Update!

Just wanted to quick post on this blog that I'm using my Wordpress Blog more now, and check it out for some recent posts...
Bead Fest Philly:
http://blog.marshanealstudio.com/bead-fest-philadelphia-spring/

D7 Studio 2013 schedule (where you can find my work here in the Northeast US at bead shows):
http://d7studioblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-bead-show-schedule.html?m=1

And in just a few hours, we are going to support my sister and her fight with MS by walking on her team "MS Informed" for the MS Walk here in Wilmington, DE.

Here is a link to my page for her team:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=11742507&pg=personal&fr_id=20326

A huge Thank You to everyone donating and sending their prayers and thoughts for a cure for this paralyzing disease!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And if you are in the mid Atlantic US tonight, around midnight, see if you can go out and see the aurora borealis!

Bead Fest or Bust 5 Giveaway Winners!!!

First - Thank You ALL so very much for shopping in my Etsy shop during this Bead Fest or Bust Sale!

I'm delighted to be giving all kinds of stuff away to the winners!

Winners are picked by Random Generator according to the date and each the listings sold are given a number according to the order that they were sold. Some duplicate listings (like silk knot bundles and bead sets) were purchased, so I apologize for any anticipated confusion.

BEAD CAP WINNERS!!!

New Bead Caps: Left = Friday, Middle = Saturday, Right = Sunday

Friday's Purchasing winner 

for the first pair of Bead Caps bought this listing:

OOAK Silk Knot Bundle #170

Friday Purchasing Random Generator

Saturday's Purchasing winner 

for the second pair of Bead Caps bought this listing:

Marsha Neal Studio Porcelain Shards in Glacier Glaze

Saturday Purchasing Random Generator

Sunday's Purchasing Winner 

for the third set of Bead Caps bought this listing

(this was one of the duplicate listings purchased!):

Marsha Neal Studio Textured Discs (Sky Cowgirl Palette)

Sunday Purchasing Random Generator

$25 MARSHA NEAL STUDIO GIFT CERTIFICATE WINNERS!!!

There are 2 drawings for $25 Gift Certificates:

Purchasing Winner 

Anyone that made a purchase during the BFOB dates Aug. 10 - 12, 2012

Was entered into this drawing. Each individual purchased listing gets an entry.

(This is the 2nd duplicate listing item!)

Marsha Neal Studio Silk Knot Bundle (all three silks): Simple Nature Color Palette

$25 Gift Certificate (Overall Purchaser) Random Generator

Blog Commenter

(in number order, according to comments from Tues #1-16, Thurs #17-23, Sunday #24-27 posts)

Congrats KayzKreationz!!!

$25 Gift Certificate (Blog Commenter) Random Generator

I didn't put names above for the purchasing winners because I'm never quite sure if you want your name out there...

So there are a few listings where people may think - Hey, I bought that one too!

I picked the winners in order of the listings sold by each date...

Sorry if anyone is confused or disappointed (no worries - I try to always make everyone's package special when I ship :)

Congrats to the winners!

Thank You All for supporting my business over and over again!

You keep this alive!

And REMEMBER ~ If you are one of my Newsletter subscribers and purchased with BEADYGIRL coupon code - shoot me a convo by Tonight (8/13/12) to let me know you are on it so I can put you into that special drawing just for my newsletter subscribers.

Drawing will happen Tuesday around 10am EST, so you must let me know or use the special code I sent you if you are purchasing through midnight tonight (8/13/12).

You can sign up here if you want in next time!

I've got to get back into the studio to get orders packed and shipped and to glaze some things before sending off my stock to Darlene of D7 Studio (Bead Fest Philly Booths #261/ #360).

Thanks again!!!

Bead Fest or Bust Last Day And Giveaways!

There are a handful of artists that are participating in the Bead Fest or Bust Sale!

Giveaways & Sales galore...

Today is the last day though, so make sure you visit everyone's blog and get entered into the giveaways and grab some sweet deals from their shops!

Marsha Neal Studio Sunday 8.12.12 Textured Disc Bead Cap Giveaway

 I decided that I was going to offer (2) $25 Gift certificates:

(1 to a person purchasing from my Etsy shop, 1 helping spread the word & commenting on my blog posts for Bead Fest or Bust! to get entered.

And Friday, I posted on my MarshaNealStudio FaceBook Page that I was also giving away one set of these brand new textured disc bead caps a day to anyone purchasing listings in my Etsy shop!

Marsha Neal Studio Saturday 8.11.12 Textured Disc Bead Cap Giveaway

Marsha Neal Studio Friday 8.10.12 Textured Disc Bead Cap Giveaway

I have been so busy with glazing pieces, Master Gardener volunteer work, and regular life this week...

I never thought I would get these pieces into the glaze firing. 

 But I did. Saturday morning bright and early, I got up and loaded two kiln shelves full.

And just this morning, I peeked inside the kiln to see how things turned out:

I am simply Freaking OUT!!!

I get goose bumps when I look at these pieces...

I will be sending a number of these to Bead Fest (D7 Studio Booth #261 & #360).

Some I will be keeping for personal use (I just HAVE to!!!)

And a few will be saved for my Etsy shop for after Bead Fest (or I may just have to make more for Etsy...)

So here you have the three sets of bead caps that are being given away:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday (today is the last day!)

All you have to do is buy something from my Etsy shop on that particular day and your listing you purchased automatically entered into winning the one from that day.

Don't forget checkout coupon code: BEADYGIRL for an extra 10% off everything in my shop!

And if you have already purchased, I can always refund your extra shipping charges via PayPal (or edit the listing for you if it doesn't sell first)...

And remember, all purchases from during this sale also get you entered to winning a $25 Marsha Neal Studio Etsy Shop gift certificate.

Spreading the word about this sale (ending today) and commenting here will also get you entered to win a $25 Marsha Neal Studio gift certificate.

Thank You everyone!

Hope you are having an great weekend!

Don't forget to check out the other Bead Fest or Bust Sales going on today too!

Bead Fest Or Bust!!!

I love Bead Fest Philadelphia!

Bead Fest back in 2004 was my very first bead show that I sold my ceramic pendants.

Talk about start selling your beads at the top...

I learned a lot that weekend!

As a bead maker the arrival of Bead Fest means a mad rush to make new stuff to sell.

I'm still working on glazing and firing a bunch of these brand new bead caps in all sorts of color combinations:

Marsha Neal Studio New Textured Disc Bead Caps

These new items (bead caps, my little bead pairs, and donuts and disc beads) will be for sale at Bead Fest Philadelphia through D7 Studio's booth (#261 & 360) before I list them up in my Etsy shop!

As a jewelry designer, Bead Fest is a three day bead party where you can go and find all kinds of supplies and tools, take classes, see friends, have dinner with a bunch of other Bead Obsessed people and show off all the goodies you got that day...

It. Is. Awesome!!!

So I'm participating in this "Bead Fest or Bust Sale!" with a few of my beady friends.

We're all going to Bead Fest and hope to get some great beads!

Check out my previous post for links to their shops, blogs & FaceBook pages.

We are all offering a discount (Aug. 10, 11, 12, 2012) to customers using Etsy checkout coupon code: BEADYGIRL

And check out their individual blogs to see about potential giveaways!

I am running a few myself...

MARSHA NEAL STUDIO ~ BEAD FEST OR BUST SALE DETAILS

1. Sale section of my Etsy shop marked down 30% from retail pricing.
2. Coupon code: BEADYGIRL gets you an additional 10% off your entire purchase from my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy shop.
3. For every listing purchased in my Etsy shop from Aug. 10 - 12, 2012, that items gets entered into a drawing to win a $25 Marsha Neal Studio Etsy Shop gift certificate.
4. Share and promote my work (via Etsy, Twitter, FB, Pinterest, etc), this blog post, this event, then comment on this post or my previous post and you will get entered for a chance to win a second $25 Marsha Neal Studio Etsy Shop gift certificate (this one is the no purchase necessary giveaway).
5. BONUS Purchasing Giveaway: One listing from each day (from the sold orders in my shop) will be chosen at random (numbered according to purchase) and I will add in a set of my brand new Textured Disc Bead Caps into that person's order - before they are even available for sale!

Why participate in this sale?

Didn't I just run a sale & giveaway last weekend too?

Yes - well, as I was in my studio this week, working on new beads for Bead Fest,

And fiddling with some simple jewelry design ideas...

Marsha Neal Studio Simple Slip Knot Bracelet

 I got it in my head that I "need" more beads.

JoAnne Zekowski Beads, Marsha Neal Studio Tube Beads, misc spacer beads.

Yes - I hope to go to Bead Fest next week and shop for beads!

My once a year splurge on really great Artist Beads and filler beads...

Leather, Suede, Deer Skin Leather, Hemp, 2mm silk strands.

I am specifically on the look out for beads that can fit 2mm sized leather and related stringing materials in them.

Marsha's Blue Bead Stash - small hole beads.

 Because when I went to pull beads to use with my stringing stash,

all the beads I seem to have are all with teeny holes.

I am hoping this sale will hopefully give me more cash to spend without a huge amount of guilt...

Hence - the (2) $25 giveaways and the bonus bead caps (1 pair each day).

I am happy to refund excessive shipping charges via Pay Pal on Aug 13th or to reserve the listing for you (hoping it does not sell during editing) and remove the shipping charges if you have already purchased one item.

So again - Thank You!

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!!!

And have fun shopping so I can go support other artists selling their work at Bead Fest!

Bead Fest Or Bust Sale ~ This Weekend!

Participating designers for BEAD FEST OR BUST SALE! 
This is a great chance to save lots from your favorite designers! 
Think components for Fall/Holiday shows and gifts for the Holidays ~
Many of the participating stores will be offering giveaways on their blogs...please be sure to stop by each!! 

Melinda Orr ~ Melinda Orr Designs
15% off w/coupon code BEADYGIRL
Enter for the Leather Bracelet Kit Giveaway on the blog
Etsy: www.orrtec.etsy.com
Blog: www.orrtec.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melindaorrdesigns 


Lorelei Eurto~ Lorelei Eurto Jewelry
20% w/coupon code BEADYGIRL
Etsy: www.LoreleiEurtoJewelry.etsy.com
Blog: http://Lorelei1141.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoreleiEurto
Karen Totten ~ Starry Road Studio
20% off w/coupon code  BEADYGIRL
Blog: http://starryroadstudio.blogspot.com
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ktotten
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/starryroadstudio

Marsha Neal ~ Marsha Neal Studio
10% off your entire purchase from my Etsy shop including the special SALE section that has items marked down 30% off. 
Coupon Code: BEADYGIRL
Every listing purchased during this date from Marsha's Etsy shop will get entered into an additional drawing for a $25 Marsha Neal Studio Etsy Shop Gift Certificate (see her blog for extra info).
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarshaNealStudio
Blog: http://www.marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshaNealStudio

Staci Lousie ~ Staci Louise Originals20% off w/coupon code BEADYGIRL
Etsy: www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
Etsy Components: http://www.etsy.com/SLArtisanAccents
Blog: www.stacilouise.blogspot.com

Sue Kennedy ~ Sue Beads20% off w/coupon code BEADYGIRL
Etsy: www.suebeads.etsy.com

Blog: www.suebeads.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SueBeads/241806885873855

Lisa Peters ~ Lisa Peters Art
20% off w/coupon code BEADYGIRL (sorry not applicable for RING KITS)
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LisaPetersArt
Blog: http://www.lisa-petersart.blogspot.com/

Jenny Davies-Reazor
20% off w/coupon code BEADYGIRL
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jdaviesreazor
Blog: http://www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog
Web: www.jdaviesreazor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDRshrineart

Mary Hubbard ~ White Clover Kiln
20% off with discount code: BEADYGIRL
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/whitecloverkiln
Blog: http://www.whitecloverkiln.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteCloverKiln


I'll be posting about my blog and purchasing giveaways here in the next couple of days.
(Yes - Two $25 Gift Certificate Giveaways!)

I'm creating a few new listings in my Etsy shop,
Including 10 of these "Bead Fest or Bust" Special Grab bags valued at $60 retail.
They will start at $45 if I get them listed early and will be marked down to $30 on Friday for the sale...
Plus you can use your 10% off coupon code BeadyGirl to get them even cheaper!!!

Marsha Neal Studio OOAK Grab Bag for  Bead Fest or Bust Sale!

*The One Giveaway for $25 will start with this post, and I'll count the comments here that you leave for every social media share, Etsy Hearting of my items, and follow up comment here, then on the next post, and the follow up ones until the sale ends on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Midnight EST.

Bead. Set. Done. Next. Don't forget about the drawings!

Whirlwind times are upon me.

About two weeks ago when I was planning out an extremely full July - I really thought, in my head that we were in August already (that is a FULL schedule!).

Do you ever have those times?
The thought of no time makes me grumpy though...

I am enjoying some of the added crazy: Birthdays - lots of them, including Dave's. Trips to the beach. Planning for a Bridal Shower - bring on the craft, planning, shopping and all kinds of stuff!
Then add in some family drama spice, a few medical issues, and you've got a great cup that is just about to break the surface because it is SO full.
But I seem to get more done under pressure.

To eek out some time for my work, I have been up 2 hours early, and going to bed as soon as the kids are asleep. So here are some pics from my studio as I glazed and fired up some bead sets this last week so I could at least keep on top of my business (have to pay the bills...)

Marsha preparing to glaze beads.

Marsha's Beads glazed and ready for loading into the kiln.

First layer of beads into the bottom layer of the kiln before glaze firing.

Same set of beads, after the Glaze firing.

Marsha Neal Studio Beads on Rods out of the Glaze Firing

Sorting of the beads into handmade "matching" pairs.

Sorting of the bead pairs into their palettes.

Bead Sets are all strung up and ready to ship!

I'm also working on building up a bit of stock for D7 Studio to sell at Bead Fest in Philadelphia (shared booths #261 & #360).

Don't forget I'm having a giveaway and special until July 25th, 2012.

Make sure you get your beads and get entered into the bonus drawing!

The Road To Bead Fest Sale!

It is hard to believe Bead Fest Philly is right around the corner!

Date wise as well as location wise for me…

This is one of those bead shows that you just should not pass up if you are in the area…

And let's face it - a day is never enough time to really shop the show!

And we all know that there is never enough money to have on hand to get everything you need.

I really want to shop for some items to bundle with some of my pieces on my Etsy shop as well as for finished jewelry for myself (I must get more Joanne Zekowski beads :)

Hmmm - kinda makes me think that puts me into the position of "personal shopper" doesn't it?

I go and buy beads, then come back and show you all what I got and offer them for sale to you at split-sy because we're sharing beads? I love that kind of bead shows shopping…

And you know they will go with my stuff because I'm picking them out in person - no funny computer monitor color issues.

Want to help me out?

Send some monies my way by buying some stuff from me in my Etsy shop this week?

Want a coupon for 20% off to entice you a bit more?

BFPS2011

Works from Monday, August 14 through Sunday, August 21st, 2011.

Use it when you are checking out.

BUT THAT IS NOT ALL…

You know how I love to give stuff away right?!

Here are the THREE Drawings I'm going to hold for those of you that want to help me get some spending cash for Bead Fest:

Giveaway #1 - $30 Gift Certificate Drawing:

Use the "BFPS2011" coupon code in my Etsy shop this week and you will get entered to with a $30 MNS Etsy gift certificate. 

One entry per person for this special.

Giveaway #2 - $30 Gift Certificate Drawing:

Purchase one of my porcelain or clay pieces through D7Studio during BeadFest in booth #529/628 and contact me with your receipt number by 6/24/11 (I can verify with her, so no faking it ;) through email, and one winner will get a $30 gift certificate to my MNS Etsy shop. 

One entry per person for this special.

Giveaway #3 - $50 Gift Certificate Drawing:

If you make a purchase in my Etsy shop this week with the "BFPS2011" coupon code AND then go to the D7Studio booth and buy one of my porcelain or clay pieces at the show (must send me that receipt number) - you get entered to win a $50 MNS Etsy gift certificate.

Just to clarify, if you qualify for #3 above by purchasing through both - you get entered into all three giveaway categories, not just #3. 

Make sure to email me Marsha {at} MarshaNealStudio.com by 6/24/11 with your receipt number.

Winners to be announced by Friday 6/26/11.

Want to shop some other artists Etsy shops to help them out with some extra spending cash?

Here they are…

Lorelei Eurto
Andrew Thornton
Marsha Minutella
Melanie Brooks and Earthenwood Studio Etsy
Diana Ptaszynski
Melinda Orr
Barbara Lewis
Kristie Roeder 

Mary Welsh Hubbard

Anne Lichtenstein

Lisa Petrillo

I will be posting some pictures this week of new items going up into my Etsy shop (like the porcelain version of the donuts & tab beads) and of things that I am making just for D7 Studio for BeadFest (photos coming soon)…

So check back!

And keep an eye out in my Etsy shop!

And here is a free day pass to Bead Fest!

Happy Bead Shopping!!!