Thursday 20 September 2012

Mad About Beads







I taught a wonderful group of ladies this past Saturday. Thank you my very good friend Dawn for gathering the group of beaders together. I am sure they also had a fun day. What a good selection of quality beads Mad About Beads,Linden, stock. The staff were so helpful and Nolly, you and Dawn spoiled us with your catering skills! The Gertrude Pendant was created and I must admit to be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful outcome - as every single pendant was individualised. Well done!

Pattern Listed - Marcelane


Beautiful and stylish bracelet that folds softly around the curve of your arm. Variety of stitches combined to create this beauty. If you would like to learn more about peyote, herringbone and right angle weave combinations, this is the tutorial for you.
Step by step instructions with illustrations in color and with photos to enhance your tutorial.
Eleven pages to print
Herringbone, peyote stitch and right angle weave techniques
Available from my Etsy:">
Suitable for intermediate skilled beaders

Monday 17 September 2012

To sell or not to sell?

I am sure many of my fellow designers had a difficult customer or two.
At first I thought of just ignoring this issue, but then I decided, if I leave it, nobody else will have my side of the story.Please note: I have so much empathy for the buyer - we all know when you buy something you look forward receiving it, and the let down when you do not get your package is bad.
Well, I had been lucky throughout the years, until now. And if I had too be blamed for a book that was not delivered by the fault of the UPS, then be it. But what really upsets me the most of all, is that this person is trying to blackmail me, for not giving me a "bad" rating at my Etsy store. I re posted, at my own cost, a book to her. She wanted a free pattern, and I ignored the request. Thank you all loyal and satisfied customers. To analyse my personality you need to know me in person, even if you are a "mind reader". Perhaps a psychological assessment was made based on my photo.
I am a good, honest and reliable trader earning my bread and butter by selling my designs, and I am not going to tarnish my name and reputaion for a mere $22. The truth of the matter is, that I would have tried to compensate for the discomfort for not receiving what was expected, but the old saying " You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar" applies both ways
Ask the customers who contact me regularly to request a pdf pattern when they deleted the original one. Please bear in mind, I live in South Afica - the time difference is about six hours and I do go away on the occasional weekend. My laptop and Blackberry are sometimes out of reach.
This episode just left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I order products and books regularly from the USA. Also waited up to six week for a delivery. Books dissapeared and I was content to wait for the next book posted to me.
Tomorrow I shall send her the patterns (published in the book) that I have on pdf file.

The last two messages; (The first request was send on 6th Sept, and I immediately started to search for the book. The SAPO advised me, to wait another few days, before we could take action, as the book was still mobile and delivery was scheduled any day from that particular day.Between me and the buyer , we exchanged ten convos.)

ME:the second book tracking nr. : RJ 004 ............., posted this morning. I am positive that you'll receive it this time. The other girls waited between nine and sixteen days before delivery. Please contact me after day ten again, so that I know whether you received it.
Regards
Riana

Byer: Riana, I must say that I am very disappointed regarding how you have handled this. I ordered this book on August 21st;. It has taken you until September 18th to send a new book, yet you state that others received their books between nine and sixteen days after ordering-that would place us at September 6th at the latest when I would have received the book. That leaves another twelve days before you sent another book.
Additionally, you never answwered my question about sending a complimentary pdf of the Noor pendant. I have a responsibility to let other Etsy customers know about good as well as bad service. 

Thursday 13 September 2012

5% Discount on patterns


Just to say thank you to all my supporters. From today until Sunday you can use this coupon RANI5 (copy and paste)this code in the coupons space when you get to payment stage, to get a 5% discount on any of my products I sell in my Etsy Store http://www.etsy.com/shop/RianaOlckersBeadWork


Wednesday 12 September 2012

Rose Marie

Rose Marie Bracelet - what a lovely name. Reminds me of a golden oldie movie "Rose Marie" with Howard Keel and Ann Blyth. Tomboy versus hidden femininity. This was a project that I designed for my beginner students - peyote stitch in all its glory - well basic glory, and not boring and repetitive.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Marcelane Bracelet

Marcelane - dedicated to Mars. Beautiful bracelet made with a variety of stitches and techniques. For the beader who would like to learn more about peyote, herringbone and right angle weave. Easy to read step by step instrucions and illustrations in color, with excellent photos to make your beading experience a pleasure.This pattern will be posted on my Etsy before the weekend

Monday 10 September 2012

Themis Earrings

Themis (Greek) - Goddess of divine justice, order and customs. She also had the
gift of prophecy. Her name simply means "law of nature" or "divine nature."
Will be available on my Etsy before the weekend

Thursday 6 September 2012

Marnette Bracelet

Pattern now available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/108670875/bead-pattern-marnette-bracelet-with

Annah Tiger

The upmarket version of the Annah Necklace - The Annah Tiger. Earthy greens,together with very interesting components. Put that all together and get a vision of beauty

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Simba, African Beauty

Simba had been inspired by our traditional bead craft here in South Africa. I tried to incorporate the earthy, but in the same time, vibrant and happy color scheme. Also the "ivory" tusks of an elephant. Whether I was successful in my design, you will have to decide, but I am content.

Monday 3 September 2012

The Winner of the Noor Pendant

The winner of the beautiful Noor Pendant:
Ingrid.( I'll contact you on your e-mail) Thank you all for your participation I really appreciated it.
We'll do this again in the near future!