Z is for Zero
Most beaders and jewelry-makers I know are very budget-conscious, always trying to stretch their dollars. Beadmakers and suppliers are also similarly budget-challenged, trying to get the word out about their beads to as many people as possible. Did you know that some beadmakers and suppliers will offer you payment (usually in the form of gift certificates) for using their beads in your published magazine designs? It's nice advertising for them to have their beads used in publication and it's a nice perk for designers. A win-win!
Many of these programs are unofficial and you might not find much information online. Even if your favorite shop or beadmaker doesn't offer an incentive, it's
always nice to drop them a note and let them know that you published a
design in a magazine or book with their materials. Here are three official programs I know about:
- B'Sue Boutiques: Brenda offers a $25 gift certificate to designers who use her materials in their published designs and mentions them in the resources. She also offers free materials to published designers for magazine projects. She will blog about your project to help publicize your work. Just drop her an email and let her know the details.
- Chinook Jewelry: Mellisa offers a $10 gift certificate to her website for designers who have used her beads in a magazine project and listed them as a resource. Send her an email with the details once the publication is out.
- Humblebeads: Heather offers a $25 gift certificate to her website if you use her beads in a magazine or book project. Let her know the details after the publication comes out.
Do you know about any affiliate programs for beaders and jewelry designers? Let me know and I'll add them to this page.