Well, I finally decided to bite the bullet and spend some time creating a website for my jewelry and painting hobby/business.

Please check out my new site: www.beautyandthebead.org when you have a chance and let me know your thoughts. If you can't link, please cut and paste the url into your browser.

I followed a fellow-poster's recommendation and used doteasy for my domain and site hosting.

I think I have come up with a pretty professional site without having to learn html! 

I am new to the BeadStyle forum and ran across your post today.

I checked out your site and I have to say, it is wonderful!!!!

I have been creating jewelry for several years but just recently decided to create a business out of it.  It has been slow going that is for sure.

Happy Beading. 

Well Done.  Can you share approx. costs for building the site, and how long did it take you to create??

 Good luck...Hope you get lots of hits!

Heidi

Heidi - Thanks. Are you the person that signed my Guestbook?

I registered my domain through www.doteasy.com. You can search to see if your preferred domain name is available. Once that was done, I selected their Ultra Hosting Membership which was about $8 per month (they bill you for one year). I also purchased some options so my bill was around $125 or so. When you sign up with them, they offer a free site design program which was fairly easy to use and manipulate. I have a lot of computer experience, so it was pretty effortless on my part.  My logo and graphic are my own creation. There are companies out there who will help in creating a logo for your business. I have had my digital camera (for my photos) for a couple of years, so there was no additional expense there.

My first site took about 8 hours to design and layout. This was rather time-consuming since I had numerous photos to upload. Overall, I am pretty pleased with doteasy and their hosting. I am still updating and tweaking the site, but it does not take much time at all.

I love your website and your designs are beautiful. Would you mind sharing your technique for getting your twisted necklaces to stay twisted? In my designs they won't stay together...I've tried everything...any suggestions would be greately appreciated.

thanks

Mickeyb

Dear Mickey:

The more-flexible the beading wire you use, the better. I just simply twist my finished strands and fasten the clasp. The "twist" stays in place. I have also done three strands and braided them, so they stay twisted permanently. You need longer strands for this as the braiding uses more materials. Thanks for checking out my site.

Kindest Regards

Linda - Beauty and the Bead