Wow - What A Trip!

Tucson!  

Yes, it was a whirlwind of excitement with Pearls, Beads, Gemstones, Findings, Tools, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, Geodes, Dinosaur Bones, and more - EVERYWHERE!!

 

I'm trying to get back in the groove of things today.

You know,...back to REALITY!

It's always so hard to leave behind
all the beautiful treasures!

 

But it's good to be back home, too!

I'll be talking more about the Gem and Bead Shows
in another post, so stay tuned!

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Gem Show Treasures!

Cheers,

~Shel~

The Good, The Positive and the Abundant!

Okay, so one of my models and I are out walking some of the shows at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and one thing we hear over and over is "The Economy". From vendors selling, to shop owners, to designers and manufacturers, to all the buyers and shoppers - everyone's got those words coming off their lips. Yes, we all know about "The Economy",...don't we?!

However, here's where we're going to stay focused on the good, the positive and the abundant (that's a switch from the latest on the news, isn't it?!). To quote Mike Dooley, " Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones!"

In this "economy" (the word that should only be whispered!) one thing you can focus on to bring about positive change to your business is "What can I do that will help this situation and bring about the results I want".

Here's some things to think about whether your business is jewelry design, manufacturing, retail sales, etc. so you can have the good, the posititve and the all abundance you deserve. I mean, we're ALL looking for a very prosperous 2009 and beyond, right?!

Remain focused on your goals. Remaining focused will point you in the right direction, helping you maintain and grow your business through this "economy" so you can see those goals become reality.

This is a fantastic time to build relationships. Be sure to ask yourself, "How can I help my vendors?" Just one of the many ways you can help is to communicate what you see in the 'field'. Let them know what your clients are looking for; what trends you see from your clients (not just what the fashion mags/companies tell you - they've already heard those, too!) and then ask your vendors how, other than spending more money on their products, YOU can help THEM. Their answers might surprise you.

The answers we received were VERY different than what we expected - and we'll share some of these answers in another entry at a later time....remember, I promised to not ramble too much!

Try "New Thinking" (instead of 'stinkin' thinkin') and look into the social networking that everyone is telling you about and doing themselves (i.e. - blog spot, myspace, facebook, linkedin, virb, etc. - the list IS virtually endless!)

Cross Reference - think on how you can link your connections up with each other or how maybe someone they know, or have a relationship with, could be beneficial to you or those in your business circle.

Our "ecomony" (I whispered, honest!) will thrive again and, like everything else, we should work now to be prepared so when it does happen we aren't left with words like "Should have", Wanted to, but", etc. coming off our lips. (ooohhh, those will sting!)

So,...build relationships, network (which is truly just relationship building, not "how can I use you to make another sale"), ask questions of "How can I help you?", advise on how others can help you or your business should they get the opportunity, and try new thinking and ways of doing things to grow your business . And then there's the oldie but goodie "Attitude is everything!

Yes, it really is!!

Gearing up for the Tucson Gem Show!

I love Tucson! My son was born there, so that makes it pretty special. Living there for 6 years was nice, too. But the absolute best thing about Tucson, aside from my family and friends who live there and my friend Nina's wonderful cooking, is the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show!

It's THE gem and mineral show of the year (seriously!) and it's such a behemoth that it's simply referred to by those in the industry as "Tucson". Yep, no need to say more!

I'm so exited to meet w/my suppliers and peruse the vast selections of lusterous pearls, lucsious gemstones and everything else that goes along with "Tucson", that I can hardly stand myself!! (and at this point, neither can anyone else!)

Along with all the wonderful gem/mineral and fossil shows there's almost as many bead shows in town. And if there's beads, then there's all sorts of wonderful things that go along with beads, like silver and gold findings, more beads, and of course classes and workshops!

Speaking of classes and workshops, not only will I be "Shopping Till I Drop" while I'm in Tucson, but I'll be teaching some wire work classes at the Manning House Bead Show that's being held at the beautiful and historic Manning House Mansion between February 3rd and 8th, 2009.

You'll want to take either my "Eye Catching Ear Candy" class that's super fun and packed with tons of techniques and designs, or, for those of you who want a bold, signature necklace, I'm teaching my "Hammered Chain and Wire Wrapped Circle Pendant Necklace" class complete with hammering, texturing, forming and wire wrapping. Follow the links above to read all the details and to sign up - I'd love to have you in one of my classes this year!

Be sure to sign up soon though because registration for my classes will be closing shortly so I can pack up and make the long drive south! Okay, so it's only a 2 hour drive from Phoenix to Tucson, but I'm spoiled because I don't travel much outside my littel 5 mile radius - thanks to the internet!

Here's a great article about the 2008 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show that was in Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist Magazine - it's packed with valuable information! And, for those attending the show this year, visit Colored Stone - The Tucson Show Guide to view all the show locations, complete with dates and times, vendor lists, shuttle schedules, and information on things around town like where to eat, stay and play.

Okay, so I could tell you that I'll be giving nightly updates here on my blog about all that's uniquely "Tucson", but honestly, I'll be ogling my 'daily stash', feasting on Nina's gourmet cooking and sipping wine w/her and the family. And then there's that thing called SLEEP,...if you want to keep up the pace again the next day! But I promise to do all I can to keep you in the loupe! (I mean loop!)

So, come join in the fun and feel the energy! After all - it's "Tucson"!!

Until then, have a good one!

Cheers,

~Shel~

P.S. - Okay, Just FYI - My posts will normally NOT be this long - Honest!! Really,.....