Buying Beads

I've made the decision to try making jewelry again. I think that I have grown a lot and will be able to better the look of my jewelry. I have always had a creative eye, but I've definitely grown from the lampwork beads and large glass beads. I'm wanting to create something a little more elegant when compared to the more dress-up/ costume jewelry look.


I have just purchased loads of Czech seed beads, silver round beads, string, clasps, glass beads, and other filler beads, and I'm bidding on several Swarovski crystal beads.

I've, also, purchased some blown glass gecko necklace/earring sets that I will be selling. I'm trying to get some nice crystal frog necklaces as well.

I want to add to my tables at expos, to include my reptile drinking glases, CGD, jewelry, and reptiles.
 
I am not sure what I will be able to have in January, in regards to jewelry, but I will definitely have the CGD, drinking glasses, and reptiles. I will probably have some plain decals similar to the designs on the glasses that can be purchased to place on cars, laptops, mirrors, etc.

I'm Thinking Jewlery

I'm really trying to go out of the box and add products to my list of available things. I used to make bead bracelets for family and friends, and they were loved. I had nice clasps and closures with lampwork beads, glass beads, and charms. I mixed up colors, patterns, and designs, as well as bead sizes and styles.

So, thinking about all of this and what I was able to produce, I'm thinking about investing in more beads, clasps, closures, crimps, and charms, so that I can start making bracelet and necklaces. I may even venture into earrings, as I dabbled with those before.

I haven't 100% decided yet, as I need to figure out how much time I'll have to devote to making jewelry, but I think that it would be something interesting and different to add to my available products.

I will keep all updated via this blog as to whether or not I've decided to begin this endeavor.

16 Ounce Glass Cups

I still have plenty of these cups available in black, blue, green, and pink. I will ship via USPS Priority or whatever method will be the cheapest for you.

If you want custom orders, I can do that as well, but the prices will vary depending on the size of the cup, colors requested, and the overall design.

These cups are priced at $5 for online orders. Expo prices may vary. If purchased online for $5, I will be at the Atlanta Repticon show January 29th and 30th, and will offer free pickup at the show.

I've Updated the Blog with Products

If you haven't noticed, I have updated my blog again. This time I've added a few pages of products and books. Each page can be accessed via the tabs at the top of the blog.

I have included my favorite products. I have not included any products that I haven't tried, haven't used, or don't have on my current supply shelf.

I want you to feel comfortable with the products that I recommend, as I wouldn't want you to buy something that you will be unsatisfied with. I, also, do not want you to buy something that could be potentially harmful for your pet reptile, nor do I want you to waste your money on something unnecessary.

When choosing what products I wanted to included, it was a hard choice, as there are many great products that I like and would recommend.

A few tips that I have when buying new products for your reptiles include:

• Zoo Med under tank heater has always been the best under tank heater that I've tried. It gets warmer and lasts longer than any other brand.
• UV bulbs last longer than the UV tubes. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but they last longer and don't need to be replaced every 4-6 months in order to emit decent UV rays to your reptile.
• A digital thermometer will always out-read any stick-on thermometer. Again, these may be a little more expensive than the cheap thermometers that just stick to the glass, but they last much longer and they are more accurate. The stick-on thermometers really just measure the air temperatures, which isn't what a terrestrial reptile is feeling. A good digital thermometer will allow you to better monitor your reptile's environment.

Buying reptile books:

When it comes to doing your research, I always recommend that you read everything that you can, which includes online resources as well as tangible books. I have been working with reptiles since 2003, and I've been doing my research since about 2000. I always refer to the internet and to my books when a problem or concern arises.

So, along with the products, I've also included some of my favorite reptile books.

The books that I've included are just some of the reptile books that you can choose from, and you may find that where one book focuses on native wildlife and habitats, another may focus on health and diet in captivity, so sometimes it can be a good idea to have multiple books on the same species.

If you have any questions about what products to buy, just ask, and I'll see what I can do to offer more advice on the purchase of product A or product B.