In January 2007 I decided to try something new.
I am one of those people who had many ideas and plans, but never put them into practice.
Once the idea was formed I forged ahead and bought R50.00 worth of beads and findings from someone on Bidorbuy who was clearing her stock. I had no idea what materials or tools were required to make even a simple beaded bracelet. Once my beads arrived I enthusiastically threw everything out on the lounge floor and wondered what next.
My first few projects were made without tools (my finger nails were torn to shreads from opening jump rings). There are still some pictures somewhere of those bracelets, but I can’t even look at them. It is so embarrassing! You know what they say about luck favouring the brave though. I naively took digital pictures of my products and put them on bidorbuy for auction. A few bracelets amazingly were bid on and paid for!
So began my year of buying stock , orders, auctions and trips to the Post Office! I’ve learnt by trial and error and by referencing books at the library and buying some great magazines. My beading technique is still a work in progress and I’m still learning when to put my items on auction and when to sell to friends and colleagues. I find selling to friends and colleagues the hardest, but my goal is to have enough faith in my products.
In 2008 I diversified a bit. I noticed the affiliate programme attached to bidorbuy and started telling friends about the programme.
With the slow down in the economy and with fewer people buying beaded jewellery, I discovered that I could still earn an income if I kept telling people about the programme.
Glass Pearl
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