Linda, ALL auctions that I attend are open to ALL buyers. There is no such thing (at least in the eastern states)as a distinct "collector's sale", nor are there "trade only" sales. Taking this from the auctioneer's perspective-the goal is to maximise the hammer price of each lot that crosses the block. This benefits both auction and consignor. Therefore, closing sales to the public (collectors) contraindicates that goal. Perhaps there may be a few places local to you that require a dealer to have a tax ID or license of some sort in order to attend but that is not the practice here. Is the Harris auction a dealer only auction? I didn't see any restrictions in a quick perusal of the site. In this area, if trade attends sales, trade does so in order to buy specific items for specific clients, or hopes that something 'slips through the cracks' so that it may be purchased for later retail sale. Unfortunately most things are greedily grabbed by clients with very deep pockets! It's no secret that many in the gallery and most of the telephone bids are trade bidding on behalf of these clients. I looked up the Gene Harris-got Tom Harris, presumably that's the son who took over? I used to go to sales like this but never, ever found one single thing that I would retail; although there have been two or three objects within my specialty, these were so tatty that I couldn't be bothered. I rarely buy 'projects'. I have one object sitting in my house that needs only a re-gluing and re-set of its tripod base (minor repair and not considered attrition). I have had this object since the end of March and haven't got the job done yet. All it takes is a telephone call. Just so you know why I can't buy projects! We often fall into inventory just by word of mouth, mostly through our networks. I really prefer buying from and selling to trade, although margins are slimmer it's enormously fun. But oh my I do love the axcitement of an auction. Hehe, now I sortakinda know where you are! You must come east, ma'am, and let me take you round with me. You'd have a blast and would probably be the 'belle of the ball'. But then, in return, you'd have to haul me around all the good places in your region.

Awww oodie this is beautiful!!! Great job!! You give me way too much credit woman!! I've always considered myself a terrible teacher! I'm too detail oriented and most of the time think if someone like me can do something then anyone can. I'm a visual/hands on learner so instructions sometimes slow me down...give me a photo of something I'm interested in and I'm good to go. I joined the group to help where and when I can and to learn from all you other wonderfully talented and creative folks. I'll be happy to help anyone out who asks...if I don't know the answer I will surely find the answer for both of us. zshopper- don't spend a lot of money on beads,tools and supplies until you decide if you like making jewelry. It's like any other craft you can spend a fortune on supplies and gear then end up hating it...like me and scrapbooking..UGH!! I love card making but scrapbooks are really not my thing at all...too much time. I say go to Wal Mart buy a few things and for tools you can use old nail clippers for wire cutters to get started or raid someone's tool box..lol, needle nose pliers or invest a little in a 3 n 1 tool there in the Wal Mart jewelry department. Don't forget to check out Wal Mart's Dollar beads. Get one of those little plastic boxes with the comparments it's what I use to use to seperate my cross stitch thread or little tupperware bowls with lids are a good starter. A bead board is another good investment they cost less than $5.00. Then when you decide you really are addicted to this craft...start buying the very best you can afford and take really good care of it. Got to the library look through the magazines, newest jewelry craft books they have get inspired! If you have DIYNetwork check out the jewelry show on there, a lot of basics are taught on that show. Check out jewelry makers on Carol Duvall. We are all here to support you,hold your hand and cheer you on!! delaniemae...beginning in junior high(long ago),I would scour flea markets,yard sales,thrift stores and such before it was hip to do so,and revamp and restore old pieces. I hand my own style kinda like the movie Pretty in Pink...making something out of nothing. I still get giddy over beautiful buttons, fabric(I don't sew) and rhinestones. I use to carry vintage purses to match all my outfits, even if it was jeans and a sweatshirt my purse, earrings and bracelet was color coordinated vintage wear. I have huge bins of stuff in my basement that I've had since then and refuse to give up. I started collecting and making the "Bejeweled Christmas" trees a few years back. It was a 70's craft that caught my eye and I've been doing for a while but only for special orders...it's a lot of work. I have collected more than I have made and each one is so unique and different. I LOVE THEM!! Sorry guys didn't mean to write a book or hog a thread it's just one of those rainy mornings and I've been up for ages! ginger Here is a link that might be useful: Bejeweled Christmas Tree

The special tools/other items you might need depend on what kind of bracelet you want. It sounds like you already have an idea of what you want your bracelet to look like. You could string the beads on elastic or leather or ribbon - in which case you would mostly need to tie some knots at the end. You could attach your beads to a silver chain or create your own findings. Working with wire, you'll need something to shape it and something to cut it. A good place to start mighht be your local craft store/bead shop or adult ed program. Try taking a class on jewelry making. That should give you some ideas for assembly. This is a cool idea - I like the way you are telling your personal story. Here is a link that might be useful: craftfetish blog

I made a few more waiting out the hurricane :) My grandson even made one for his mama with white elastic cord threaded over and under the buttons,with a heart shaped button in the center. We tied it off with crimp beads, and it slips on over the hand. He had a great time choosing buttons in solid colors with a few pearly ones here and there. Then he made one for himself with black rattail cord, using a silver metal heavy button tied with knots on each side of the button,and the ends tied in knots,to slip over his hand....he wore it to school and promptly got it taken away by his teacher, LOL! He was bad,took it off and was swinging it, I should have foreseen that,coming from a boy who just turned 5 years old last week. I made 2 with white and pearly buttons, no beads, and I made 1 with pearly pastel shank buttons,no beads.