I'm sure you've read recently about a few designers who have been struggling with thieves stealing their designs. It leaves one feeling frustrated and angry. But we can't spend our energy focusing on the negative in this world. Life is just too short. So here are some ways to show your support.
1. Show your love by buying beads from your favorite hard-working beadmakers. There is no better way to help them stay in business and take care of their families! Buy directly from the beadmaker if you can, but also supporting shops that carry their work is great too.
2. Spread the love. Use handcrafted art beads in your submissions to magazines as often as you can. I am thrilled when I see my beads in a designer's work in magazines and books.
3. Send folks their way. Blog about your favorite bead they offer or show a design you created using their beads. If you have a website add a link under a favorites page. Or include their blog link on your sidebar. Or hey why not go crazy and include a sidebar of links to your favorite beadmaker's bead shops.
All the photos above feature pewter beads from Green Girl Studios. Read my article on the Art Bead Scene on how to avoid buying fakes at bead shows: Faux Pas - Avoiding Fakes.
Some of my favorite beadmakers
Metal:
Ceramic:
Glass:
Polymer:
Not a complete list, but the ones that come to mind first. I stalk their etsy shops on a regular basis, I have their beads in my stash at the moment or I have used their beads in my designs.
Okay, your turn. Do you have a favorite beadmaker that's not in my list? I'd love to learn about them, please leave a link in the comments!
23 comments:
A lot of my favorits are on your list. I also like Artisan Clay, Round Rabbit, MA Carroll and Jangles for ceramics and Kelley's Beads for glass. These can all be found on Etsy. Have a good week!
Great post, Heather. This is such a positive way to deal with the issues.
Great post. Life is too short...
What a great post. Most of people you listed are who I like, plus Round Rabbit, Gabby of Your Eye Studio and Deb Waymire of Designs by Deb
I love supporting the art bead network!! Great advice on ways to share the love. I am putting together some fave resource lists from the input I got last week during my giveaway, so you'll have to check them out. The first post is for glass and then I'll have ceramics & porcelain, polymer clay, metal, and then a variety of other goodies...there'll be five posts in all: www.jenjuddrocks.com I did some seriously shopping this weekend while checking them all out!!! Take care - Jen
what a fabulous post, heather and a topic that seems to ebb and rise like tides - but is always there... i applaud your more positive approach... anxiety, anger and fear are emotions that kill creativity and joy... i am so sorry for those that have this happen... they have put their hard work, talent and resources into their creations... it must be a horrible feeling of violation... but to the artists with the talent, keep going... the copiers do not, and it will catch up with them...
A great reminder of what we can do besides letting those thieves get the best of us. Makes me even more motivate to get those art beads out of hiding and into some designs and publications!
Thanks for the list. I would agree with all you have listed... but you forgot one of my favorites...
Heather Powers of Humblebeads!
I just discovered a new designer in clay from Israel. I just ordered a huge smattering of her work. Her name is Alona Lahav and goes by the name of Rafya on Etsy. Check her out!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
I have so many favorites, I have a couple you don't have on your list...
http://Seashoreglass.etsy.com
http://artbylisi.etsy.com
and my new shop...
http://moreskyejewels.etsy.com
I hope you get a chance to visit them and add them to your own list :)
Marie
Hi Heather!
What a wonderful post. More people need to have faith in their creativity and know that they too can create one of a kind pieces without copying.
Art beads are great! They are great conversation starters, they are wonderful and they are special!
You are always so encouraging and offering great suggestions.
The other day saw your and Jess's recent original creations at Art. Inc. Fabulous!
Thanks for staying true.
Sparkly Bead Wishes!
Juliet
Thanks for your support Heather! We all need to support each other!
Thanks for the post and the shoutout, Heather! You definitely need to include your own name. I'm going to link to you post later today!
I agree with LeAnn; this is a very nice, positive approach to dealing with copiers.
Two of my favorites that I don't see on this list are Artisan Clay (ceramic) and Spawn of Flame (lampwork), both on Etsy.
Here's to supporting your fellow self-represented artists:)
Thanks so much, Heather! Great list. There are so many great artists out there. I can't thank you enough for all your support! You are just the best! Love ya, too! ;)
This is a great post to help refocus bad energy.
I love wonderousstrange's raku work, aunali's etched copper beads, lynn davis's cast pewter peices, jennifer tough's bronze clay worry beads and summerstudio's copper clay charms.
(and you know I love you. wink)
Thanks for your support and for your helpful tips. I agree with all of them.
OH! And Barbara "Basha" for Glass. She makes the most amazing ancient roman greco style beads that seem to trap light within them.
Thanks for the mention, Heather, this is such an important topic and affects every creative person, we all thank you for your insightful posts and sharing! You do so much for all of us, all the time.
Thank you Heather!
Great post, Heather. I'll have to go back and visit the few that I'm not familiar with....but your faves are my faves too ...and for glass I also heart KABS Concepts and Moon Stumpp. :-)
Love your work! Heather
wonderful post Heather! I am just delighted to read that I am one of your favorites (huge smile accompanied by warm heart)
you are one of mine as well and I feel so blessed that there are brilliant artists like yourself who support fellow craftsman.
thank you kindly for your support :)
Thanks Heather for all the positive statements about bead artists. I feel honored to be in your list.
Thanks for the post Heather!
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