I acknowledge I'm a bit of a bore when it comes to complaining about other websites using my original arts/crafts work. But, I can't believe that jewelry store in St. Louis is still refusing to pull down my article about a famous jewelry designer.

My goodness, they're not even attributing the article to me but publishing it as their original work. This past weekend I registered my copyright to that work. It was quick and easy. Cost was $35.

If you're interested in registering some of your arts/crafts works follow my brief tutorial - Eight Steps to Register a Copyright.

It took me about 30 minutes - soup to nuts - time that I found very well spent. It takes about 6 months for the US Copyright office to complete the registration process.

Next, I guess I'm going to have to research the procedure to send a infringement-notification letter - something I've never had to do.

Photo Credit: John Foxx / Getty Images

MSLO is now offering instructive "How-to" videos. The videos can be dowloaded to your computer, phone, or portable media player.

For example, the Weddings: Gowns & Accessories video had some dress embellishments ideas that could be used in another craft disclipine. I also enjoyed the refresher in cooper leafing in the New Old House: Decorative Finishes video.

Image courtesy of MSLO

Going after the do-it-yourselfer market, Swarovski has opened a super-sized bead store in the Soho section of New York. Complete with a tote bag station to carry the supplies, loaner tools, pre-packaged kits, thousands of wood, pearl, metal and crystal components, a restaurant and lounge, the Crystallized concept store seeks to expand sales by luring customers in with $15 statement ring kits. I imagine the theory being come in for the $15 kit and be upsold to their ready-to-wear fashion jewelry or limited-edition guest designer jewelry.

Anyone who owns a bead shop and is within driving distance of New York or is planning a visit to the area should check it out to get marketing and shop layout ideas.

The shop is located at 499 Broadway - for more details on shop hours, parking etc call 212-966-3322.

This year I am indeed fortunate that my son, who is in the military, will be returning to Naval Station Norfolk on July 3rd. We'll be spending the 4th together in DC visiting the monuments and watching the fireworks.

My 4th of July gift to my readers is the instructions to make a flag plaque based upon the flag Betsy Ross made for the Continental Congress in 1776. I crafted and marketed these flag plaques about 20 years ago and still have one in my home.

Wishing everyone a great 4th of July and many thanks to the men and women serving their country in the military