Beadfest in PA 2009

Guest Blogger:

Brian Clark

Interweave Beadfest Show
Philadelphia, PA
August 20-23, 200

The area of King of Prussia in Philadelphia, PA has two things it's known for. One would be its Mall that is one of the largest malls in the United States of America. The second thing would be the yearly Interweave Beadfest Show that goes on at the Valley Forge Convention Center.

The show, now in its third year at this location had so much to offer to the folks who attended. There were classes on all sorts of ideas over the course of the show as well as a showroom that was two stories of gemstones, findings, tools, lampworking artists and of course beads galore.

Soft Flex Company was right in the middle of the action again this year and was proud to be able to not only offer quality products but to be there to educate and meet each person that came to our booth. It was truly a wonderful show and each and every person contributed to make it a success.

We also had the big prize at the show, a treasure chest filled with wonderful Soft Flex products adding up to $1,000. That was given away in a drawing at the end of the show.

The whole experience was one of great memories and we look forward to the 2010 show next year.

Brian Clark is the Soft Flex Company Photographer. He can be reached at Brian@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Day 7 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

More FRINGE! The new wire colors are perfect for fringe! This design uses the Renewal Trio, which has Emerald, Chrysoprase & Peridot.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

Great Aunt Eileen

I treasure the time that Josh and I get to spend with his Grandmother and Great Aunt Eileen. They are both nearing 90. I gave them each a bracelet for Christmas. One of the nice things about being a jewelry designer is that I'm never short on gifts for the ladies in my life. Aunt Eileen was especially taken by her bracelet. She asked for me to bring over some designs so that she could pick one for each of her sisters. Time has gotten away from me, but with a stern reminder from Josh's grandmother that I must not forget, I sat down at my bead table today and fashioned 4 options for Aunt Eileen's 2 sisters.

It is always amazing to me when a bead finds its home. For instance, the purple crystals in the above design were a purchase from Soft Flex 9 or 10 years ago. I've sat on them for so long - but they weren't quite right until now. The blue beads were an Intergem buy in Santa Monica, probably about 7 or 8 years ago. It isn't as if beads go bad. So some beads can just sit and sit until just the right project comes across my bead table. But they all have a history. And many of my more unusual stock, I can remember exactly where I bought them.

Since the designs are intended for women in their 80's, you'll see that I used magnetic clasps with a safety chain. It can be hard enough for me at age 30 to fiddle with a clasp. I've always tried to use the magnetic clasps for anyone that is an older age range. It is so much easier on their hands and they won't need assistance getting it on or off.

In all of these designs, I chose to use white Soft Flex Wire in .019/Medium. Most beads are fairly light and not abrasive. The white really brightened up the beads and made them sparkle. We also have white in .010/Very Fine Soft Touch Wire and .014/Fine Soft Flex Wire. If you want to try a color and want something that will work in a lot of situations, try White. It really is such a nice option. PS - White is on sale this month!

The crystals in the above design were cut off some old vintage jewelry from my best friend's Mom's collection. I use them sparingly because I love them so much. Mixed in is one of my favorite stones, chrysoprase. Yummy!

All in all, it was nice to sit down and just create some simple designs. I'll let Aunt Eileen pick 2 of the designs for her sisters and then send the other 2 to my grandmothers for a surprise present.

Day 6 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

Weave the wire through your beads! This design uses the Harmony Trio, which has Bone, Lemon Quartz & Copper.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

Day 5 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea

Design by Jamie Hogsett

Make figure 8 links for a unique design element. This design uses the Mystical Trio, which is Amethyst, Pink Tourmaline & Spinel.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

BeadFest in PA

Message from the winner of $1000 prize in Soft Flex beading products:

Just a real quick cyber note to say Thank you So much for the wonderful door prize at Bead Fest Philadelphia. I still am not believing I won!! Even now that I have laid it all out on the floor and ohhed and ahheed over it all. Where/what do I start with first???

As my business card says, I am an heirloom sewing and smocking shop owner. However I also love many other ‘needle’ arts including beading. The purpose of my bead show visit was to obtain all the beads necessary to make a small dozen ‘bracelets’ as gifts for my fellow board members of SAGA [Smocking Arts Guild of America]. We are having our 30^th anniversary convention in Indianapolis the end of September and as Region Rep we often share little goodies with each other. I am doing blue and pearl bracelets…all that soft flex will come in handy!! Thank you again.

THANK YOU for pulling my name. I never win anything…I swear.

- Karen K Eveland Mount Holly, NJ

Day 4 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

Anchor beads in place on the wire and expose the color. This design uses the Serenity Trio, which is Bone, Fluorite & Green Turquoise.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

Day 3 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

Use the colored wire to enhance your design, add depth using a color like red and balance with the softer browns. This design uses the Sophisticated Trio, which is Onyx, Coral & Brass.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

New Trios for Fall

Shop for Trios are that available now!

Day 2 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

Use the colored wire to make rings and interconnect them into a fun chain. This design uses a Tranquility Trio, which has Lapis, Blue Topaz & Tanzanite.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

Day 1 - Seven days of Inspiration

Free Project Idea
Design by Jamie Hogsett

Use the colored wire to make fringe. Fringe is hot right now and adds texture to a design. Also create links and interconnect. This design uses the Vitality Trio, which has Imperial Topaz, Citrine & Red Jasper.

ENTER TO WIN!
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Submissions due September 1, 2009.
Just use all 3 colors from any Trio in your unique design and send us a photo. What could be easier.

Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest

We are coming down to the wire and we really don't have all that many entries yet. It is really easy to enter! Whether your design is simple or complex, we can't wait to take a look and expose you to the world.

See contest details here.

Deadline for submission is September 1st - 1 week! Electronic or mail-in submissions will be accepted.

For inspiration, check out our free project ideas section. Many of the latest ideas are using all 3 colors from a Trio package in each design. :)

Try these colors...

There are some really nice colors on sale this month.

White, which looks fabulous under faceted, clear crystals. It will really make your crystals shine. We've had white in stock for as long as I've been with the company and I'm pretty sure that I've been using it for that long. It is a staple for every bead box.

Copper, the hottest color around in the past year or so. With the sterling and gold markets sky rocketing, why not try some alternative metallic colors? Copper will make any design look a little on the vintage/antique side.

Imperial Topaz, a softer brown than copper but beautiful in its own right. Imperial Topaz is a beautiful stone and gorgeous as a beading wire color too.

Check out our monthly specials!

Don't forget that it is simple and easy to find a bead store near you that sells Soft Flex Wire! Just use our bead store finder! Remember to ask for Soft Flex by name if you want a quality product.

Martha Stewart Living

Even Martha Stewart Living suggests Soft Flex Wire by name for their beading project! You can't go wrong with Soft Flex!

The following pages are from Martha Stewart Living - August 2009 - Pg 62, 65 & 152. Yay Martha!

"Semiprecious Stone Necklace"
featured above!

"Jade Beaded Necklace with Ribbons" featured above!
"Wooden-Circle Bib Necklace" featured above!

Click on the pictures to get a better look. You can see Soft Flex listed by name on the third page! I highlighted it for you. So exciting! Also named is Fusion Beads. Fusion Beads is an excellent source for all things beading and for Soft Flex too!

More jewelry making projects can be found on Martha's website!

Naked Passenger Gets in Fight During Flight!

Where was my flip camera yesterday when it was needed most? My co-worker and beloved friend of many years Brian Clark had quite the experience yesterday traveling to Beadfest in PA. I've been cracking up about it for a few hours now and upon encouragement from his brother and owner of Soft Flex Company, I just had to share with all of you on our blog.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Authorities say a St. Louis-bound Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to Oakland International Airport after a male passenger stripped, hit another passenger and fought with crew members.

Thankfully, Brian was not the naked man. However, he was on this flight and you can only imagine how traumatized he is. See what we are willing go through in order to get out there and sell you the best darn beading wire! Rain, sleet, snow or naked people and we'll still be there! :)

If you are in the Philly area, do check out Beadfest this weekend and give Brian a big hug for me.

August 21 - 23, 2009
Valley Forge Convention Center
1160 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Montgomery County

Details:
Friday 8/21, 10am - 7pm
Saturday 8/22, 10am - 6pm
Sunday 8/23, 11am - 5pm
Admission: CASH ONLY *Bead Fest Philadelphia students get free admission to the bazaar
1 day - $10
2 day pass - $12
3 day pass - $14

Buy in Bulk!

Mike Sherman, owner of Soft Flex Company, talks about purchasing our wire in bulk. It comes in 30ft, 100ft, 1000ft and 5000ft spools. Mike talks about the benefits of buying a large spool when doing bulk manufacturing.

I'm excited about this! From Twitter: Finished a right angle weave necklace yesterday and a 3-strand necklace using the new Soft Flex Trios in Renewal and fiber optic beads:o) Follow @innermuse. You can find Innermuse on etsy! It is so neat to see the Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest entries roll in! Yay! Yay! Yay! Only 11 days left to enter!

2,000th follower on Twitter was @pamsbeadparadis. She won Trios in Elegant & Mystical, 2x2 copper crimps and a few copper clasps. She is looking forward to being a first time Soft Flex user! Go Pam! Follow @SoftFlexCompany for steals & deals, giveaways, tips & tricks, up-to-date information and much, much more!

Project Runway

One of my favorite shows is finally back, Project Runway. I am all geared up for 3 full hours of runway fun tonight. My best friend Erin & I will be planted on my couch and enthralled for sure! Poor Joshua.

Check out stars in fall trends at Instyle.com. Looks like we need to break out the leather and studs, ladies. :)

Top 10 Free Project Ideas for Inspiration

Here are the top 10 most viewed Free Project Ideas on www.SoftFlexCompany.com for August 2009.

#1. Loop 'd Loop Necklace
Design by Martina Valdivia


#2 African Helix Bracelet
Design by Sara Hardin

#3 Fancy Crystal Bracelet

Design by Janet Balich

#4 Elegant Dangles

Design by Jamie Hogsett

#5 Stunning Silver Set

Design by Sara Hardin

#6. Mixed Metals Bracelet

Design by Jamie Hogsett


#7. Easter Basket

Design by Jamie Hogsett

#8. Tranquility Necklace

Design by Jamie Hogsett

#9. Golden Rings Earrings

Design by Jamie Hogsett

#10. Champagne Flute Earrings

Design by Jamie Hogsett

In other news:
Read about the Anniversary Event at Rings & Things that I attended this past weekend on the R&T Blog! Follow on twitter @Rings_Things.

Lindly was kind enough to post about our latest addition to the Spotlight section, Color by Margie Deeb! It looks like Lindly has lots of colorful posts and has her own colorful book to offer Polymer Clay Colorful Inspirations: Techiniques and Jewelry Projects for Creating Successful Palletes, you should check this blog out! Thanks Lindly!

Less than 2 weeks until design entries are due for the Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest. 12 days left to enter! It is super easy to participate and great prizes if you win, click on the link and check it out.

Designs Made Easy

The Soft Flex crew in our wholesale gallery are making it easier and easier to purchase top of the line gemstones for an affordable price. Recently, they have started a Designs Made Easy program. They are matching beads together that would make a fantastic pair of earrings, a nice bracelet or a wonderful focal point in a necklace. There aren't too many options up yet, but more and more are coming down the pipeline and being entered so bookmark this category and check back. (amazonite & lapis strand shown above only $35.00)

Customer Surveys

I love to sift through our customer surveys to see suggestions and comments from our customers. It is often times uplifting as most customers have such nice things to say about us and our products. It makes all of the hard work that we do seem worthwhile and meaningful. I recently posted a new survey that asked, "If you could only use one word to describe Soft Flex Company to a friend or fellow beader, what word would you use?" It is a little early to be looking at answers, but I peeked anyway. To get a good understanding of what I was reading, I wordled it! Here are the results! (click on the image to see a bigger version)

Dawno's Designs

Check out what Dawno is up to this week. She has 3-4 entries for the Flex your Creativity Beading Contest. Where are your entries? You only have until September 1st to enter. You can enter via mail or electronically. Follow Dawno on twitter @AWDawno.

New Web Feature

Fashion Trends

Are you a recessionista? No matter what your income, looking good doesn't have to weigh down your wallet. Recently, Jamie Hogsett and I went on the hunt to Kohl's, Target and like companies to see what sort of affordable fashion we could find. And of course, as jewelry designers, we can make our own jewelry for a fraction of the cost that it would be if purchased in a store. We hope to update this section a few times a year with current and affordable fashion options that pair with our current and affordable free project ideas for accessories. Kristen created an awesome lay out for it, and I hope you will take a look by clicking the link above!

The Anniversary Event at Rings & Things

It was another lovely day in Spokane. I discovered the Farmer's Market on my way to get coffee this morning. I didn't have time to stop, other than to take a picture. But, it is always nice to see a farmer's market. This is just up the road from Rings & Things.

I got my table all set up with Soft Flex designs showing all of our fun colors. It is always neat to take a tour of a place like Rings & Things, who have been in business for well over 30 years. The inventory is mind boggling. I think that someone said that they have over 20,000 items online. I really liked how they used the space. Everything seemed well organized and the staff is top notch. They were all really helpful and pleasant.

Dave even shared his earl grey tea with me. It was just the pick me up that I needed mid-day. Thanks Dave! Follow Dave with all of the latest news for Rings & Things on twitter @Rings_Things.
At lunch, I was in shock and awe of the glorious break room that Rings & Things offers their staff. It was huge and had large windows that filter in natural light for real, live plants. YAY!. It was such a nice place to spend lunch. As shown above, Rings & Things is very much into being environmentally friendly. They separate and recycle. Love THAT! Learn more about their green efforts HERE.

Below, you'll find a few random shots of the wholesale showroom and the warehouse. What a great outfit they have!


And finally, last but certainly not least. I LOVED this bag. Rings and Things customer Kris Fiala chit chatted with me for quite awhile. When she put down her bag, I realized that the straps are like a huge diameter of Soft Flex with a HUGE crimp attaching them to the bag! I just had to get a photo! Kris makes & sells these bags and is hoping to get some up on Etsy soon. In the meantime, you can contact her at k.fiala@comcast.net if you'd like to order one. SO COOL!

All in all, it was a really nice day with Rings & Things! Nice place, nice people & nice products. I look forward to seeing them again soon. I have a short video and more pictures to post possilby next week!

Rings & Things History:

In 1972, Ring's & Things' owner Russ Nobbs opened a tiny retail jewelry store in Spokane, Washington, after several years selling handmade gold-wire name pins and beady earrings at state fairs around the Pacific Northwest. The original Rings & Things shop was situated in an old downtown building that had been renovated as a mall run by artists, musicians, crafters and restauranteurs. The original store's filigree and bead earrings were soon joined by handcrafted sterling silver jewelry, followed by beads ... and a whole lot more.

A few years later, we added a mail-order print catalogsto our operations. When the arts mall was slated to be torn down to build a bank, all branches of Rings & Things – our fine-crafts gallery "The Jeweler's Bench," our retail bead store and our wholesale division – moved to a nearby skywalk level mall.

We ran the retail store and mail-order business simultaneously for several years. But, in 2000, the retail store closed, freeing up resources for our wholesale mail-order business to expand — Rings & Things was becoming a wholesale resource for the nation, and the world! In 2005, having long outgrown our mail-order digs on the 9th floor of a downtown department-store building, we bought our own warehouse. In our new home we're still growing, thanks to you!