OT (sorta?) It's happening again!

I've been plugging away like a spring bunny, I can't see what's changed,
but maybe there was some kind of critical mass? I hope it's a sign of
glorious things to come for everyone in the beady business.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


Dr. Sooz wrote:
Maybe the Universe simply started smiling upon you. Perhaps you just got to
that point in your career. I know, that seldom happens without some outside
force, or intense marketing on your part, but....who knows?

Maybe these things do happen all on their own sometimes. We can only hope --
all of us!

Like in the movies... I dunno but I hope it is ongoing. Not going to
count on it, just hope! Can you imagine? I could buy stuff for me... I
could buy the bracelet I've been wanting from Barbara... and I could get
the kids a play structure for the back yard! Most of all I am hoping it
holds so I can build my new studio. I'm totally nervous waiting for the
quote to come in... I'm scared it's going to be completely out of the
question. A friend looked at having his garage converted to an apartment
and the quote was $60,000! I can't touch that with a stick. I hope that
the fact that the building is fundamentally sound and doesn't require
plumbing or amenities will make a huge difference. I would like it to be
under $30,000 including the office on top, which will open into our
dining room.

I hope that's not just wishful thinking.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


vj wrote:
vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Kalera Stratton
:

]it's like something reached critical mass!

that's probably exactly what happened - you've been "discovered",
dear. enjoy it!


-----------
@vicki [SnuggleWench]
(Books) http://www.booksnbytes.com
newest creations: http://www.vickijean.com/new.html
-----------
I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America,
and to the republic which it established, one nation from many peoples,
promising liberty and justice for all.
Feel free to use the above variant pledge in your own postings.

Wow, thank you Kathy... and you're right, I think RCB is good for my
business. It's funny because I came here looking for community, not
customers... and I got both. As well as *superb* advice from other
lampworkers here.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


Kathy N-V wrote:
On Tue, 29 Jun 2004 13:51:35 -0400, Kalera Stratton wrote
(in message ):


Holy cow... I did not expect TWO WEEKS in a row of this, but it's been
just like last week... orders coming in like crazy! OMG! And requests
for teaching... I am just floored. I *really* want to know what
happened... it's like something reached critical mass! I have never seen
my website so bare, LOL!


And this surprises you? Why? You're very talented, and your beads
have been undervalued for a long time I don't know how the other
lampworkers here will see it - but I think that becoming an active
participant in RCB can only be good for business.

For every big mouth like me, there are hundreds of lurkers, and we
spend good money on beads. (not craft store money, nor the
occasional $20 piece. We're talking a lot of money, year in and year
out) For all the harping we do about quality vs.quantity, it's
pretty much guaranteed that anyone who has found you through RCB has
at least a cursory knowledge of what's good and what isn't.

I occasionally participate in a few other boards (notably about.com),
and have noticed that it attracts a lot of people who are fairly
clueless. (Big discussion recently on why someone would pay _a whole
dollar_ for a bead. umm)

The other hot glass groups are probably great, but a large percentage
of their participants are people who make beads rather than buy them.
Look at the folks who come here to "start a jewelry business in their
home" - most of the RCB people are unlikely to spend a lot of money
on items they can easily make themselves. Those more professional
groups are good for increasing skill and trading techniques, but as
for getting to the world at large - not so much.

Kathy N-V

I have one thing to add to your wonderful declaration....you are also a
great help to all here. You are a wonderful mentor and friend. I'm so
pleased things are looking up for you. I'm crossing toes, fingers, and eyes
that your studio comes in under budget.

--
Starlia Klopman
www.klopmanstudios.com


"Kalera Stratton" wrote in message
...
Wow, thank you Kathy... and you're right, I think RCB is good for my
business. It's funny because I came here looking for community, not
customers... and I got both. As well as *superb* advice from other
lampworkers here.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


Kathy N-V wrote:
On Tue, 29 Jun 2004 13:51:35 -0400, Kalera Stratton wrote
(in message ):


Holy cow... I did not expect TWO WEEKS in a row of this, but it's been
just like last week... orders coming in like crazy! OMG! And requests
for teaching... I am just floored. I *really* want to know what
happened... it's like something reached critical mass! I have never seen
my website so bare, LOL!


And this surprises you? Why? You're very talented, and your beads
have been undervalued for a long time I don't know how the other
lampworkers here will see it - but I think that becoming an active
participant in RCB can only be good for business.

For every big mouth like me, there are hundreds of lurkers, and we
spend good money on beads. (not craft store money, nor the
occasional $20 piece. We're talking a lot of money, year in and year
out) For all the harping we do about quality vs.quantity, it's
pretty much guaranteed that anyone who has found you through RCB has
at least a cursory knowledge of what's good and what isn't.

I occasionally participate in a few other boards (notably about.com),
and have noticed that it attracts a lot of people who are fairly
clueless. (Big discussion recently on why someone would pay _a whole
dollar_ for a bead. umm)

The other hot glass groups are probably great, but a large percentage
of their participants are people who make beads rather than buy them.
Look at the folks who come here to "start a jewelry business in their
home" - most of the RCB people are unlikely to spend a lot of money
on items they can easily make themselves. Those more professional
groups are good for increasing skill and trading techniques, but as
for getting to the world at large - not so much.

Kathy N-V

On Thu, 01 Jul 2004 10:27:54 -0700, Kalera Stratton
wrote:

WOW! Cool beans, Margie! Your designs are so good, it seems inevitable
that you will be in demand. And maybe... (whispering) the market's
turning around? I'm not holding my breath until after the election, but
... ?

Aw shuckin's, thank you for the compliment, Kalera.

I won't hold my breath either, instead I'll just enjoy the moment.

--
Margie
http://www.picturetrail.com/margiek

I think it's a sign of glorious things ahead for you - and you totally
deserve it!!!

--
Kandice Seeber
Air & Earth Designs
http://www.lampwork.net

I've been plugging away like a spring bunny, I can't see what's changed,
but maybe there was some kind of critical mass? I hope it's a sign of
glorious things to come for everyone in the beady business.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


Dr. Sooz wrote:
Maybe the Universe simply started smiling upon you. Perhaps you just
got to
that point in your career. I know, that seldom happens without some
outside
force, or intense marketing on your part, but....who knows?

Maybe these things do happen all on their own sometimes. We can only
hope --
all of us!

Yey!!! It's so nice when things work out like that. And it's about time
because your stuff is gorgeous.

--
Kandice Seeber
Air & Earth Designs
http://www.lampwork.net

Thank you, everyone here who has ordered from me! And everyone who
hasn't, but has given me your awesome encouragement and moral support!

OMG, Kalera! I just read your three posts and can't believe it. No,
I can, I can. What goes around, comes around and it's your turn to
reap the good. I'm so happy for you darling!

And guess what? I just spent a lovely hour with a new customer who
was quite taken with a bracelet I bought from you eons ago and I just
happen to be wearing for our meet. G She wants me to make her one
using your glass beads, any beads with color. Ha! I have lots and
lots of those, don't I? hehee And she's given me free reign to
design 4 bracelets for her daughter and 3 nieces using fresh water
pearls and clear swarovski® crystals that belonged to her mother.
Weeee! I think some of your good vibes are rubbing off on me. Maybe
I should sleep with your beads. LOL
--
Margie
http://www.picturetrail.com/margiek

Go Kalera!!!! So glad that good things are happening for you! You
definitely deserve it.

KathyK
"Kalera Stratton" wrote in message
...
Holy cow... I did not expect TWO WEEKS in a row of this, but it's been
just like last week... orders coming in like crazy! OMG! And requests
for teaching... I am just floored. I *really* want to know what
happened... it's like something reached critical mass! I have never seen
my website so bare, LOL!

Thank you, everyone here who has ordered from me! And everyone who
hasn't, but has given me your awesome encouragement and moral support!

--
-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay

AW! :blushing:

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay

Kandice Seeber wrote:
I think it's a sign of glorious things ahead for you - and you totally
deserve it!!!

Greek salad and crusty artisan bread. It FEELS decadent and gourmet
but only costs $5 for the whole family... less if cucumbers are on sale
(or in your garden) and you leave out the Feta.

Kids won't eat it though, no way nohow.

-Kalera
http://www.beadwife.com
http://www.snipurl.com/kebay


Candace wrote:
I have serious bead lust myself. Heck, I can't even afford some bead
release this week. Forget food too. We are actually down to our last
package of meat in the freezer so you know beads are out. All I gotta do
is wait until Friday. :-)

--
Starlia Klopman


This is a situation I'm familiar with. I usually end up making some sort of
ground beef stew with a half ton of veggies and bisquits from scratch.

~Candace~
Orphan Beads Low cost and bartering for the financially challenged beader
http://snipurl.com/6s4t