Blogging Bearfoot

Random eBay Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:24:00 +0000

One thing I used to like to do on eBay is Feature something, that way I'd be on the front pages of the search until my acution ended. As far as I can tell, they don't offer Feature anymore. I need to revisit that and see what's up. So, with that said, it will now be more important for me than ever to make sure I list everyday. That way you won't just get lost in the pages for the bulk of your auction listing. This way you'll show on the newer pages, the inbetween pages, and now at the end of the pages too. A WAY better chance of being looked at. Also trying different times of the day will also be a good thing. There is a way to prelist your auctions and set the times and dates. You may want to schedule them all for the week all at once. It costs a hair more to schedule an auction I think. Maybe like 5 or 10 cents.

If you don't have a feedback rating yet, go buy something and if the seller doesn't leave you feedback within a reasonable amount of time, you can feel free to follow up with them and tell them you are trying to build up your ebay feedback rating and would appreciate it if they leave you feedback. Don't even try to be a seller with no feedback rating by your name. Your buyers need to know that you've successfully conducted business either way and that makes you more real and trustworthy.

It is against eBay policy to put a link to your website on the auction listing page. Well, it's ok if it is for more information, but if it linked to a page where you have the same item or like items for sale, they suspend your auction. You can have a link to your site on your About Me page. I got my auction suspended for just having a link to my homepage a long time ago, so I haven't put any links in since. I also haven't revisited their policy about this since then and it has been years. This may have changed.

I like to use Buy It Now as an option in my auction listing. Let's the impatient ones like me just get what I want without waiting for it. Costs about 10cents more per listing and the value of the Buy It Now needs to be at least 10% higher than your Auction price.

I'll send more tips later. Gotta run! Hope this helps. Also, I've never used eBay stores, so I don't have any expertise there. Worth looking into though I'm sure.

Ciao!
Monica

New Bearfoot Tool! The Bearfoot Articulator!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Introducing.....The NEW Bearfoot Articulator!

A new product that will give amazing Hand Stabilization up close to your work area. Another use for this tool is as a cane holder for preheating glass cane. Other attachments will be made available in the future. Please visit our website page for more details.

AMAZINGLY ADJUSTABLE AND VERSATILE!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO CLIP ABOUT THIS PRODUCT. FOR ORDERS PLACED ON SEPT. 1, 2009, YOU WILL RECEIVE FOUR EXTRA STRINGER KEEPERS AND FOUR EXTRA SMALL MAGNETS.

Official Disclaimer: For those of you who already have an order in with us for other tools, rest assured that Scott is catching up on all backorders. The introduction and sale of this new tool will not slow or interfere with your order getting out as fast as possible. Scott hit critical mass recently and could no longer keep up with the demand making all of these tools himself by hand. We have now found and are in the process of training skilled local workers to help keep things flowing smoothly and reduce and hopefully eliminate our wait/build times. These Articulators do not have the labor involved that some of his other tools have, so rest assured, they will ship in a timely manner according to the wait time stated where you order these. For this tool it is 4-6 weeks.

New Facebook Page! Become a fan!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Bearfoot Art Glass Studio - Lampwork Beads and Tools by Scott Bouwens. on Facebook

Art Event from Jan. 31st, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Our recent event at our studio went well and a good time was had by all. Scott did a demo on his large fossil cylinder beads and our studio neighbor (fine art painter Aleksandr Kargopoltsev) did a still life painting from start to finish. We're already dreaming up our next event. The woman on the left is Stephanie Cannon and the woman on the right is Kerri Fuhr. They are both beadmakers and do incredible work.

Scott at the Torch

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Here is a candid I just took of Scott getting ready to film himself making a boro marble with his new Marble Molds that he invented and is now selling on our website.

Our Offical Grand Opening Reception!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:55:00 +0000

Please join us for an evening of wine and refreshments to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new studio/store in downtown La Conner. That same evening, right out in front of our store, Santa will be visiting to help with the annual town tree lighting. Then I suggest you treat yourself to a nice dinner at one of the many wonderful downtown restaurants. Heck, make a night of it. There are many special places to stay. We’ll have tons of great art beads and jewelry for sale. If you mention this card you will receive 10% off. Scott will be doing live torch demos throughout the night. Hope to see you here!!
Thanks, Monica and Scott Bouwens

Scott's Back on the Torch!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:53:00 +0000

A beautiful sample of a recent batch of beads that emerged from the kiln one chilly October morning. "Fire in a Bottle"

Updated Studio Shots. Scott's glass studio is in here now! Woo Hoo!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:15:00 +0000

Bearfoot Art Glass Studio October 1, 2008

New Slideshow of our Studio in La Conner, WA - now open!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Bearfoot Art Glass Studio August 7, 2008

Our New Studio/Gallery is opening soon!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:32:00 +0000

I've been too busy to keep up the blog for quite some time, but I look forward to posting again regularly. In the meantime, here are a couple slide shows of the exterior of our new studio/gallery in La Conner, WA. We are sooo excited. I'll show an updated slide show by the end of the week. We hope to open on Monday.

Bearfoot Art Studio and Lampwork Bead Museum - coming soon!

Inside Bearfoot Art Studio in progress

Tulip Time in the Skagit Valley - we are proud locals.

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:13:00 +0000

Every year we go to visit our local tulip fields in bloom. Breathtaking as always. I will never tire of the beauty of the Skagit Valley. This picutre is from Tulip Town. The tulips are pretty much done now and the tourist fields are closed.

As for business, Scott is working very hard to finish up tool orders. We still have a couple new tools to introduce, but it's hard to take the time to get that going when people's orders are due. We do our best to make the customers number one.

Oh, my sister had a girl. 8 pounds, 2 ounces. 19" long. Her Mother-in-Law guessed the exact weight and height. Can you believe it! I am a very proud Auntie.

New Video Camera equals Great New Video Clips!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Since Scott is getting more and more into video production, we had to bite the bullet and get a new video camera. Why take all of that time to reshoot everything later. It just made sense. Here is the first of many informational video clips to come. I think you'll be impressed. I am!

Scott is full of surprises.

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:11:00 +0000

He's still got it! You should see him on a trampoline.

Computer Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Our computer died a few days ago and we've had to put a lot of effort into copying information and getting our new computer up and running. We're all set now though and are catching up with things as fast as we are able. My sister is due with her baby girl any day now, so if you don't get a timely response from me if you e-mail, I am likely at her side cheering her on.
New tools will still be introduced soon. Scott needs to fill tools orders for now and then we'll launch the new products. Photo shoots, video making, and website changes all take time. Time....oh time......I am finding there is never enough time to do things as fast as I would like, but what can you do. You just keep truckin'.
Mo

New Portfolio Format

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:08:00 +0000

I'm not totally done with our new portfolio pages, but I was too excited to wait. I will be adding/changing pictures when I can. I find this to be an easy way to get a feel for Scott's work quickly and in an organized fashion. More about this later, but here is a link. Oh and by the way.......hint.......some cool new tools are on the way again in early May or maybe even late April. We'll see. I'll keep you posted. Join our e-newsletter from our website if you want to receive our monthly newsletters. That way you'll be the first to know when we offer something new.
http://bearfootart.myjalbum.net/BearfootArtPortfolio/

Northwest Bead Retreat at Frantz Art Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:05:00 +0000

Mike Frantz - A character that you just gotta love.

Donna Galstad's Demo. Silver Core Bead Methods With and Without Bead Caps.

Yummy seafood lunch.

We had a great time this weekend at the 1st annual Northwest Bead Retreat at Frantz Art Glass in Shelton, WA. It was an event for the Northwest ISGB chapter. I (Monica) got to go to some of the demos! We didn't get a lot of pictures because I had the two kids with me most of the time and Scott did a demo on Saturday. I wish I could have seen it. Scott said he had some nice reactions and enthusiasm. I always knew that if others could see Scott work they would be amazed. The tool system he has invented is amazing and his talent as a glass artist is equally amazing. Can you tell I'm proud. Good job Scott. I really am proud of you. It is nice of you to want to share what you know and have learned with others and share the tools so you can help others continue to do what they love.

Monica

The Snow Geese in Skagit Valley Video Clip by Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Every year countless Snow Geese fly from Siberia to our local area (the Skagit Valley) to spend their winter. Trumpeter Swans winter here as well. We get a lot of enjoyment from seeing the birds....or shall I call it "The Swarm".

Making Variegated Glass Flat Stringers with The Electric Mandrel Spinner

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:46:00 +0000

These five photos show Scott making a Variegated Glass Cane Flat Stringer. A very cool technique! This is one he showed during his presentation at the Gathering 2007.

Making Variegated Glass Flat Stringers with The Electric Mandrel Spinner

What a mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:40:00 +0000

So, in case you are wondering where your order is or why there have not been new beads on eBay, well, here is your answer. Plumbing. When one only has one toilet in the house and showers need to be taken, you drop everything and fix the pluming when it stops working. Scott fixed it himself. What a handyman! It was yucky though. Very yucky and it involved a four foot long root about eight inches in diameter. No wonder our drains had been draining slowly. All fixed now and Scott feels quite proud. Now back to biz.

Making Twisty Canes Fast and Easy with The Electric Mandrel Spinner

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:12:00 +0000

Watch Scott use The Electric Mandrel Spinner, which he invented and sells, to make quick and tight twisty canes with ease. He no longer makes and sells the workstation that you see, but he does sell the Rolling Marvers, but they are handheld or benchmounted.

Making Glass Twisty Canes with Electric Mandrel Spinner

Tack and Spin using The Electric Mandrel Spinner

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:36:00 +0000

I am pleased to show you a new slide show I have put together using WebShots. I intend to put together informational slide shows like this one to show you on a regular basis. Enjoy! I'd love to hear your comments on any of our blogs.

A great technique that is unique to The Electric Mandrel Spinner. Try doing this by hand alone. Note the super fine lines. Keep in mind that these lines are all laid down in seconds. After laying the lines, try raking them for an added effect.

Tack and Spin Lampwork using The Electric Mandrel Spinner

The Dragon's Lair

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:07:00 +0000

These pictures show an entry we did recently for a juried competition. I did the mosaic work and put it all together and Scott did the glass work. We didn't get into the competition, but our jury scores were not bad. I agree with their comments. One comment was that the background colors were too much like the pieces and therefore the glass items did not "pop". I agree. We scrambed to get this together in time for the deadline and did our best with what we had and what we could do at the time. It is still fun though and I wanted to show it to you anyway.

We are having plumbing issues at our house today, grrrr. Scott went to rent a snake. After that gets fixed, Scott will be working on tools and beads. We hope to get a couple more bead auctions up on eBay tonight, but we'll see how today goes. Happy St. Patrick's Day! I just might have to go buy a couple cans of Guiness so we can toast tonight.

I have added 11 new focals to the bead store today.

A Spinner is born.

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:27:00 +0000

Check this out. This is the very first Electric Mandrel Spinner that Scott invented back in 2004. Our first introduction of this tool was at The Best Bead Show II in Tucson 2005. Scott has since made it more simple and light-weight. I love to see this fine piece of work. We save ours like it belongs in a museum. It all started here and it has since helped a lot of people. Scott does quality work and it is fun to see how he tinkered to put this machine together. Tiny nuts and bolts and great precision and a spinner is born. Scott's Electric Mandrel Spinners have saved his wrists and hands from fatigue and his production and precision in his work increased greatly. He jokes that he "gave himself a raise."

Monica

How did Scott do this?

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:43:00 +0000

How did Scott achieve these bubbles in such a uniform fashion? You will find out tomorrow when we introduce one of our two new tools. We are working on getting the website ready to introduce this tool and Scott is making a video clip and doing a photo shoot. If you are signed up for our e-newsletter (from our main website in the left column), you will receive our newsletter announcing the new tools and other happenings. Check back.....two very fun tools!!!!

Cracking Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Bearfoot Art) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 04:38:00 +0000

Grrrr. I was so excited to see the kiln opening this morning to see the large lentil beads that Scott had made the night before. There was about 9 gorgeous beads. THEY WERE ALL CRACKED!! We had this problem a few time recently and thought it might be the kiln, so Scott tried a few things and it seemed to be working fine. Scott called Craig at Arrow Springs and he suggested some things to try for testing glass compatibility issues. A black glass we received recently turned out to be the culprit. It is supposed to be compatible with Effetre, but it failed the tests by a long shot. Scott will post some of the info he learned here and some pictures regarding this issue. So sad. What a waste of time and money. Oh well, what can you do. We learned a great way to test glass compatibility and we're glad that the problem was not with the kiln. We'll be back on eBay on a regular basis now. We would have had more up by now, but now you see why.
Ciao!
Monica