VenetianBeadBlog

Blog is on Home Page

2011-04-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

To keep up the latest, please go to our website at VenetianBeadShop.com
Please bookmark this new location. We find it easier to manage directly from our website. Happy Beading. VenetianBeadShop.com

NEW Furnace Glass Links

2010-06-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Don't miss our new Furnace Glass Links, they make it easy for you to use the furnace glass in your Venetian Jewelry, a couple of jump rings and you are done. We have in a limited supply but will be adding more in the fall. We are experimenting with colors and sizes. FUN AND FASHIONABLE VENETIAN GLASS JEWELRY

Gold Foil Beads - Learn How

2010-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Take a ingot of pure gold and make beads! Well that's essentially what we do when we make gold foil beads. The first state is melting pure 24 carat gold at temperatures wel over 1000 degrees Celsius (1832 Farenheit). The mathmetical formula for this calculation is: F = (9/5)C + 32. The word in Italian for this trade is "battiloro" and in English it simply means "bead gold". This technique dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and the machinery may have changed but the techniques are still the same.

If you'd like to learn more, click here

This is the source of the warmth and glow of all our authentic Murano Glass Gold Foil Beads. Enjoy the story.

2010-04-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling really guilty for not having posted in such a long time. We have a facebook page and a twitter page but we will be sure to maintain the blog, especially when we have something good to say.

Our PERLAVITA line is very popular. These fit all popular styles of large hole bead jewelry. Our authentic Murano Glass Beads in this large hole line have the colorful use of Murano Glass colors and our gold foils and silver foils. Click on the picture to see all the possibilities. PERLAVITA means "for the life" in Italian or "bead/life". See the posibilities!

VenetianBeadShop Named Top 100

2009-10-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Craft supplies

Leader in craft supplies, VenetianBeadShop continues to add new products at great prices.

VenetianBeadShop.com Has Moved

2009-07-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

We have just completed moving into our new building. We only moved one door down, but we doubled our space. Phone numbers remain the same, email addresses the same.
New Addres
VenetianBeadShop.com
1010 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

If you'd like to receive our newsletters which often contain great coupons, just signup on our website. Click Here

Redentore in Venice 2009

2009-07-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to enjoy the fireworks from the Redentore Festival in Venice, Click Here.

It's on Youtube.com and you can find many other movies with great pictures.

This weekend was the popular Redentore Festivale in Venice. It celebrates the end of the plague in 1577 and is commemorated with an amazing display of fireworks (spettacolo pirotecnico). The plague claimed over 50,000 residents incuding the famous painter Tiziano Vecellio.
The plague is thought to have been brought to Venice from the Orient by flea-infested mice onboard Venetian trading ships. Cats were brought from Syria who helped in the elimination of the mice.
Andrea Palladio was commissioned to design the Church of the Redeemer which is on the island of Giudecca. On Sunday of the festival a pontoon bridge (Ponte Votivo) is build from Zattere to the church so that Venetians can walk over to pay tribute.
By early Saturday afternoon, the lagoon is a mass of of boats moored together, festively decorated, laden with gastronomical delights and the ever wonderful Italian wines. Maybe Monday won't be such a good day for beadmaking!

Back In Stock at Venetian Bead Shop Savings

2009-04-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

If you were waiting on many styles of our Venetian Beads, they are back in stock. Usually we send out individual emails to customers, but we received about 300 line items this week so it's easier to just look. And to make your shopping experience better, we have a discount on all our Venetian Beads until Saturday night PDT 12 midnight. Click Here For Coupon and details.

New Murano Glass Dichroics

2009-04-19T10:03:00.001-07:00

Affordable Line of Extraordinary Beads

Venetian Bead Shop introduces our latest production of Dichroic Beads. After working for about 5 years on designs and production with our beadmakers, we have our new line of Murano Glass Dichroic Beads, these we call Silver Sparklers. Pictures do not do them justice, the sparkle which immimenates and the depth are simply stunning. We have these beautiful Murano Glass Beads in Rounds 10 and 12mm, Hearts 12mm and 20mm, Ovals. We are working hard to keep production up to the demand, so be sure to buy now.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter, we offer online promotions, coupons and you'll see our new beads first! SignUP on any of our webpages.

VenetianBeadShop Update

2009-03-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

We've just finished 2 shows in New York and some time working with our beadmakers. We always learn something new at each show from our fellow vendors. From our back neighbor at MJSA, we are learning about stones and how he is a 7th generation stone cutter. At the WholeBead show in New York, we learn all about how leaves are dipped in gold or silver resulting in beautiful but real leaves for jewelry.

With our beadmakers we are developing a new line of dichroics. We spent sometime making samples, a couple of burned fingers reminded me that I am much better at making websites than beads! Also working for 8 hours at the torch reminds me that this is difficult, hot work and that I am grateful we have such good beadmakers help us.

When we make samples not all beads get into the line, but the picture here shows some of our work. We had hoped to work with a new dichroic material which is coated on copper but the effect just didn't turn out right. So we will begin our new line with just the silver/clears on colors, after that we'll bring out some of the more splashy beads that we designed. It will be a much more economical line. Look for this silver line on our site begining April 1st. Click to view Dichroics

Carnevale in Venezia

2009-02-21T10:29:00.001-08:00

Tuesday marks the end of the 2009 Carnival (Carnevale) in Venice. Dampened spirits by both the rain and the economy have toned it down a bit but the revelry continues. While the parties are still the mainstay of the society of Venice and costing upwards of 300 Euro for a dinner/ball, just putting on a mask makes you feel part of the fun. And of course each day there are wonderful sights/events to see, foods to taste and you can't help but enjoy yourself.

At VenetianBeadShop.com you can enjoy a bit of celebration as we are offering a 15% discount - valid only through midnight 24 Feb PDT. Click here for full details.

To see more Venice Carnival 2009, click here for some of our pictures from the fun.

Don't forget we'll be at MJSA in New York on March 8-10 (Wholesale Only) and again on March 20-22 at The Whole Bead in New York. For full list of our shows click here

Large Hole Silver Lined Beads on Sale

2009-01-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

Limited quantity of our large hole beads, suitable for use with Pandora Bracelets, Chamelia Bracelets and any 5 to 6mm snake chain or other cording are now on sale. This is a close out before we introduce our own branded line of beads.

UPCOMING SHOW:
Venetian Bead Shop
The WholeBead Show
The Windmill Inn (Intersection of Campbell and River)
Tucson Arizona
Suite 104 just off the main entrance
Feb 4 - 9

The WholeBead Show - The Windmill Tucson AZ Feb 4-9

2009-01-09T20:35:00.001-08:00

It's that time again, we're preparing the caravan for Tucson. The highways will be full of mini vans and trucks loaded with gems, stones, gold, silver and best of all Venetian Beads. We are once again at
The Windmill Inn
4250 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson AZ 85718
The show dates are Feb 4 until Feb 9
Show Hours are 10-6 except for Friday Feb 6 when the show goes 10 until 9pm

We're on the first floor Suite 104.

TUCSON Preview Items: Click Here

New VenetianBeadShop.com Site Live

2008-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

You know how your car runs better after a tune-up? Well at VenetianBeadShop.com, we've just done a major tune up of our website. There's still more to come on design and looks, but we concentrated first on how to make it easier for you to shop. (Click Here to Preview the New Site)
*One Click Add all items of a product to Cart
*Re-Order from Old Orders
*Automatically Saved Baskets
*BackOrder - Notify when Available
*Mini Basket on every page
*Preview Shipping Costs
*Gift Certificates
*Login: Your Email Address - one less thing to remember!!

We think you'll love all these new features, and our new Venetian Glass Beads just in, Visit our New Arrivals.

Until October 20,2008, we are running a special bonus 10% to our customers. (Excludes: Findings, Swarovski Crystals, Specials, Closeouts & Tools and Supplies)

Use Code: nywhbead10

Enjoy savings and our wonderful selection of authentic Murano Glass Beads.
Brenda

Venetian Bead Shop New Site

2008-09-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

VenetianBeadShop.com is unveiling a new website in a few days. We have the same great beads,but you're going to love our new features which will make shopping easier for you. However as we will be porting your information to the new site, there are 3 important changes shown below. If you have created an account with us you will receive this email shortly notifying you of the changes.

New Great Features:
Add multiple items to the basket with one stroke
Baskets will be saved automatically
Mini basket will show your total.
Order History + Reorder
Login: Your email address (no need to remember anything)
Preview shipping costs
Tracking Info available onine
"Back order" and "Wait list" and "Notify me when back in stock".
Gift Certificates (Just in time for Christmas)
Ship to multiple address in the same order
Online Support - Keeps track of your questions so no lost emails.
Plus lots of other goodies!

WHAT CHANGES:

NOTICE: Saved Baskets: However, saved baskets which are in your account today cannot be transferred to our new site. You can complete your order now (be sure to your our September 10% Discount Coupon) or you can copy and paste your order to your own computer so you have it for reference.

NOTICE: Order History: Order history will not be available for past orders, but will begin anew with the opening. We apologize for this inconvenience, but are sure the features of our new store will quickly overcome this. We can email you in PDF any prior order from 2008 until today if you need, just send us an email requesting these.

IMPORTANT: Login Info: Login on the new store will be your email address with your old password. So you no long have to remember a different login. If you had multiple accounts, you will now have only one account - that associated with your email address. Please check your billing and shipping data when you order. If you have any questions, we can help. Or the web can email you your password to the address listed on your account.

We hope you'll enjoy the benefits of the new site and the ease of shopping, reordering and tracking your purchases. We appreciate your business and look forward to helping you.
Brenda

Chinese Knock-Offs - Counterfeit Sales

2008-07-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Counterfeiting of Murano Glass Beads!

It happens all the time, our pictures of our beads get sent to China and they copy them. The most recent is on ebay.com where a company out of HongKong is advertising "Venetian Artisan" made beads which are from China. We have contacted ebay.com but of course they are more interested in fees they collect than in our small issue. However it is false advertising which they condone.

Last year a similar incident with Macy's lead to them cancelling an advertisement and changing all their chinese fake millefiori to just read "silver jewelry". They acknowledged immediately that advertising as "Murano" is misleading to their customers.

Using the words "Venetian" and "Murano" lead a customer to want to buy beads. Saying they are "Chinese" has no appeal at all!!! So obviously the intent is to misguide the public or to commit fraud against them.

It's no small wonder that Ebay.com just lost a lawsuit filed by LVMH, Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton where they were order to pay 38.6 million euros ($60.8 million US) for selling fake Louis Vuitton bags and Dior perfumes on ebay. The Court ruled that ebay which earns a commission on the sales was not doing enough to stamp out counterfiet sales.

Clearly our little complaint is only one of many. Just be aware that on ebay.com you are at risk when you purchase. Buy only from sources you trust.
Thanks
Brenda

Free Shipping July - Shop Online and Save

2008-07-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Price of Gas Got You Down??
Shop Online at VenetianBeadShop.com and get Free Standard Shipping for the month of July.

Many new items just added to the site.
Largest importer of Venetian Glass and Murano Glass Beads in the US.

Thanks to Everyone in Las Vegas

2008-06-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas was a great show. Thanks to everyone who came back this year and to those who came for the first time. We enjoyed meeting our customers from Florida, New York, Hawaii, Georgia, North Carolina, Canada and even Germany who came to shop.

The show in Las Vegas seems to grow each year in popularity. We took our entire team to the show, closing our store for 3 days. Tina and Michelle enjoyed some "off time" on the strip. It was Michelle's first time to Las Vegas as an "adult". Marcella and Matteo enjoyed the pool and having everyone around to entertain them. Sunday morning found Michelle and Marcella at the pool while we all worked the show.

Las Vegas has so much to see and do. While it was once known as the place for cheap food, today it is know as the place for fine food. (Of course there are still the buffets which are very reasonable.)

So like Tucson, start today planning your next year's trip to a must do bead show! Watch our website for locations, times.
Thanks again to everyone for making it such a success.

Color Trends Spring-Summer 2008

2008-04-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have just updated our VenetianBeadShop.com color trends to coordinate with the Swarovski projections. Above is the quick little chart from Swarovski with it's color projections, CLICK HERE FOR VENETIAN COLORS see how we match and coordinate our Venetian beads along with the projections.

Happy Beading!

Upcoming Trade Shows

2008-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you in New York and surround areas, this upcoming wholesale show is a must. It will be a great opportunity to see the manufacturers of components for the jewelry industry as well as finished goods.

We will have a selection of our Venetian Beads along with our line of Italian Jewelry which is available exclusively through us and manufactured by our partner in Italy.

MJSA Expo (Wholesale ONLY)
April 13-15 2008

Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York City

Booth 548

The largest and oldest trade show in the U.S. dedicated to the design and manufacturing of jewelry. For the true professional!

Submit Your Jewelry Designs to Beading Daily

2008-03-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

Venetian Bead Shop is happy to join with Beading Daily in sponsoring the "Beading Makes you a Star" contest. To see all the valuable prizes you can win, Click Here.

Venetian Bead Shop is sponsoring the Heart Designs and will give a $250 prize of wonderful merchandise from our store to the winner see contest rules. While you don't have to use Venetian Bead Shop's beads to win the prize, we'd like to give you some ideas of our fantastic heart designs which can certainly give you a headstart for your ideas. To quickly see all our hearts at a glance, With more than 200 styles and a large assortment of colors, there's sure to be a heart you can love! Click on Hearts.

Don't forget that you can vote on the winners online at the Beading Daily (we'll remind you of course) and that the winners will be published - your name in the headlines - in the special issue of Bead Star in December 2008.

Upcoming Bead Shows

2008-03-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

We will be exhibiting in New York City for 2 shows and hope that you can visit with us there.

WholeBeadShow:
March 28-30 at the Metropolitan Pavilion
VenetianBeadShop Booth: 814-816

MJSA-Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of Americ(Wholesale Only)
Javits Convention Center
New York City
VenetianBeadShop Booth: 548

For more information Click Here

For those of you in the trade, MJSA show is a must see for all the things you need, equipment, supplies and of course Venetian Beads. We'll be making a major announcement at this show.
VBS

Want to Lower Your Cost of Findings

2008-03-02T15:09:00.001-08:00

Announcing Copper Findings -Huge Savings

Today, silver and gold reached all-time record highs. While most may think this only affects the stock market, jewelry makers know it affects our jewelry and importantly, our profits. To offset these rising prices we are introducing our line of Copper Findings. They look exquisite with our avventurina beads, gold foil beads, sommerso, and in fact, almost everything. They can help lower your cost of production while adding a new dimension to your Venetian jewelry. They are available in the same shapes and sizes as many our sterling silver findings. It's a great look and trendy!

Copper has played a significant part in the history of humankind, which has used the easily accessible uncompounded metal for thousands of years. Copper articles were used in ancient civilizations in places such as Iraq, China, Egypt, Greece and India have been unearthed in archeological digs. It is believed to have been mined for over 5,000 years. Fortunately, the United States still has sizable reserves of the metal which is extracted through large open pit mines. So once again, what is old is New!

Brenda
VenetianBeadShop.com
Wholesale Venetian Beads - Murano Glass Beads
Large Wholesale Showroom

Tucson Shows

2008-01-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

What's a new Year without Tucson? Only 17 days until we arrive in Tucson and already we're excited. It's like a family reunion as we get emails from everyone saying they'll see us there.

We will be at two shows:
The WholeBead at the Windmill Inn at St. Philips Plaza (on the Garnet Route Shuttle) Free to Wholesale Buyers
The Bead Renaissance between the Gem Mall and the Holidome on Michigan Free Entry

Tucson Tips (more to follow)
1. Make sure to have a photo ID with you so that merchants can connect you with your credit cards, checks, and/or resale license.

2. It’s also a good idea to call your credit card companies to let them know that you’ll be in Tucson shopping. With vendors from around the world, to your credit card company it can look like fraud and calling will save you time and help you get on to more bead shows.

3. Wholesale Buyers bring at least one copy of your resale license so that you can register as a wholesale buyer at shows.

Driving in Tucson this year will be a challenge with the constuction on I-10. It's a lot easier to take the shuttles.

We'll keep you posted as it gets closer.
VenetianBeadShop.com

Merry Christmas & Free Shipping

2007-12-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to Everyone and Happy New Years!!

We have lots of new beads instock, like these beautiful multi color hearts on the right, available in two sizes 18mm and 12mm. Perfect for pendant and earrings.

To make them even better, we are offering free ground shipping (1st Class Mail or FedEx Ground) for orders over $75.00. (International Orders receive a $5.00 discount on shipping.) Offer expires at midnight 2 January 2008 PDT.

A new newsletter just went out to everone on our list. If you do not receive and would like to get our special offers, Join Our Newsletter Now

We do not give out your address - you just get great news from us.

Murano Glass Silver Inset Beads

2007-12-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Good News, we have just received new inventory of the Murano glass beads with the silver .925 sterling inset which fits the Pandora Bracelets and the Troll Bracelets. The internal hole size is 5mm. Quick Preview
Great Pricing but selection is limited. So don't wait

San Diego Bead Show Nov 10-11

2007-11-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

For all of you who have inquired, The WholeBead Show will continue as planned this weekend in San Diego. We look forward to meeting you there. The management of the show waited to be sure that it would be safe for everyone.

Free Admission. Parking is $8.00 with validation from the WholeBead Show. Don't forget to bring your parking ticket.

Town and Country Resort & Convention Center (Garden Ballroom)
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego CA 92108

See us in BOOTH # 12 & 13
Bring this post and receive FREE VenetianBeadBag!

Blown Beads - Zanfirico Hearts

2007-10-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Good news we received a shipment of blown beads which replenished many of our
Blown Beads especially in the oval 20mm shapes. We have a commitment from our blower to ship monthly for the future as the blown beads are one of most popular items. There are just a couple of people still working this method in Murano so we're delighted to have the best of those on our team. After working with him for about a week in the furnace every day, we came up with some new designs which will be arriving just before Christmas and even more before Tuscon.

Our latest trip to Venice resulted in a new supplier for our zanfirico hearts and we have reduced our everyday prices on these to $26.50, a substantial reduction. They measure about 35mm (handmade and can vary) and are slightly puffy. We are very happy as this is a beautiful bead but was a little pricy. Great new Red colors just available. Click Here And we now have the rounds in a 16mm in Crystal with the stunning yellow daisy. We'll be adding new colors as during our visit we designed some new beads and colors which will be stunning.

Remember as all our beads are handmade, the actual sizes will vary. Just try working with hot glass at over 1700 degrees F and making accurately the same bead 200 times in a row.....

Look in your inbox shortly for a newsletter./Brenda

Big Apple Thanks

2007-10-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

We just returned from the WholeBead Show in New York and it was a real hit. The weather was warmer than California with temps in the high 70s and the crowds enjoyed the weather and the beads. I had hoped to see some beautiful fall colors on the leaves in Central Park, but they had not begun to change.

A short visit to the Metropolitan Museum gave me lots of new ideas for new beads and jewelry based on some of the antiques they house there. What's old is always new again. Just when we think we have a brilliant new idea, a trip to the museum proves that in ancient civilizations, beautiful jewelry was already in vogue. Lunch up on the terrace provides a great view of the skyline and is not expensive.

There is a wonderful Klimt exihibit at the Neue Gallerie just off the park with an exquisite collection of his works....again new ideas for us to use in our beads and for inspiration of the use of colors.

As it was Tina's first trip to New York (shown in the picture above at the entrance of the 72nd Street Station), we did a lot of evening sightseeing. The ferry trip over to Staten Island provided her with a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the city lights of downtown Manhattan. She loved Time Square and Central Park and riding the subway, but mostly she loved shopping.

The show was well produced and the staff at the Metropolitan Pavilion were all very helpful. We will be back in March 2008 so make your plans. New York is a great destination city with so much to do in addition to shopping for beads. The show in March will have about double the vendors from this event, so be sure you're there.

We thank everyone who came out and again it was such fun to put faces to our customers, who came from far and near. I think the winner for the longest distance was Colorado.

We have one show left for this year, San Diego on November 10-11 and then we'll be home based until Tucson begins in February.
Happy Beading,
Brenda

Price Reductions on Gold Foil and Silver Foil Rounds

2007-09-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ciao,
Good news for our customers, we have just lowered our pricing on our round 24kt gold foil and .925 sterling silver foil Venetian Glass Beads. This is the result of working very closely with our beadmakers. This is not a sale, just your new everyday low pricing for the staple beads you use in every piece. It starts with our 8mm Rounds and goes through our 20mm Rounds

Big Savings just in time for your fall projects. We think you'll be delighted.
Click on the following links:

8mm Round Gold and 8mm Round Silver
10mm Round Gold and 10mm Round Silver
12mm Round Gold and 12mm Round Silver
14mm Round Gold and 14mm Round Silver
16mm Round Gold and 16mm Round Silver
20mm Round Gold and 20mm Round Silver

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to hear all about what's going on, and receive promotion coupons which are exclusive to our readers.

UK Customs Information

2007-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello to all our UK customers,
For your information, the UK Postal Service has recently announced new rules regarding shipments into the UK. Note that these rules apply to any shipment into the UK, that includes shipments from European Community Countries, Asia and the US.

The UK requirements can be found at the following webpages so that you are well aware of your potential charges upon arrival. If you have a VAT license #, please submit with your order and we can use in the documentation. If not, perhaps now is the time for you to apply for a license if you are in the business of selling beading supplies or jewellery.

Please check by clicking on the below links to find the data

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/

http://tinyurl.com/basfh

If you have questions, we have found that the UK Customs website responds quickly to emails sent to them.

Additionally, we have heard from some customers that the UK Postal Service is charging a 8 Pound "Service Fee" in addition to VAT and any customs duties.

Fall Color Trends from VenetianBeadShop.com

2007-08-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

For our American friends, hope you enjoy the Labor Day Weekend. With all the kids back in school, it's time to start thinking about your designs for the Fall and Winter season. As always we use the Swarovski® Color Trends Charts and made some suggestions of our Venetian Beads which will work with the projected colors.

For a look at all the projected colors and our suggestions on Venetian Beads, you can visit our webpage at: Fall 07 Trends

We remind all of you on the East coast that we will be in New York at the WholeBead Show October 19-21. We look forward to seeing all of you there. Don't forget to print the discount coupon from our website.

Metropolitan Pavilion
South Pavilion, 1st Floor
125 West 18th Street between 6TH & 7th Avenues
#1 SUBWAY @ 18TH & 7TH

To get more news from VenetianBeadShop.com don't forget to signup for our FREE newsletter where we tell you amazing things about beads, Venice and whatever is on our minds!
Free Newsletter
Thanks for your business, Brenda

Sonoma Bead Show - Great Event

2007-08-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

My hats off to Bead Unique and Soft Flex for putting on a great show (which ended Sunday 8-12). The location in Sonoma is off the historic square and in a warm small-town setting. The vineyards along the highway arriving were picture perfect with the vines heavy with grapes as the winerys get ready to harvest the grapes for white wines. The reds will be ready next month.

Not only was there a wide range of classes to take, but there were also entirely free stuff! Everybody loved the "Make It - Take It" and the kids went wild over the little plastic pop beads that they use to make their own jewelry. For new beaders, there were plenty of people to answer their questions and show them the basics. There was even a free (yes FREE) PMC class.

The local Fire Department provided food on the spot and there were lots of tree covered spaces to eat. Many residents came and felt that it was an event with included their community. Needless to say, we'll be back next year.

San Francisco Bead Show

2007-07-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today we set up for the WholeBead Show in San Francisco. I always forget what a beautiful city it is, though it's only 40 minutes away we stay to busy to enjoy. Today was a typical San Francisco day, wind blowing and beautiful with the fog creeping in over the bridge in the late afternoon. So bring a sweater for the evenings.

The show is at the Holiday Inn on Van Ness and the California Line Trolley stops right by the corner. There'a a lounge in the hotel and one door away is a Starbucks, my kind of place!! The Starbucks is inside the bank - no kidding. After banking hours they just have a guard there, so it's a very safe place to get a cup of coffee!

The show is in a good sized ballroom, just straight back from the lobby. The vendor list carries a wide range of beading supplies. There is parking at the hotel for only $7.00 per day (with validation from the Whole Bead Show). There are plenty of restaurants and quick food places within walking distance.

Location: 1500 Van Ness between Pine and California.
Fri and Saturday 20-21 July, 10-6 and Sunday 22 July, 12-5

Come and enjoy the fun.

2007-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Great news for beaders, SoftFlex .925 sterling silver wire is back in stock after more than 2 years. We have available 30ft rolls of .014 and .019. To purchase Click Here

Beads by the Bay - San Francisco Jul 20-22

2007-07-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to all our American customers!

We very much enjoyed Portland and the WholeBead Show as well as the staff. The venue in Montgomery Park was a beautiful setting on the edge of the 'Nob Hill' district. Nearby were lovely shops and restaurants.

The Montgomery Park was originally the distribution center for Montgomery Wards, built in 1921 with a train track in the basement for delivery of goods. It has since been renovated and is on Oregon's National Historic List. Today it houses offices and medical facilities as well as spacious ballrooms for shows like our bead show.

We again were happy to meet our regular customers who came from as far as Florida and Idaho. And for us a special treat was seeing my great niece, Rebecca who is working in the area. She gave us recommendations on restaurants and helped us set up. Even her boyfriend enjoyed the beads and was soon telling customers how they were made. While I thought they would be bored in a hour, they insisted in staying all day Saturday - well maybe we've made some new beaders, beading is after all addictive.

While we were there Ava talked us into doing the San Francisco show, so for all of you northern Californians, here's your chance to see us once again along with the other marvelous vendors. (More Info on our website)

The WholeBeadShow
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109

July 20-22 (Fri,Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5)
For now, happy holiday!
Brenda

Meet us in Portland

2007-06-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who visited our show in Las Vegas. It was great fun meeting our friends from Rochester and other far away places. It is always good to put a face with customers.

The weather was a balmy 107 on Sunday afternoon when we were closing, but had been really good all week. After work, of course we enjoyed touring the big hotels, looking at the Dale Chihuly "Fiori di Como" on the cieling in the lobby of the Bellagio hotel and walking along the miniature Grand Canal at the Venetian Hotel. Even Venetians enjoy the re-creation of their city.

We're getting into the swing of the bead shows, and now looking forward to Portland. Oregon next weekend June 23-24 at the WholeBead Show located at the Montgomery Park in the Ballroom. Once again we'll have the largest selection of Venetian Beads ever seen at shows. We will also have a selection of our New Arrivals available.

I am excited about the show but also about visiting Portland, as it will be a first for me. Portland is known for its roses and I think June will be the perfect timing. So come out and visit with us, enjoy Portland, which was recently named America's "Best Big City" according to Money Magazine. It will certainly be better with all the beads there next weekend.

Did I mention that we are doing the Sonoma Glass Art and Bead Festival, Sonoma, California August 11-12. Details to follow. Beads and Wine, probably a dangerous combination.
Brenda

Shipping & Rate Increases United States Post Office

2007-05-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

Due to the vast changes by the US Post office on Sunday night, some of you may have had problems in checking out. We are currently working on the new software.

The software interfaces changed by the Post Office required significant rewrite of our coding. Note that the USPS has significantly increased their shipping charges for all services of mail. Sorry we have no control over them. It may well be now that FedEx is a more economical shipping method and obviously offers better tracking visability. As you checkout when the new software is installed, you will once again have the options.

In the meantime if you wish to ship by USPS, just note to us in the comments section and we'll manually change here. We apologize for any inconvenience the USPS changes may cause you.
Thanks Brenda

New Beads Arrival - Hearts, Focal Beads, Feather Beads

2007-04-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

New this week on VenetianBeadShop.com, we have some fabulous hearts in 30 mm with bold sashes of color and 24kt gold foil. We also added some 30mm hearts bicolor with gold and silver and stripes of transparent colors. Our new double hearts in a 19mm are great for earrings.

There are other new items, just visit our NEW ARRIVALS
page and scroll through. We expect two large shipments next week so be sure to check back. The beadmakers are working hard on our designs from our last working with them.

Venice Liberation Day
In Venice this week they celebrated the Liberation of Venice (April 25) and the feast of Venice patron saint. This is also known as the "festa del Bocolo" where it is celebrated by the presentation of a red rose to loved ones. Bocolo in Italian means blossom.

Hope you enjoy our tidbits on Italian life.

BeadExpo 2007

2007-04-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

The BeadExpo in Oakland was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who came out. We enjoyed meeting so many of our online customers and inviting new customers to shop with us.

We heard many wonderful comments on the quality and diversity of the classes held there. Everyone felt they certainly got more than the cost of the class. We enjoyed helping some students choose their beads and then see their progress during the day at the classes.

The weather was great in Oakland and it was nice to see the downtown Oakland redevelopment. There is a lot of interesting architecture in the old part of town and a wide range of restaurant selections within easy walking distance a definite plus for everyone.

Now we are looking forward to Las Vegas on 1-3 June. We'll post the details shortly. What could be more fun than Las Vegas with Venetian Beads?

Pink on Sale

2007-04-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Check out our Monthly Specials we have a selection of rubino in silver and white gold which are all on sale. This is a very popular color and we have a limited supply available. Go to bottom of the page as we put them all together so its easy to shop.

Happy Easter to everyone.
VenetianBeadShop.com

Upcoming BeadShows

2007-03-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well from not doing any shows, we have made quite a Uturn. The list below are the shows on our schedule. More information will be available as time draws near for each show.

April 12-15, Oakland CA, The Bead Expo
June 1-3, Las Vegas, NV, The Bead Renaissance
June 23-24, Portland OR, The Whole Bead Show
Oct 19-21, New York, NY, The Whole Bead Show
Nov 10-11, San Diego, CA, The Whole Bead Show
Feb 4-9, 2008, Tucson AZ - The Whole Bead Show

We look forward to seeing you at the shows.
Thanks
Brenda

Tucson Show + BeadExpo

2007-02-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Tucson Show at Bead Renaissance was a wonderful event. We carried more than 1400 styles of beads, the largest ever seen in Tucson. Our special new dichroics were a huge hit and will be going on the web shortly.

Jeff's bar coding and scanning in of orders made checkout easy for our customers and our printed sales receipts were really appreciated by the customers.

How many times have you been to a show only to get home and have no idea what anything costs? We aim to make buying easy for you as well as repeat buying since you can easily use the product code to re-order.

It was a pleasure to meet so many of our online customers who came from around the world. We enjoyed putting faces to our email friends. We also enjoyed meeting our new customers.

On the heels of this great event, don't forget that we'll be at BeadExpo 2007 in Oakland California on April 12-15. There are 110 Workshops where you can learn various types of beadworks and over 150 Vendors. There's a special VIP night for Wholesale Customers only on Thursday April 12. So don't miss this fun event.

See you there.

Jan Newsletter + Spam Issues

2007-01-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

Look early this week for the January 2007 Newsletter along with some great pictures of an important event in Venice each year - not to mention a discount coupon.

We have been getting more and more automatic responses from our customers who are trying to filter spam.......we can't manually input the data requested by your spam filter it is simply too time consuming.

Our system puts out automatic emails with a copy of your order and then when it is shipped automatically you are sent the tracking number. This is of no help if it is blocked by your internet provider.

Please if you want to get status, ask questions, get a copy of your order, get delivery information, tracking numbers. Make the input into your spam program to allow mail from venetianbeadshop.com. It will avoid lots of phone calls. We're not ignoring you, you just have to help us.

Thanks
Brenda

Order Status & Order History + Tucson Show

2006-12-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Beginning January 2007, you will be able to view your old Order history (for orders placed beginning Jan 1, 2007 and forward). We're excited about this as it has been often requested. You will also be able to view the shipping status of your order.

However, you must login when you place the order for the data to be available. So if you don't have a login, be sure to create one. Remember we do not store your credit card information - only your name, address - those things needed for order status.

We're still working out the but and learning how to make it work efficiently, so be patient with us on this. You will still receive your automatic email with shipping data at the point of shipping. This will just allow you to login and view the shipping data or orders from any computer. (yes even at work!)

Tucson Update
We're doing our final preparation for Tucson and beginning to get excited about the show and meeting so many of you there. Remember we are at the Bead Renaissance on Mitchell next to the Holidome. Jeff and Brenda will be there with an amazing assortment of Venetian Beads. Orders will continue to be processed from our Sunnyvale facility with our staff who are staying behind.

VBS Newsletter Dec

2006-12-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

. Our December Newsletter is now available for viewing at
VenetianBeadShop.com News There are some beautiful photos of Murano glass presented to the Bassano del Grappa church. We were fortunate to be in Venice and to be invited to participate in this event and think you'll enjoy the artwork.

There is also a discount coupon for December which is valid through December 20, 2006, another good reason to subscribe to our newsletters and read them. Thanks to our many friends in Murano and Venice, we are able to bring to you interesting articles of daily life there and special events.

Wholesale Applications
Due to the overwhelming request for Wholesale, we are behind in responding. We are responding to our current customers first followed by new accounts. When you submit your application, if you are a new customer, PLEASE create an account on our website (click on the Account button on the top bar) as this expedites the process and you can create your own login and password. Otherwise we have to manually input your data, obviously taking much longer. We will respond.

Packing for Tuscon

2006-10-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

After several years of not doing shows, we've committed to join in the fun at Tuscon. We'll be exhibiting at the Bead Renaissance Show from Monday, January 29, 2007 through Thursday, February 5, 2007.

The Bead Renaissance Show is located on Michigan Street, next to the Holidome. We're in Booth # 3!

We'll be taking a huge inventory (not everything as our online operation will continue here in California) and we have WAY too much inventory to carry everything). As we try to sort through some 8,500 different bead styles, send us your suggestions for what you'd like to see us have at Tuscon.

So visit all the shows, but DO NOT buy before you see us. We promise the LARGEST selection of Venetian Beads ever shown in Tuscon with the best pricing. We're working right now with our beadmakers in anticipation of Tuscon and will have new designs NEVER seen before and not available on our website.

We'll keep you posted on news of Tuscon and reminders so you don't forget. As a reminder, book your hotel now as they are filling up fast, as do the airlines. If you need suggestions, email us and we'll provide you with some ideas for hotels.

We're excited!
Brenda

California Resale Buyers

2006-09-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Good news for our California Resale customers. We have installed new software which will eliminate Sales Tax, PROVIDED that:

1) You have submitted your valid California Resale License Number
2) You have signed and submitted the required California Resale Certificate (Complete the form and fax or mail. It must be on file before your order is shipped)

You must login and as you checkout, our shopping cart will automatically recognize you as a valid resaler, automatically insert your CA Resale # (so you don't have to remember each time) and the order will be exempt. We are working on coding in all existing customers at the moment. I hope this will make shopping a bit easier!
Brenda

Smart Colors for Fall & Winter

2006-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the color projections by Swarovski for the coming seasons. To get a quick look at the colors you'll be seeing in the stores and ideas for your own accessories, click on the link below.

Fall and Winter 2006/2007 Color Trends

We have a put together a selection of Venetian Beads which are in the color waves of the projection. It will give you some ideas of combinations and in color and texture. You can click on the beads to the right of each color wave to go directly to the Venetian Beads.

We make it easy for you design for the season.
Brenda

BeadShop Moving

2006-09-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

We have found a new larger showroom nearby our current Santa Clara, CA place. Move date is early October as we have to get city licenses, utilities and internet access in place.

We're excited as we'll have about 3,000 sq feet of Venetian beads! Finally we can have enough space not only for our beads which today number about 8,000+ different beads, but we will have space to display our Venetian Chandeliers, Vases, and Sculptures as well as more room for our designers to work.

We will be, without question, the largest VenetianBead showroom anywhere with the largest collection of quality Venetian and Murano beads!! We also have an extensive line of silver and gold findings which is expanding daily.

We do not expect any downtime in packing and shipping as we have will get everything ready with computers set up and then transfer the beads over the weekend.

We're excited. Pictures to go on the web as soon as we get relocated. Keep reading for exact location and move date. We will still work by appointment, but it will be much more convenient.
Brenda

Venetian Beads or Murano Beads

2006-09-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is a question we get from time to time. Our beads which are produced using the same glass canes as the "Venetian Beads" (Effetre Moretti) but which do not lampworked in Venice or the surrounding Venice area are labeled EU and are produced in the European Union (hence the EU). Today many beadmakers have laboratories just outside Venice due to the outrageously expensive housing and commercial costs in Venice (and the islands which comprise Venice).

The quality and workmanship on these are excellent and make great accent beads because the glass matches perfectly.

Beadmaker houses in Venice also buy and resell these beads to many others (online and offline) who market them as strictly Venetian because they are unaware of the exact origin and perhaps because they never asked the question of the beadmaker in Venice or perhaps because they do not speak the language. We spend a tremendous amount of time in Venice and Murano, working in the homes of our beadmakers so when we give you an origin, it's for sure.

Bottom line, if you see a bead on our site labeled EU and you see the same bead elsewhere represented as Venetian....that seller either does not know the origin of the bead or they are misrepresenting the origin.

We offer these because we can get them in the high volume we require to meet our customer needs and the quality is excellent. Each day in Venice there are fewer beadmakers as a generation retires and young people go to college and choose hotels or computers for a career rather than work over a hot torch all day.

If you have a question about a bead on our site or on another site, email us and we'll give you the scoop. No one knows Venetian Beads better than we do!!!

Bead Back in Stock

2006-07-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

The beads have started pouring in from my latest trip to Venice. I am happy to have many of our basic round beads back in stock. Also we are adding some really exotic Venetian creations. These little curled Venetian Glass pendants are simply perfection. There are smaller ones for earrings and larger ones about 3 inches which can be focal pendants.

For those of you waiting on the EM-9399-200 (Pastel mini Crosses) we received a shipment. Just remember these go really fast.

Our starfish are arriving and we'll be uploading new styles of these as we can unpack boxes. So be sure to keep reading.
New beads can be found at New Arrivals

Beads in Stock

2006-05-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

We have receive several shipments from our beadmakers and many items are back in stock:

Blown Beads: BL-CIP and many of the Rounds BL-CRN. We received 16 styles of these two shapes, just in time for light and airy summer Venetian jewelry. Blown Venetian beads were recently featured in the Bead and Button special issue: "Your Perfect Look". It's light and clearly a summer look which you can easily make with our beads.

New Arrivals
I love the new little 10mm Sommerso heart beads, great price and are wonderful in charm bracelets, earrings for those who like small earrings. There are many other sizes and shapes to work with related items (just below each item picture is a list of other beads which coordinate in color or shape. Sommerso 10mm Hearts

Dogaressa:
Our new style bead, over the top, traditional Venetian beads with drips and swirls of color and flowers has arrived. Currently we have 15mm ovals 15mm Dogaressa, 38mm Dogaressa and 16mm Round Dogaressa

We wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day. If you are like me, you appreciate your mother even more as you get older. Now that I am an grandmother, I realize how much she helped me when my boys were small. So give you Mom a big hug!

Finding News

2006-04-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Gold and Silver Findings
The introduction of our sterling silver and gold-filled findings in March has proved to be such a success that we will continue to expand both lines to meet the needs of our customers. Please feel free to e-mail us with suggestions about products you wish to see added the Venetianbeadshop.com Email Us

Lead Free Pewter Findings
$$$$ New Low Pricing $$$$, New Products!!!!!
For those of you looking for a less expensive alternative to gold and silver with the same smart look, we are expanding our selection of lead-free pewter findings. This expansion has included a new lower pricing which we believe is much more competitive with less volume than you have seen before.

The pewter findings we carry are considered to be lead-free, made from culinary grade pewter, and contain none of the health risks associated with imported leaded pewter. They are also made in the USA and are the highest quality pewter findings we have seen. Each piece is plated with .925 sterling silver, gold, or rhodium and are easily cleaned by a soft cloth if tarnished.

Check it out and check back often!

101 New Findings Arrival & Color Trends

2006-03-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

Gold and Silver Findings
Introducing our expanded Findings section, great selection of sterling silver and gold fill clasps, toggles, beads and earring components. Competitive pricing and volume discounts make this a must see. You can see them quickly at our New Arrivals or simply go select findings on the navigation bar on the left of each page.

Spring Color Projections
Don't forget to take a look at the color projections for spring and summer 2006. We have an palette of Venetian beads for each of the fashion trend colors. It will give you some ideas of how to combine this year's hot colors. And the matching Swarovski crystals are shown above each palette. We have linked the beads directly so you don't have to search for them. Spring Color Trends

SoftFlex Wire Update
As an update, SoftFlex silver and gold wire problems continue. Production at the factory in Texas will begin in May (after damage from Hurricane Katrina). However their local warehouse was flooded last month in California which destroyed part of their existing inventory. We will keep you updated when the wires become available as we are ourselves on backorder.

March 2006 News

2006-03-12T01:36:00.000-08:00

A Day in Murano

Many of you ask about how we buy the beads, do we go to a huge market where we shop like a supermarket, going up and down rows of beads? How do we know what to buy? So I thought I'd take you on a work day in Murano.

We have spent many years developing our bead sources and many of our beadmakers work in their homes (cottage industry) or small laboratories. They produce some of our highest quality beads. Over the years, they have also become our dear friends and meetings to discuss beads are like family gatherings where we first discuss children and grandchildren and of course show our latest pictures. We are able to supply the volume because we have a large number of different families and small companies who make our beads. Many of our beadmakers speak no English, requiring us to speak Italian and also some of the local dialects.

All beads are made for us after we order them. We must decide what colors, shapes and sizes we want, with production ranging from a few days to months. We discuss color and shading possibilities, availability of glass canes, problems with quality of canes today and lament the fact that today the price of the gas used in the torches has increased, that the cost of the rubino canes are now outrageous, that we can't get good strong blacks. We discuss the merits of annealing ovens and the use of bead release for special projects. And I always walk away with a bit more knowledge, a bit more history and an even greater appreciation of the art of beadmaking and the artists who make the beads.

Venetian Beads or Murano Beads - that's the question

While we refer to the beads as Venetian Beads, they all began with the glass canes produced in Murano by the Effetre Moretti company. Recently a new factory was established on the mainland which also produces the soda lime glass (soft glass) used in beadmaking.

When all the glass furnaces were moved to Murano in 1291 AD. It was declared that no furnaces exist in Venice, but the Doges wisely wrote in the declaration that the lampworkers in Venice could purchase the canes and continue their beadwork in Venice and forever saved the "Venetian Bead".

More About Murano

One of my favorite spots on the island is the S. Pietro Martire (chiesa) on the Fondamenta Vetrai. Founded in 1348, this small church houses artwork by two important Italian artists, Tintoretto and Bellini. At one time on the small islands of Murano, there were 17 churches and 4 separate parishes. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the population of Murano was about 30,000 and was a vacation spot for the wealthy Venetians who built palaces in Murano. Today, the population is just over 5,000.

Murano was an independent municipality with a governing body and even coined its own money at one time. The symbol of Murano was the rooster, still visible today in family crests and artwork. Murano was annexed into the city of Venice in the 1920s, a decision very unpopular with the Muranese who relished their independence.

This is from our March 2006 newsletter. If you'd like to read the newsletter and see the pictures from Venice and Murano, just follow this link: March 2006 Venetian Bead Shop Newsletter

Happy Beading, Brenda

Venice in January

2006-02-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

Every January for about 15 years, we have gone to Venice to work with our suppliers on spring designs. This year, my sister joined me, a nice break for her and good company for me after the death of our mother.

The weather in Venice is always unpredictable in January, and this year we had ice in the lagoon and snow flurries, though the snow was just a light frosting. The ice on the edges of the lagoon were an amazing site. I took this picture from the boat as we were nearing the Fondamente Nove.

The trip was very successful and we are now adding beads which are coming in from that trip. We will also be adding some new dichroic pendants that we designed with the furnace. They will be an experiment as it is their first experience with dichroic glass. The dichroic uses of course the Moretti glass which we have coated here in the US and then shipped back to Italy for bead production.

Watch for a newsletter in your inbox. (To subscribe, just click on the link on the bottom of each webpage). VenetianBeadShop.com
Happy Beading
Brenda

Thanks

2006-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all our wonderful customers who have been so understanding the past week and your expressions of compassion during the illness and death of my mother. She lived a wonderful life living until 98 but the last few years have been difficult for her and especially the last month.

As we are a family business we have been distracted and out of the office often and have missed some of your calls and emails. For this we apologize.

We celebrated her life with our quite large family back in Georgia over the weekend. While it was a sad event for us, we are happy that we had her in our lives for such a long time.

So we appreciate your understanding during this period.
Thanks much,
Brenda

Cane Glass Beads

2006-01-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

VenetianBeadShop is proud to introduce our new line of Cane Glass Beads handmade in the furnace in Murano. Currently we have 25mm in length beads which make exquisite earrings and necklaces. We will be adding shorter lengths as we finalize our processes to finish the beads.

It has taken more than a year from our first designs on scratch paper to the build of equipment for cutting and finishing the beads. Since we make all our own glass from sand and soda, we also make our own colors. We are still learning, but I believe you will all agree that they are fantastic.

As always you can find them in our New Arrivals
Section as well as under Furnace Glass

We will be adding more styles and colors as we continue with the furnace. We hope you enjoy these Murano Cane Glass Beads. Venetian Bead Shop is the exclusive distributor of these beads in the US.

Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah

2005-12-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

We wish each of you a very happy holiday season and a bright and prosperous New Year. A little bit of history on the holidays with today being special as both holidays are on 25 December this year.

Hanukkah Origins: More than 2,000 years ago, when the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV occupied Jerusalem, he forced the Jews to worship the Greek gods. For three years, Judah the Maccabee (also Judas Maccabeus) led a rebellion against the Syrians, and when he finally defeated them in 165 BCE, the Jews could worship freely again. To rededicate the temple, they cleaned it up from top to bottom and then relit the menorah, their special branched candelabrum. They could only find enough consecrated (pure) oil for one day, and it would take eight days to prepare more oil. They managed to make the oil in the bottle last eight days and Hanukkah celebrates both this and the rededication of the temple. Today, families gather around a menorah and light one candle on the first night of Hanukkah, two on the second, and so on for all eight nights of the festival. There are songs, stories, presents, food fried in oil (latkes, jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot) and prayers. Children play games of chance with the spinning tops called dreidels.

Hanukkah (also spelled Hanukka, Chanukah, Chanukkah), is from Hebrew and means "consecration, dedication." It was first recorded in English in 1891. Hanukkah is observed somewhere between November 25 and December 26, from 25 Kislev to 2 Tevet, because the original rededication was on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. The celebration is also called the Festival of Lights, Feast of Lights, Feast of Dedication, or Feast of the Maccabees.

Christmas Origins: from the Old English words Cristes moesse, 'the mass or festival of Christ'. The first celebration took place in Rome about the middle of the fourth century. The Twelve Days of Christmas, known by most Americans for the popular song, are actually from December 25 until January 6 (Epiphany - the day the three Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus). The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th), and often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi.

The New Year will bring many new beads and the return of some long awaited replacements as our beadmakers in Venice worked hard just before closing to make shipments, so watch the "New Arrivals" section.

Buon Natale as they say in Italy and
Tante Auguri (Many best wishes).
Brenda
www.venetianbeadshop.com
Wholesale Venetian Beads and Murano Glass Beads

Contacting Us

2005-11-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

During this busiest of all seasons, if you have a questions about your order, or need to return something, please contact us via email. Sometimes for out-of-country emails, I know that our server rejects the mail due to hacking filters. For those occasions we have a sure method which is at our website on our Contacts page. (Bottom of each and every page.)

For returns, please visit our website for details. You absolutely must return a copy of the order with the items marked. Sometimes we get packages with only beads inside and the occasional envelope which has gone through the US mail sorter machine and arrives empty of anything. A return of beads without the SKU and Order number takes time and ultimately adds to the cost of beads for everyone.

If you have a problem with your order, please email (same as above).

We prefer orders placed on the web over Phone Orders and faxes. Orders placed on the web will be processed first over phone orders/faxes as they are downloaded twice daily and automatically are ready for picking and packing.
Thanks for your help.

Blown Beads & Things

2005-11-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

Blown beads are arriving which included replacements for several types.. There are many new colors which we will be putting on the web shortly as well. The new Orchid pendants which are also produced by our blowers are very unique. They can be seen in our "New Arrivals" section.

Many of you are waiting on the rubino beads. We have one shipment arriving late next week. As usual our problems begin with the canes and the lack of availability from the Moretti factory, so our beadmakers can't produce the beads. The most recent cane production has some variation in color for the rubino. Like carpet lots, each run of canes has its own color. The most recent, we have been experiencing some problems with burnout in the flames. As a last resort, we have had our Murano glass furnace produce some rubino which we are trying out on hearts. While everyone in Murano uses Soda Ash, the exact recipe in each furnace is different so we are holding our breath. We will get our first samples in from Venice and are hoping that the color is the vibrant rubino everyone loves.

For those of you who love the GC "Cinnamon" color, we are selling out. It was a bead fluke, produced by a not so red batch of glass from the Moretti factory and we have used all the canes. Once again we are getting nice reds, so Cinnamon is now out of production.

We are currently out of stock on our SoftFlex Silver Wire. The evacuation of the wire producing plant due to Hurricane Katrina caused a disruption in production, but the factory should begin catching up shortly. We do now have in SoftFlex 24kt .019 Gold wire in 30 ft lengths.
Happy Beading, Brenda

Home From Murano & Back In Stock

2005-10-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

It was a very successful trip to Murano and Venice and our new beads will begin arriving in late November. The bead making industry in Venice still thrives, though I estimate there are fewer than 300 people who make beads on a daily basis either as employees of small companies or as a cottage industry where they work at home. I prefer to work the the cottage industry side as much as possible, because we can work directly with the beadmaker, rather than through a company. This allows us to influence the design, the processes and also gives us flexibility in scheduling delivery.

We always take catalogs from the US which feature the beads from our Murano and Venetian beadmakers. They love seeing their beautiful beads in the jewelry and recognize the names of prestigious US stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and the other stores where our designers sell. It is very gratifying for them to know that others appreciate their work.

My last days there are always very hectic running between beadmakers to look at the samples we have been making and finalizing the orders. I made a final trip to the furnace where we are making canes for our new beads. We will have our first Furnace Glass Beads by early November. It was easy to make the samples and we loved the colors, but getting production ready was the challenge. As my first love in the glass furnace, this is an exciting project which combines our beads and the furnace. Our furnace designed and built the machinery we are now using which will allow us to produce in large quantities high quality Venetian Glass Cane Beads. And on my last day I got to make beads at the furnace. We will make an announcement when they are available. VenetianBeadShop.com will be the exclusive distributor for the beads in the US and the furnace will distribute in Europe.

New Arrivals:

SoftFlex 925 Sterling Silver .014 Wire 30 Ft

SoftFlex 925 Sterling Silver .019 Wire 30 Ft

Back in Stock:

8mm Millefiori Beads Topaz, Black/White, Amethyst, Crystal/Multi

Crystal/Gold 8mm Round Popular 8mm Crystal/Gold

Ciao, Brenda

Tomorrow is Another Day!

2005-10-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's 18 hours of flight time plus layover to get from San Francisco to Venice. However my trip was much improved as there were 20 construction workers from the Venice area surrounding me on the flight. Immediately recognizing the dialect, we began talking and they helped me put my baggage in the overhead and retrieve on both flights. I was sure the flight attendant would not neglect me even if I was asleep as they insisted that I get everything offered!

With 8 grandchildren of my friends here in Murano, I always get on board with overweight luggage. This trip the requests by the children ranged from Hulk backpacks and Power Ranger T-Shirts to costumes for Halloween and as always toys that are not yet in Italy. Some of the not-so-small chidren requested Cam Corders and cameras. Of course on the return trip I take children's videos for Marcella in Italian so she learns to speak properly. The girl at the check-in counter said I was lucky to be paying by the bag rather than weight!

The driver of the boat taxi to my apartment felt so sorry for me with all the suitcases that he moored the taxi and brought everything to the apartment including up 2 flights of stairs....Needless to say, he got a generous tip!

After stashing the luggage, I went immediately to a friend's house who had dinner warm for me in her oven. After a great dinner I was ready for a real bed. However, I decided to get my computer and various printers, cameras ready for the next day. Bob had given me a surge protection strip to use. So, I plugged in and immediately it blew the fuse in the strip, the fuse in the house and everything went dark! Less than 1 hour after arrival and I was in darkness. As the heater for water is also electric, I could't even take a bath. At midnight I didn't want to wake everyone in the building and hoped that their lights were ok. Fortunately the apartment is on a separate line, so only I was without power. I just went to bed clothes and all with only a small flashlight to fine my way, deciding that Scarlett O'Hara had said it all..."Tomorrow is another day!"

At 5 a.m. when I heard the downstairs neighbor awake, I begged a cup of coffee and arranged to call the electrician. I accompanied her to her job in a local bakery and got the bonus of the freshest bread in Murano!

By 8 a.m. the elecrician had not only fixed the lights, but had taught me how to remedy this should I blow the fuses again. A most welcome bath and I was off to my first meetings with beadmakers.

There are always issues, Moretti glass canes we cannot get, problems with the Murano glass colors and questions of Venetian Bead shapes. My first days here I spend more in a listening mode than talking as it is important to understand their problems and hope that we can work around them. We as always discuss the colors red and rubino. After trying more than 500 hearts, we finally choose a method to produce the color needed for production for a customer.

I went to the furnace here in Murano where we are working on a very exciting new bead, which I hope to have ready by the end of this trip. We have purchased machinery and have made trial runs. You must keep reading daily to know when we will have the first beads. The difficulty here in Murano is that there are only 3 people who make equipment for the glass furnaces and obviously there is a lot of work. Everything must be modified to work here and we needed to lengthen the equipment for our annealing process.

Tomorrow (Monday) we begin the real work with 3 appointments each day and ordering beads for delivery in December and January. Nothing is made before we order the beads and as we order in very large volume, it takes some time to produce.

We had about 1 inch (25 mm) high water on Saturday and I hope that this is the end of high water as it makes traveling difficult.

Be sure to check the posts as I will try to keep it updated on things here in Murano and Venice as I work here for 10 days. I will also post when the new Venetian beads arrive and are ready for you to purchase. So for now Ciao da Murano, Brenda

Beads Begin to Arrive

2005-09-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

The beadmakers fresh from their annual holiday in August have begun to ship beads once again. Stock is available now for:

EM-8753-100 Medium Multi Bright Cross Pendant

EM-8845-200 Medium Pastel Multi Heart

CUBE12-BIC-G55 Topaz/Amber Bicolor Cubes

CD-GEM-R14-G Ca'D'Oro Gems Round 14mm

Over the next several days, we'll be adding some new crosses and beautiful multi color silver beads and we expect replacement stock of many items shortly.
Have a great day, Brenda

New Pendant Hearts - Fun and Stylish

2005-09-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

We just received some new very young and stylish Murano Glass pendant hearts. You can find them by scrolling to the bottom of the New Arrivals page. They range in size from 35mm to 40mm (about 1 1/2 inch to 1 3/4 inch)and can be easily strung on most chains, leather or ribbon for a quick and easy necklace. Click on this link: New Arrivals - Murano Glass Hearts

Swarovski Crystals 5601 Cubes NEW

2005-09-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Great value on Swarovski 5601 cubes, available in many styles and prices as low as .36 for the 4mm. For the 5601 6mm we have several colors in and they price is as low as .68 (All in US dollars.) Remember that you can mix and match colors to get the best pricing within any one bead product. To view the Swarovski Crystals immediately, jut click here Swarovski Crystals at VenetianBeadShop.com

Swarovski Rondelles Back in Stock 5mm & 8mm

2005-09-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Just in are the Swarovski Rondelles Silver Plate and Gold Plate. Available in 5mm and 8mm. We'll be adding 13mm shortly. These are wonderful as spacers in all your jewelry and the sparkle goes well with our Venetian Beads.

Swarovski Crystals 4mm 5301 Bicones New

2005-09-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

We have added 4mm Swarovski Crystals both individually and by the gross at very competitive pricing. These 4mm Austrian crystals are in the 5301 bicone in 20 popular colors, all matching our Venetian Beads. So you can buy a little as 1 or by the gross (a gross is 144 beads). Click here to see all our Swarovski Crystals. Swarovski Crystals

As always you can combine mix and match colors to reach the higher volume pricing.

Save Your Order - A Busy Beader's Dream

2005-09-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

We've just added a new feature at Venetianbeadshop.com, our "Save Order". Now if you do not have tme to finish an order, or just want to add items when you think of them, you can do so. You will need to create an account with us to save your order.

I love this as I often think of one or two beads I need and it's so simple to just pop them in the shopping cart and save the order. Then when I have more time I can "Restore" the order and finish it....such a time saver! To save your order click on the "Show Basket" at the top navigation bar, then give it a nickname and then save the order. Brenda

Welcome to Venetian Bead Blog

2005-09-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

A new addition to VenetianBeadShop.com, our VenetianBeadBlog is a quick way to let our customers know what's new at the shop without bombarding them with emails. Just drop by and you can see the latest news.

From time to time I will let you know other goings on in the bead world and try to answer some of the questions we get each day about Venetian Beads and Murano Beads.

People often ask what's the difference between Venetian Beads and Murano Beads. Way back before 1000 AD, the furnaces which make the canes for beadmaking, were located in Venice. At that time, I suppose you could truly say they were Venetian Beads. Remember that Marco Polo took these very beads with him for trading in the Orient. However in 1291, all furnaces were moved to Murano and furnaces were banned in Venice. From that time on, all the canes used in producing beads has been made in Murano. The Venetian crafts people were granted the right to make beads using the small torches (known as lampwork). However, whether they live in Venice or Murano, the canes they use come from the Effetre Moretti factory in Murano.
..More later on this subject,Brenda