Ebay ID: hawaiibeads
Storefront: Hawaii Beads
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Member since: Dec. 16, 2001

Q1: You make and sell handmade jewelry on Ebay through your storefront Hawaii Beads as well as during craft fairs and in stores. What are some of your favorite materials to use and why?
I am addicted to Vintage Swarovski Crystal. There used to be a little bead shop here that had vintage beads and crystals (the very shop where I took that FREE class). I have always been attracted to sparkly things. This love was brought about by hours of sitting on Mom's bed with her and going through old boxes of Crystals and bead jewelry that had belonged to various aunts, and grandmothers, and all the wonderful pieces that she had herself. I also seem to love Freshwater Pearls, at least it must be true since I seem to have at least one strand of every color, size, and shape of Pearl available!

Q2: You say on your About Me page how you got started with beading was by attending a 'free' jewelry making class.
We have a little paper here and I saw the ad for a free beading class at our one bead store that we had at the time. I wanted to make some Christmas presents for my family and friends. I have always made at least part of the gifts that I give. And since I love jewelry, this was ideal. I made a cobalt blue and gold bracelet. I then purchased enough items and tools to make several pieces. I remember that I made my sister a necklace with cloisonné horse beads. And I was hooked! I could not believe how much money I spent that night, and I was a very regular customer of theirs from then on. And one of my favorite things that I learned from the teacher, was, when you squeeze the crimp at the end of a necklace or bracelet, give it one more 'Fairy Squeeze'. And I have always done that! I love that term, and it always made sense to me.

Q3: Can one ever have enough beads? But seriously, what's behind the beader's compulsion?
If there was a pill to cure this compulsion I am not too sure that I would take it! I might miss out of some wonderful beads. Everyday I when I am working I say, no more! Well, guess who was at the bead store today? I give you one guess! And every single beader knows just what I mean. I truly believe that it is just something that you are drawn to. There are many "beaders" who have never made a piece of jewelry in their life, but most people have at least that one little bead somewhere, that they love to look at and enjoy.

Hawaiibeads storefront

Q4: What's the most expensive piece of jewelry you've sold and what was it?
I would have said a wonderful pair of asymmetrical earrings that I sold on Ebay, that were a favorite, but my most expensive was at a weekly Craft Fair, here at one of the hotels. It was a fabulous necklace made of White AAA Freshwater Pearls, large Tourmaline nuggets, and 14kt Gold. A Japanese business man came up to my table, picked up my most expensive piece, and handed me the money, He did not speak English, and I did not speak Japanese. But it was a wonderful experience. I love knowing that I have pieces of my jewelry all over the world!

Q5: When did you decide to turn your hobby into a business? What are some of your goals for this year?
I brought home those first beads from my first class, and put them right out on my desk, and touched and looked at them for hours! My desk happened to be in the kitchen, and we had a little upholstery shop in our garage. Well, many folks came into the house and would see me working in the kitchen at my beads and enjoy it. Then I set up a little bookcase next to my desk to display my pieces. And that was the beginning of my beading business.
This year, I would love to go to some new small bead stores in out of the way towns. Usually, you can find some very wonderful unusual beads there. Also, to find that one exciting and great new way to put those beads together that is completely new (if only to me!).

Q6: What artists (or movements) inspire you and your work?
I love Art Nouveau and Art Deco style and designs. This has been the case all of my life. I love the buildings built in these years, the style of print, the clothes and of course the jewelry. Right up into the '40's and 50's. The elegance and romance of earlier years. That combined with the colors of nature right outside my door are my biggest influences.
My friend that used to shop at my bead store when I had it, and now has her own bead store around the corner, is one of the best, most creative beaders that I know, and she loves to share. And my beady buddy friend here, who always helps me to get back on track when I start to stray from my beadwork! And is also always happy to share new ideas with me. We are always teaching each other something new.

Want to read more? See full text here

Please suggest content for our interviews or profiles of artisans and craftspeople selling on Ebay. Who's got an interesting story or unique items? Feel free to suggest yourself, too!
We're also looking for sellers who had WOW sales. These are intended to be 'non-craft' items. Just regular old, 'I bought it at a yard sale' type items that generated big buzz and big closing bids.

We'll also profile people who are active in the Ebay community. Know of someone who always helps out on the chat boards with friendly posts and great information? Maybe it's someone who has an expertise and is always in demand. We want to hear about these folks and profile them!

contact me with "Lensworthy" in the subject line.

Tracy

Voting is easy once you know the secret handshake.

At the top of the page, look just under the banner and to the right of the page ranking for the set of stars. First will be the total number of people who have voted; next will be your ranking.

Step 1, slide the stars all the way to the right using your mouse.
Step 2, refresh the page. That's it, you're done!

Once you refresh the page, your vote will be added to the total tally. When you return, your star ranking will be noted.

Hey, while your at it, why not add your links to our links plexos?

After your done, use the triangle arrows up & down to vote yourself higher in the list (or just add a vote to your favorites).

Be sure to check back often to see that you haven't been voted off the top ranked sites!