New Education Coordinator

We have BIG news! Jamie Hogsett is officially on board as the new Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. She got started yesterday. But, I feel blessed and happy to have her talents and design experience on staff. YAY JAMIE!

About Jamie:

Jamie Hogsett is a bead lover, jewelry designer, beading instructor, freelance editor, and the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company.

She is the author of Stringing Style and co-author, with Marlene Blessing, of Create Jewelry: Pearls, Create Jewelry: Crystals, Create Jewelry: Stones, and Create Jewelry: Glass (available March 2009).

Jamie is the former editor of Stringing magazine and was assistant editor of Beadwork magazine. Her work has been published numerous times in Stringing and Beadwork magazines as well as in Beadwork Creates Beaded Rings, Beadwork Creates Beaded Bags, Beadwork Creates Beaded Earrings and other books and magazines from Interweave Press.

Jamie has a new blog so be sure to stop by and see what she is up to this week!

Create Jewelry: Stones by Marlene Blessing

My review

Create Jewelry: Stones by Marlene Blessing & Jamie Hogsett has almost 120 pages, stuffed with “stunning designs to make and wear”. This book is near and dear to our hearts here at Soft Flex Company because Jamie used lots of gemstones from our very own gallery and she did us proud with her beautiful design work. GREAT JOB, Jamie! Furthermore, Jamie is not only a thoughtful designer; she is now officially a Soft Flex’er. She is our new Education Coordinator. We are so pleased to have her on board. Anyway, back to this new and exciting book. There is something just so special about gemstone beads. And it is nice to see a book that is not only talking about gemstones but showing specifically how to use them.

From the back cover: “Take your designs to the next level! Dramatize your jewelry designs with the addition of semiprecious stones. Add a few to accentuate a piece or many to completely change the look and feel of a design. Create Jewelry: Stones explores the world of semiprecious stones-what they are, where to find them, captivating stories and tidbits-plus gorgeous designs divided into Classic, Special-Occasion, and Fashion-Forward sections for the true jewelry connoisseur. Jewelry makers will revel in this in-depth look at semiprecious stones complete with clear step-by-step project instructions and rich inspiration.”

Inside you’ll find:

· 20+ beautiful stringing and beadweaving designs

· Intriguing anecdotes, history, and tips about semiprecious stones

· A guide that identifies the most common types of stones

You can find this book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Create-J...

You can find many of the stones used in this book right at www.SoftFlexCompany.com

View all my reviews.

Runway 08 in Toronto..more

I'm back from Toronto. Runway 08 was more than I could have ever expected. John Bead built a tent outside their back door with a runway, lights, cameras & plenty of action! It was unbelievable.

John Bead kicked the night off with a dance from an aboriginal, native american. Greg Dreaver had a touching presentation and shared two beautiful dances with us. I had the fortune to also have lunch with him earlier in the day. He is a deep thinker and was a wonderful lunch mate. :)


The show was split into the 4 seasons of the year with 4 different designers. Spring was designed by Boris Hanecka. Summer was designed by Pavel Jevula. Autumn was designed by E. daniely (brand). And winter was designed by Beata Rajska. There was fashion and jewelry for each season.

Between each section the Jablonex representative led us through tutorials on how specific Czech beads were created. Before and after the event, Lisa and I were very busy demoing Soft Flex products. We were happy to have been invited to participate in such a lovely event. So it was an educational and informative night for all present.

Here are a few snap shots from the event. I will scan and show some of the jewelry that was modeled when I have extra time.







Very neat! I had one of those, "this is my life?" moments in Toronto. I have a pretty great life and really enjoy not knowing exactly where I will end up next. If you are Canadian, this is an event to not be missed next year! Also, don't forget - John Bead is officially our Master Distributor in Canada. They carry every brand, color, diameter and length in beading wire that we offer.

Read more about John Bead from insidetoronto.com!

More from Toronto!

We had a full day at John Bead, our master distributor in Canada. Everyone at John Bead accepted Lisa & I with open arms. We had a very nice day demoing and explaining our products. I got a sneak peak at the models and clothes walking in the fashion show tomorrow night. I'm so excited - this is going to be such a NEAT experience.





Tomorrow is a long day and i

Runway 08 in Toronto

We made it safely to Toronto. We are off to visit John Bead today. Runway 08 will be held tomorrow. I'm very excited to check it out!!!

Art Accentz

So, I had an "Ask Sara" question today about Art Accentz Micro Beadz. So, I pulled up our website and clicked to look at the Art Accentz products, "WHAT? No Micro Beadz? Is it missing?" I knew they were on close out, but geez. Those babies went fast. Then I realized, "WHAT? No more Terrifically Tacky Tape?" That's right, we are sold out of both. I have to admit (I already admitted to Kristen via instant messanger), I felt a little sad. I felt like I had seen an old friend for the last time. I was around when that product line launched. I remember how excited designers were to learn about it. I remember seeing flakes of glitter all over every single one of my co-workers at every trade show when we initially brought the entire product line with us. And now, it has come and almost entirely gone.


We still have 2 important categories left. And they are a BEST BUY. $.80 per package is a BLOW OUT PRICE. We have glitter & mixes of seed beads (Treasure Beadz) left. The orange seed beads are perfect for a Halloween design! So get 'em while they last ladies and gents because these products are moving out quickly and won't be back. They are closed out.

New Necklace

So, Kristen (our web graphic designer) and a very good friend of mine turned 30 this past month. We see each other infrequently as we both telework from home offices. Today we had lunch and a meeting so I was able to finally give her a gift. I made her a necklace that I love. Designing for Kristen is my favorite. Why? She is up for just about anything. She isn't a one color girl. She loves all of the colors of the rainbow. I never have to worry, "will she wear this?" I know she will. Anyway, I used the copper colored soft flex and it turned out great - if I do say so myself!





Pretty. It is all copper soft flex wire, creating each link using crimps & crimping pliers. :)

We cooked up some pretty fun schemes. We planned the upcoming holiday sale, chit chatted about some fun new products that are soon to be launched and mapped out or intentions to have the first ever Soft Flex design contest. Very exciting....

www.SoftFlexCompany.com

Paula's birthday

It is Paula's birthday today. YAY PAULA! Paula is the lovely blonde that you may have seen in our Soft Flex booth over this past year. She is funny. She is smart. And I enjoy working with her.

Paula has very nice blog about her future home in Mexico. If you'd like a nice read, stop by and visit.

Back to work

So, yesterday was busy. Joshua and I got up early and attended orientation for our new park steward positions with City of Phoenix Parks & Recreation. We learned all sorts of neat facts about the mountain & park systems here in Phoenix. For instance, I did not know that South Mountain (where our training was held) is often referred to as the largest "city" park in the country. In fact, I had no idea that South Mountain Park & Preserve was well over 16,000 acres. That is huge!

I also learned that Phoenix owns 30 acres in the Coconino National Forest on the Mogollon Rim, 150 miles north of Phoenix. It is called Camp Colley and provides recreation opportunities in a forest setting. Camping trips are organized by existing Parks & Recreation dept. Participants stay at the remote campsite in platform tents. Right now, the remote site can only accomodate 20 participants at a time. Construction on a new cabin began in July. The cabin is one of four that will eventually be on site. Soon, they will be able accomodate 48 campers! They are still building funds for the next 3 cabins. To contribute, email info@campcolley.org. Pretty neat.

Joshua and I are focusing our energy on the Rio Salado Project. The project is 5 miles long, just south of downtown Phoenix. This site was a dump site for many years. In fact, restoration crews removed hundreds of tons of auto tires. There are now over 200 bird species that enjoy the wetlands. It is beautiful. I can't wait to get out there an enjoy it. If you have little ones and live in the Phoenix area, you might like the World Water Festival. It is on Saturday, October 18 from 9am-1pm. It is a celebration of the anniversary of the Clean Water Act. This family, fun, free day will feature activities on water quality monitoring, aquatic insects, watersheds, water magic tricks, ground water, recycling, games, hikes, animals and all around fun! I bet little ones will love it.

The nice thing is that we can donate time to any of the major parks or preserves. So, we won't have to worry about getting bored because there is so much variety. :)

In other news, 1 week until Jenn gets married. We had our last pre-wedding meeting last night at my favorite restaurant, Pita Jungle. I need to make some jewelry to wear with my bridesmaid dress. It is pastel pink - I think I have some top drilled pink crystals that just might do the trick....hmmmm, maybe some pink soft flex wire?

I love the weekend!

We have a 4th family member staying over this weekend. Cash is my best friend Erin's dog. He used to be my roommate. He is a high strung but very loving whippet. He drives Honey crazy - but we all love him. Erin is out of town so we are doggy sitting. :)

Tomorrow morning, Joshua and I finally have our park steward orientation for the Rio Salado Project. We're excited.

New Book!

You Made It, Now Sell It by Susie Bradford Edwards

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
You Made It…Now Sell It!!! by Susie Bradford Edwards is 176 pages and includes chapters covering pricing, basic business planning, financing and of course selling jewelry. She discusses selling online with or without a website, to reps, at craft fairs, wholesaling, consigning as well as fundraising, corporate sales, pushcart sales & being located in craft malls. She really covers it all and is very thorough on each subject.

My favorite quote from this book: “Making jewelry allowed me to utilize all the things I’d learned in my art classes, like color, balance, light, harmony etc.” I agree whole heartedly.

Inside you’ll find:

• “Absolutely everything that you need to know before you make, sell or consign your jewelry to anyone.”
• 14 jam packed chapters
• Tons of resource information along with pertinent business forms
  

Scott Clark, owner of Soft Flex Company read this book and shared some of his thoughts with me. “I took the time to read this book from cover to cover. This has to be the most current and insightful book on marketing your finished jewelry and your design name. This is a MUST READ for anyone that is in the jewelry making business. It's such an interesting and captivating read that you won't want to put the book down until you've read the last page. With this book under your belt and some hard work, you will feel empowered to make you're business dreams become a reality. I'm proud to say this has the Soft Flex Company endorsement stamp.”

Check it out, I promise you’ll thank me later!

View all my reviews.

Buy it here!

Glass Art & Best Festival in Sonoma

Here is a nice write up from Bead & Button on our Glass Art & Bead Festival in Sonoma! :)

My Aura

I have to admit, there is a pragmatic side of me that sees the world just as it is. Then, there is a spiritual side of me that is intrigued by the idea of energy & interconnectedness. This is the part of me that loves yoga and sees the world as a very mysterious place.

For years, my best friend Erin and I have been taking and giving an "aura test" from a book called What color is your aura? by Barbara Bowers, Ph.D. We are fascinated by the detailed descriptions for each aura color and how they are "so true". I've proudly called myself and indigo for well over a decade. What exactly does that mean, you ask? Here are a few tid bits to explain...

The reality of our world is a shifting, evolving, dynamic energy field. As part of this ecosystem, humanity is growing and developing. As the needs of the whole shift, changes need to be made in the parts that make up that whole. So it is with the auras. A new color - Indigo - has emerged, with skills, talents, and physical characteristics significantly different from those of other colors.

The significant thing about Indigos is that they have leadership capabilities unlike those we have heretofore experienced. They understand what it means to be fully actualized human being without having been taught that concept.

The most difficult thing for an Indigo to develop is patience and forebearance. Because they seem to have already grasped what it means to be authentic, they have little tolerance for others who struggle with this issue.

So, yesterday at the Gypsy Trader. I was delighted to let Karyn take my aura photo. I'm up for trying anything. The photo itself was very interesting. No indigo! However, the colors that showed up did very much seem like business colors and being that I was there on a business visit, it seemed appropriate. I thought I'd share...



My main color was orange with splotches of greeny-yellow. So what does that mean, you ask? Well, even if you didn't ask....I'm going to tell you!

Orange - Active, Upbeat, Fun loving, Creative, Capable, Warm, Strong desire for Freedom of Expression and Adventure unfolding, Enjoyment of Sensual Pleasures.

Yellow - Intellectual, Acquiring Knowledge, and Wisdom, Optimistic, Cheerful, Lucky, Innocent Child at heart, Fun, Spirtuality.

Green - Healing, Balance, Ambitious, Hardworking, Elasticity of will, Tenacity, Self-assertion, Teaching, Firmness, Growth renewal, Wealth.

So now I'm at a loss - what is my true aura color? At any rate, more confused that ever but at the very least entertained, I'll leave you to ponder the mysteries of the universe. :)

Gypsy Trader

I had a really nice afternoon. I sat down with Karyn owner of Gypsy Trader, here in Phoenix. Gypsy Trader is a new age style bead store that was located in Cave Creek, AZ for 12 years but has recently moved into North Phoenix. They carry our wire as well as some other Soft Flex related items to go along with their bead selection. I immediately felt at home as soon as I walked in the front door. The store has a beautiful lay out, smells wonderful and just feels comfortable. So guess what? I'm probably going to be teaching classes at the Gypsy Trader on Sundays! I've been wanting to find a store in my area to teach....and voila, I found what I think will make a great match. I'm very excited.



Gypsy Trader
20811 N. Cave Creek Rd #103
Phoenix, AZ 80524
(602) 971-4445

John Bead Presents: Runway 08

EXCITING NEWS!!!

I'm headed to Toronto with my co-worker Lisa Vernon later this month. We will be demoing our products at John Bead Corp on 9/24 & 9/25/08. John Bead celebrates fashion week by hosting "Runway 08" on Thursday, Sept 25th. "Join us on this special evening, as John Bead Corp in association with the Jablonex Group, showcase a unique tradition of glass and fashion jewelry typical of North Bohemian region in the Czech Republic."

Limited tickets available!

John Bead Corp is a master distributor of our products in Canada. Here is some info on who John Bead Corp is:

Canada's Largest Bead Importer
Since 1954

Established in 1954 by founder Fritz John, on basic family values of honesty, respect and support, the John Bead Corporation is the industry leader who truly provides a one stop shopping, to meet your needs.

With over 45,000 products available at the 100,000 sq ft Toronto Showroom and Warehouse shipping daily across north America.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff of over 60 have made it possible for John Bead to become the leader in customer service and satisfaction, unsurpassed by any competitor.

With family ties to the Czech Republic, the birth place of modern day glass blowing, the John Bead Corp is proud to be Canada’s Largest and Master Importer Of Czech Glass Beads, Crystal, and Components where you'll find an unbelievable selection of in-stock Czech Seed Beads and Fire Polished Beads, Pressed Glass, ……….

We maintain our strong family values as the blueprint for our Gold Standard Customer Service. Never dealing directly to the end consumer, we strongly support our wholesale customers.

Ghana Beadwork Project

I stumbled upon the Ghana Beadwork Project today. I love working in an industry that is full of kind, caring, giving individuals.

You can contact Melody at writersink@msn.com to get involved. :)

More interesting reading: Bead and Button in Ghana.

Pearls & Politics

Pearls & Politics - have you noticed that they go hand in hand?






Pearls are organic gemstones. They are formed when a foreign body becomes trapped inside of the shell of a mollusk. Pearls are a rare occurrence naturally and in previous centuries, thousands of oysters and mussels would have to be opened to find even one. They are now cultivated with the expert help of pearl farmers.

Mohs' Hardness Scale: 2.5-4.5

Pearls (multi colors) represents the Solar Plexus Chakra which is positioned above the abdomen but under the rib cage. Pearls can help reduce emotional stress while aiding in boosting the immunity and digestion systems. The Pearl is a symbol of Feminine Wisdom, Purity, and Spiritual Transformation. Pearls resonate with the Astrological signs Cancer and Gemini.

Excellent PBS article about the culture of pearls: Click me!

If you'd like to learn more about pearls, you can check out this book: Make Jewelry Pearls by Jamie Hogsett & Marlene Blessing.

Stop by and peruse our pearls at www.SoftFlexCompany.com.