Bead Shortage [Archive] - Lampwork Etc.

RSimmons

2012-01-10, 11:06am

Hi Folks,
We're running very low on medium to large sized beads. A lot of beads went out over the holidays and our stocks are depleted. I'm doing a studio sweep again tonight myself and hope to get a box out tomorrow. If you've got extras around from your holiday shop time and would like to start off the New Year with a great deed, this is a good time to clear out the old and make room for new beauties. We can sure use whatever you can send.
Thanks for all you do for Beads of Courage!
Robert

flyingcorgi

2012-01-10, 11:11am

It sounds like you are talking to me <g>. I haven't done BoC before. Where can I send them?

Regards,
- Becky in MN

PattyK

2012-01-10, 11:40am

Becky - here is the info on where to send your beads. There is a link to the form they ask you fill in as well. http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/beadartists.htm

I've got a couple hundred beads stashed for BoC .. I'll try to get them in the mail tomorrow. :)

RSimmons

2012-01-10, 11:45am

Thanks! We've got over 100 hospitals in the US now and that adds up to a lot of children that need beads. Your help makes all the difference in the world.

Robert

5betsy

2012-01-10, 2:32pm

okey dokey, I know what my assignment is tonight! Studio sweep, here I come.

Eileen

2012-01-10, 6:38pm

I was going to wait until I had a good batch, but I guess a few now along with those from other people could add up to enough to keep things going for a bit so I'll see what I can come up with to get in the mail. I'll try to speed up "production" now that the holidays are over & things are back to normal around here.

artsyuno

2012-01-10, 7:37pm

I put a box in the mail today. Not a huge #, but I sent what I had.

Reenie

2012-01-10, 8:36pm

I sent in 906 beads last week. Hoping you received them :-) Making more!!!

Eileen

2012-01-10, 9:29pm

Go Reenie!!!!

Eileen

2012-01-10, 9:31pm

Robert, I have a question. I'm doing better with my ends, but they don't always dimple well enough, plus I have some older ones that are a little rough.
I got a Dremel for Christmas, and am wondering if I can send those 10-12 beads in if I use the Dremel to smooth the hole rough spot here or there on the rejects. I guess I could etch the beads after smoothing the hole end to disguise the fact if needed also.

RSimmons

2012-01-11, 6:33am

Smoothing down a little rough edge or taking off a sharp tip is perfectly all right. Major excavation can be a problem, but a lot of beads that I get need a touch up before they go on to Tucson and the kids.
Good question! Thanks for bringing that up.

Robert

Eileen

2012-01-11, 8:56am

KristiB

2012-01-11, 2:12pm

Do pandora size beads work??

Diane Woodall

2012-01-11, 5:17pm

Hi Robert, I sent out 12 pounds of beads from the Hotties last week, so hopefully that will help. I'm hoping to have a couple of BOC days in my studio after the 15th, so I'm looking forward to it.

RSimmons

2012-01-11, 5:22pm

Do pandora size beads work??

Yes, we can use all sizews of beads.

Thanks Diane, a good Houston Hotties bead infusion is just the thing we need right now!

Robert

Reenie

2012-01-11, 9:21pm

Robert,
I received a wonderful letter from BOC today. It made my day :-) So I guess that means my beads arrived safely. Should have more going out by the end of the month.

ginko

2012-01-12, 7:13am

My first package is ready for mailing today. I wanted to send more, and will later.

Marcy

2012-01-12, 9:58am

I just posted on fb and think there will be a few more sending some beads in.

KristyN

2012-01-12, 6:45pm

Mailing off 60 beads tomorrow Roberto!
- Kristy

tikiterri

2012-01-29, 12:09pm

shipped off a tad over 100 on friday

Eileen

2012-01-29, 12:18pm

Robert how are they doing? Have they made it to a breathing space or are they still critical? I realize there is a constant need, but did the recent influx get them past the dire need and into normal need?

SuzyQ

2012-01-29, 2:13pm

Got a 2 lb. box going out tomorrow. There are a bunch of mermaids in there. (modest ones ;) )

RSimmons

2012-01-30, 6:26am

Got a 2 lb. box going out tomorrow. There are a bunch of mermaids in there. (modest ones ;) )

Great! Thank you!

Robert

RSimmons

2012-02-15, 1:00pm

I just got word that we're low on beads again. Time to destash for middle size and big ole beads.
Thanks much!
Robert

tilegoddess

2012-02-15, 1:04pm

Robert... I have a couple pounds I can ship off to you guys instead of donating to my local chapter this month... what address do I ship them to??

Eileen

2012-02-15, 1:43pm

http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/beadartists.htm
Look there for the address and the form to include also.

Baywinger

2012-02-15, 11:16pm

Great! I actually did a few before I read this, but I must need lessons on the dremel. I broke the tip off my cone and then bent the shaft I bought to put these polishing ... like rubber tubes? on, so I will get what I have in the mail.

If anyone has any suggestions for tips/bits/whatever they're called, I'd love to know what works best.

Eileen use a diamond wheel for the dremel smooth the ends then pop the beads in the kiln bring them up to 1000 then flame polish the ends of the beads.
I use this trick on my handle beads.
home depot carries the diamond wheels. also make sure to use them with water I just frequently dip the bead

Bead Trixx

2012-02-17, 9:35am

RSimmons

2012-02-17, 10:08am

I am hoping to get my studio up and running this weekend. I M total newbie. I bought the Beads of courage making the animals book. Are these what you are talking about? If not, can you tell me exactly what a new person like me can make.... I will help in any way I can.

Hugs!

Pixx

If you're new to bead making you might want to start off with the basics before you tackle making animals. While you're learning about keeping shapes and such you could just make some round or oval beads. So long as the beads have smooth holes on the ends we'd love to have a selection of your practice beads.
Thanks for thinking of us!
Robert

Bead Trixx

2012-02-17, 10:09am

If you're new to bead making you might want to start off with the basics before you tackle making animals. While you're learning about keeping shapes and such you could just make some round or oval beads. So long as the beads have smooth holes on the ends we'd love to have a selection of your practice beads.
Thanks for thinking of us!
Robert

Excellent! Any particular colors that are needed..... I have a LOT of glass.

artsyuno

2012-02-18, 1:39am

I did another sweep of my house, scrounged up another 40+ beads and put them in the mail on Thurs. They're a mix of sizes, but there are a couple of big honkers in the mix.

Marcy

2012-02-18, 4:42am

Yay Felicia! That's a big bunch.

As for colors, seems like kids like all kinds, from bright to pastels to mellow. Have fun with what you like to make and the kids will like them too. Don't forget there are all ages of kids- from babies through teens, so lots of different tastes.

neagle

2012-02-18, 7:43am

I sent a bunch a few weeks ago. Can't remember the exact number, but I hope you received them.

RSimmons

2012-02-18, 8:52am

I sent a bunch a few weeks ago. Can't remember the exact number, but I hope you received them.

I'm sure that they arrived and went back out very quickly. We're down to the bottom of the supplies at the moment so they don't stay around for long. The receipting process still lags a bit from a shortage of warm bodies to do it but I'm also sure that you'll hear from the home office soon.

Robert

alb6094

2012-02-18, 10:14am

Found a strand I forgot about. I'll get them in the mail this week with some other extras.

neagle

2012-02-19, 7:47am

I'm sure that they arrived and went back out very quickly. We're down to the bottom of the supplies at the moment so they don't stay around for long. The receipting process still lags a bit from a shortage of warm bodies to do it but I'm also sure that you'll hear from the home office soon.

Robert

Thanks! I'll do another sweep for any beads I can send.

Ofilia

2012-02-19, 4:21pm

I'm excited to learn we have an upcoming BOC event here in the Chicago area next month=D>. I hope to get further details, and plan to come and cram as much beadmaking as I can do in the three hours of the studio time at Hoys. I have to shut down my studio in the winter, so these three hours in a studio will be most welcome and couldn't be for a better cause :-P.