A few of you have written to me and said you can't fathom how I do it all. Sometimes I wonder about that myself. But here I am - still here after 9 years of blogging on The Beading Gem! 3791 posts later from that fateful day back on January 4, 2007 when I started this blog. It began with a simple need - a site to share student work and information about my then workshops. Like my jewelry making journey, the blogging one also progressed and transformed over the years.
One reader actually wrote in and thought there was a whole team behind The Beading Gem. There is only one person behind the "team" and that is me!
I write my blog mostly on a desk in a spare bedroom. Last year I shared pictures of my studio too. I didn't particularly like writing when I first started but like jewelry making, practice made it easier. And I began to like writing as a creative pursuit in itself.
But writing actually takes up a small amount of my time. A great deal more effort behind the scenes is needed to keep this blog going! That includes designing, research, lots of photography, blog maintenance, correspondence and so on. It takes organization and a fair amount of discipline.
Someone asked me during one of my photography webinars if I could do something similar with blogging. I am unsure if the demand is there for a blogging webinar geared for jewelry artisans. So please comment if you are interested. I have included some helpful blogging tips links below.
The biggest factor in helping me stay the course these nine years is you. All of you. If it weren't for the follows, thoughtful and kind comments, emails and support over the years, I would have given up a long time ago. Many of you send me tips and notify me of missing or bad links. You are also forgiving of grammatical and typos which trip me up from time to time. So a big thank everyone!
Thanks too to all the wonderful bloggers and designers whose inspirational work I have shared for the benefit of this community. And the many sponsors who helped me bring new ideas, books and products to inspire you and develop new skills.
Please note that this blog continues to be supported by ads and by affiliate programs so it continues to grow and still remain free for all. Believe me, it doesn't make me rich. Far from it. All this is truly a labor of love. But the support does help defray the behind the scenes costs incurred in the running this blog and the delivery of posts to a large readership.
If you haven't already, do consider subscribing (free) to my blog so you don't miss a post! Or a giveaway winner announcement. You can also follow me on social media - particularly Facebook and Twitter - where I post past and present blog posts as well as all sorts of jewelry tidbits which don't make the cut on my blog. I am also active on Pinterest.
Long time readers will have noticed the steady improvement in my photography with all the different cameras I have had over the years. Photography is something I work on all the time. And like writing, I have grown to love it too!
Since my 9th blogging anniversary falls on a Monday when I typically run giveaways, I am offering 3 free spots for my How to Photograph Jewelry Webinar as a giveaway to celebrate this milestone. (You can also sign up here to be notified when the next one will be). If you wish to enter, then comment below. Note that winners will be allocated spaces according to individual webinar availability.
Please specify in the comments that you are interested in the webinar giveaway otherwise I will assume you just want to congratulate me on my 9th blogging anniversary!! The giveaway is open until 6 pm EST Monday January 11, 2015. I will choose 3 winners randomly asap after that.
Before You Go :
One reader actually wrote in and thought there was a whole team behind The Beading Gem. There is only one person behind the "team" and that is me!
I write my blog mostly on a desk in a spare bedroom. Last year I shared pictures of my studio too. I didn't particularly like writing when I first started but like jewelry making, practice made it easier. And I began to like writing as a creative pursuit in itself.
But writing actually takes up a small amount of my time. A great deal more effort behind the scenes is needed to keep this blog going! That includes designing, research, lots of photography, blog maintenance, correspondence and so on. It takes organization and a fair amount of discipline.
Someone asked me during one of my photography webinars if I could do something similar with blogging. I am unsure if the demand is there for a blogging webinar geared for jewelry artisans. So please comment if you are interested. I have included some helpful blogging tips links below.
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Thanks too to all the wonderful bloggers and designers whose inspirational work I have shared for the benefit of this community. And the many sponsors who helped me bring new ideas, books and products to inspire you and develop new skills.
Please note that this blog continues to be supported by ads and by affiliate programs so it continues to grow and still remain free for all. Believe me, it doesn't make me rich. Far from it. All this is truly a labor of love. But the support does help defray the behind the scenes costs incurred in the running this blog and the delivery of posts to a large readership.
If you haven't already, do consider subscribing (free) to my blog so you don't miss a post! Or a giveaway winner announcement. You can also follow me on social media - particularly Facebook and Twitter - where I post past and present blog posts as well as all sorts of jewelry tidbits which don't make the cut on my blog. I am also active on Pinterest.
Long time readers will have noticed the steady improvement in my photography with all the different cameras I have had over the years. Photography is something I work on all the time. And like writing, I have grown to love it too!
Since my 9th blogging anniversary falls on a Monday when I typically run giveaways, I am offering 3 free spots for my How to Photograph Jewelry Webinar as a giveaway to celebrate this milestone. (You can also sign up here to be notified when the next one will be). If you wish to enter, then comment below. Note that winners will be allocated spaces according to individual webinar availability.
Please specify in the comments that you are interested in the webinar giveaway otherwise I will assume you just want to congratulate me on my 9th blogging anniversary!! The giveaway is open until 6 pm EST Monday January 11, 2015. I will choose 3 winners randomly asap after that.
Before You Go :
- Tips for New Jewelry Bloggers
- How to Efficiently Manage Your Blogging and Social Media Time
- 6 Questions to Ask Before You Start a (Craft) Blog
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Congrats on staying the course! Yes, and please include me in the webinar draw.
ReplyDeleteThis would be fantastic. Would love the free webinar!
ReplyDeleteI do want to congratulate you, I follow you every morning, lol. But, I would also like to win a spot on the webinar, I take terrible photos!!!
ReplyDeleteGlenda
pglenda@yahoo.com
I know there is a lot of research that goes into each and every one of your posts and I thank you for the time you take to give us such a diverse selection of articles. I love getting your posts in my inbox every day. Congratulations on the milestone Pearl - may you continue to provide us with many more enjoyable posts in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Love your blog. Would also love to win a spot in the webinar. I also need help with photos! Maureenwack@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name in the photography webinar giveaway. Taking pictures of one's work is so very important not only to promote their work but to document details for archiving purposes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your anniversary! You have provided an important glimpse into the vast world of jewelry design and those who are passionate about their craft. Thank you for your hard work and your devotion to sharing your discoveries with all of us!
ReplyDeletePearl
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 9 years of blogging. That is a huge accomplishment. I think of Beading Gem emails as part of my morning rituals. Thank you for this!
I have patience for making jewelry but not for photographing the pieces. Maybe because I do not know enough about the art. I hope to win a free seminar. Thank you.
I have not followed you for all nine years but almost. I've learned a lot from your posts and enjoy and read everyone. I've improved my photography from your posts and Modahaus photography products you have shared. That said, I still need to improve and would love to win a place on the webinar giveaway.
ReplyDeletePearl, congratulations! I look forward to your posts and you never fail to surprise me. I have learned a lot since I started following your blog. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAlso feel free to throw my name into the pot for the "how to photograph jewellery webinar " contest. I would love to improve my skills. Jana - skladan1980@gmail.com
Congrats! I would love to win a webinar and improve my skills! Thanks for offering. jrgkuhn@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePearl, congratulations on the anniversary!! When I read your posts I can tell you love what you do. How fortunate for you that you found a combination of things (jewelry-making, writing, photography) you enjoy & where you have talent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the effort you put into The Beading Gem.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a seat in your webinar so I can learn ways to improve my photography.
Happy Anniversary Pearl. I "always" open your daily email. Your blog offers up inspiration for me to incorporate into my jewelry. It seems a long time ago when you taught me to make a byzantine chain maille bracelet at the Farm.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win the webinar...jewelry is so hard to photograph and not something I want to spend months learning how to do as it would take me away from making jewelry.
So wonderful to hear from you after all those years! I get it about the photography thing! That's what my webinar is for - to cut that steep learning curve so you get going faster!
DeleteNine is a number that is associated with gemstones in Indian culture as Navaratna or 9 gemstones (incidentally Pearl is one of the nine stones). I wish many many more years of blogging, a rather selfish wish, If I may as it means more years of gaining knowledge from you. I am not sure if you know but there is a lot of information available for jewelry bloggers and there are even institutes that have dedicated courses. Check out Flourish and thrice academy by Tracy and robin which has a lot of info for jewelry makers reg blogging, sales, social media and much more.
ReplyDeleteDear Pearl, I want to congratulate you on doing this amazing labor of love that I too look forward to everyday. I would love to win a spot in your webinar giveaway. I have been foot dragging on improving my photography skills. I got my bachelors degree from an Art collage and minored in photography, in the days before the digital camera, so it is still a bit of a learning curve. I took mostly city-scapes.
ReplyDeleteNow I need to improve my photo skills like I have my jewelry-making skills, Thanks for all you do and you can't blame me for thinking that this great blog has more than one person behind the scenes. LOL Happy New Year.
Pearl, Nine year? Congratulations on your blog being so informative and well done. I have learned a lot from you and appreciate all the time you dedicate so we can all learn more. Thank you Pearl! Pat S
ReplyDeleteThanks so much every one for all your kind words! Some of you have been following me for almost the 9 years! Wow!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on year number 9!!!!! I do so look forward to your blog every morning!!!! Keep up the great work and I would like to be entered to win a spot in your webinar for photographing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy friend. You are an inspiration to all of us in so many ways! Not only with this incredible blog of yours but also in your own jewelry making talent. Add to that your photography talents, your writing talents, your knowledge of so much more than any of what you share publicly - and wow! I'm always bowled over by you!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 9 incredible years of giving from the bottom of your heart Pearl! There are few people who can do this and stay the course.
You truly are an inspiration to us all!!
(and yes - I'd love to chuck my name into the pot - of course I would! I learn something new every single time I take your course because it's so full of information that I have to keep repeating to learn it all! Plus - you keep adding to your seminar!)
With love and admiration from your friend in the west.
Congratulations! Please include me in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHi Pearl, congratulations on the 9 year anniversary!! I haven't been a follower but for about 2 years and love your work and information. I also love to learn new things and improve on my skills.It would be Wonderful to win one of your webinars on photography for jewelry.
ReplyDeleteThank You for ALL you share with us!!!!
this would be an incredible gift and learning experience. congrats!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your anniversary!!! I look forward to reading your blog every day. I would love to be included in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I would love to win one of your slots. You're still my favorite blogger. Thanks for doing what you do.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 9 years of blogging. I would like to get in on the give away. I need to learn how to take really good pictures of my Kumihimo jewelry.
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloggy Anniversary! Thanks wonderful - love your blog!! I'd like to be included in the webinar giveaway - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI want to enter to win a spot for the webinar giveaway Pearl. Please and thank you. Happy New Year by the way.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Your blog has grown so much since the early days. I do miss the posts on historical people and jewelry. Perhaps you could rerun those for the newer folks. And I would love to take your webinar.
ReplyDelete9 years blogging is quite the achievement; congratulations on this auspicious occasion.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me into the webinar drawing; I am so intimidated by the idea of photographing my jewelry that my (very thoughtful) boyfriend is planning to take my first pics and try to teach me to do it myself as we go along.
Congratulations on your 9th anniversary, Pearl. I love your blog...always learn something new. Please add me to the list for the random draw for the giveaway of your photography webinar.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the milestone! I so enjoy reading your posts - give me hope for myself! Would love to win a spot for the photography webinar!!
ReplyDeleteHi Pearl Congratulations on your 9th Anniversary. I look forward to reading your blog with all of your helpful tips. Could you please enter me in the generous giveaway for the photography webinar. Thank you and I hope you continue to blog for many more years.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog. I would love to be added to the giveaway draw. I find photography a little scary.Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHappy 9th blogging anniversary!!
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the photography webinar giveaway.
Thanks for all the great information you share.
Happy Anniversary! I too, would love to be added to the webinar giveaway!
ReplyDeletealikat2004 at Ravelry.com
Happy 2016 and Happy 9th Anniversary!! Many hearty and grateful congratulations!! Your blog is the only jewelry blog I subscribe to and read daily, I am curious each day to find out what you post.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know about the fan-shaped necklace pictured in your post today. Do you have instructions for it?
Thank you for all the hard work you do each day to ensure the curious readers are satisfied. Brava and here's to many more posts!
All the best in 2016
I don't have the full instructions for the fan pendant but I did talk about it here :
Deletehttp://www.beadinggem.com/2012/07/my-memories-scrapbook-software-review.html
It is basically folded paper which has been hardened with resin. You can also spray several layers of protective sealant. The resin does make the paper translucent and stiff though. I poked holes in the paper so I could feed wire and beads through it.
Hope this helps and thanks for being such a loyal reader!
I love hearing from you every day and congatulate you on your wonderful ideas, sources , how tos, and the energy and discipline to do this every single day. Learning to blog would be helpful for me IF I could maintain it but having all these opportunities is like an unending buffet of goodies You should be very proud of yourself Pearl.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a generous, giving soul. Thank you for all your free information and advice. I would *love* to learn how to take good photos of my jewelry. I've tried but I'm obviously doing something wrong! Please include me in the draw. Thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteI have been actively creating since the age of 5yrs. My parents nurtured my talents until I became of age. I am disabled, but not unable. I now extend my creative urge into jewelry design. Lo and behold I am making money.
ReplyDeleteIt is because of The Beading Gem, that I still feel nurtured at my older age. I read your blog and Bamm!!! it is the spark that starts my fire of new ideas.
My parents are long gone, but you are there and I appreciate you and what you do.
I am also very interested in the upcoming giveaway as well as future ones.
Susan Pinto
ps. I am just now photographing my work and need all the advice I can get!!!
I have only just discovered your blog. I've just signed up for your mailing list. I would love to be entered in the webinar giveaway. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the drawing I could seriously use the help.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing for the photography webinar. Congratulations on your anniversary.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Pearl! 9 years is worthy of note. Thanks for all you bring to us! I would love to take your course. Your pictures are clear and bright and I'd love to know your combination of techniques to make that happen.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Each day for 9 years--and everyday with terrific tips etc. Congratulations and,oh I almost forgot,please enter me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 9 yrs.! I would love to have a chance to take your webinar. I've just started making jewelry & I've just started taking pictures also & I don't know how to do a very good job. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation! Could you include me to giveaway
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary, Pearl! I am genuinely shocked that you maintain this blog on your own, without at least a couple of researchers and a tea lady! You must be extremely dedicated and motivated - I'm not sure I could achieve anywhere near as much as you have!
ReplyDeleteI was just going to congratulate you and express my awe, but then I saw the giveaway at the end and, well, my photography is awful! Please save me from dark, shadowy pics!
lauraproudman@gmail.com
I enjoy your blog immensely and read it every day. I have used many of your suggestions. Please enter me in the give away. I need much help with photographing my creations.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work
congratulations on your 9th blogging anniversary!! I, for one have learned about/tried new things from reading it. I am also interested in the webinar giveaway...please add me to the list Tks. Alpert.amy@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Pearl! I follow on bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteWow Pearl. 9 years of doing this Blog is quite the achievement. I look forward to reading your Blog every day. So thank you for all you do!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog in the last year and it's been lots of fun learning about all kinds of things. Congrats on the anniversary. Yes I would be interested in your photography webinar.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Mona
Awesome! 9 Years of Blogging...(I mean think about all the information that has been shared in that period of time) Please do include me in the giveaway. I must say that photography is one thing I have always wanted to be good at, but is something that I really stink at. The saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" is such a true statement. A webinar in photography from Pearl would truly be worth a thousand dollars, at least. Thank you for all you do for us.
ReplyDeleteDear Pearl, congratulations on such a blogging milestone. Your email is one I read everyday, I never want to miss it. Thank you for your hard work, keeping the content relevant and updated. I absolutely would love to win the photography webinar!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 9th anniversary!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one that I always look forward to & enjoy!
Congratulations on big 9 yrs! I'm new to your info. But I'm very interested in your camera class on taking jewelry pictures, please include me in your webinar giveaway. I would be very appreciative. Thanks, Tammy O. The Beaded Wrist
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Barbie Hernandez-Cuquejo and I have been trying to take photos of my jewelry for over 9 months, I can't seem to get it right.... Would love to win one of your photography webinars. I am very much interested. I love jewelry making even though I do it as a hobby it is becoming my life... I love it. Happy anniversary.... wish you much success..
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 9th blogging anniversary. You're the one email I always look forward to opening every day. Thank you for your faithfulness.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in your Photograph Jewelry Webinar. Many thanks, donnacorn@juno.com
Congratulations Pearl - I've been glued to your blog for the last four years and have been proud to be featured on it a couple of times. You seem to have a lot of takers for your giveaway, I'd love to join in too :), Here's to another 9 - at least!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 9 years! I always learn something new from you and your contributors. I would love to take the photography webinar. I am getting the hang of taking pictures but could always use more instruction.
ReplyDeleteDear Pearl,
ReplyDeleteBig congratulations! Your blog has been a huge inspiration for me as I am making my own jewelry as well and struggle promoting myself and selling my pieces on our small Czech market:) Your webinar would be a huge help for me, as the photos I take are far from ideal, maybe even far from good.. And I realize how important these are for selling my creations!
I am looking forward to seeing you here for at least another 9 years. All the best!
Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on your 9th year! I have looked forward to receiving my Journal for the past couple of years!
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in winning a spot for your How to Photograph Jewelry webinar. Please enter me!
Thank you, marlade@msn.com
Happy Anniversary, congratulations on 9 years! Love receiving my journal, I have been a follower for a couple of years now.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a spot for the How to Photograph Jewelry, please enter me! Thank you, marlade@msn.com
Look forward to reading your blog. Congratulations on a job well done. I would love to be entered on How to Photograph Jewelry webinar. Have not done much of that yet, and I am looking for a new camera this year. tigers 628@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI've been with you a long time, and continue to enjoy your blog, Pearl! Congratulations! And yes, please consider me for the free webinar - I still need lots of help on photographs!
ReplyDeleteWow 9 years of writing, entertaining and informing. That really is momentous. I've been following you for about 3 years now. I still, on occasion dig deeper into the archives and find bits and pieces. Whenever I google how to do something I'm not familiar with yet, you're one of the top hits and my go to spot to figure it out. Congratulations Pearl!
ReplyDelete