2 bead shows this weekend

Bloggers, spread the word about our "Flex Your Creativity" Beading Contest and enter to win 3 Free Soft Flex Trio Color Sets!

Details Here!

We won't be at either, but there will be a whole lot of really great exhibitors at both. If you live in the area, you should go!

BEST BEAD SHOW MIAMI
April 24-26, 2009 (THIS WEEKEND)

LOCATION:
DoubleTree Miami Mart
711 NW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126

HOURS:
Fri:12PM-7PM
Sat: 10AM-6PM
Sun: 11AM-5PM

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH ADMISSION FEE:
1-Day $8
2-Day $11
3-Day $13

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEAD SOCIETY BEAD BAZAAR
April 25-26, 2009 (THIS WEEKEND)

LOCATION:
Denver Merchandise Mart
Expo Building
452 E. 58th Avenue (I-25 at 58th Avenue)
Denver, Colorado 80216

HOURS:
Sat: 10AM-6PM
Sun: 10AM-5PM

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH ADMISSION FEE:
$5 Admission is good for both days

In the news....

Bloggers, spread the word about our "Flex Your Creativity" Beading Contest and enter to win 3 Free Soft Flex Trio Color Sets!
Details Here!

Rio Salado Park (south of downtown Phoenix) opens final 1.5 miles of riverside habitat.
Josh and I are park stewards at Rio!

Remember when I waited in line for a half hour before a restaurant opened just to get on the list and wait another 2 hours for a table in downtown Phoenix?
Pizzeria Bianco
They are being featured in "Martha Stewart's Living" and best of all the article includes 10 of his recipes! Can't miss out on that!

Speaking of Martha, here's a few good things for Arizona as the federal stimulus rolls into our state:
Stimulus money likely to benefit local police
Sign-up to begin for local parks classes
State senate approves bills for federal funds - extends unemployment
AZ national parks to get $20.4 million from stimulus funds
Federal grant money to upgrade Phoenix housing complex - low income housing

Shop Gemstones and Save

Bloggers, spread the word about our "Flex Your Creativity" Beading Contest and enter to win 3 Free Soft Flex Trio Color Sets!

Details Here!


Soft Flex Company delivers designer gemstones at guilt-free prices with NEW half strands.

Prices as low as $8.00!
3, 5 & 7 count Thai Sapphires on sale for April, as low as $22.50.

Bead store owners, we are offering you a recession discount. When you login, you will see a new lower price just for you on all gemstones!

Crafty Chica's 24 crafts in 24 hours for Earth Day Recap!

Bloggers, spread the word about our "Flex Your Creativity" Beading Contest and enter to win 3 Free Soft Flex Trio Color Sets!
Details Here!

WOW! Check this out!

Big Giveaway for Blogger Buddies!

Giveaway prize includes:
3 FREE Trios of your choice!
That's right ANY 3 Trios. You choose the colors!
Total retail value = $50.85-$71.85

Here's what you gotta do:

Help us get the word out about our new contest.

To enter to win, please blog about our new "Flex your Creativity" Beading Contest.

For your convenience - Right click, Save & Post picture:

FIND OUT MORE HERE!
(link to: http://www.softflexcompany.com/BeadingContest.html)

Feel free to expand and say more if you like. The only big rule is that it must link to the details page on our website for your fellow designers to find out more.

In addition, if you use the fancy artwork that Kristen created in your sidebar, I will enter you again. 2 entries!

Grab the html code for the button artwork and display it on your blog at the bottom of the contest page.

Then, leave me a comment with a link to your blog! I will enter you to win 3 FREE Trios in your choice of color combination! If you blog about it more than once, let me know. I'll enter you as many times as you mention and link to the details page.

All entries (comments) for this giveaway must be posted by July 1st, 2009.

Sneak peak at Earth Day Sale

Earth Day Sale - Wed, April 22nd
Only one day! Coupon code "Earth" is valid at midnight (PST) tonight!
20% off Eco-friendly Extreme Flex Wire Trio
Try all 3 colors for the price of one
www.SoftFlexCompany.com

Visit the tutorial on how to use a coupon on our website.

Ask for Soft Flex products by name at a local bead shop near you!

World of Beads VIII: A 20 Year Retrospective

A few BSGNY members with me in PA, August 2008.

Our good friends at the BSGNY have a new event to announce, June 19-21 in New York City. We happily contributed a large donation in product with a total value of $1,705. Knowing the members of the BSGNY, this event will be absolutely amazing.

The Bead Society of Greater New York is proud to present World of Beads VIII: A 20 Year Retrospective. This three-day juried exhibit will feature the unique beadwork of their creative and talented members spanning the 20 years of the organization’s existence. They will bring the excitement, passion and beauty of this timeless art form to the public. Beadwork demonstrations and FREE Mini-workshops will be presented throughout the event. Other activities include bead vendors, sale of bead books, raffles and a children's table.

Dates and Times:

Friday, June 19, 2009: Noon - 8:00 pm

Saturday, June 20, 2009: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday, June 21, 2009: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location:

Fashion Institute of Technology

John E. Reeves Great Hall

West 28th St. (bet. 7th & 8th Ave.)

New York City

For more information please visit their website at www.nybead.org

Gold Rush!

Instyle Magazine
May 2009 - Pg. 125
"Gold Rush" by Marion Fasel

I love Bravo. Therefore, I love Top Chef. And last but not least, I love Padma Lakshmi the host with the most. I was thrilled to see an article on her new jewelry line in Instyle Magazine. I was even more thrilled to see it is all in gold. She has some stellar designs.

Padma says, "A woman always has great stories about the jewelery she loves. She wears it so much, it becomes part of her life."

SO TRUE. I can date certain time periods by what jewelry I'm wearing. And it feels awful when I lose a ring that I loved or just can't seem to find the matching earring to a pair. Jewelry becomes a part of our story. I'm glad that I can tell my story in such a colorful and personal way.



Above you'll find one of our most viewed new free project ideas. It shows gold in a unique and beautiful way. Check out this necklace by Martina Valdivia! Martina was a spooler in our warehouse when she designed this necklace. It is a stunner. When we showed this design at CHA, people were clamouring for instructions.

24K Gold Extreme Flex Wire

Wordle

I love wordl-ing, perhaps you need to wordle too?

More on the Bead Museum in Glendale

Arizona Republic Newspaper pictured above - April 15, 2009
Valley & State Section

Online Article Here!

Low on cash and want to help? Donate what you can here! Every little bit helps out. Look at President Obama's campaign. The majority of the idonations were small, but it all added up to a lot in the end. :)

I'm not a sit around and do nothing sort of girl. So, I am working on a way that Soft Flex Co. can help behind the scenes. Once I have it ready to unveil, I'll let you know!

Australian Beader Econoflex Review

Jean Yates reviewed our Econoflex in the latest issue of Australian Beader. She loved the colors and you will too. Check out our affordable and crafty Econoflex at www.SoftFlexCompany.com or in your local bead store. Remember, ask for it by name! Soft Flex brand products are not the same as all the rest. A big thank you to the loveliest of all lovelies, Jean Yates!!! Thanks Jean!

Mother's day gift list

Mother's day gift list.

Do you ever wish that you had a quick and easy way to let people know what you would really like for a present for an upcoming holiday, birthday or anniversary? Here is a great way to give your husband and children an idea for the perfect beading present. Go here! Print your wish list and then simply circle or mark the gift that you would like best. Our website, contact info and $5 flat rate shipping in the domestic USA will be clearly marked on the page for your loved one. All they have do is go online and order you your perfect present.

Top 2 best gift ideas!

Trios!

Beginner Beading Set!

FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY BEADING CONTEST!

What is your perfect color?

Show us in the form of an awesome jewelry design! Soft Flex® Company is looking for colorful designs that showcase your creativity. Design entries must include all three Soft Flex® Wire colors from one of our ten Trios. There is no limit to the number of designs that you may enter. We encourage you to feature beads and findings from your local bead shop.

If you use beads or findings from your local bead shop, let us know
who they are when you submit your design so that we can credit them too!

Prizes Include:

• GRAND PRIZE: $500 Gift Certificate
• Runner Up: $250 Gift Certificate
• Honorable Mention: $100 Gift Certificate
• TOP 10 WINNERS: Free 30ft spool of their choice

The top 10 winners may be showcased in the following ways:

• On our website
• Print ads in top industry magazines
• Direct mail pieces (fliers, postcards, sales sheets, etc)
• Soft Flex Company Glass Art & Bead Festivals

Your name and design could be seen by hundreds of thousands of beading enthusiasts!

FIND DETAILS HERE!

Spring Fever

Kristen and I met up today at the Fair Trade Cafe in downtown Phoenix, AZ. There seemed to be a senior skip day in progress upon our arrival. Lots of teens from a local high school had found their way to the coffee shop. It was pretty loud and not exactly the best work environment. However, I have a feeling that this was fairly unusual. Once the teens cleared out, the energy flowing through was far better. I felt like we accomplished a lot today and that speaks volumes on the establishment. There wasn't a lot of distractions and the time flew by with us both feeling quite comfortable. I'll definitely be back!

It is absolutely gorgeous outside today. Summer will be here quickly and in Arizona, that isn't something that you exactly look forward to. I enjoy summer more than most, even in the extreme heat. But you can't beat a nice April day in Phoenix. It was cool enough today to wear long sleeves, but warm enough for cute sandals.

Last day for giveaway

Last chance to enter to win on Jamie Hogsett's blog!
She will draw a winner tomorrow - April 15th, 2009.

Bead Show in Oakland, CA

Come out and support the Norcal Bead Society this weekend and their annual one day show in downtown Oakland, CA.

Bead Society of Northern California Bead Bazaar
Date: April 18, 2009
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94607 Details: Saturday 4/18, 10am - 6pm
Admission: $7

Don't forget to look for Soft Flex Company. We always have pretty good clearance deals at this show since it is so close to home for us. :)

Good Friday!

I have gotten into the habit of reading Jennifer Worrick's "Things I Want to Punch in the Face" blog. She is too funny. Today she featured Peeps, which I too think are disgusting. However, the best part was a link to a contest by The Seattle Times. There are some funny pictures of peeps.

I'm all set for Easter. I'm making dinner for some family. So, I picked up a Honey baked ham. I, of course, had to taste it. It is fabulous. I can't wait. I'm ready to dye some eggs!

This is silly too - Lope of the Peeps. Thanks for posting on FB, Denise!

International Hot Glass Invitational

Congratulations Team Northstar, your beauty is shown above!

I love glass. Period. End of story. I just do.

I was sad that I had to miss out on the International Hot Glass Invitational when I declined my opportunity to go to the Glass Craft and Bead Expo in Las Vegas this past weekend. I guess that I finally found what I love more than glass & beads, Josh & Honey.

Anyway, this post isn't about me....it's about the Int Hot Glass Invitational. The On Demand portion of the recordings are available for purchase for the price of $14.99. This purchase will give you access both days of events. You can view the On Demand Recording as many times as you wish to view it until April 18th, 2009. What a deal!? SWEET!

In honor of upcoming earth day...

I was listening to NPR this evening on my way to pick up Josh's and my dinner from my favorite restaurant, Pita Jungle (mmmmm - chicken shawarma). I heard some good advice that I thought I'd pass along.

You can make a difference with cell phone recycling. Help our environment and the planet. Help a charity and a person in need. Hundreds of millions of used cell phones are taken out of service each year around the world as new innovations reach the marketplace.

One in three Americans will replace their cell phones this year, adding to the 500 million unused phones currently waiting to be discarded or recycled.

Cell phone recycling and wireless recycling programs keep valuable materials out of landfills, including an estimated $630,000 of precious metals from circuit boards, and enough copper from phone chargers to recover the Statue of Liberty, twice.

Find a cell phone donation box.

I also listened to a short snippet about a documentary called "Fuel". It sounds enlightening. It isn't available in Phoenix yet, but I look forward to catching it at some point.

Earth day is April 22nd. Learn more about Earth day by visiting earthday.net. I need an earth day necklace now, I better get busy.

Bookmark Collector

It fascinates me how many different hobbies people have, hobbies that I sometimes don't even think of as hobbies until I stumble across them. Today, I found the Bookmark Collector blog and found that it lists my free project idea for making a book mark. Whoa, news travels fast! I love bookmarks - maybe I should stop by this blog more often.

Sapphires...get your sapphires...

Sapphires are marked 50% off for April.

There are some really good deals. They have packages of 7 African Sapphires in all sorts of different colors for only $52.50. Normally, you would have to buy a whole strand and spend hundreds of dollars on these beatiful, little gems. Take advantage, because there are limited numers in each color and you might never find a great deal like this again!

There are 3 or 5 count sapphires for as low as $22.50. Be sure to notice that there are 2 pages of product to look at! GO NOW - thank me later!

I Love Twitter

"It is really the messaging service that we didn't know we needed until we had it."

Kristen sent me a nice video of Steven Colbert from Comedy Central interviewing a co-founder of Twitter. Check it out!

See what my friends are up to this week:

Jamie Hogsett is doing a fun giveaway for her new book and a Soft Flex Trio on her blog!

Kristen Fagan's boys have a new playroom table created with Ethan's school work and some decoupage fun. LOVE IT!

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. I suggest you check out this post from my friend Jean Yates. She is a rock & she rocks!

Spotlight on....

Every month we showcase or "spotlight" a designer, a bead store, a beading article, a free project idea & a book review.

Being April 1st, our latest installment went up live today. Our designer this month, Genea Crivello-Knable is encouraging you to celebrate with her. The picture above is of one of her many designs. Beautiful! I reviewed Jean Campbell & Judith Durant's book, Beadwork Inspired by Art: Impressionist Jewelry and Accessories. Jamie Hogsett wrote a really nice article called "5 Reasons to Love Your Local Bead Shop". Firefly Jewelry & Beads out of Springfield, Oregon is our local bead shop focus this month. So, you have lots of good information, interesting people and fun bead-y reading to do! You better get busy.

April Spotlight:
Designer!
Book Review!
Article!
Local Bead Shop!
All Free Project Ideas!

SHOP LOCAL!