Bead Flora and Jewels

A bigger challenge : MTV Move Awards!

2012-02-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

I may need to modify my original beading challenge... Earlier last week, my Grecian goddess headband was accepted to be included in the MTV movie awards celebrity swag bags for this June.

This is my biggest challenge ever...to create 100 headbands in less than 3 months!

In the original design, each leaf was an individual component. There's 12 beaded components in each headband...times 100 = 1200 individual beaded components. *faints*!

I knew I had to come up with a better way of making these leaves faster. I remember a technique to make a sprig of 3 leaves... then I can cut them apart afterwards. So I save time on the start-up of each component.

I realize later on that week that I don't have to cut them apart. I can leave them on the same wire and form it into the design that I want. Initially, I had 2 components with 3 leaves, 2 components with 2 leaves and 2 components with 1 leaf. I've cut down the individual beaded components by half. So instead of 1200 components, it would be 600.

After working up a few more samples... I cut down the components again from 600 to 400!

I'm stringing wire here first.

These are the components made so far. I've separated parts so I can grab and assemble easier later. There's 4 headbands worth of components here. Now I need the beading fairy here to help me with the other 96.

I'll be under a pile of beads if you need me.

Week 5, Beaded Flower challenge, peacock inspired rose

2012-02-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

So I've changed the rules of this beaded flower challenge the last couple of weeks I've noticed so many unfinished projects lying around. Why bead more flowers when I have so many that I need to finish?

I found this peacock inspired rose in my UFO (unfinished objects) box. This rose began as an idea to create a peacock-inspired bouquet. I abandoned that idea after not having enough beads to finish it and then ordered the wrong beads later on. I may still go back and explore that idea again but I don't think I'd want roses this time.

I was debating either to go with silver leaves or green leaves...both of which I have on hand.

The silver leaves would have been easier to attach since it was ready to go. I still decided to go with the green leaves since it did look better.

Another project assembled!

Week 4: Beaded Flower Challenge, apple blossoms

2012-01-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

Just like last week, the challenge this week is to assemble projects that I have stored over the years. I have apple blossoms this week!

I made these also back in 2005. My husband Allan (then fiancé) and I were taking a walk one day to a park and I saw these gorgeous apple blossom flowers. So I took a small branch off and later on Allan took a picture of it.

I made some flowers but was not very happy with them. There were too many wires and would be too bulky once assembled. Months later, I took apart all the beads and remade the flowers as you see them here.

After I figured out a way on making the blossoms without all the bulk, they've been sitting in a box all this time.

So what's my problem with assembling things once they're done? I have no idea! I just love the beading part and assembling seems so mundane.

Finally... done!

Week 3: Beaded Flower challenge, cherry blossoms

2012-01-20T05:44:00.000-08:00

Week 3 of my beaded flower challenge. This week, I decided to change it up a bit... I have all these unfinished projects sitting around in boxes so with the new year, it's time to assemble them!

I've had these cherry blossoms made since 2005. Yeah, I know...bad. I love beading but really hate assembling so I've so many projects piled up.

These were my original design. I was so proud at the time because I figured out a way to get rid of the bulk in the wires and truly is the stepping stone to some of the hair flowers I make today.

I purchased pounds of these pink beads for the petals... and had 6 to 7 swarvoski crystals in each center.

I spy sun flower petals in there too... so those may be in the works for the future!

Conclusion: Surprisingly, this new component of the challenge was pretty hard. Like I said, I hate assembling. I had some stems from silk flowers so I used that as it had nice form. The wire in it seemed sturdy enough but with so many beads on it, it got so heavy. Initially, I was going to make one sprig... but I added two more so I can wrap the bottom stems for more stability.
I think I may add 3 more sprigs to fill out that vase... if I feel like it. haha ;)

What will I do for week 4? You'll just have to wait and see.

Week 2: Beaded Flower Challenge, aster

2012-01-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

I've made it to week 2 of my beading challenge. I'm still on Mrs. Nathanson's book.

This week's project was for beaded asters. The book says to make them in pastel colors or white.

I chose yellow because I have tons of yellow. Then I got to the directions for the center, and it says to make it yellow. Well, yellow flowers and then yellow center? Well, my fault for not reading all the directions before I start beading.

So I decided to go with a white center instead.

Now at this point, I considered making a mini arrangement in a tiny flower pot. After sleeping on it for a night, I decided to either make them into a hair comb or hair pins.

After messing around with the design, I decided to go with bobby pins instead.

I decided to model them.

Ta da! Final product. A set of 3 hair pins.

Conclusion: This was an easy and fast project using basically loops. And to be quite frank, I didn't want to do the flower pot because I just didn't feel like making leaves. It was just easier to stick them on hair pins ;)

Stay tuned to see what I'm up to next week.

continued... Week 1: Beaded Flower Challenge, anthurium

2012-01-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

So earlier in the week, I showed some progress photos of my beading challenge for an anthurium. The two major things I had to do was to lace the petal and make the center.

Here I laced the petal with very thin 32 gauge wire to maintain the stability of it. I didn't use a needle...never quite got the hang of it. I do better without it.

For the center, I decided not to use seed beads. Instead, I used about forty 3mm Swarvoski crystals. Can you say bling bling? Besides, the instructions for the center was so long and I was getting tired of reading. ;)

And tada! A beaded anthurium.

If I could do it all over again, I'd use red wire instead of silver wire. I'd also make sure to get the "V" in the petal even. Not too bad for a first attempt with a pretty hard new technique.

In Mrs. Nathanson's book, she has an arrangement of these with bird of paradise as well. Her arrangement had 4 anthuriums and 2 of birds of paradise. It was hard enough to get one flower done this week in between orders, housework, and taking care of my 4 month old. He only gives me about 3 to 4 hours in the morning. When am I going to find time for a whole arrangement with these weekly projects I have going on? Who the heck knows... stay tuned. Maybe I'll surprise you. :)

Week 1: Beaded Flower Challenge, anthurium

2012-01-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Week 1 of my beaded flower challenge. I'm working my way through Virginia Nathanson's book. The first flower in the book is an anthurium flower.

Here's my progress with it so far this week:

This flower was a bit challenging, even for a veteran beader like me. Most of the confusion I had was with the counting of the rows. LOL.

This called for me to do some techniques in "reverse" which was a little bit hard to get used to. The "V" in the flower is not even either. If I make another one again, I'll have to make sure to get both sides even.

Next on the agenda is to lace the petal (like sewing the rows together) and create the middle stamen. I'm thinking to changing it up. Instead of using beads, I'm going to use yellow swarvoski crystals instead.

Happy New Years!

2012-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years from Bead Flora and Jewels!

I will post progress photos from my 1st weekly beading challenge tomorrow. My first week is to create an beaded exotic anthurium flower.

Weekly Beading Challenge for the New Year

2011-12-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

For the past 3 years, I've been busy designing one of a kind Bead Flora and Jewels exclusive designs. I've come to a point where I've forgotten how to read a pattern book because I've gone so long without reading one.

Last week, I got this crazy idea to make a beaded flower project a day from my book collection. But thinking deeper, how can this even be possible!

I've still got a business and household to run. And I'm a new mom.

So I've decided to do a weekly challenge instead. It's not as exciting or dramatic as a daily beaded project but it'll have to do! LOL.

So the plan is to begin this challenge in the New Year with a weekly project to make something I've never made before. I believe this will be good to expand my repertoire of techniques. Plus, I need MORE beaded flowers for my home anyways. I've veered mostly towards accessories these few years so I don't have many arrangements besides the bridal bouquets.

My 1st Challenge is to create a beaded anthurium flower from Virginia Nathanson's book.

Watch out for this exotic flower in beaded form next year!

Custom lariat necklace, inspiration: Cleopatra

2011-12-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

In Mid-November, I was contacted by a client who had just received my Artemis hairband (which was recently featured on the Huffington Post) in the mail and wanted a custom necklace made. She had given me free artistic liberty design the piece with Cleopatra as inspiration. What a lovely compliment to any designer when this is asked of them! She didn't even want to see photos of it before I shipped it. How adventurous and fun!

I've always been the one to give other artists design liberty but never had that asked of me. How exciting!

Here is what I came up with after many nights of dreaming about it.

Conclusion: I loved the waterfall of lariats and the different looks it can have depending on what is put through the toggles. This is not something that I normally make. It made me think in new ways on how to use the techniques I already know.

This is what my client had to say about it, "Yet, Another stunning creation from Fen. I cann't wait to wear my lariat around my neck. This lady is soooo talented, If you want something truely stunning & unique. YOU MUST USE BEADFLORAJEWELS. Thanx a Millon Fen XXX."

Do you want to give me a challenge and have your very own Bead Flora and Jewels custom piece? Feel free to contact here.

Handmade Alaskan Splendor wedding

2011-12-14T04:12:00.000-08:00

One of my brides purchased three sets of beaded flower hair pins in the summer. Little did I know what her plans were until I read the story on the Etsy blog featuring her Handmade Alaskan wedding. She had used my hair pins and decorated her cake with it. How innovative!

Featured on Etsy Finds

2011-12-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Bead Flora's French Golden Goddess hair clip was featured on Etsy.com's Etsy Finds newsletter today.

This can be found in my Etsy shop here.

Featured on Huffington Post

2011-12-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

Bead Flora was featured on Huffington Post's Holiday Gift Guide for your Stylish Friend with our Artemis Grecian Goddess inspired head band. And is also rated #1 as a fan favorite amongst the other items.

The headband can be purchased here

Class set up for November 2011

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching at Bentley's One of a Kind Artisan shop in November. The class will be be on a classic...the French beaded rose. Almost every beaded artist I know began with the rose and that's what you'll be learning in this class. Will be beginner friendly.

French Beaded Sweet Heart Rose – November 12^th 2011 10:30 to 1:30, class fee $48 – kits and pattern will be provided. You can sign up for the class by calling Bentley’s and speak with Dale or Jenni 414-727-6888. Address: 8616 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Follow Bentley's on facebook http://www.facebook.com/BentleysOneofaKind

Cheers,

--
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Collaboration of French Beaded Flowers and Fresh Florals

2011-07-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

I did a collaboration with an Illinois florist Kristen Janes (kiokreations.com) a couple months back with my French Beaded Roses, black leaves, and also incorporated fresh peonies, sweet peas, and roses. The whole thing was very romantic French inspired. The sweet heart table was finished off with fresh arrangements, candles, and a set of beaded flower napkin holders.

Many royals including Marie Antoinette, Napoleon's Josephine, and Princess Grace have had French beaded flowers in their possession because of their timeless beauty.

Once the fresh flowers are gone, you will have a keepsake with the beaded flowers to remind you of your big day besides just the lovely photos.

If you're interested in purchasing single stems, they can be found here
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78225103/

This shoot was also featured on Ruffled Blog.

Photo Credit: Kara Schultz.

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Shoe Clips revisted

2011-06-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

I recently received lovely feedback from a client saying that after her mother saw my shoe clips, she became a shoe clip convert. ;) Love that!

Shoe clips are a great way to jazz up plain shoes. I love to make them do double duty and clip one right on my shirt as a brooch.

Here's some more eye candy shoe clips for you, my lovelies, to oogle at.

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Fen Li
beadflora.com

Peacock Feather earrings pattern

2011-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

I designed these peacock feather earrings earlier in the year and have been getting so many comments when I wear them. Fun, flirty, and so light to wear. This pattern is now available for sale on my website. http://beadflora.com/#patterns

And here is my lovely friend Nora modeling them.

Cheers,

Fen

http://www.beadflora.com

Featured on AOL's Aisle Dash again...

2011-03-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last month, my blue flower hair pins were handpicked by an InStyle contributing author to be featured on AOL's AisleDash for her "something blue" segment. This month, Bead Flora and Jewels is featured again for its non-traditional bouquets. See Article Here

At the same time, my lovely bride from Spain, whose bouquet this belongs to now, sent me a picture of her wedding day.

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

The winner is...

2011-03-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

The winner to my facebook fan appreciation giveaway is Gayathri Jacobs! Congratulations! :)

She will be getting the Here Comes the Bride choker that was featured in the March 2011 issue of Bead Trends.

Cheers,
Fen
http://www.beadflora.com

Facebook Fans Appeciation Giveaway

2011-03-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

I'm hosting my first Fans Appreciation Giveaway..the prize, the choker that was featured in the most recent issue of Bead Trends Magazine... There are only 2 of these made and this is the last one.

To Enter... first become a fan of Bead Flora and Jewels on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/beadflora

Giveaway - Here Comes the Bride choker feat. in Bead Trends magazine

When: March 13th to March 20th
Howto Enter: Share my facebook page on Facebook with your friends orTwitter. And leave a comment with what is your favoriteitem from my etsy shop http://beadflorajewels.etsy.com/

For an extra entry, sign up to be on my mailing list. https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdEcHc4U1BnVnBQVnI2YUpQb0lzUGc6MQ

Good luck and Cheers!

Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

it's great to have talented friends...

2011-03-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

A while ago, I sent my friend Nora a pair of my beaded peacock feather earrings as a thank you gift -- for being so absolutely awesome! :D

Nora is a fabulous designer of painted items on apparel. She's famous for her painted peacocks and has her designs featured in the January 2011 issue of Altered Couture magazine.

Just the other day, I received a nice surprise in the mail... she sent me a gorgeous denim jacket with painted roses on it. Her polka dotted packaging matched the polka dotted pajama pants I was wearing that evening. LOL. And I wore the jacket the rest of the night.

Tonight, I wore it out to dinner with hubby. It fits perfectly and I had matching Bead Flora and Jewels flower pins in my hair.

See Nora's work at http://www.norakaren.com.

Ah...it's great to have talented friends :)

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Pattern available on Beaded Garden

2011-03-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

My Sweetheart rose pattern has been out for about a month now and it's been doing pretty well. I've sold 5 patterns so far...even one to France. Yeehaw! A French beaded flower pattern making it back to its roots! :)

Now the pattern is available on BeadedGarden.com - a well known website in the French beaded flower art.

To purchase from me directly on my blog here, go to this blog post:

http://beadflorajewels.blogspot.com/2011/02/french-beaded-flower-pattern.html

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

review of Darice electronic bead spinner

2011-03-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Now, I've had an electronic bead spinner way before the Darice one came on the market. Yeah, that's right..a homemade one by my hubs.

Since he took out the motor because we had to go on a trip, I've been handspinning it with no problem.

However, since I'm working on a project now where I need lots of the same color beads on wire, my hands were getting weary from spinning.

So I decided to give the Darice electronic spinner a try.

I'm not a big fan. Yeah, it works... I like the fact that it has a top to cover the top when I'm not using it to reduce spillage and has three little containers if you're designing with different color beads.

However, I find that it spins too slow for my liking. Granted, a fellow beader I know thinks it spins too fast... so it's all personal preference.

And the motor is TOO loud! It reminds me of the first electronic spinner my hubby made for me...it was loud and you'd know I was beading from 3 rooms away.

Yeah, I've been spoiled. So from this, hubs is going to see if he can find the missing motor from my now spinner and fix it so I can have a fast and quiet electronic bead spinner again!

Cheers,
Fen
http://www.beadflora.com

In the March 2011 issue of Bead Trends magazine

2011-03-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

I was contacted last year by Bead Trends magazine to submit some designs into their magazine. So I sent quite a few selections in and they chose my "Here Comes the Bride" choker necklace to feature in this month's issue. And I actually sold this design to a bride last September and believe she'll be wearing this on her wedding this month :D

Available at your local Barnes and Nobles book stores.

Cheers,
Fen
http://www.beadflora.com

featured on AOL's Aisle Dash

2011-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Bead Flora and Jewels was featured on AOL's wedding driven site Aisle Dash today. Take advantage of the coupon code on there! :D

http://www.aisledash.com/2011/02/28/a-little-something-blue-bead-flora-and-jewels/

Cheers,Fen
BeadFlora.com

You know you're a bead-a-holic when...

2011-02-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm a hard-core beader... which means, I bring my supplies and tools with me on trips. Last March when my hubby and I needed to travel to China (oooh...I'd say probably a 17 hour plane ride), I knew I'd be bored out of my mind on the plane. Not only that, I had a couple of bouquet orders that I needed to work on too! I took my bead spinner with me on the plane.

This beadspinner is very special because my hubby made for me :-) It WAS electronic but since we were going to be on the plane, he took out the battery because from the bottom, it can possibly be mistaken for a bomb. And I didn't want to risk the possibility of losing my precious bead spinner. He made it out old vcr parts, and other misc. things that he found.

What is a bead spinner?
It's a device with a bowl that can be turned very fast... and with the beads spinning so fast, the beads are forced to go onto wire or curved thread by pure chance.

This is what a traditional bead spinner looks like. This is a mini-spinner. You simply twist the middle rod and the bowl will turn.

Back to the plane ride... we were on the back of the plane by where the restroom is. There was a crowd of people just standing around watching me spin my beads onto the wire. It was weird but it didn't stop me from beading.

I made calla lilies... all the tools I had with me were my beadspinner, my hands, and a nail clipper :D

...and this was the result:

Calla lilies bridal bouquet encrusted with Swarvoski crystals and Swarvoski crystal stamens

Calla lilies bridesmaid bouquet.

ah...my sister-in-law May, what a beautiful bride :-)

Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

French Beaded Flower Pattern

2011-02-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a pattern and kits to start teaching the art of French Beaded Flowers. When I first started learning, the first flower I've ever made was a rose. And it seems to be the first flower a lot of French Beaded flower beaders make...because it gives you lots of practice with the basic techniques.

This pattern is for beaders that are familiar with the "Basic" technique.

$6 /French Beaded Sweet Heart Rose Pattern (.PDF format will be delivered to your inbox within 24 hours)$18/French Beaded Sweet Heart Rose Pattern and Kit (Kit and Pattern will be mailed to you)

--
Pattern is not refundable or returnable. You may print one copy for yourself. You do not have permission to make copies for others. You may reproduce item and sell if you wish with credit to artist.

---

Marie and Matt - June 4 2010

2011-02-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Marie and Matt - June 4, 2010

Marie first contacted me early 2009 for a bridal bouquet and 2 bridesmaids bouquets. She ended up getting some more leaves for boutineers, flowers for mother of the bride/groom, and cute hair bobbies for the flower girl.

When I asked her why she chose to get a Bead Flora and Jewels bridal bouquet, here is what she said:

"I knew I wanted to be different...and I wanted them to last forever. Your flowers just called out to me on Etsy because first of all, they were gorgeous in the photo, and they happened to be my wedding colors! They also went with my loose theme of "modern vintage." I could have gone the silk flower route, but It was just so easy to picture myself walking down the aisle with your stunning piece of ART! Fen, it was just meant to be. :o)"

She made boutineers for with leaves I provided.

Marie attached a charm of her grandma to her bouquet. Very sweet.

Thanks Marie for sharing your photos :-)

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Art Vs. Craft show and art gallery opening

2011-01-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, now it's time to sum up what's been going on the past month! :-) Lots of news.

End of November, my friend Maria and I were at the Art Vs. Craft show here in Milwaukee and we manned the Etsy booth. We had an excellent time talking with people. And Etsy admin, Lauren, surprised us with a visit.

Maria, Me, and Lauren

Then mid-December, I went to a new gallery opening in Madison, capital city!

Earrings and hair bobbies on display

I looked tired and grungy... but what do you expect for mid-December? lol

If you're in the Madison, WI area...visit the Hatch Art House at

1248 Williamson Street

Madison, WI, 53703

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

I'm in the HGTV marketplace

2010-12-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

Uber cool! Found out today that my "Wear your heart on your Sleeve...er finger" and Grecian headband is in the HGTV handmade gift guides.

http://marketplace.hgtv.com/beadflorajewels_keyword

Cheers!
Fen
http://www.beadflora.com

Melissa and Brian wedding May 2009

2010-10-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

Melissa contacted me last year for a custom lillies bouquet. She was gracious enough to let me post some pictures here for you to see :D When I asked her why she decided to go with a Bead Flora and Jewels bouquet, here's what she said:

"I had been loving the bouquets and flowers in your store for a while and I knew I wanted a bouquet that I could keep and display afterward. They were all so pretty and I could get it in custom flower type and colors. It was your high quality work and getting to know you in the months before that made me think of you when I was thinking of what I wanted for my bouquet.
I really liked the communication and pictures along the way to make sure it was what I wanted."

Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Melissa and Brian wedding May 2009

2010-09-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Melissa and Brian got married May 2009 and Melissa decided she wanted some of my beaded flowers for her bouquet. Initially, she wanted four white lilies. With the proportions, I thought it would look weird... I suggested 5 lilies...and she said three. Three works!
I made some samples for her to take a look at.

Melissa decided on all silver/white petals with the
outside lined with silver.

This is what it looks like partially assembled. I made
the blue stamen look like hearts. After all, it is a
wedding :D

Stay tuned for the finished product and some wedding photos!

Cheers,
Fen Li
BeadFlora.com

Photoshoot collaboration

2010-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by one of my former clients, a fabulous florist from North Carolina, Kim Fisher. She's ordered some teal leaves from me in the past and now wants to incorporate some silver leaves in a bouquet for a photoshoot collaboration. ho- and behold, I find out that the person supplying the dress is a former Project Runway contestant, Heidi Elnora. And boy, does she make the most gorgeous wedding gowns! The photoshoot is Sept 19th... stay tuned for some awesome photos!

Cheers,
Fen Li
BeadFlora.com

$100 Giveaway!

2010-08-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've partnered up with Brenda's Wedding blog and is offering a $100 shopping spree to one lucky winner. There is still time to enter. Ends August 30th.

Enter Here!!!

Good luck! :)

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Been a busy bee...

2010-08-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've been working on the Bead Flora biz full force... The last two weeks, I've been retaking pictures for the whole shop. The first 3 pages look pretty good, but the rest still needs work. My Etsy shop has officially been dubbed the mullet. Business in the front, and party in the back... well, the back is not really a party, it looks pretty awful! LOL... but you get the idea.

So it's always about pictures. Maybe I'll have more thought provoking posts when I've got the pictures under control.

Cheers,
Fen
http://www.beadflora.com

Yeap... really workin' it!

2010-08-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

So the last post I wrote was about a week and a half ago and I was taking about time management. It's hard to fit everything in... and I didn't exactly follow that formula, but I still feel like I've accomplished so much already.

I wanted to wake up 2 hours before I normally do. I've only worked up to just one hour.

The kitchen is mostly clean and kept up... the bathrooms are fairly clean. They just need minor touch ups here and there.

Now on to the biz stuff. I have been beading a lot more! I know because I have the "wire" nail ;)
Additionally, I'm retaking pictures of my products.

Yesterday, my friend photographer friend Phou came over and helped me with the pictures for bouquets.... she gave me a preview of a pic to "drive me nuts." It did! I can't wait to see the rest!

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

Wanting it bad enough...

2010-08-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

So I had an epiphany this week. I'm stuck in a catch-22. I can't quit the day job until I can get the Bead Flora biz going strong... and I get get the biz going because I've a time-consuming job working late nights and weekends. So when I come home, I just veg out. If my old manager hear me talking about "time management," he'd have a field day. LOL

However...I need to take advantage of the fact that I just transferred to the local office, which is 5 minutes away from my house. So on Monday, I made the conscious decision that during that hour, I NEED to do housework so I can focus in the evenings.

Mornings: Wake up at least one hour before I normally do and work on biz stuff (beading, accounting, marketing, networking)
Lunch Hr: Housework
Evenings: Approx 8pm to 10:30 pm, more biz stuff.

What have I done so far this week?
Bathrooms and kitchen are clean. Changed PayPal from personal account to biz account, listed some things, and started on a project.

What is this? Not sure yet... :D

Cheers,
Fen Li
http://www.beadflora.com

The beaded reception...

2010-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

As promised from last week, here is the "beaded" reception. I made all 10 of the table centerpieces. The flowers for the centerpieces are different from my bouquet but had the same color scheme of red and gold. I didn't have enough time to make leaves so I used real leaves and twigs as an accent. After the reception, my guests were fighting over on who can take it home with them. The cake topper has nothing to do with beads but it's cute and I love it :) Our cake was a raspberry cheesecake and was soooooo good. Kudos to the Gourmet Cheesecake Shop in West Allis, WI.

Cheers,
Fen

Woohoo!!!! Made it to 100 sales

2010-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, made it to 100 sales thanks to a very sweet buyer :) I'm still offering 40% off to Facebook, tweet, and blog followers on all ready to ship items...including ready to ship bouquets and yes, I've decided to even do the discount on the already on sale items as well. I can either refund the discount into your PayPal, or contact me an adjustment on the listing price. I have a lofty goal of 200 sales by the end of the year. Sale will end this Saturday midnight CST.
Buy here:
http://beadflorajewels.etsy.com

Get them while I'm still a little "crazy" at the moment.

Cheers,
Fen

In laws in town

2010-07-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I've spent every waking moment since Saturday with the in-laws. They were in town from Ontario so we showed them around Milwaukee and Waukesha. No beading done...
I did have some stressful moments, but some great company and good food. Back on the saddle tomorrow. I am, however, 1 sale away from 100 sales on Bead Flora Jewels on Etsy! Yahoo!!

The beaded wedding...

2010-07-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

My husband Allan and I got married August 5, 2007. It was at the local bontanical garden in Hales Corners, Wisconsin...beautiful place with lovely flowers. The ceremony was at the Rose gardens and we just wandered off afterwards to the rest of the gardens for great photos. With the introduction of my new blog, I figured I'd show the wedding that turned the Bead Flora and Jewels biz in a whole new direction. I made my bouquet, two bridesmaids bouquets, and 10 centerpieces for the reception.

Photos by Phou Luang. Thanks girl!

Peace out! :D next on the agenda, the beaded reception.

Cheers,
Fen.

http://www.beadflora.com

Lapis Beach

2010-07-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Lauren of Lapis Beach and I are both in a couple of Etsy teams together. I've admired her work greatly...well, because she can knit and works with beads. I can't knit... I'm only good with beads. Here's my interview with Missus Lauren.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
A little bit about yourself. I have always loved to create and have been knitting for over 15 years. About 3 years ago, I visited a knitting convention, picked up rayon, beads and the tiniest needles I have ever seen...and I never turned back. I made hand knit bracelets for family and friends...and due to inquiries about the unique bracelets...lapisbeach was born. I love to create different color mixes for my pieces and I try to add new designs often.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

Apart from creating - I am a mother who is constantly "on call" due to one of my son's having epilepsy. I feel very fortunate I can be a stay at home mother who is able to offer my creations through etsy.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I think deep down I always wanted to be an artist- but shyed away from the idea in college. I took many art classes - but thought to be successful, I needed to focus in other areas. A Masters degree and a PhD degree later- and I am back to what I love to do...art! Hindsight is a funny thing;)

Please describe your creative process.
My creative process comes from many things. I am inspired by color and nature. I used to write all of my knitting patterns from scratch and have done the same with my knitted line of jewelry. I see a piece in my mind, and I take the needles and start to create....sometimes it works out...sometimes it does not. I constantly tweek my designs and color combinations.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
Hmmmm...I would have to say a book one of my son's made. There was such effort put into that handmade book...I will always cherish it.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.
My husband and I love to watch movies and I am usually knitting a piece every time- so I will go with movies I love for this one.
Overboard
The Princess Bride
So I Married an Axe Murderer
Forrest Gump
Silence of the Lambs
A Christmas Story
Music- My taste is too eclectic to desribe...I can listen to everything from classical to modern top 40 hits.
Books- I love a quick beach read...anything from James Patterson will usually do.
Websites- I guess there are a few- but when I steal moments on the computer- most are spent on Etsy.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Advice....I am not sure I could give advice, as I am somewhat new myself. I guess I would encourage them to list new items often. Have really good photographs and even when you think they are wonderful- re-photograph items often. You would be surprised at how much better a photograph can be. It is about time for another re-shoot on my items again. I would also encourage them to read Etsy's blog. Read the marketing emails, they can inspire new creations fitting themes and color schemes.

How do you promote your work?
I stink at promotion- no matter how hard I try. I am much better promoting a friend's items- then my own. I do have a twitter account, fb account and I am considering a Kaboodle account- but I am not sure where I would find the time to fit another one in. Thank goodness I have met some wonderful friends through Etsy - who help me promote my work.

In ten years, where would you like to be?
In ten years I would love to still be creating. I would love to grow my business every year. It would be a dream come true if lapisbeach could become a full time business. I am passionate about my work and for that to be my "job" would be amazing.

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Visit Lauren's Etsy shop at http://lapisbeach.etsy.com
Follow her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001218641369&ref=ts

Nora Karen... shoes shoes shoes!

2010-07-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've known Nora Gonzalez of Nora Karen for almost 3 years now. She's all about the peacock. When I first met her, she painted peacocks mostly dresses, jeans, etc. And Boom!, now she's all about shoes. Last year, she painted a pair of vintage shoes with peacocks on them... so I said to Nora I needed some of that peacock action :) The shoes you see here on the left are actually mine! Created from Dyeable shoes... Here's my interview with Nora :
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Buenos Aires,Argentina and I have been enjoying now Florida, U.S.A for a long time.

How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop?
Nora is my first name and my second name is Karina (meaning in italian querida,darling)so I wanted to sound more american and I used the english translation of it: Karen . Kind of like a Donna Karan ..lol

How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?
My awesome sister in law showed me the shop she opened and I was completely surprised at the fact that a website like this existed and I thought..I have to open my own,I have been waiting years for this! My shop has 2 years and a half,just a bit younger than my baby boy.

How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?
I consider my style between glamour and free,it has elements of the 80's glam and new concepts of today's fashions.I'm an eighties girl,I can't hide it ,so I was very influenced by that era.I also love artist that display explosions of color and surrealism such as Salvador Dali and on the fashion world I'm always crazy about Emmanuel Ungaro,Lacroix,Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli.

How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in
art and creativity begin?
I've been a painter/designer since I was a young girl seated on the porch of my house drawing girl's sillhouettes with incredible fantastic dresses. I always loved painting,I was the best in my art class and I got upset when they ordered me to copy something,copy was like a bad word for me

How long have you been creating?
I think probably since that young age,maybe for 30 years or more.

What are your main sources of inspiration?
In my designs I try to display awesome moments in life, colorful places, creatures and most of all ,things that inspire me to live a better life.My work is defined by color,shine,glitters and fashion styles. I am constantly inspired by the graphic elements in nature and icons in every new design.

Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?
I studied graphic and Fashion Design in Argentina.Painting and designing is a true passion for me. I owe this to my Father, whose love for life,art and the needed inspired much of what I am today as an artist,person and believer.

Do you sell more at one time of year than others?
That is a good question and a tricky one because last year summer was kind of slow for me but this year since the painted shoes are in such a bloom, I have been painting and selling like crazy,much more than I expected.

What is one thing about your creative process that you think most
people don't know?

Interesting. People see the designs and don't think on the process(mostly).
When I have a custom order I get all the information from the customer and I have to fit all those ideas first in mind and then on the shoes ,they work as a canvas, a blank canvas. Many times I start a couple of roughs on photoshop to make the client visualize what I 'm already seeing.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?
My artistic life was affected by a baby who pushed me to do my own business instead of working for someone else. My life without art would be very boring and predictable, because I'm a very organized person ,the kind that thinks all the details in advance, and art again is something that finds its own ways.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?
Yes,the peacock shoes!!

What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
I wish I could copy the feedback one of my customers wrote. They are actually 2 people.
One man said : " I Was fortunate enough to stumble upon this artist. I went out on a limb and bought this tunic as gift for a lady friend i have recently begun dating. She loved it so much that she changed into it the day I gave it to her, before we were off to spend the day together about town. She could not wait to show it off. Could not ask for a better reaction." The other one was a lady I met on facebook, she has been a contact and a friend from a long time,last week she wrote on my wall: Nora, my boyfriend ordered a pair of custom painted butterfly jeans from your store for my birthday like 2 years ago and every time I wear it I have lots of compliments..I was shocked. I never knew this lovely lady was a former customer!

Your message for all of us
Do what makes you happy. Don't sell yourself short.Keep pushing,pray,don't sleep and make it happen(do you think I'm kidding?)

......

Follow Nora on facebook at: http://facebook.com/norakaren
Visit her website at http://norakaren.com

Blogging from my phone...

2010-07-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

Just checking out the new option from Blogger to post from my phone. I can better keep everyone apprised of my business activities on the go.

I'm very excited about the unveiling of my new website and next on the agenda... A feature on a dear friend and fabulous designer, Nora Karen. See her work at
http://norakaren.etsy.com

Cheers,
Fen

BeadFlora.com

2010-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

The website is is done. Unveiling BeadFlora.com - The main purpose of the site is for a portfolio...however, I will be integrating facebook and this blog for give-aways, and possibly featuring other artisans as well. It's been a long process and it's still a long road ahead to get the e-commerce part of it up and running... one step at a time. A journey begins with just one step, they say...and I've taken quite a few steps already so that's a start.

Cheers,
Fen

Welcome to the new blog!

2010-07-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone :) Fresh start...

Doing the French beaded flower thing here. If you've followed me in the past and wondering what's happened to it... I've deleted all the previous mumblings and starting new.

The agenda for this blog will be an integration to my new portfolio website...which I hope to have up very soon. What else do I have in mind? Possibly give-aways... what would you like to see as a give-away from my etsy shop?
http://beadflorajewels.etsy.com

Cheers,
Fen