The Design Gallery – 1 Week Later
Posted by Kevin on June 25 at 12:54 pmOne week ago today, we launched The Design Gallery. Matt, Steve, and Ali worked hard on it for about a month because a lot of people had been asking for a feature to share designs. We finished it up, Steve put up a blog post called The Design Gallery is here! and we crossed our fingers that: 1. it would work and 2. people would like it.
Corpse Bride by Wickwire Jewelry
Well, that was a week ago and so far, the gallery has functioned properly (for the most part) and there are already 270 designs uploaded, so I think we know the answer to #2 as well 
I can’t believe the awesome designs that have been shared so far. I knew that we had some talented customers, but to see the actual photos makes us really happy. So far we’ve seen cool combinations of stones, incredible wire work, custom made beads, symmetrical designs, asymmetrical designs, large focals, small focals, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, sets, and more!
Step-by-Step Instructions
With each design added to The Gallery, the designer has the option to provide design instructions. These instructions are shown as a step-by-step list and if desired, photos can be added for each step. If you’ve ever wanted to teach a beading class or help beaders that are just getting started, here’s your chance!
Designs that have instructions:
Matt bought a necklace!
The day we launched the gallery, Tab (a Lima customer) promptly added some of her designs. Matt liked her Sterling Silver Necklace with Cubic Zirconias and Freshwater Pearls so much, he decided he just had to have it for his wife. He contacted Tab and let’s just say that within a few weeks, Matt’s wife will be getting a surprise!
Tab's Necklace
What do you think of the design gallery so far? Have any favorite designs or designers? Do you plan to share some of your designs? Let us know!
Last, but not least — thank you so much to everyone that has shared a design. It’s so interesting to see all of the different styles and materials. I know that everyone is having a wonderful time browsing the gallery.
On Jun 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm #
Elaine aka Belly Chick says:The Design Gallery is perfect!! I love it as a new beader just starting out; I need all the inspiration I can get! I like the idea of posting instructions for some of those beautiful, extravagant designs but I haven’t offered any instructions because my postings have all been very straight-forward stringing. But I’m sure that anyone who has a question will be comfortable enough to ask about anything!!
On Jun 25, 2009 at 3:16 pm #
Alice P says:The Desitn Gallery is awesome! I love the inspiration and the sharing. Thanks so much for making it happen.
Alice
On Jun 25, 2009 at 3:23 pm #
DJluvs2bead says:Once again, Lima Beads shows how much they care about their beaders and how innovative they are as a company! The Gallery gives every beader a chance to have their work shown and share their talents!
The new Gallery and the Garden are great ways to share your talent, express your creativity, be inspired and connect with other talented bead lovers.
Thanks for providing all of us with these wonderful forums!
On Jun 25, 2009 at 10:04 pm #
Happy Chick aka Harriet says:I truly like the new gallery. It is exciting, and humbling, to see the work of some very talented LB customers. Thanks for being such a great customer friendly company.
On Jun 26, 2009 at 12:01 am #
Chicky D aka Debra says:I love seeing what other beaders are doing. It’s inspirational!
Thank you for providing the opportunity to both share our work and view and admire others’ work.
On Jun 26, 2009 at 10:49 am #
Lynda aka DivaChick says:Thank you for the opportunity to showcase my work. I love the great selection and quality of LimaBeads’ gemstones. It’s my preferred source for material. The gallery is wonderful!
On Jun 27, 2009 at 6:55 pm #
RubberT aka Plucky Chick says:Kevin, isn’t this exciting for you and for all your customers? It’s like the perfect storm!! Gemstones, beaders, web site technology, photo technology…all coming together!
On Jun 28, 2009 at 1:07 am #
Kathleen F says:I have always admired Lima Beads, but lately I feel everyone is just letting their creativity flow. The new variety of beads are just outstanding and rare. Keep up the fantastic work.
On Jun 30, 2009 at 12:20 pm #
MaryJo K says:It’s a beautiful necklace and so is the garden. I love it. Too bad I don’t have a way to show my designs.
I’m new…and I don’t have a camera.
Someday, maybe! Thanks for sharing.
On Jun 30, 2009 at 4:14 pm #
A Golke aka Funny Chick says:I do intend to show some of my work, after I get used to my camera!!!! I love looking at all the beautiful pieces that have been shared, you just gotta love the beaders!! such a great group of people & extremely talented too!!! Thanks, yet again for all your hard work!! I REPEAT: THIS IS THE BEST SITE ON THE WEB!!!!
On Jul 02, 2009 at 3:58 pm #
Bead Buzz chick says:After being inspired by the fresh pick “Laurel”, I just created a cute 2 strand necklace. I added it to the Design Gallery moments ago. Check it out!
On Jul 16, 2009 at 8:59 pm #
Dangles Designs says:Wow, I started posting in your gallery about a week ago and I cannot tell you how much of a positive and awesome experience it has been for me. Although my purchase history do not speak for how much I really love your website, you’ll have to take my word for it.
You have a very wonderful group of customers comprised of a very warm, thoughtful and encouraging community of beaders.
Thank you so much for providing this platform, it’s been fabulous.