It's All About Me

I'm so excited. One more day open to the public and then I move everything to my studio. It's all empty and painted and ready to be settled in to. I forgot how much I love to move!

I'm sorry that everyone is sad. I know a lot of people really enjoyed shopping and hanging out but it is time. I've been wanting to close since the summer. It all started when I was offered a job in California. I was asked "what do you really want?" "What do you really want to do?" I realized that I was perfectly willing to move which meant I was perfectly willing to close the store. But I didn't want to re-open in California. I want to make jewelry. I promised myself 4 years ago to start a jewelry line and I haven't. I promised myself that I would master the flexshaft for drilling stones and master the soldering iron. I haven't done that. But I have been monitoring my sales and what sells well.

So, it's all about me. I want to sit at home and create. I want to play beads and I really miss it. That's what I really want. The online store will be filled with what sells well in Bella. If you've been in my shop you know how much I love color and how much I love to mix it up. Bracelet kits, Lariat Kits, Healing Bracelet kits, Knotted Necklace Kits, etc. etc. and of course, Project of Week will be online. Naturally I will have all the supplies needed to go with those projects plus Toho seed beads, wire, closures, etc and my pmc pieces.

Then just for fun I'm considering doing bead shows. At first I thought no way but Ruth suggested that it could really promote the online store besides having a new venue and it really makes sense to try a few if not just for the fun of traveling and meeting new people.

And last but not least, I really miss my family. This is such a great way for me to still have my business but all on my terms and maybe sneak in a vacation once in awhile. My boys have grown so big and have been so patient and now I want to spend more time with them. I'm so lucky that the business has grown and is capable of going worldwide~

Thank you to all my loyal and wonderful customers and dearest friends.

Sad but True

Yes, it's true I'm closing the shop. After 4 1/2 years I have found that too many beaders like to buy online. While, many of my customers love the classes and the atmosphere of the shop there are simply not enough beaders to support the business. I've noticed a steady decline in shoppers and being told "I like to buy online". So, keeping up with times and the current business practices, I will be turning my webpage into an online store. My kits, projects and supplies will be available for those who like to shop at midnight. East Dundee seemed the perfect place to start a business in a quaint downtown area but alas only bars survive. So many of my customers have become friends and I hope to continue to see them as I would miss them terribly.

On the bright side, the freedom of not having a retail space will allow me more time for creativity and the making of jewelry. I am really very excited about that. I can't tell you how many projects and ideas I have floating around my head. I can't wait to get started. But first we are changing my current in home studio into a new and improved larger studio taking up most of the basement. I've got new paint colors selected and the area all drawn out on graph paper. As I told my husband, "I need to hit the ground running". I know that I will be so busy trying to stock up two stores with jewelry and filling my webpage with wonderful new kits and possibily step by step instructions with pics.

This is the perfect time and I am ready for change. I miss my kids and I miss my husband and, of course, miss my Nina. And speaking of change I'm dying my hair red in 3 weeks! Gee, I hope it takes.

Did You Find It?

Nina found it. Let out to do her business, my husband found her basking in the sun. Yes, this is a carseat left in the carport for the next trash day and a perfect throne for our princess. Nina, our chiahuahua is 3 years old in December and the best chiahuahua ever. She barks just til she smells you and then demands that you hold her. A true lap dog and she loves everyone!

My joys: beads, Nina, my boys sound asleep, Benjamin's laugh, Harrison's dimples, my husband's humor, my favorite music loud, breakfast with my best friends, starbucks, full moons to recharge under, rain, waterfalls, japanese gardens, yoga and meditation.

It was so hard to choose the winner of the "find your joy" talisman bar so I picked two. Joan and Evelyn moved me with their words. I loved reading them all!