First Friday Shop Hop featuring Beadwork by Amanda

Welcome to the November First Friday Shop Hop featuring Amanda from Beadwork by Amanda and Azure Seas!

During the monthly shop hops, you'll get a blog's eye view into the shop, get to know the artist, and get a chance to win something awesome!
 

A blog's eye view of Beadwork by Amanda and Azure Seas:

Meet the Artist:

RNEST: Tell us a little about yourself.

Amanda: I’m also a chemistry graduate student, which is likely the most improbable occupation people think of when they meet me. I’ve always been split between art and science, so I choose to do both! A lot of chemistry deals with boring clear solutions or white powders, so it’s pretty exciting that the crystals I synthesize and characterize change color based on their size.

RNEST: What's your favorite part of being an artist?

Amanda: I love having the ability to transform ideas into tangible items.

RNEST: You've been at this for a while. Any advise for someone just starting out?

Amanda: Treat your Etsy shop more like a real craft show; if you want sales, you need to have a decent amount of stock available for the shopper to choose from. Likewise, have at least several pages of items in your Etsy shop to give shoppers something to browse through. Another point- keep thinks fresh! Constantly add new items and get rid of the old stuff.

RNEST: Any coupons or promotions at your shops?

Amanda: Use code RNEST15 for 15% off your entire order in either shop!

RNEST: How about shows coming up? Where can we find you locally?

Amanda: I only have a couple of shows that are local: Mayday Underground on November 3 (TOMORROW!!) at the Rochester Main Street Armory and Second Storie on November 24 at the Visual Studies Workshop on Price St.

RNEST: So, tell us about your giveaway item.

Amanda: I'm giving away any round circuit board necklace in my shop.

 

The Giveaway - Open worldwide:

Winner's choice of any round circuit board necklace.

To enter:

MANDATORY ENTRIES:

1. Follow this blog.

2. Stop by Beadwork by Amanda and/or Azure Seas and give it a heart.

If you're already a fan, just say so in the comments.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

1. Pick a favorite** piece in Beadwork by Amanda and/or Azure Seas and:

Tweet it using the Twitter button on the listing. (one entry)

Like it using the Facebook button on the listing. (one entry)

Pin it using the Pinterest button on the listing. (one entry)

**{multiple favorites = multiple entries!!}

2. Tweet the contest using the Twitter button at the bottom of the post.

3. Share this contest on Facebook using the Facebook button on the bottom of the post.

4. Like Beadwork by Amanda's Facebook page.

5. Like the RNEST Facebook page.

This contest will run until November 8th.

The winner will be selected using a random number generator so anyone can win!

Good Luck!

* Please post all entries below and remember to comment for each entry so that your multiple entries are counted.

September Team Challenge: Geeks Have More Fun!

Welcome to RNEST's September Team Challenge! The theme for this month was 
"Geeks Have More Fun!"

Earlier this month, we asked our RNEST members to get creative and make items representing an interpretation of the theme...and now YOU, our loyal blog readers, get to pick the winner!  Here's the list of our contestants!

Plush Doctor Who TARDIS by KiraArts

Bill Grates Invented Michaelsoft Cross-stitch - 5x7 Art Print by OldFamiliarWay

Black and White Glass Sprocket Pendant by FrancescaDeCaire

Circuit Board Bracelet with Blue Recycled Circuit Board Charm by BeadworkByAmanda

Cast your vote for your favorite on the poll in the upper, right corner of the blog! 

(Deadline to vote is by midnight on Wednesday, September 12th)

Treasury Tuesday: Geeks Have More Fun!

Forget blondes!...It's the geeks that really have more fun! All the coolest people are usually the ones who were geeks & nerds in school! Geeky is the new cool! So go ahead and let your inner geek shine!

;)

Geeks Have More Fun! by KiraArts,
featuring BeadworkByAmanda & Jackbear

Be sure you click on the other links to see more treasuries! (I can't picture them all so you have to click on them to see!  If you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:

• Lazy Days Chasing Fireflies featuring InMyHeadStudios
• Rainbow Bright featuring MFcrafts
• More Monsters!!! featuring KiraArts
• Stuffed featuring KiraArts

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Treasury Tuesday: Green With New Growth

Things are getting greener around here!

When Earth Is Green With New Growth

featuring BeadworkByAmanda

Be sure you click on the other links to see more treasuries! (I can't picture them all so you have to click on them to see!  If you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:

• I Love Willow Pattern featuring TheStitchingStudio
• Daily Dose of Handmade - 12 April featuring KarenSwimmer
• At The End Of The Day Look Back And Smile featuring OldFamilliarWay
• Peaches And Cream featuring KelleysBeading
• Wondrous Worlds featuring PeachesProducts

Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:

• Springtime In The ROC by PapersaurusCreative, featuring an all RNEST cast! 
• Life's A Hoot! by k5art, featuring PeachesProducts, SunshyneSilverwear, and FrancescaDeCaire
• New Items From My Favorite Shops- April 2012 featuring PeachesProducts
• Get Happy! by KiraArts, featuring FlyRabbitPress and FrecklesAndFrizz

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Wednesday Wellspring: Beadwork by Amanda

Bubbling up from the well this week, turquoise treasures from Beadwork by Amanda!

Today, one lucky winner will receive a lovely set of earrings. Glass turquoise beads with a picasso finish dangle gracefully from brass earwires, accompanied by pacific opal crystals and a pretty bead cap.

Amanda is currently offering a deal on Heartsy! Follow this link and save on your next purchase!

And now for the rules:

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Beadwork by Amanda, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" RNEST on Facebook .
2. Visit Azure Seas (Amanda's second Etsy shop), 'heart' her, and leave a comment with your favorite item
3. Tweet and blog about Amanda's Heartsy Deal, and comment here with the link
4. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, February 7th and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Fresh Fridays: Seeing Green

It appears that everybody on our Etsy Street Team is feeling green, perhaps it is the lack of white outside. Who would imagine that in January we would be seeing green in Rochester, where is all the white stuff anyway?

So, the turtle notecard isn't green but could be. All of these fresh finds and many more beautifully handcrafted items can be found on Etsy.

Thanks to Karen, Heather, Marie, and Amanda

Keep on the look out for the latest and greatest from the RNEST Etsy Stret Team every Friday!

Treasury Tuesday: School Bus Yellow

It's the last Tuesday in August! And what color treasury would be more appropriate than this one celebrating "back to school" by HeatherVitticore! (BTW: this treasury got featured on the front page of Etsy this week!)

School Bus Yellow by HeatherVitticore

featuring TheQuiltedHouse & BeadworkByAmanda

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:

• Little Mary Sunshine featuring GoldhawkPottery
• My, What Large Eyes You Have featuring KiraArts
• Warmth and Charmth featuring InMyHeadStudios

Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:

• Yummmmm Marmalade! by aDifferentView, featuring FuzzyBunny

Curated by RNEST Members:

• Autumn Feel by KarenSwimmer
• You're Getting Sleepy...Have More Coffee! by PeachesProducts
• For Wayward Victorian Girls by aDifferentView
• On Hooks and Needles by HeatherVitticore

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Treasury Tuesday: Teal & Chocolate

So many awesome treasuries this week! It was so hard to pick just one to feature! I ultimately chose BeadworkByAmanda's beautiful Teal and Chocolate color treasury, since I am a sucker for teal/turquoise...especially when it's paired with a chocolate brown. Somehow, I am in the mood for some brownies with teal frosting now. ;)

Teal and Chocolate by BeadworkByAmanda

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:

• Little Boys and Girls Go To School featuring sarahgortiz
• Phoney Fantasy featuring sarahgortiz
• Vintage Back To School featuring MFvintage
• Pigtails and Marching Band featuring MFvintage
• Our House is a Very, Very Fine House featuring MFvintage
• A touch of gothic...red and black for fall featuring MFvintage
• Vintage Treasures for $10 or less featuring MFvintage
• Darling creations all ready for Christmas in July!! featuring MFcrafts
• Cover Up by the Homefront Team featuring MFcrafts
• Pistachio and Copper featuring KarenSwimmer
• Back To School (already?) featuring KarenSwimmer
• Please Feed The Ducks featuring KarenSwimmer
• Yarning For You featuring KarenSwimmer
• Are You Ready For Some Football? featuring KarenSwimmer

Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:

• Grey Skies by JiBabu, featuring Buenahelena, PeachesProducts, and SunshyneSilverwear

Curated by RNEST Members:

• Teal and Chocolate by BeadworkByAmanda
• Fusion by BeadworkByAmanda
• Bubbles by BeadworkByAmanda
• For the Boys! Happy Birthday, Declan! by MFCrafts
• Dog Days of Summer - Vintage Style by MFvintage
• Baby It's Cold Outside by MFvintage
• Into The Wild by SoftShellCrafts

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Make-it Mondays: More Pets of Etsy

For this week's creative creature feature we finally have a pooch! Amanda, the sole proprietor of BeadworkByAmanda, is also the proud owner of Mandy. She's a husky mix who, still being a puppy, loves to shred anything she can get her paws on. Looks like she is "helping" with some packaging...



*If you would like your pet featured on this series, please send your photos and a short blurb to buenahelena@hotmail.com.

Wednesday Wellspring: Beadwork by Amanda

Bubbling up from the well this week, is a fan favorite: Beadwork by Amanda! This wonderful artisan is offering these gorgeous cuff links to one lucky winner. Recycled circuit board in kelly green was hand cut and ground into circles. The boards are covered in a layer of resin in a bezel cup. Silver plated cuff links are adhered to the back. The cuff links are 18mm in diameter.

Amanda isn't just an awesome artist and fulltime PhD student, she is also the cofounder of one of the best arts and crafts shows in Rochester: MayDay Underground. Vendors are being accepted for the May show through March 1, so check out the blog and get your MayDay on!

Beadwork by Amanda will be offering 10% off to RNEST blog readers til next Tuesday - just use the coupon code RNEST at checkout!

And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to THE WORLD!!):

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Beadwork by Amanda, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" Beadwork by Amanda on Facebook.
2. "Like" MayDay Underground on Facebook.

3. "Like" RNEST on Facebook.
4. Follow the MayDay Underground blog.
5. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, February 15 and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Make-it Mondays: Studio Visit #8 Beadwork By Amanda

This week's studio visit is with a veteran seller and long time RNESTer, Amanda Preske, of Beadwork By Amanda. Amanda opened her Etsy shop in 2006 and and is an art market pro. Since then she has gone on to have her work published in a book and co-founded Mayday Underground Crafts and Art here in Rochester, NY. All while working towards a Phd!!! So how does she do it?


Buenahelena: Where do you work/where is your studio?

Beadwork By Amanda: My primary work space is the lime craft room. I also have amassed equipment that is considerably messy that is used in the basement. It is so awesome to have my own space. Previously, I lived in a one bedroom apartment so the living room and dining room became my studio. It was a terrible arrangement and bits of circuit board and beads wound up everywhere.

B: What is your medium or product?

BBA: On Etsy, my product is jewelry and accessories made with recycled circuit boards and resin. I make bracelets, necklaces, rings, cuff links and tie tacks, key chains, and dabble in other product types. I also have a second shop that focuses on resin kits and tutorials. Off Etsy, I make beaded and beadwoven jewelry, felt key chains, and magnets that I sell at shows and festivals. My studio space is also used for the random scrapbook or art projects.

B: What is the biggest challenge about your space and how have you worked through it?

BBA: The biggest challenge has been organizing the space. It’s the largest bedroom in my house, but I still struggle to find space for everything. I have divided my room into zones that are all used for specific tasks. The green counter is where I make non-resin jewelry, and the pine desk is for resin work. The small desk and black counter are for order processing and packaging, administrative stuff, and a space for anything else that doesn’t have a spot. When we were transitioning from living in the apartment to moving in, we remodeled the kitchen, so I commandeered the cabinets which offer a lot of storage for my zillions of beads and tools. The basement is where I keep the messy circuit board cutting supplies.

B: Describe a typical day at the studio.

BBA: Since I am a PhD student, there is, unfortunately, no typical day. Sometimes I’ll be in there in the early morning packing an order, or up really late doing resin. I usually spend all day Sunday cutting circuit board, photographing stuff made on Saturday, and making new beaded jewelry. I usually reserve updating my shop to weekdays when I have downtime (like when I’m waiting for a reaction to run).


B: What do you love the most about being a crafter/artist/etsy seller?

BBA: I love the fact that I have complete control over everything I do. My success is directly proportional to the amount of effort I put in. Creating comes naturally so I don’t feel like I’m being forced to do or understand something. Etsy is wonderful because I can reach customers all over the world and the cost is very low. Etsy doesn’t require an 8 hour day at a $300 booth that might result in a terrible sunburn! I also love that my space is totally mine. I’ve avoided making the whole house lime green, so my craft room is my place to go wild and put up whatever I want.

Thanks for sharing you space and process with us Amanda! You can visit Amanda's Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadworkbyamanda .Be sure to come out to the third installment of Mayday Underground on May 7, 2011 at the Main Street Armory or apply to be in the show online, here: http://maydayunderground.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/mayday-2011-here-we-come/

Wednesday Wellspring: Congratulations!

Congratulations to Asuka for winning Beadwork by Amanda's awesome circuit jewelry!

And Congratulations to Heather of Merv and Delores for winning this month's "Give Thanks" team challenge with her Happy Turkey Day card! Check out her fabulous items in her mini in the prime parking spot at the top of the blog!

Happy Turkey (or tofurkey) Day to All!!

Wednesday Wellspring: Beadwork by Amanda

Many congratulations to Donna - the Random Number Generator drew your lucky number 4 to win Gock's Frocks' fun Vintage Skaters Winter Twirl Skirt!

And now bubbling up from the well this week, is a fan favorite: Beadwork by Amanda! This wonderful artisan is offering the winner a choice of a circuit ring or mini circuit pendant.

Beadwork by Amanda will be offering FREE SHIPPING throughout November on any purchase - just put RNEST in the message to seller when completing your purchase!

And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to THE WORLD!!):

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Beadwork by Amanda, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" Beadwork by Amanda on Facebook.

2. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link.

3. Fan RNEST on Facebook.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, November 23 and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Make-it Mondays: Make Waves

Our team members are out there making waves again in Rochester!

Amanda of Beadwork by Amanda was profiled by the Rochester Examiner here.

MAYDAY Underground Crafts + Art Luau (created by Amanda and Casey of Peaches Products) will take place this Saturday May 6th and feature several RNEST team members. Check out the fun things they have planned!

Kristen of Gock's Frocks showcased her designs at Rochester Fashion Week at Four Walls Gallery, here.

Beth of Moonblossom Signworks has founded a new Art Co-op with three friends in the old E.P. Reed Shoe Factory. Their premiere show, Boots and Shoes: Variations on a Theme Opens this Friday, November 5th. See the article here.



Team members Michelle of Beauty in the Eye and myself, Buenahelena will have work featured in that show as well.

Did I forget something awesome that you did RNESTer?
Let me know and it will be added :)

Wednesday Wellspring: Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Wellspring and our very first team scavenger hunt! Halloween-themed, of course! You'll have fun working your way through several great shops to find the candy-marked listing and enter to win one of twelve - that's right, twelve! - awesome handcrafted items from the best of RNEST!

Here's how to play:

1. Make sure you're a follower of the blog - only followers' entries will count.
2. Look around each of the shops below and look for the listing with a picture of halloween candy as the last picture in the listing - you'll know when you've found it.
3. Come on back to the blog and leave the link to the listing(s) in the comments - so that the next blog visiter doesn't just copy your answers, all entries will be kept secret until the contest ends.

Find three listings, get one entry.

Find six listings, get two entries.

Find nine listing, get three entries.

Find all 12 listings and get a big whopping FIVE entries!

Now, remember, there are TWELVE prizes, so the more entries you get, the more chances you have to win (and the greater the odds that you might win more than one prize!)

And now for the participating shops and the prizes!

Beadwork by Amanda: Rad Rainbow Necklace

Duncan Creative: Crocheted Vampire

The Quilted House: Winner's Choice of One Quilted Jack Halloween Greeting Card

Buenahelena: Set of 10 Matchbook Notepads

MF Crafts: Monster Puppet and Book Set

Jackbear Stamps: Pocket Owl ACEO

Kira Arts: Orange and Black Halloween Nubbin

ChainMaille Maven: Beaded Bracelet Bundle

Beauty in the Eye: Gold and Olive Delica Bead Earrings

Woolhead Works: October Hat

Merv and Delores: One small and one large card of the winner's choice

Aimee's Creations 4 U: Winner's choice of any photo in the shop

So, click around, have some fun, check out the awesome creations in these awesome shops, and enter to win these fabulous prizes! Contest is open to US only and ends Wednesday, October 20th at 6PM (EST).

Wednesday Wellspring: Red Tail Days

Congratulations to Jenny Bolech for winning the very cute owl stuffie from Peaches Products!

If you are local and you're looking for more owl, stamp, and jewelry creativity, check out the Braddock Bay Raptor Research Red Tail Days event this Sunday, August 22nd. It's a great family event with a selection of craft vendors organized by Peaches Products. And you'll find several other lovely RNESTers there: JackBear Stamps, Beadwork by Amanda, and Beauty in the Eye!

Wednesday Wellspring: Christmas in July II

Thanks for all the lovely entries in the Christmas in July quardruple giveaway and congratulations to Ms. Verymarried, Wolf Girl, Krista, and Donna!

Don't lose heart, though! We have so much fun giving things away that we've decided to extend the Christmas in July festivities with another great giveaway - a triple this time!

Check out each of the following three shops and enter for your chance to win one of the fabulous prizes - three lucky participants will win! You'll get one entry for each of the following (leave a separate comment for each):

1. Mandatory Entry #1: Follow this blog - or leave a comment saying you're a faithful follower.
2. Mandatory Entry #2: Check out each of the shops and give them a heart, then leave a note here with your favorite item from each shop.
3. Become a fan of RNEST on facebook.
4. Blog or tweet about the giveaway.

Duncan Creative:

Sale: Buy one, get one 50% off thru July 31st!

Giveaway item:

Lilac White Truffles

KiraArts:

Sale: Order a custom Nubbin at no extra charge

Giveaway item:

Red & Green Heart Nubbin

The Quilted House:

Sale: 20% off any item in the shop

Giveaway Item:

Your choice of any wallet in the shop

The giveaway is open to US and Canada and ends Tuesday, July 27. Winners will be chosen by the random number generator and announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring!

And don't forget the Christmas in July Sales announced last week are still ongoing through July 25th:

Beadwork by Amanda - 20% off any item

buenahelena - 15% off any item + free shipping to all NY state residents

Crafter's Haven - 20% off any item

Make-it Mondays: Boulderfest Review

It has been a whirlwind. Three days of Boulderfest, along with fellow teamies Beadwork by Amanda and Textile Treats. I think it's time for a beer and a

review...

The view from my tent, day and night :)

The Pro's of Boulderfest:

1. Great music! A lot of reggae from the likes of John Brown's Body and Buddhahood , indie rock and blues. My personal favorite was Benjamin Jameson Morey and the Wallpaper Singers who performed upbeat danceable songs all about death and fear in its various forms.
2. Hosted by a sweet coffee shop that also serves beer and liquor.
   
3. Talented, helpful and friendly artists. There was awesome variety.
   
4. Very easy going coordinators who withstood the longest hours to make their fest successful.
5. The fee was $35 for all three days. Not bad when most one day events are more.

My booth after I ditched my cheapo tent for the EZ-up

The Con's of Boulderfest:

1. Parking was sketchy. If you got in early there were a handful of on site spots. Otherwise most of us street parked. Switching times were funny and it wasn't a neighborhood I'd like to walk around alone at night to find my far off parking spot. As it was I got a parking ticket that cut into my profits.
2. Long hours. We came before the music started stayed until the music stopped. That makes three 10 hours days in a row. I have to say though, that I was never bored.
3. Low sales for many artists. This was the first run of Boulderfest with artists, so it is possible that people weren't coming with the mindset to buy art. The sales, for myself at least, went up each day though and I did profit fairly well.
4. My crappy tent and a windy Saturday. Both of these things are totally NOT Boulder's fault. In fact this could be a pro in disguise, because I learned a lot of about outdoor vending practicalities. RNEST has a great thread on this right now.

My booth neighbors: Paul Taylor Glass, Beadwork by Amanda (fellow RNEST teamie) and Seredipity Photos. Thank you Paul and Jason for helping me with my tent!!!

Summary:

If you love music, a festive vibe and have good stamina, this is a fun show. With more advertisement and word of mouth about the vendors, I think sales will increase as well.