgrindingwheel.jpg" /></a></div>The interesting thing about that technology is that 500 years later it remains relatively unchanged. When we think of mass production technology in the US, we tend to think in terms of long automated machine lines run primarily by computers with some human oversight at certain key points in the process. The bead making machines in the Czech Republic still require a laborer to process every step and are in essence more like giant tools for grinding several beads at a time rather than machines that operate on their own. <br />
<br />
There are several steps in making a fire polished bead: <br />
1. First the glass is melted from a huge cane of glass, much like our lamp work canes but several inches thick and about a meter tall. Most of this cane is still made in Germany & shipped to the Czech Republic. <br />
2. Then the molten glass is poured into a mold that will hold several beads – quantity varies based on the size of the bead and the choice of the manufacturer. <br />
3. That mold is fired in a kiln to allow it to fully melt into a round shape w/ the glass consistently distributed throughout the mold. <br />
4. When it comes out of the kiln, it will sit in the tray to cool, then cool further in a bucket of water. <br />
5. Next each bead is picked up and hand-placed on a form that will hold from approx. a dozen to 20 beads. The form looks like a board w/ a bunch of pegs sticking up from it. <br />
6. This form is then pushed up by the machine operator to come into contact w/the grinding wheel. That produces 1 faceted side. The machine is then rotated by the operator and the beads pushed forward again to produce another facet. This continues through the entire sequence until all sides are faceted. The beads are then dumped off into a vat. <br />
7. The faceted beads are once again run through the fire, this time to polish them. By heating them again just enough to melt the edges, it eliminates roughness from the cutting, keeps the edges of the beads from cutting your thread, and gives them that shiny sparkle that makes them “fire polished.” <br />
8. They are cooled 1 more time and now ready for shipment to the US, Japan and other parts of the world where they are prized. <br />
<br />
After all those steps, you can see why I am amazed that these tiny treasures remain an affordable alternative to their closest sister – the crystal. (More on what makes crystal crystal and not glass in a future article.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON7TlwgkS2I-6fk5llYRtFpyi50DyE-xvEeo_j_nALr20TT6wI-ZkCgEpdsbbUJRlBqQhTi3xwVU12cAzr_S6YjE2WRFoXTRqn7BcLzNsilTOBG1-P0uaha37BBtPpjl1QsOFCjPA3nVG/s1600/1+Stop+Bead+Shop+Czech+Glass+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON7TlwgkS2I-6fk5llYRtFpyi50DyE-xvEeo_j_nALr20TT6wI-ZkCgEpdsbbUJRlBqQhTi3xwVU12cAzr_S6YjE2WRFoXTRqn7BcLzNsilTOBG1-P0uaha37BBtPpjl1QsOFCjPA3nVG/s200/1+Stop+Bead+Shop+Czech+Glass+Wall.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today, 1 Stop Bead Shop remains the largest reseller of Czech Glass Fire Polish Beads in central Ohio, currently carrying over 200 colors in 3 primary sizes – 3mm, 4mm & 6mm. As with all beads made in the Czech Republic, I always remind my shoppers that “The Czech make what the Czech wanna’ make, when the Czech wanna’ make it.” In a nutshell, that means, if you find a special color that you love, buy enough, because you never know when or if you will see it again. (More on why that is in some future article too.) <br />
<br />
Recently, our primary supplier announced the 3rd price increase in Czech Fire Polish beads since we opened 6 years ago. 1 Stop Bead Shop’s Fire Polish beads have remained at their original price of just $2 a strand for 3mm & 4mm during all 6 years. With our vendor’s most recent price increase, we have finally been forced to give in to the tide of inflation, and raise our price to cover their increase. For 1 last week, through October 22, 2011, 3mm & 4mm Czech Fire Polish beads will be available for the low price of just $2 for a strand of 50. Stock up this week, and enjoy them for years to come!Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1905236447415338793.post-69427836687091666812011-10-05T10:55:00.000-07:002011-10-05T11:15:08.982-07:00Make & Takes – Fast & Fun Jewelry in a Flash<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Hk0yiFg1XKyNZwhyphenhyphenLONb77Rfr3ts9S8aBtbcIoKgasKVZ7zy3IwBWwMlTkXU3RwbFswV1a6_jJn6e5HWyC8dAsgNmJT7a1wIrnd3jCdgey8ScDJ637bFLahT0WTU7bpWcDm6Xf2GMy1o/s1600/Knotted+Leather+Bracelet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Hk0yiFg1XKyNZwhyphenhyphenLONb77Rfr3ts9S8aBtbcIoKgasKVZ7zy3IwBWwMlTkXU3RwbFswV1a6_jJn6e5HWyC8dAsgNmJT7a1wIrnd3jCdgey8ScDJ637bFLahT0WTU7bpWcDm6Xf2GMy1o/s200/Knotted+Leather+Bracelet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660069647503518834" /></a><br /><br />Who knew Make & Takes could be so much fun?! 1 Stop Bead Shop has always welcomed you to “Come Sit & Bead with Us!” It’s our motto – it’s even on the door. So, we’ve always had tables in the store where any day of the week you could just stop by, and set up camp and make beaded jewelry to your heart’s content. We have also encouraged all visitors to the store to let us show them, on the spot, how to do the beading basics – earrings, crimps, etc. – free of charge. <br /> <br />But our newest use for the tables – Make & Takes at 1 Stop Bead Shop – has been a huge hit! The idea came from a piece of jewelry that people were asking us to show them how to make. It wasn’t long enough to make a full 2-3 hour bead class, but wasn’t really something that could be demonstrated in just a couple of minutes either, so we decided to offer it as a quick Make & Take on a Saturday afternoon. Everyone loved it and asked for more. <br /><br />Now we see our store jewelry samples in a whole new light. We love to teach classes at 1 Stop Bead Shop, so Make & Takes are a natural extension of what we do. <br /> <br />Since the beginning or our beading Make & Takes this spring, we have offered an earring bar - where you could make any of a dozen earrings by just pulling up to a chair - a resin pendant, a shamrock French Beaded pendant (for the Dublin Irish Festival), and a knotted bead & leather bracelet last Saturday – which was the biggest hit yet with a total of 23 participants - to name a few. Lex McAllister, one of 1 Stop Bead Shop’s partners with No Excuses Radio, stopped by to make a bracelet and video taped her variation of the bracelet which is now posted on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-b5JXcV-Y8&noredirect=1">YouTube</a>. Check it out on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/1stopbeadshop">1 Stop Bead Shop Facebook Page</a>! <br /><br />Wanna’ come play with us and do a 1 Stop Make & Take too? Your next opportunity is THIS Saturday, October 8th at 11:00am, 12:00 & 1:00pm. Come make an adorable beaded spider. (Can those 2 words be in the same sentence together? Sounds like an oxymoron to me!) Better yet, make 3 beaded spiders - two for earrings, and one for a pendant. One customer even told me she’s going to mount hers on a Peyote beaded bracelet base. Who knows, maybe she’ll even figure out how to make a little fly for the spider to eat! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1RTg7YPt6GrS6Btl_d-iEIWBOMAy2wiaSomZPTNXySSCHC7U-ZmgH32eQt1ZwgVZ9qyvpf0IHgdKfZ7Lhj8fibonZlsFzeGo5PgNgIwUsu4H4Fs6TQ7tiyZp4MP-CCMhnGsMjNjDi8GQ/s1600/Beaded_Spiders_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1RTg7YPt6GrS6Btl_d-iEIWBOMAy2wiaSomZPTNXySSCHC7U-ZmgH32eQt1ZwgVZ9qyvpf0IHgdKfZ7Lhj8fibonZlsFzeGo5PgNgIwUsu4H4Fs6TQ7tiyZp4MP-CCMhnGsMjNjDi8GQ/s200/Beaded_Spiders_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660068970126826754" /></a><br />Any way it goes, getting together with a bunch of other beaders and learning a new project gets the creative juices flowing as everyone shares their unique ideas. See you Saturday! (No reservations required.)Lisa Buschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06335890472372865006noreply@blogger.com0