As some of you may be aware I've decided to finish making lampwork beads. It's been so sweet of everyone to email me so I thought I'd better do a post to let you know my reasons.
To be honest over the last few months I feel that I've lost some of the enjoyment I used to get from making beads. I don't always have the desire to create and at times it's become a bit of a chore. It was different when I first started back in 2004 as it was all new and any money I made from selling beads was a bonus. However over the last couple of years that I've been relying on bead sales for my income it's taken some of the fun out of it and at times it's been quite stressful.
The recent economical situation hasn't helped and sales have obviously suffered. I appreciate that it's a knock on effect - if my customers are finding it harder to sell jewellery then of course they won't be needing to buy as many beads.
I also have the additional problem that I get a lot of pain in my neck and shoulders which results in nasty headaches lasting a couple of days at a time. The position that I have to hold my arms at when making beads seems to aggravate this.
It has been a hard decision to make and to be honest I'm still not 100% sure that I want to leave it all behind. I know what I'm like - I do tend to flit in and out of things so I couldn't say for definite that I wouldn't ever want to make beads again.
So what will I be doing with my time? Well I have plans to take my jewellery to the next level and I need a little capital to do this. I know the jewellery market is hugely competitive but I'm going to give it a good shot - I like a challenge!!
I'd like to thank you all for your custom over the years and I hope that you have continued success in your jewellery making. You never know I may be back in a few months!
Rachel xx
About Me
- Earth and Fire beads
- Handmade lampwork glass beads to make your jewellery designs extra special.
You can find more of my beads here..
BLOGS I READ
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Why waste time worrying?8 years ago
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CRAFTfest is almost here!10 years ago
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A new blog!10 years ago
Publications featuring my beads!
7 comments:
This must be a hard decision to make, i will be sorry to see your stunning beads, i have made quite a few pieces using your beads, hope all goes well with the jewellery making, i also know it's quite hard with loads of people making jewellery, but all the fairs i normally do, every one makes such different pieces.
I was sorry to hear you're stopping because your beads are absolutely beautiful (and if money was no object goodness only knows how many sets I've had bought off you!), but I totally understand your reasons, the market has been hit hard, and when something you enjoy becomes more stressful than fun it's normally time to take a step back. Thankfully I've still got a few sets of yours in my beadie box to drool over (although I may be loath to part with them now!)
I wish you the best of luck with your jewellery and it's been a pleasure buying such beautiful treasures off you :D x
You are right to take a break if what you loved to do has become a chore. It is hard to create if your heart isn't in it. I imagine after a good break you'll want to get back to glasswork, but good luck with your other pursuits x
I'm sorry to hear you are hanging up your torch, but completely understand your reasons for the decision ~ and like you say, you can always go back to the beads and if it's not a necessity anymore, the joy may come back to it! Your new jewellery direction sounds exciting though, so all the best with it ;)
that's a shame your work is lovely but you have to do what's right! can't wait to see you're next project :)
I'm so very sorry to hear this, Rachel. I only found out just now as I was looking for your beads.
But I wish you all the very best for the future, and thank you for all your lovely work over the last few years.
Nia.
Please, visit my blog for our giveaway of Silver Infinity Earrings.
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