'Preneur Meetup Dec 21st


IMPORTANT UPDATE -- Due to hectic schedules, we'll be cancelling this event and trying again in the new year. Happy Holidays! -- Peggy


I've recently joined an entrepreneurial networking group called 'preneur and it's a great group of women who are all in business for themselves. They offer articles with tons of information on small business topics, including PR, social media, and "Ask the Expert" tips. There are members-only features, including PR leads and forums. So far, the group has been fairly active with an email newsgroup and a steady stream of articles for their members. Based in NYC, there are also social events for networking.

I'm happy to announce that the very first West Coast meeting of preneur members will be hosted by me on December 21st at The Coffee Bar in the Inner Mission. While this time of year is a little crazy for me, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet up with other small business owners, which is something on my "to-do" list for 2012. To grow my own business, Peggy Li Creations jewelry, I need to continue to grow my knowledge base and being a member of preneur has encouraged me to do so!

So come out on to The Coffee Bar, purchase a great beverage and sit and chat with me! Please RSVP here so I know to expect you:

IMPORTANT UPDATE -- Due to hectic schedules, we'll be cancelling this event and trying again in the new year. Happy Holidays! -- Peggy
Hope to see you there!
Peggy

SF Made Holiday Fair Sunday, Dec 11, 2011

Peggy Li Creations jewelry is proud to participate in the first SF Made holiday fair at Fort Mason! This is my one big show for the holiday season. SFMade.org is a neat local organization for businesses, you guessed it, based in San Francisco.

Over 50 vendors will be at Fort Mason on Sunday, December 11th from 10 am-5pm, including yours truly. I'll have lots of items from the website as well as one-of-a-kind pieces just at my table. For more information on the show, visit the SFMade Holiday Fair website. Want to see something specific? Email me in advance so I can be sure to have it at the show!

Hope to see you there! Follow Peggy Li Creations on Twitter or Peggy Li Creations on Facebook for additional news and updates.


FAQ: Where Can I Take Jewelry Making Classes / How do I learn to Make Jewelry?


Every now and then I get asked about how I got started making jewelry and if I have any recommendations for people who want to learn. I started out making handmade jewelry for Peggy Li Creations completely self-taught, but have gone on to take a few classes and read books on new techniques. What's great about jewelry, however, is that it is so easy to get started and learn. Just some beads, wire and pliers! But if you're looking for more instruction, here are a couple of ways I've found to learn about the art of jewelry making!

1) Check out your local community Parks and Recreation Center. They often have quarterly classes/events, with sections on arts and crafts that may include jewelry making.

2) Community colleges or even universities are a great resource -- see if they have summer courses or what they call "extension" courses in fine arts. If they don't have classes available for that quarter/semester, they still may have "open studio" time where you can use their art studios.

3) Bead shops. Great community bead stores often have folks with great experience behind the counter, even if they don't hold formal classes. Some big Bay Area bead stores include Global Beads in Mountain View, Baubles and Beads in Berkeley and General Bead in San Francisco.

4) Jewelry arts colleges do exist! I've taken an amazing seminar at The Revere Academy in San Francisco (which offers diploma courses and full on technician training) and have applied to FIT's jewelry design major.

5) Apprenticeships. Ask local jewelry designers if they are willing to teach! Up and coming designers often need some extra hands on big orders, or want to push of some repetitive work onto a helper. Get some practice and learn from someone more advanced in skill.

6) Online resources. OMG, there are many online jewelry supply companies that are offering video or printable jewelry how-tos. Not to mention You Tube!  Do a search and you're sure to find a lot of different resources.

7) Magazines and books. There are countless magazines with great basic tips (and ads for the biggest jewelry suppliers around) and great books that can teach you everything about jewelry making. Try your library and peruse the choices before buying.

8) Local instructors. The DIY movement is only growing. Do a search for local artisans/instructors/classes and you are sure to find some. The Bay Area is lucky to have vibrant local artist communities and I've found awesome independent studios who also offer instructional classes.

Still don't know where to start? Stop by your favorite bead store and ask! If anyone is in the know, its people who love beads as much as we do.

best,
Peggy Li
www.peggyli.com