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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Some packaging ideas ...

My last blog post was on January 2, 2011 ringing in the new year!  Well, the bell's been rung ... enough already!  Time to move on ...

I've been very busy getting ready for To Bead True Blue and the Tucson Bead Show. If you happen to be in Tucson for this big event, stop in and say "Hi!" at G149 in the ballroom.  I'll be there ... along with my entourage ... my husband and son. :-)

Everything seems to be falling into place, but it's not been without a lot of hard work ... and there's "miles to go before I sleep." (Frost)  Torches, enamels and bead pulling stations to be shipped.  I started off offering four workshops spread over the 8 days of the show.  I wanted to be able to offer a more individualized learning experience for the students, so I limited the number in each workshop to 6.  These have all filled, so I've added one more ... February 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

But, where I really needed to focus my attention was on how to present my work to the buying public, including to bead stores who would be buying wholesale.  There's an Art and Soul yahoo group for teachers where Diana Trout generously introduced us to Chubby Cards from Zazzle.  I first heard of Zazzle from Heather Powers at Art Bead Scene, but soon lost the information in the sieve I call a brain. Because Diana's a mixed media artist, she's thinking ATC, but I'm thinking ... cards for my pendants and earrings where I can give info on the back about the making and care of the items.  This is what I came up with ...




The image on the front is a photo where the opacity has been adjusted.  The back has a "care and making" statement.  These just arrived yesterday.  I had to stop jumping up and down when I saw them because I kept hitting my head on the ceiling of the car ...

I came across these great punches for earrings.  One is for lever back earrings and the other is a straighforward punch for french earwires.  I've always punched the holes myself, but because I don't use a template, it's anyone's guess whether the holes are straight ... which can really affect whether the earrings look as though they're the same length.  

Easy Earring Cards

Below is a how these all came together, with the help of cellophane bags from Uline and some great moss green organza bags.

I love it when a plan comes together!
This is what my dining room table still looks like ... one day soon we'll be able to eat here again instead of eating taco salad in the bedroom in front of the t.v.!  Don't tell anyone we did that last night ... shhh!

The sorting of beads into trays.

Below is a photo of some of the sets of beads.  We have different trays for the Lights, Brights and Earth Tones.


Sets of beads ... 
If you believe in the power of prayer, say a little prayer for me ... I could sure use some help besides the members of my family who have been pressed in to service.







15 comments:

Courtney Breul said...

Prayer said. Your beads are beautiful as are your earring cards! Love them.

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Happy thoughts are being sent your way! I love the trays for each style of beads - gorgeous! Love the earring cards! Good luck with all your preparations!

ewabeads said...

Have fun at the Tuscon Bead Show! I've always wanted to go. Maybe one of these years... Sell lots of beads! I'm sure you will 'cause they are so pretty! Love your new packing card too!

Malin de Koning said...

Liking this a lot

sharon said...

Your beads are looking fabulous as always Barb!
Thanks so much for sharing the marketing side of your business....it is looking fantastic too!

Judy said...

Look how organized you are! Everything looks wonderful! The cards and the perfect punch for the earrings, you have thought of everything. I wish you a very successful show!

TesoriTrovati said...

Hadn't heard of the zazzle cards. I will check that out. I like those earring card punches. I need to save up for a set (I punch my own with little dots preprinted on my cards so I know where to put 'em!). I just got my first cards from Moo and am blown away. I plan to write about that soon.
Enjoy the day!
Erin

mairedodd said...

things are looking great - i love your presentation ideas... and you are so right about poking the holes - mine are usually not straight either... will have to find those...
you are going to wow them... and how terrific you are able to add another class...

Maria said...

I said a prayer for you Barbara, but in my heart I already knew that you're going be just fine! :) It should be a great event for you, all around!! Just enjoy...

Unknown said...

Bless you with your Taco salad in front of the TV! Your beads are so wonderful Barbara. This is a great post I think your presentation ideas are wonderful!
I will pray for you as soon as I finish typing this...ox

romantic decay said...

You will be great! Your packaging is VERY nice.
Have a good time.

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

your packaging looks great! I want those earring punches too. I have been thinking of what to write to describe myself because I can't always be there to sell my pieces. Yours look great!
Shannon C

Diane said...

Oh, I do feel for you Barbara, and will pray for you tonight =)
Thanks for sharing your punch info, as I use a template I made, but you know how time consuming that is!!
I wish you the best at the show....
you will do GREAT!

Esther said...

Hi Barbara!! thank you for sharing!! those punchs are awesome!! a very clean cut for earrings holes on cards!! love your choices of coulor to show your beads!! a special think for you and your family .

SueBeads said...

Have a great time!