I got a couple of curve balls thrown at me but yes, we will have a BSBP. Questions...
1)
How long do you need notification of sign ups? Since there will only be ONE DAY to sign up (my way of keeping the numbers manageable), I was thinking a week and a half, so it crosses two weekends.
2)
There will be ONE party date. Dragging it out seemed to make those at the end not get the excitement and momentum for comments. More later on why one day, no matter how many people, is to your advantage.)
How long should it be between sending beads and reveal date, keeping in mind international. (I have a back up plan if we get more than a few late international packages, like a separate mini hop, so you aren't screwed over.
3) Here's the touchy one, and I'd appreciate input..
Sometimes I've had people send me photos of their soups and they were obviously cast offs or (man I hate to use this word) junky. Some beads have come in dirty, falling apart, etc. This is a once a tear event, recently written up in Jewelry Affaire magazine. So when sending think. Are you proud of your beads? They don't have to be huge strands of lampwork or expensive gemstones, but if you would, start planning NOW. My go-to is Etsy, not Michael's or Hobby Lobby (not that there's a thing wrong with that... just giving options). And I'm not playing favorites with my list, I'm rushing.
Silk cording in color coordinated bundles,
www.MarshaNealStudio.etsy.com
Patinaed metal and gemstones,
www.MissFickleMedia.etsy.com
Bronze clay clasps and vocals,
www.THEAElements.etsy.com
Unique clasps,
www.AmandaDavieElements.etsy.com
Very cool gemstones, www.UncommonBeads.etsy.com
www.UncommonBeads.etsy.com
There is a file under Files in our group listing bead makers (if your not on it, add!) If it's the old one with lampworkers only, one person please start a new one called handmade beads and components.
The touchy part. Technically, as artists, we should be able to use what we're given, along with our own stash. A lot of people forget you're not getting a kit, but a starting point. There's also"soup envy" and I can't help it if you like someone else's better than yours, but it CAN bring out some wild behavior (trust me).
If you are truly troubled, upset, rules were obviously broken, come to me. Lisa Liddy and Tania Spivey can be contacted if I'm sick and can't get to email.
Think hard about what you got, raid your bins, flip through magazines for inspiration, and contact me if it's just not gelling.
I am not going to stop anyone from sending more than the required focal, pretty clasp, and few COORDINATING beads. If you want to send more, do so, knowing you may be getting a normal stash smaller than you:+ sent.
THIS IS WHY ITS SO IMPORTANT TO EMAIL YOUR PARTNER, CHAT, LOOK AT THEIR BLOG. Don't send exactly what they would probably buy....no fun. But don't send something so completely different that bit doesn't represent YOU. Send beads you love. More tomorrow on how to chose.
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Deanna Chase, Lisa Missy, and Susan Sheehan. Chat with your swap partners!
It could be the beginning of a great friendship or business partnership! |
So the question.
We have all levels and stashed and incomes here. The focal and clasp you send should be a PRESENT. Special. Special docent have to be expensive and it's probably sitting in your stash right now.
Other than my normal rules, is there a diplomatic way to address this without making a person exemplified on or excluded?
4)
Would you like a judging component, run like last year?
Any other thoughts or opinions are welcome, just please don't name names. If you wish, you can choose to post anonymously. And please spread the news about this poll. I need any thoughts ASAP.
THANK YOU!
