Monday, May 22, 2017

Bead-It-Forward Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who took a moment to share their thoughts and opinions!!  It is SO helpful!

Here is a summary of the most popular answers, and some of this is paraphrasing, but as the survey answers came in, a lot of similar thoughts were revealed.

The first question: Many people have suggested making the squares available in their raw form, unassembled.  What do you think of this idea? 

Over 80% of respondents said they loved it or didn't care either way.  This will be a fun new element to add to the Bead-It-Forward product line!

Second question: Thinking ahead to 2018, what would you like the theme to be? (The 2018 theme will be selected from the most popular answer)

This one was a little bit closer, the top two answers were Butterflies and Hearts, but Butterflies beat Hearts by 6% so BUTTERFLIES it is for the 2018 theme!!



Third question: Fundraising has been a challenge and there is still a lot of product (quilts and other crafted objects) leftover from previous years.  Any suggestions on how to increase the appeal of selling the quilts?

The answers to these questions were incredibly thoughtful and fantastic!

SMALLER ITEMS: One idea that came up time and time again, was to not make as many quilts, and to make items smaller, hence more useful and/or affordable.  So for SURE this year, we will make more journals, ornaments, bookmarks, etc...

DONATE MORE WIDELY: Another idea that was mentioned many times was to donate the items to local fundraisers around the country that benefit or are related to breast cancer research or care.  This is totally do-able!  In fact, if anyone knows of any fundraisers, let's get some quilts donated to these events!

EXPOSURE THROUGH BEAD SOCIETIES, GROUPS, AND STORES: Yes, yes, and yes!  This is a great idea and an easy, low-cost/no-cost way to gain more exposure about the project.

So once again, a HUGE thanks to everyone who took a moment to contribute their thoughts and opinions on this project.  Stay tuned for info on when 2017 product will be available for purchase this summer!


Saturday, April 8, 2017

Welcome to the new Bead-It-Forward Website

Welcome to the new Bead-It-Forward website!

2017 UPDATES

OVER 300 SQUARES!
Bead-it-Forward received 347 squares this year!  Thank you to everyone who contributed squares. Thank you to the bead stores and bead societies who collaborated with events and awesome mosaics!


NEW WEBSITE
Due to high costs of maintaining a private domain, the Bead-it-Forward.com website will be moved to a free blogger site. If you attempt to go to the site and it is not working, please go to http://beaditforward.blogspot.com.  Also - for contact information please use this email: amybeadspatterns@gmail.com.

FUNDRAISING
There are still plenty of quilts available from 2016 and 2015!!!  Many were sold at a quilt event last September, and some through craft shows in the past two years.  In the meanwhile, Bead&Button Magazine continues to show its support for the event and has offered to auction off some quilts at this year's Bead&Button Show.  As quilts and other crafted objects become assembled this year, they will be added to the Etsy site that has the quilts from previous years.

NEW IDEAS
Selling finished products has been a true challenge of this project.  Many folks have offered some new ideas to help move product along and continue raising money.  A survey will go out in the next two days to get feedback on some new ideas.  Ideas include:
selling the squares unassembled for buyers to do what they wish with them (make jewelry or decorate with them), donating quilts to auctions across the country that benefit breast cancer research and care, and more.  Stay tuned for the survey, your opinion is important!

2018 THEME
One of the questions in the upcoming survey will be a question about the 2018 theme.  Many people have suggested bringing back one of the themes from the previous years.  Please share your thoughts about it in the survey!

2015 & 2016 Quilts



There are still plenty of quilts available from 2016 and 2015.  Visit the Etsy shop to see what's available!   


VOLUNTEERS


Bead-it-Forward could use some assembly help!  If you are interested in helping assemble quilts, ornaments or other crafted object, please get in touch! We will mail you some quilts and supplies (along with a return envelope!)  Click here to get more information.




SUPPLIES


We need more blank quilts!  Do you know anyone who is a quilter?  If so please see if they would be willing to donate some mini quilts!  

 



Beaded square contributed by Donna M.  See more squares by clicking here and visiting the Bead-It-Forward Facebook page.