Veterans Day - November 11, 2010

Remember  -  Honor  -  Support

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  
~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Knowledge is power!  I urge you to take a moment to learn about how important early detection is in the treatment of breast cancer.  If you have ever been touched by this disease you will understand the devastating effects it can have.  Early detection does save lives and the best way to fight breast cancer is in it's early stages.  Please don't think that it can never happen to you - it has affected far too many lives and needs to be stopped.

There are many web sites that will inform and inspire you.  Here's just a few where you will find facts, chat forums and peer support:

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast Cancer Network of Strength

Of course a Google search will turn up lots more.  It doesn't matter where you look - just please look!  For your sake and that of your loved ones.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...Hey...Wait A Minute!

OK, so now it's official, the holiday season has begun.   What holiday you ask?   Well, here's the thing.  It's Saturday and I am sitting here enjoying a cool breeze from my window fan while listening to the radio and yet another commercial comes on.  Although I've got it mostly tuned out a familiar refrain breaks in ... "Never was there ever such a Christmas Show..."  Say what???  Oh man, I guess it's time to get ready for Christmas since Radio City Music Hall is already advertising their Christmas Show on the radio.   Can TV spots be far behind?  

Seriously folks, it's still Summer.  I winced when someone recently mentioned on Etsy that it was "only 93 days 'til Christmas" or some such nonsense.  That is just so wrong!  It's actually more like 98 or 99 (what a relief - more time to shop).  Now look, Autumn doesn't start for a couple of days, the neighborhood brats have finally gone back to school and I'm not having to keep ConEd in business running my air conditioner ever night.  Could you give us just one itty bitty break and can the Christmas stuff for a while.  Please?

Every year it's earlier & earlier.  I am predicting that next year we will have combined Labor Day & Christmas 4:00 am door buster sales all over the place.  Oh well, guess I'm gonna go order my Claxton fruitcakes & hang my lights.  I just hope they don't get caught in the fan! 

October 14, 2010 Update:  Well, at least they let us get past Columbus Day before slamming us with TV ads!  Yup, I just saw a TV commercial for Radio City's Christmas Show.  Man, I gotta get those lights up...

In Memoriam

In memory of all who perished and in support of
those who survived.

How To Buy Vintage Beads On Etsy

Part I:  The Basics - There are no simple hard and fast rules to follow but as a vintage bead seller I would like to offer some common sense advice.  Buying beads, especially vintage ones, can be an emotional experience.  Beads are beautiful little pieces of art and the old ones have a sense of history that doubles their appeal.  Such a divine feast of unusual beads await us and  inspiration can be spontaneous!  The artist in each of us responds to their color and texture while the designer in us processes their size and shape.  With such a variety of beads to choose from at what point does the price conscious shopper in us kick in?  Sometimes not soon enough.

Part II:  Caveat A Lot - This part is where the reality of the transaction has to be considered.  Since the advent of internet sales we have all gotten a little lazy when it comes to doing our homework.  If no one has told you this before then let me be the first - just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's accurate.  OK, there now, it's all out in the open.  The internet is awash with beady inaccuracies.  Like old wives' tales bead lore often get handed down without benefit of a little fact checking.  If you are buying vintage because their provenance calls to you then I urge you to do a little research and reading.  C'mon, it's fun and you will enjoy it!  If you could care less then skip this part but remember that age often equals higher prices so maybe you'll reconsider your position. 

Part III:  How Much Do They Really Cost? - My intention here is not to comment on bead prices but I will urge you to consider the "how much for how many" rule.  If seller A has a lot of 50 beads listed for $7.00 & seller B has the same exact beads listed at 12 for $3.25 then which is the better buy?  Now side by side like this the answer is obvious that seller B's beads are actually twice the price of seller A's beads.  However, when you are looking at numerous listings will you take the time to comparison shop this bead?  Probably not.  Here's my suggestion - take your Etsy surfing one step further and check prices.  Search the description of the bead you are looking at in the "supplies" category of the search bar and see what you get.  It might surprise you.  Now there is always the possibility that you don't need or want 50 beads.  If this is the case then take a moment & send a convo to seller A and ask for a half lot.  You'll be surprised how many sellers will make reserved listing just for you with the quantities that you want.  It never hurts to ask.

I will continue this series with more vintage bead information in the near future.  In the meantime please feel free to email me at: info@eastofoz.com or send a convo through Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadbrats with any questions.  Oh and by the way, we are seller A & with rare exceptions we will be happy to list smaller lots of our beads for you.  We love questions and we answer them pretty promptly!

Good Beads Come In Funky Packages - A Great New Etsy Listing

Follow this link to see the listing on Etsy

One of the most important things you discover in the quest for vintage beads is that they can be hidden by funky and sometimes even nasty packaging!  Dirty boxes and filmy looking plastic packaging can hide absolute treasures and a far from pristine outside can often conceal the most perfect vintage glass beads inside.  Case in point are these just listed on Etsy vintage Japanese glass beads.  They were still sealed, well stapled, in a rather cloudy looking plastic bag.  These beads were handmade and still held some release powder in their holes making them look even less appetizing.  Opening the package I discovered what gorgeous beads these actually were.  Snow white rounds with rich emerald green spots and sparkly aventurina trailings.  Follow the above link to see them up close!  Just goes to show that the expression "You can't judge a book by it's cover" applies even when it comes to beads!

Two Fun New Etsy Vintage Bead Listings - Autumn Leaves On Wire & Black Diamond Crystal Mix

I couldn't narrow down my favorite Etsy listing for today so I am previewing two different ones.  I have been saving these lovely vintage leaf beads with wire stems until it got closer to fall.  A welcome break in the weather today brought hope that summer will in fact end and autumn will arrive.  These are just delicious!


The next selection is a mix of vintage Swarovski Black Diamond crystal beads that just about scream "Make me into earrings!"  I hope you will, too.


Select you favorite in my Etsy shop & enjoy!

Just Listed On Etsy: Vintage Intricate Glass Bead Bracelet To Repurpose

I am a little confused about the story behind this vintage bracelet from Japan.  I can't imagine that they would have gone though so much work to create this unusual flowered clasp and then attach the 3 beaded strands so poorly.   Although I can think of a couple of possible reasons.  One, it could have been a customs/shipping thing where it cost less to import a not completely finished piece of jewelry.  The other thought that comes to mind it that they may have been made for tourists.  Regardless of the reason, the clasp is well constructed and it's a great piece to either restring in the original style or redesign (repurpose being the latest buzz word) into a more contemporary piece.   One end of one strand broke free after scanning so it definitely needs some TLC.  The parts are all there waiting for you and all the specifics are in the Etsy listing!

Have at look at it in my Etsy shop:  Vintage Intricate Glass Bead Bracelet

Recently Listed On Etsy: Vintage Holly Hobbie Guilloche Enamel 30x40mm Cabochons

OK, so if you know me at all you'll realize that these Holly Hobbie cabs are a little "cute" for my taste.  However, I do not discriminate when it comes to beads and bead related items so I try to keep an open mind!  Holly Hobbie designs are the ultimate in childhood innocence and have been a favorite of many since the 1970's.  These 30x40mm cabochons are made of metal in the guilloche method, with the metal having a repetitive machined pattern finished with enamel.  The images are obviously decals which have been sealed to keep them securely adhered to the surface.

Any commercially available bezel will convert these into a locket or they can be used in scrapbooks.  How cute would these be decorating a child's room?  There are six different styles and they are being sold individually in our Etsy shop so you can selected your favorite.  

Savor the cuteness here: Beadbrats Etsy Shop: Holly Hobbie Cabochons

Listed Today On Etsy: Unique Vintage Glass Pendant Beads

We've had these beautiful & quite unique vintage glass pendant beads for a while but never really did much with them.  I think we used to sell them at bead shows back "in the day" but I haven't seen them in ages.  To me they always had an oriental look and the raised decoration on the front has a slightly glossy surface.  All in all a pretty cool little pendant bead.  OK, not so little since they measure 30mm.  They are sold by the pair - just follow the link to see for yourself:

 Vintage 30mm Turquoise Look Fancy Glass Pendant Beads

Etsy Team ESST - What's The "ESST" Mean Anyway?

Well, according to the powers that be the "ESST" stands for "Etsy Supply Street Team".  Yup, I'm sure - I even looked it up!  I honestly think is should stand for "Etsy Supply Specialist Team" or "Etsy Super Supply Team" or something along those lines because that's what it is.  A way to simplify your search on Etsy is to go to the supplies section on the pull down search menu and just type "ESST."   I just did this & got over 24,000 listings of quality items like beads, lace, findings, etc.  Too many items or not specific enough?  No problem!  After ESST just type in the item you are looking for.  Here's a hint:  type vintage beads for a real shopping treat.  It just doesn't get any easier than that!

Happy searching and even happier shopping!

Red White and Blue Team ESST Slideshow

Long, hot, lazy summer days...the perfect time to get caught up on some designing and don't forget crafts with the kids! Team ESST makes shopping on Etsy a breeze. Just search Team ESST and you will find a huge assortment of jewelry and crafts supplies for all your projects. My shops beadbrats and eastofoz have lots of great beads and for even more inspiration have a look at the selections in this fun Team ESST red, white and blue themed slide show:

This digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Oh, and let's not forget Father's Day!  Here's to all you Dads:

This greeting generated with Smilebox

Summertime...And The Shopping Is Easy...

OK, so that's a tad hokey but a girl can only do so much!  In this hemisphere we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer and here in America we kick it off with the long Memorial Day holiday weekend.  When you are enjoying these long, lazy days be sure to pop into Etsy to see what great supplies the Etsy Supply Street Team (Team ESST) has to offer.  We have just about every jewelry and craft supply there is and you can have it all without breaking a sweat or burning expensive gas.   While surfing Etsy for those summer supplies be sure to search Team ESST for a great selection!

Here's a summer slide show featuring some of our team's members offerings:

This picture slideshow created with Smilebox

It was prepared by Karen, and her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/RunsWithScissors4 is well worth a visit. 

Of course we haven't forgotten our friends in the Southern Hemisphere and you will find lots of great autumn tone items, too. Remember everyone - it's never too early to start those you-know-what holiday projects, either. They don't call it Christmas in July for nothing!

The Special Team ESST Promo Continues!

In true team spirit a number of us are spending some time being ambassadors for our team mates & their Etsy shops. Instead of just promoting ourselves & our own Etsy shops we are taking turns promoting each other - what a splendid way to work together. I hope you will join the Etsy Supply Street Team in this special promotion and visit each shop. Purchases are optional but appreciated (hint hint). Every couple of days I will post the address of a different shop and I hope you will make it a point to visit them!

Here is a team shop with the most fabulous fiber:
http://www.Threadsinthebed.etsy.com

Yes we're going to a Sparty party...

The countdown is almost run down to zero. As I type this there are less than two hours left before the season finale of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand". I must admit that I await if with mixed feeling. After all, the title of the episode is "Kill Them All" so I am wondering how many of the characters that I love to hate will be around for next season. I never though I would see the day when I became such an avid fan of a TV show that includes routine fighting, decapitation, disembowlments and enough spurting blood to make anyone who misses watching ER really happy. I resisted watching this Starz cable network series when it first came on in January. My comment was that it would be too gross and disgusting. At one point about midway through the series I caught a few minutes of it and I was hooked. OH EM GEE, what a bunch of folks! If you can look past all the gratuitous sex and violence you will see the greatest soap opera of all times. I made a point of getting all caught up and tonight it ends for an unknown period of time. Although renewed for a second season Sparty himself, actor Andy Whitfield, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and filming was put on hold while he undergoes treatment. A speedy and complete recovery is wished for him and the fans of this series (including me) are waiting for good news about his condition.

If you watch this show then enjoy! Are you having a Sparty Party? Cocktails, snacks and yelling "Jupiter's C**k" are purely optional! You can always play party games while you wait for the episode to start. Maybe a pop quiz, for example who knows what the "Kirk Douglas" is? I do - I do! Hint: not all men are created equal. Now go ahead & Google it!

Earth Day...Mother's Day...Every Day a Holiday!

Where is the year getting to? Here it is already half past April and Mother's Day will be here before you know it. Before you start designing your Mother's Day gifts be sure to go to Etsy & search Team ESST. Feel free to start in my shop but be sure to visit the others, too. You'll find a great selection of quality craft and jewelry supplies for all your gifting needs. Before you go, have a look at the fun Earth day slideshow created by Karen at RunsWithScissors using some of our team's shops:

Another free slideshow design by Smilebox

Let's Promote - Shall We?

Let's Promote - Shall We?

In true team spirit a number of us are spending some time being ambassadors for our team mates & their Etsy shops. Instead of just promoting ourselves & our own Etsy shops we are taking turns promoting each other - what a splendid way to work together. I hope you will join the Etsy Supply Street Team in this special promotion and visit each shop. Purchases are optional but appreciated (hint hint). Every couple of days I will post the address of a different shop and I hope you will make it a point to visit them!

I am re-posting this up top!

Easter Greetings From The Etsy Supply Street Team

This fun Easter slide show was created by my Etsy Supply Street Team-mate, Karen, whose Etsy shop is runswithscissors4. My vintage Venetian birds are in it & I hope you enjoy the show:

Another free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Spring Has Sprung!

Now that winter is officially over it's time to start lightening up! Well, it will be once it starts getting warmer. Pretty soon we'll be putting away the coats and sweaters and pulling out our prettiest blouses and dresses so we'll definitely need some new jewelry and accessories to wear with them. If you shop on Etsy (and who doesn't?) the easy way to find everything you need for your warm weather designs is to search Team ESST. The Etsy Supply Street Team is a group of shop owners selling the most fabulous jewelry and crafting supplies on the web. I am a proud member of the team and my shop carries vintage beads, embellishments and other fun jewelry related goodies. Check out the list of team members by category to see what a great variety of supplies we all have.

For all our friends in the Southern Hemisphere looking towards autumn don't forget that you'll also find lots of fall and winter tones there, too.

24 Hours Without Email - or - OH NO! The Server Is Down

How did we ever communicate before the internet? Well, before email we called each other up on the phone more or even (gasp!) wrote letters. Wow, those we the days weren't they? Not! I have just gone through approximately 24 hours without email due to some convoluted reason issued in a statement by my web host. I am guessing that what actually happened is that somebody spilled their coffee in a really really bad place and server fall down go boom. At least I'd like to think there was some sort of human interaction in this whole fiasco.

The point I am trying to make is that if you have sent a direct email to info@eastofoz.com since 2/20 4:00 pm there is a good chance that I will: a) never get it, b) get it soon or c) get it as soon as they wipe off the coffee, er, reboot the system. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Update: As of 2/21 10:00 pm EST I am able to send & receive email but my web host still has outage warnings posted. Slow drying coffee I guess! You can also reach me via an Etsy convo. As of 2/25/10 our email is back to normal. Hooray!!!

February 26-28 Semi Annual ESST Sale & Free Vintage Bead Giveaway

Now here's some exciting news! I am happy to announce the upcoming February 26-28 Semi Annual Etsy Supply Street Team Sale. For three fun filled days be sure to search Team ESST for all your supply needs and to take advantage of the various specials being offered. Every shop will be doing something different so search often to see what your favorite team members are offering for this event.

In our Etsy shop, BEADBRATS, you will receive a free 50 piece vintage flower & leaf bead assortment as shown with every purchase of $25.00 and up. These vintage beads are from Western Germany, Austria & Japan and include button back, flat back and center hole beads. Great for Spring & Summer! One free lot per customer, per day only please! Don't forget our everyday offer of free domestic shipping for a minimum $25.00 purchase and free international shipping for a minimum $50.00 purchase. Shipping charges are refunded via PayPal after payment is received.

This is going to be a great event & lots of fun for all! We're all looking forward to seeing you!

How Many Shopping Days Until Valentines Day?

I'm not exactly sure just how many shopping days there are until Valentines Day but as anyone looking for a gift knows there are never enough! Well nothing says "I love you" more than something handcrafted and there's an easy way to find the perfect supplies at the perfect prices, too. Just go to Etsy and search "Team ESST" to find the best beads, findings and craft supplies. Shop in comfort day or night - we're all open 24/7 - and you'll see just how much fun shopping can be. Don't forget that jewelry and craft supplies make the perfect gift for all the crafty people on your list, too.

My shop offers free worldwide shipping of our vintage beads with a minimum purchase. Many other shops offer different specials so be sure to check us out! Happy Valentines Day!

Happy New Year!

Now that the 2009 holiday season is in the bag we turn our sights to whatever this new year has in store for. Ever hopeful, we wish and pray for an upturn in the economy, health, happiness and peace all around us. I have tried to think of a suitable quotation to sum up my feelings for the new year. I give you two to choose from and depending on whether your glass is half full or half empty you can select a favorite.

One is: Hope is passion for what is possible.
-- Soren Kierkegaard.

The other is: The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of the oncoming train.
-- Unknown.

Happy 2010!