Seasonal Games

…and more thoughts on publishing.

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Most periodicals try to fill many shoes; technique, editorial, tips, resource, review, gallery, biography. One or two find a niche to fill, Ornament comes to mind. The competition seems to be coming from the digital arena. Print publications have rushed to snag that corner also. It is mind-boggling what is available on-line.
Most of each magazines content (those that have web sites) can now be purchased as downloads. (A couple of my fiber magazines offer a digital subscription!) But (yep, here it is!) have you visited any of the on-line suppliers lately?

I am going to address only a couple, and please do not think these are the only ones that provide these services. The list is a long one (and I’m lazy).
Fire Mountain Gems has project instructions on the site. A fantastic gallery for design ideas, a free catalog full of ideas, ongoing contests that are easy to enter! Designer profiles to read. Talk about getting published…try a contest.
Rings & Things has an eclectic feel, fun to visit. Also has contests, lots of design and instructions. The catalog is not quite as hefty as the FMG one, still a delight.
SoftFlex is a company most of us know for their beading wires. Like the others their web presence is strong, with tutorials, galleries and contests. Even stronger is their presentation at beading shows. I always make it a point to visit their display, the deep discounts on stones and supplies (at fantastic quality) must be seen.

I am a member of the blogging team of Artbeads.com. Artbeads seems to gone a step further in soliciting designers to feature their products. The program is a win/win. Designers have an opportunity to try a product they would not necessarily use for whatever reason (in my case it usually is cost). Artbeads has a showcase for a product they chose to feature.
This month Artbeads chose to feature cubic zirconia!!!

I was given a choice of color:

 

Yes, I am partial to warm colors. Are these not absolutely stunning?? CZ’s can you just imagine the sparkle. Swarovski hide your face!!!
And now that bit ’o surprise I had alluded to. (It pays to read thru to the end). 
Artbeads.com has given each of their blog team members a $25 Gift Certificate to award!!!

I have decided on a quirky bit of tomfoolery. There are quite a few of us who blog for Artbeads. And there exists a list. Your job, should you decide to accept it, is to find the list, find us. Leave a message on each blog you find with the quote below included.

RULES:

  find blogs
  enter this quote on each blog found:

“sent here on a marvelous surf via http://valerieaharoni.com”

  collect all the addys
  leave me a message with the list of addys
  complete your mission by December 13th   (one week from today)
  If you need to update your list, please just leave a new message with all the addys you have found!

  General info: The other bloggers are not aware of what I have done (oops!). Let’s have some fun and increase their traffic and seasonal joy!.

And dear readers, for some added spice:

Artbeads has some additional winning opportunities on Facebook.

btw, you do know Artbeads shipping is always free for domestic customers and $1 to Canada!

 

In this case I will not be a woman of my word! The winner of my little competition will be the one who leaves the most messages at the greatest number of member blogs. Ahhh…look out. I got a little sneaky stuff up my sleeves.

Valerie