Friday, April 30, 2010

As seen in "Wirework" 2010 by Kalmbach

Wirework 2010

It was a delight to see our Soft Flex Cutters on page 8 of this year's Wirework Magazine.  Have you ever tried our cutters?  I can't live without mine.  They cut wire like it is as soft as butter.  A pair of these cutters will go through well over half a million snips, even on the tip.  I prefer the long handle, but I know that some designers feel like they have more control using the short handled variety.  






Here is what a customer had to say about our tools:

"I was hesitant to place an order for the razor flush cutter at the price they were but I figured I needed the best and believe me ... they were well worth the cost! Gosh ... what a difference! Anyway just wanted to pat you guys on the back for selling a fabulous product for us to use. Happy beading!"

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Steampunk Inspiration from Creative Beading

Creative Jewelry - Vol 6 No 1

Another steampunk design image to help you get your creativity flowing.  This page is from Creative Jewelry, an Australian based beading magazine.  I'm hoping to get your juices flowing for our upcoming Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest.  Entries are due September 1, 2010.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Spotlight on...Designer Erin Klein



Our featured designer for this month is Erin Klein.

Back in 1986 when I was nine, my mom gave me a wooden Christmas ornament that she handpainted to look like a painter’s palette. In addition to my early ambition to be an artist, I went through a number of other career options-including high school band director, oldies radio disc jockey and IT recruiter-before settling on marketing communications, which continues to be my “real” job today.



NEW Color by Margie Deeb The High Key Palette
Designer - Erin Klein
Bead Seller - Beadphoria


Don't miss the archives. We have years of monthly posts archived.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Braided Black Obsidian Bracelet by Jamie Hogsett


These gorgeous black obsidian beads were acquired from Lillypilly Designs at the Rocky Mountain Bead Society Bead Bazaar last weekend in Denver. The RMBS puts on a great bead show and this year was more fun than ever (and quite busy too!). I wanted to make a bracelet that would keep these beads at the top of my wrist and instantly thought of braiding - you know I love that technique. 

I began with three strands of Black Onyx .019 diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire with a Bead Stopper placed on the ends of the wires. I braided half of the wire before stringing a black pattern Black Obsidian bead, then braided the second half and secured the wires with another Bead Stopper. I repeated this with a red botanical Black Obsidian bead, placing the bead just left of center, then repeated it again with a celedon botanical Black Obsidian bead placed just right of center. Using yet another Bead Stopper, I clipped the three strands together, then braided them, making sure to keep the beads together at the center. Sterling silver 3mm crimp tubes and a sterling silver box clasp from Jess Imports finish off the piece. 

This is a fun piece that I'll be wearing pretty frequently. I'm very tempted to make another one using colored beading wire or the Extreme Trios wire set. So many possibilities... 


Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Winner Announced!


And the winner is.....lucky #80 was chosen on random.org.  #80 was Liss C for following us on twitter.  Yay Liss!  A big thank you to all that entered.  Stay tuned, another giveaway will be just around the corner.

If you are dying for a Soft Flex Extreme Trio or maybe prefer a 30ft spool in just one color, you can use coupon number EARTH at check out.  Extreme coupon ends today! Order by midnight PT on April 26, 2010, to get 20% off Extreme Wire 30ft, 50ft & Trios. This offer is not valid with any other discounts. If your purchase qualifies for two or more discounts, you will receive the best discount, but not a combination. 

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day - Giveaway



Enter to win an Extreme Beading Wire Variety Pack in .019 Medium.

To simply enter to win once, leave a comment with your name and contact email. If you don't want to leave your email on the blog, please leave a comment and then email your contact details to Sara@SoftFlexCompany.com.  To comment scroll to the bottom of this blog entry and click on the link that states the number of comments have already been left.  For example: "31 comments".  This will take you to a page to comment.

To enter more than once:
1. Click to follow this blog. See the follow tool on the right side. Note in your comment that you are a blog follower.
3. Click to follow @SoftFlexCompany on twitter. Note in your comment that you are a twitter follower.
4. Click to befriend Soft Flex Wire on facebook. Note in your comment that you are a facebook friend.
5. Click to subscribe to the SoftFlexGirl youtube channel.And again, note in your comment that you are a youtube subscriber.
6. Use the share feature to share this giveaway. See the little icon below - choose your favorite social network and share our giveaway. Please note where you shared our giveaway in your comment. I will enter you as many times as you share this blog post with your social network!

If you already follow or have befriended us on one or several of the listed options, please note that in your comment. You will still be entered more than once.  International entries are welcome.

Winner will be announced April 26, 2010 around noon (PST). Anyone can enter except current and former Soft Flex employees. International entries welcome too.  Please, please, please share this giveaway with your bead loving friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Sara@SoftFlexCompany.com. Good Luck!

Recycle us! Soft Flex® Company was the first beading wire manufacturer to go GREEN! Soft Flex® Extreme™ Wire is free of heavy metals and can be recycled. Our nylon coating is derived from renewable resources and can be recycled. Our spools and clips can also be recycled - just tear off the label and put the empty spool into your recycling bin or mail them to: Soft Flex Company P.O. Box 80 Sonoma, California 95476.


If you have time and want to offer your solicited and perhaps anonymous feedbackNew Blog Survey.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Miami Best Bead Show - Guest Blog by Lina Gomez





I woke up anxious this morning. I knew I’d be driving into Miami later today to go to the Best Bead Show. I only recently heard about the show in a newsletter from Soft Flex.

It was about 12:30 when I arrived, and already the parking lot was full of cars. I could only imagine what it would be like inside!!! I entered with anticipation!



The first stop was … you guessed it … Soft Flex Company’s booth. Thankfully, they were right by the front door, and they were the very first people I noticed. I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas and Jenny (thanks for the bead stoppers, guys!!!) who were wonderful and friendly. We chatted about the Art with Heart Competition, to which Soft Flex had donated some of their Wire Trios for our prize winners. They had a station set up where people could try out different types and sizes of wire, and there was someone there playing with it every time I walked by! Jenny and Thomas were such pros … always there with advice or help and a smile for everyone!



I stopped at all my “usual” booths, Jane’s Fiber and Beads…the best seed bead, , miyukis, delicas and more that you can find, Lanshangs which I purchase at a lot, Claspon-Claspoff, the owner is from my local bead store and Shicols International.  I visited several new places like Talisman…great pewter and Jones Art Glass, just to name a few, and as always the sparklies and shimmeries were overwhelming, and the deals sparkled almost as much as the beads did! Thank you, bad economy, for bringing all those wonderful deals to the table!

The only thing there didn’t seem to be enough of was time. I was there for almost 3 hours, which was enough time to make my rounds and make a few purchases, but certainly not enough time to take any of the classes like a couple of classes being offered by Jennifer Shibona who happens to be a contestant in the Art with Heart Competition.   I would have loved to meet her.



There are few things as pleasurable as browsing through the aisles filled with seed beads, pearls, silver, pewter, glass (I indulged myself with several strands of glittery faceted glass beads!) and the atmosphere was every bit as yummy as I thought it would be! I was amazed at the number of people there … I had to wonder if they had all called in sick to work (as I did …ssssssshhhhh!...oh never mind I am self-employed…no need to keep it a secret) in order to get here before the weekend mayhem ensued. I certainly hope not!

There was something for everyone at the Best Bead Show, from seasoned beading veterans to newbies, to people who had never picked up a loose bead in their lives. I bet everyone walked out of there with ideas of making beautiful things! I’m anxiously awaiting the next show, which I believe is rolling into Ft. Lauderdale in June. I hope to see you all there!!!






Guest Blog by Lina Gomez, shopper at the Best Bead Show in Miami.  You can find Lina on her blog, Beads N Blessings.

Las Vegas Glass Craft & Bead Expo - Guest Blog by Brian Clark


Las Vegas is full of excitement of all kinds and for all budgets. The lights, sights and sounds bring in thousands of visitors every year.   One of our newest shows that we attend is called the Las Vegas Glass Craft and Bead Show, held at the South Point Hotel And Casino.  


This was my second year attending and working the show, and I have to say it has become one of my favorites. The talent of the many glass and bead artists is simply amazing. There are beads, gemstones, glass art, kilns and much more available for purchase all throughout the show offering you the chance to go home with your very own one-of-a-kind item. .


 There are also knowledgeable instructors and demonstrations available every day at almost every hour that the show is open to help you learn a new skill or to sharpen one you might already have. 


 Of course, Soft Flex Company is there as well to ready you with bead stringing materials and tools as well as with some of our gorgeous, high quality gemstones and bead strands. We also had our brand new Soft Flex Trio Beading Wire Variety Packs available along with some beautiful necklace and earring creations made by our very own Sara Hardin and Jamie Hogsett to help inspire you as to what can be done with them.


 Our job is not only to sell, but also to create, teach and inspire all of our wonderful customers in any way that we can. We want to thank each and every one of you who came by our booth this year and to let those of you who have never been at the Las Vegas Show that it is defiantly worth attending.


 We hope to see you next year at the 2011 bead show in exciting Las Vegas, Nevada!



Guest blogger Brian Clark is the Photographer for Soft Flex Company. Contact him at Brian@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Spotlight on..."Confessions of a Craft Marketing Coordinator" by Wendy T. Gibson


Confessions of a Craft Market Coordinator
Written by: Wendy T. Gibson

Advertising your craft business locally for free is easy and effective! In April 2009, I quit my day job to become a full-time Crafter with a capital "C?! Since I worked part time in a bookstore and my hours had been cut to next to nothing, it wasn't as big a deal as it could have been. It did leave me without a job though. Luckily, I was able to create one for myself that has kept me crafting and utilises some other skills I have as well! (Oh, and I also have a very supportive, in every sense of the word, husband!)

NEW Color by Margie Deeb The High Key Palette
Designer - Erin Klein
Bead Seller - Beadphoria


Don't miss the archives. We have years of monthly posts archived.

Pea Soup Earrings

Pea Soup is on the menu for lunch today, along with sharp white cheddar grilled paninis - yum! What does that have to do with these quick and easy earrings? Both require only six ingredients, so they're quick and easy to make, and the results are equally enjoyable.

These earrings came together in less than ten minutes and that includes the time it took to go through my stash and pull out the materials. The silver textured ovals are individual chain links from Soft Flex Company's oval and round silver-plated copper chain. I've been playing around with this chain, cutting it apart and using individual links or short sections of links for other projects. These two links were uncut leftovers and are perfect for adding movement and texture to the earrings. The five other ingredients are: Extreme 925 Sterling Silver .019 beading wire, 2mm crimp tubes, 3mm crimp covers, sterling silver ear wires, and ceramic charms handmade in Bulgaria from Golem Design Studio.


Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Steampunk Inspiration from Belle Armoire

Belle Armoire Jewelery - March/April 2010

We are so excited about our 2010 Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest.  Now, it feels like everywhere I look, there is something steampunk-y.  The folks over at Belle Armoire Jewelry were kind enough to let me share the design shown above with you.  Pippi has quite a few designs in the March/April issue of BAJ. So if you need a little steampunk inspiration, I suggest you pick up a copy soon.  Have you started to think about what your entry might look like?  Entries are due September 1st, 2010.  

Saturday, April 17, 2010

As seen in "Bead Trends" March 2010

Bead Trends - March 2010

I appreciate that Bead Trends allows designers to name the stringing material that they actually used in their design.  Being that our line of products is so unique, it is important to recognize that using a product that is similar but not the same might yield a different response.  Using "beading wire" as a generic term is like using "herb" as a generic term in a recipe.  Rosemary, thyme, basil....they all add flavor to a dish, but they each add a distinct and different flavor.  At any rate, Dawn had a brilliant design in the March issue of Bead Trends.  In the more recent April issue, other designers that used our wire in their designs include but are not limited to: Kristy Abner, Kerri Fuhr, Melissa Biersbach, Stephanie Dieleman (the designer highlight), Susan Kennedy, Carrie Yashin and Debbie Goering.

Friday, April 16, 2010

D'Olivia Designs Using Soft Flex Beading Wire

Design and photo by D'Olivia Designs

This design uses our Chrysoprase colored Soft Flex Beading Wire, which just happens to be on sale this month.  I've featured Diane's work before on our blog.  It is lovely that she incorporates colored beading wire into her designs.  The color enhances the beads and the overall look.  We offer the largest color selection for beading wire.  Great work Diane!  You can find this design and many more for sale on Etsy.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

6 ways to stay motivated when you work at home.

I telecommute.  Soft Flex Company is located in Sonoma, Ca.  I live in Phoenix, AZ. I get asked frequently about how I started working for Soft Flex when I live in an entirely different state.  I guess some things are just meant to be.  I met the right person, at the right time and had the right circumstances happening in my life to make it work.  At first, I was hired as a sales representative for Soft Flex at trade shows.  It didn't matter where I lived because I had to travel regardless.  We went everywhere - Houston, Memphis, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, Santa Monica, Seattle, Portland, Denver, etc. The next thing I knew, I had a home office and when I wasn't traveling I was working from home.  My responsibilities have grown over the years and now I travel infrequently.  Working from home has its pros and cons. I thought that I would share a few words of wisdom that I've learned over the years.

  • Keep a "to do" list.  It is far too easy to get distracted when you are at home. When you accomplish a task, mark it off on your list and see what is next.  This will keep you from losing track of what is most important.  My "to do" list often lists my short term goals as well as my long term goals. 
  • Keep a regular schedule.  Try to start and end work around the same time each day.  Give yourself enough time in the morning to have a normal routine, eat breakfast, shower and get dressed.  I like to start my day with a cup of hot tea. Don't forget to take a break in the middle of the day like everyone in the "normal" world.  It is refreshing and especially nice if you can get outside.
  • Visit the outside world.  I'm a pretty social person.  Being alone all day, everyday can be really hard for me.  Poor Josh!  I have to remind myself everyday that he has been at work WITH people all day.  So when he comes home from work, he just wants to rest and have some quiet time.  I, on the other hand, have spent most if not all of the day WITHOUT people and am bursting with chitter chatter.  So, I try to break up my day and visit the outside world.  I'll get a coffee or grab lunch outside of my home, go hiking early in the morning to visit the local gym.  Set up face-to-face meetings with co-workers or peers.  My co-worker Kristen and I try to grab lunch and meet face-to-face once a month.  We often leave this meeting feeling refreshed and inspired.
  • Make connections online.  Did I mention that I'm a pretty social person?  Along with going out into the outside world, use online tools to connect.  Tools like instant messenger, facebook, linkedin and twitter are a great way to feel connected to other people in the world.  Social media is a great way to collaborate and keep in touch.  The telecommuters in our company use instant messenger on a daily basis.  It is nice to be able to quickly chat about work without a formal phone call.  
  • Work space.  Being at home means that you can create your own work environment.  Maybe that's a desk.  Maybe its the kitchen table. Maybe it is a combination of several work spaces. I have a desk and I have a beading table, but I find that I am most comfortable in my living room.  I've moved a few times over the years and I've found my work space to be different in each home.  Wherever it is, be sure that at the end of the day, you can switch from being at work to being at home. 
  • Background noise.  I'm sure that not everyone needs this.  I'm sure that some people like silence when they work.  I'm not one of those people.  I usually have something running in the background - music, television, the news...something.  If nothing else, it helps me keep track of time.
Do you work at home?  Do you have some valuable advice to share about how to be most efficient and stay motivated.  What does your work space look like?

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Spotlight on...Beadphoria Boutique




Our featured bead store for this month is Beadphoria Boutique.

Beadphoria Boutique - Creating Joy One Bead At A Time!

Based just north of Chicago, this savvy and sophisticated bead store offers both uniquely designed pieces and an outstanding selection of beads. Beadphoria Boutique is best known for its fantastic ability to provide only the finest products including custom pieces and hard to find beads to enhance your jewelry making. Beadphoria Boutique presents an amazing selection of gemstones, artist beads, lampwork, metal beads, Swarovski crystals, vintage beads, pendents, findings, and tools.


NEW Color by Margie Deeb The High Key Palette
Designer - Erin Klein
Bead Seller - Beadphoria


Don't miss the archives. We have years of monthly posts archived.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Crimping 101

As tech editor of Stringing magazine, I'm fortunate to be able to hold in my hands every single necklace in each issue of the magazine. I love seeing all the designs in person and having the opportunity to see new beads and findings. It's the ultimate in window shopping!

This also means that I'm sometimes the person who gets to restring a necklace because the crimp didn't hold or the wire broke. Usually these breaks happen because the crimp tube wasn't properly crimped or the beading wire is just too thin for the beads used in the necklace. What I've learned at bead shows is there are many beaders out there who just don't know the proper wire to use or the correct way to crimp. At every bead show, I spend at least half of my time showing beaders how to use crimping pliers and teaching them about crimp tubes and crimp covers. It's so fun for me to watch a beader's face light up when she "gets it" and no longer has to worry about whether or not her beaded jewelry will break.

My wish is that every beader know the proper way to crimp. Even if you don't care for crimping pliers, I encourage you to learn the proper way to use them and try them on at least one piece of finished jewelry. No matter your preferred way or crimping, our School of Design has many resources that will help you become the best crimper you can be. Check out the All About Crimps article for everything you need to know about crimping, including a basic how-to, the importance of using quality crimp tubes, and a chart listing what size crimp to use with each of our sizes of beading wire, plus the number of strands of wire that can safely fit through one crimp tube. For detailed how-to instructions and step-by-step pictures, please read Basic Crimping Instructions. And for more information about how the quality of your wire affects your beaded jewelry, check out the Beading Wire Comparison Chart. Of course, we'd love to give you a crimping demonstration in person, so please stop by our booth at the bead shows, or please feel free to contact me or Ask Sara with any specific crimping questions - we're happy to help you out!


Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Crimps of all sizes

Design by Sara Hardin
Green Girl Studios toggle and "sun rock" 

I love this design because it shows all 3 sizes of crimps.  I used 1x1mm crimp tubes and micro crimping pliers to anchor the beads in place on the colored beading wire.  Each strand of beading wire is connected to the "sun rock" using a 2x2mm crimp tube and regular crimping pliers.  I chose to use crimp covers over my 2x2mm crimp tubes.  On the opposite side of the necklace, I used a 3x3mm crimp tube and mighty crimping pliers to attach all 3 strands to the toggle clasp.  

A little side note about crimps, spend more and you will get more.  Crimps are an integral part of any design.  It is important to make sure that your crimp tubes are seamless and strong.  We manufacture ours with double the wall thickness of most on the market.  They are also entirely seamless.  

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Fashion Colorworks Beading Contest


Color, color, we love color.  If you love color, you should consider entering into the Fashion Colorworks Beading Contest.  Entries are required to use one of the color combos announced by the Pantone Color Institute, the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems, as top 10 colors for Spring 2010.  Each color palette has 3 colors, just like our Soft Flex Trios.


Check out the awards! Soft Flex Company is sponsoring a few of the awards.  Deadline is June 15th.  Good luck!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Spring in Bloom Braided Necklace


Project idea from www.eebeads.com

Being that I'm so in love with the "Egg Hunt" themed Soft Flex Trios Beading Wire Variety Pack, I quickly fell in love with the necklace shown above.  There is just something magical about right hue of purple with green and blue.  You can find instructions for this design on their website.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Spotlight on....Enchanted Adornments by Cynthia Thornton


Our featured book this month is
Enchanted Adornmentsby Cynthia Thornton

Enchanted Adornments by Cynthia Thornton is easily on my top 5 favorite beading books of all time. I have always been a huge fan of Cynthia's designs that are often published in Stringing Magazine. I was thrilled when I heard that she was working on a book. She certainly lived up to my expectations. From the sketches, to the imaginative stories to the actual designs presented in this book, I was simply and irrevocably enchanted. Furthermore, I learned something new! I learned all about polymer clay and precious metals clay, two items that I've never worked with but hope to in the future.


NEW Color by Margie Deeb - The High Key Palette
Designer - Erin Klein
Bead Seller - Beadphoria


Don't miss the archives. We have years of monthly posts archived.
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