Jewelry Business Guru by Cindy Edelstein

One Week Left for the Halstead Bead Grant

Halstead Bead Inc is inviting jewelry designers to enter its 6th annual grant competition for new entrepreneurs in the industry.

Deadline is June 6th.

The winner of the 2011 business development grant will receive $6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits. The award was previously known as The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant; however, it has been renamed in 2011. The award is sponsored by Halstead Bead Inc., a supplier of wholesale jewelry supplies.

Designers utilizing jewelry making techniques such as metalsmithing, lampworking, metal clay, wirework, beading, or casting are eligible to enter the competition.

Candidates must be US citizens who began their businesses after January 1, 2008. Their design companies must focus on “bridge jewelry” which is the segment between costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bridge designs are primarily crafted from sterling silver with semi-precious stones, crystal, glass, pearls and other materials. This segment is also known as “craft jewelry” or “art jewelry.”

Complete application details can be found at http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant. Candidates are required to submit a design portfolio, resume and answers to several business planning questions. Applications must be received between April 15 and June 6, 2011.

The grant website includes several helpful articles on launching a national jewelry business as well as information on past winners and finalists. Previous grant winners include Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry, VOSTENAKstudios, Bridgland Studios, Belle Brooke Designs, and Ananda Khalsa Jewelry.

 

A Surprise Find at the Accessories Circuit - Evening Bags like Jewelry

While walking the aisles looking for holiday jewelry trends at the recent Accessories Circuit I was struck by the jewel-like evening purses by Clara Kasavina. Yes, there was some jewelry in her booth -- fabulous faux designs handcrafted by her husband Misha -- but it was the minaudieres and evening purses that made me swoon.

Clara was a delight to meet -- she and her husband have been making these amazing accessories for 30+ years since emigrating from Russia. She and Misha adhere to the highest standards and have never waivered through more than one recession, she said. Unlike other manufacturers, Clara Kasavina molds are original, frames hand-cast and the entire bag hand-sewn. All additional production is also completed by hand in New York.

For jewelry stores that carry accessories too, these purses are as important and special as any D-flawless diamond in the store.

 
  

Time Flies! And we need to harness its flight

I'm so surprised by how much time has passed since I last blogged.

I've got a few excuses - you can be the judge of whether they're good or not!

1. We're revamping the blog and while plotting and planning it's new look and feel I may have already "left" my current blog.

2. We're getting ready for the industry's biggest trade show week -- and my head is spinning!

3. I do so much connecting on Facebook my bloggin' has taken a back seat

4. I don't have a set bloggin' plan or schedule so it doesn't rise to the top of the To Do list often enough

 

Do any of these reasons seem familiar to you? How often are you using them as excuses to not get your OWN blog or press release or other communique done?

It's a safe bet to say we all need to juggle better and faster. I also think this shows me that I need to schedule my open time more and put things that are good for "us" on the schedule as much as things that are good for our clients.

Can you relate?

I'll be catching up on some posts shortly.