business advice - Craft Focus Magazine

feature
beautiful beading
Beads can be used in all sorts of craft projects, from the
obvious jewellery to cross-stitch, embroidery and card making.
We look at new trends and new products
Photo: Beads and Beyond Magazine
Copper and Antiqued Copper chain
and fi ndings are hot news this year
Beads are big news this year. Back in the 1960s, both men and women wore them, and now
the retro look is back in fashion – this time with a 21 st century twist Peak Dale Products told
us. “Steam Punk is the latest look – a quirky, yet appealing mix of antique-look, brass coloured
jewellery and decorative items with a feminine touch, such as fl owers and ribbons. Think Victorian
meets modern day.”
Michelle Powell, editor of Beads & Beyond magazine, suggest that you try and choose an area
of beading that suits your store. If you have a large customer base which enjoys rubber stamping,
maybe try mixed media jewellery and stock pendant blanks, resin and funky ball style chain. If
you have a fabric store, consider introducing a felted bead section and a good range of wooden
blank beads that can be fabric covered. If your customer base enjoy cross stitch, them maybe the
intricate nature of seed beading will be a good place to start, so stock seed beads, needles, Delica
beads and Nymo thread.
STEAM PUNK IS HOT
“This year Beads Unlimited are celebrating 25 years in business and are still on a
strong upward curve,” said owner Geoff Ellis. He has just been on a trip to China
with chief buyer and designer Gemma Gray, to source a whole host of new and
exciting beads to add to the Beads Unlimited stock-pile of goodies. They predict
trends for this season include antique gold chain and fi ndings which are hot, hot hot
in the world of beading and a key tone in Steam Punk style. “Happily, these muted
metal tones look fabulous with honeysuckle, Pantone’s colour for 2011. Honeysuckle
is a striking reddish pink that complements almost all skin tones. The wide appeal
of this colour makes it a number one consideration for retailers large and small,”
Geoff said.
“Chain maille is also a big design feature this year. With
a little practice, the basic methods can be mastered to
produce stunning creations. It’s just one of the techniques
you can learn at Beads Unlimited’s beading classes
held at their retail outlet, The Brighton Bead Shop,”
added Geoff. To further help their trade customers,
Beads Unlimited has recently launched a trade website
on which customers can get credit terms, discounted
prices, free post and packing, a dedicated retailers’
advisor and many other benefi ts. For details visit: www.
beadsunlimited.co.uk.
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