Sara Hardin, delightful, warm, dedicated and and excellent teacher and designer

"Simply CZ Earrings": this pair of earrngs shown above are wonderful and winning offerings from Sara. Very glamorous and so perfectly conceptualized! By showing examples of fun and pretty jewelry on the Soft Flex Comany website like this, Sara makes you want to try to bead!

See below, the "Double Heart Necklace": one of my favorite designs of Sara's. The skill level is easy, which means we can all enjoy making it. So pretty! Sara has the touch.

"Brilliant Bracelet"
I find myself entranced by the design of this bracelet with its glorious deep blues with the accent of black. The main focus -- which you see in the front -- is actually a button, and serves as the closure! Great, creative work.

Above, a terrific photo of the wonderful Sara Hardin! I love this girl! She works for The Soft Flex Company. Of course you know this. And you know her too as "Ask Sara!" Yay!!!










images: ©2008 Sara Hardin and The Soft Flex Company.


These designs and more can be found at this part of the Soft Flex website: http://www.softflexcompany.com/Project.html


note from jean: This whole area is a great fount of information for budding DIY- ers who want to learn more about creating lovely jewelry. Most, if not all, of the materials are available right at the site, which is so convenient! Sara has also noted the level of each project, so you know whether it is appropriate for your abilities. This can be extremely helpful when you are starting out as a designer or jewelry maker! Thanks, Sara!

Interview with Sara Hardin from Soft Flex Company

Tell a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up a creative soul. I was the little girl that hand sewed a mini Christmas stocking for each and every family member or made bracelets for all of her girlfriends. I love giving presents and I especially love creating presents. It is a win-win. I get to create and someone gets a handmade gift.

I’ve worked for Soft Flex Company since 2000. I started out as a trade show sales representative, traveling from show to show. A few years later, I took on the role of “Ask Sara” the online Soft Flex expert and this afforded me the opportunity to slip into the role of Marketing Manager. I love my job. I get to use all of my best talents, from designing to number crunching.

What happened to you that made you consciously decide to become the person you are?

I don’t know that there was ever a conscious decision to be me, but I think that there are a few chance meetings of people that have helped to shape who I am today. Meeting Scott and Mike and becoming a part of the Soft Flex Co. staff in my early 20’s was a turning point in my life. They helped to broaden my horizons and highlighted my best talents while assisting me on the road to adulthood. My best friend, Erin has played an important role in shaping my world. My dog, Honey has taught me all about being responsible for more than just myself. And last but not least - my boyfriend, Joshua has opened my heart and taught me how to love on a deeper level than I ever thought possible.

How did your creativity, which you have chosen to fashion into a career, first express itself?

I have always loved fashion. I haven’t always been able to afford to express that love – but I have always loved it. My best friend and I were even a part of a fashion board in high school and modeled in several fashion shows each year for a department store. I know, I know…I don’t look like much of a model – but I did it all the same. I’m sort of a no boundaries person. So I’m short and voluptuous, I love fashion and I can model too!

At what moment did you know that you would never turn back?

I think that once I officially became “Ask Sara”, I knew that I was on board with Soft Flex for the long haul. I love helping designers create their designs in a way that will last the test of time. It is wonderful when I run into a designer, years later, and get a big hug and thank you for teaching them how to crimp properly or use the right diameter of wire.
What are you most proud of?

I am proud to work for a company that is ethically sound. I’m proud to feel confident that we really do bring the customer simply the best products and services.

What makes you feel fortunate?

I feel fortunate every single day of my life. I like to count my blessings regularly because life is not half has nice if you aren’t grateful for all of the good things that you receive and good people that you are surrounded by.

Do you think you see the world differently than other people? If so, is that a positive or a negative force in your work?

I think I can be an idealist. I like things to be just so. I have to work awfully hard to keep up with my own expectations. This can be exhausting – but it also has filled my life with excitement, joy and too many goals to count. I think that goals are a good thing.

Do you have something to say here in this article to sum up something important you would like people to know about the creative process?

Don’t worry about coloring outside the lines. Color whenever and however you want. Art is not about uniformity or perfection.

On a final note, I will be walking 60 miles in the Breast Cancer 3day in San Diego from November 21-23, 2008 with Team Beadalicious. Each walker has to raise a minimum of $2200 to walk. ( note from jean--they reached their goal, even though one of their members had a late start--it is great! Congratulations to the team!

On the other hand, that does not mean that you and I cannot continue to donate to this extremely important cause! We are all winners here if we keep donating to Team Beadalicious!) Go here, please: http://www.the3day.org/goto/softflexgirl.

Contact Information for Sara:

Website: http://www.softflexcompany.com/

Email: Sara@SoftFlexCompany.com

Blog: http://softflexgirl.blogspot.com/



Best wishes,
Sara Hardin
Marketing Manager
"Ask Sara" Product Specialist
Soft Flex Company
PHONE 707 732 3513
FAX 602 535 4970
EMAIL Sara@softflexcompany.com
WEB http://www.softflexcompany.com/
BLOG http://www.softflexcompany.com/CustomerService_AskSaraBlog.html

In November 2008, I will walk 60 miles in the San Diego Breast Cancer 3-day. Donate here: http://www.the3day.org/goto/beadalicious

from jean: Thank you Sara, for being so open and giving with your information. I think you are super! This interview is also on my Amazon Links blog!-- http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A2K4HN6EECBNR3/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist_blog