Today's Silver Price: $26.89/t.oz.
Wow-za! Silver prices are pretty low right now! It would be a great time to by materials, but I just don't have the money right now. Christmas tapped me out. Hopefully these prices will remain low into the new year and I can get a good deal when I'm ready to stock up again.
I've been looking at silver-filled wire and components on Rio Grande's website lately. Silver-filled is a silver coating over a base metal such as brass. The coating is thicker and supposedly more durable than silver-plated. I'd like to get some wire and experiment with it. The only problem is an exposed edge would show the brass core, so I would have to be creative to hide that.
I think I will also start using metals such as aluminum, nickle and possibly pewter. Many jewelry suppliers have a large selection of lead-free pewter components. I have to get over the idea that I was only going to make sterling silver jewelry. It just isn't realistic given the price of silver these days. Also I have seen that people will buy costume jewelry, and they will buy it like it's going out of style. Women seem less concerned with high-priced accessories these days.
I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and several sales with copper items, so I will continue to include copper jewelry in my collection.
Another material I need to examine is glass from broken wine bottles. I think with the right tools, ie the right Dremel bits, I can shape and smooth the broken glass pieces into jewelry components.
2012 should be a very constructive and productive year. I plan to learn a lot of new jewelry making skills so that I can expand my product line and attract wider variety of customers... and to satisfy my own creative curiosities! I love learning new things and I love creating something new. I am looking forward to the challenges and triumphs that 2012 will bring!
Have a happy and safe new year, I'll be back in 2012 with more adventures in entrepreneurship!
An Entrepreneurial Adventure
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Plans for the New Year
Today's Silver Price: $28.91/t.oz.
There are a few things I would like to accomplish in 2012 with regards to my business.
Upcoming holidays to plan for:
Valentine's Day, February 14th- lots of jewelry with hearts!
St. Patrick's Day, March 17th- shamrocks, celtic knots, lots of green!
Mother's Day, May 13th- all kinds of jewelry... maybe some pearls? Faux pearls that is.
2012 Business Goals:
Incorporation. I would like to transition from a Sole Proprietorship to a Limited Liability Corporation. When you incorporate a business you completely separate the business legally from your personal finances. I have to do a lot of research on this, I believe I may need a lawyer to incorporate. Also I should meet with an accountant and start paying quarterly taxes if this is to be a real business.
I also have to open a business bank account which I should have done a long time ago. I spoke to a banker once about opening a business checking account but I did not go through with it. Once I have a bank account I can open a merchant account, which would allow me to accept credit card payments. At craft shows and fairs the ability to take credit card payments could increase my sales dramatically.
Creative Goals:
Necklaces! I want to introduce necklaces into my jewelry line. Necklaces require more materials and I can charge more for them. I am also looking into using silver-filled wire as a cheaper alternative to sterling silver. I need to increase my working knowledge of copper, I have yet to master this material.
I am planning on starting a collection of hand-painted wooden wall signs for home decor. As my watercolor paintings have received many many compliments and praise, they have not lead to many sales.
Planning: I have to make a list of events I will attend in 2012. There are a few festivals that I know I want to participate in, and I think this will be the year that I start doing outdoor craft shows and fairs.
2012 looks to be a very exciting year. I hope to grow my business and to become a successful small business owner. With some optimism, perseverance and a whole lotta work, I know I can achieve my dream of self-employment!
There are a few things I would like to accomplish in 2012 with regards to my business.
Upcoming holidays to plan for:
Valentine's Day, February 14th- lots of jewelry with hearts!
St. Patrick's Day, March 17th- shamrocks, celtic knots, lots of green!
Mother's Day, May 13th- all kinds of jewelry... maybe some pearls? Faux pearls that is.
2012 Business Goals:
Incorporation. I would like to transition from a Sole Proprietorship to a Limited Liability Corporation. When you incorporate a business you completely separate the business legally from your personal finances. I have to do a lot of research on this, I believe I may need a lawyer to incorporate. Also I should meet with an accountant and start paying quarterly taxes if this is to be a real business.
I also have to open a business bank account which I should have done a long time ago. I spoke to a banker once about opening a business checking account but I did not go through with it. Once I have a bank account I can open a merchant account, which would allow me to accept credit card payments. At craft shows and fairs the ability to take credit card payments could increase my sales dramatically.
Creative Goals:
Necklaces! I want to introduce necklaces into my jewelry line. Necklaces require more materials and I can charge more for them. I am also looking into using silver-filled wire as a cheaper alternative to sterling silver. I need to increase my working knowledge of copper, I have yet to master this material.
I am planning on starting a collection of hand-painted wooden wall signs for home decor. As my watercolor paintings have received many many compliments and praise, they have not lead to many sales.
Planning: I have to make a list of events I will attend in 2012. There are a few festivals that I know I want to participate in, and I think this will be the year that I start doing outdoor craft shows and fairs.
2012 looks to be a very exciting year. I hope to grow my business and to become a successful small business owner. With some optimism, perseverance and a whole lotta work, I know I can achieve my dream of self-employment!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Solicitation
Today's Silver Price: $29.36/t.oz.
Right outside my office there is a sign that says "No Soliciting." Upon request I have given my business card with webpage information to several coworkers. Last week I sold two pairs of earrings to a coworker (in the office), and this week she wants to buy another pair. I'm pretty sure that I am not soliciting as long as they are asking to buy it, right? I'm not walking around saying "Hey, look at this, you should buy it!" I simply mention that I make jewelry and some people have asked to see it. Then I mention that I could bring some pieces in so they could see it... and buy it...
The following is from Dictionary.com:
so·lic·it
Right outside my office there is a sign that says "No Soliciting." Upon request I have given my business card with webpage information to several coworkers. Last week I sold two pairs of earrings to a coworker (in the office), and this week she wants to buy another pair. I'm pretty sure that I am not soliciting as long as they are asking to buy it, right? I'm not walking around saying "Hey, look at this, you should buy it!" I simply mention that I make jewelry and some people have asked to see it. Then I mention that I could bring some pieces in so they could see it... and buy it...
The following is from Dictionary.com:
so·lic·it
verb (used with object)
1. to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.: He solicited aid from the minister.
2. to entreat or petition (someone or some agency): to solicit the committee for funds.
3. to seek to influence or incite to action especially unlawful or wrong action.
4. to offer to have sex with in exchange for money.
Well, I know I'm not offering to have sex with a coworker for money, so I'm good on that one. Number 3 troubles me though... "To seek to influence or incite to action, especially unlawful or wrong action." I am seeking for my coworkers to buy from me... and selling them jewelry while I'm supposed to be working and while they are supposed to be working is a wrong action... oh my. I think I may be soliciting my coworkers.
Yikes... maybe I should stick to giving them my card.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Show and Tell: Photography Critique
Today's Silver Price: $28.90/t.oz.
I think my photography skills are improving. The pictures I am taking of my jewelry now are so much better than the pictures I was taking when I first started. I think the light tent has been a big factor in getting better shots, but also just the experience of having taken so many photos that I now know how to get a great pic of a bracelet or a pair of earrings. In the beginning I was taking 10 to 20 photos of each piece, which I would then have to narrow down to five pictures to post on my Etsy page. Now I know how to get the good shots, so I may end up only taking five pictures!
I was particularly impressed with my latest round of earring pictures. I think I may be getting better pictures because I am using more interesting backgrounds. It's tricky to find backgrounds (in my case I use scrapbook paper) that is visually interesting but does not overpower the jewelry. I am getting good results using papers that have blurry or faint images that compliment the jewelry and are not too distracting. I am also trying to use the tripod more, even though I get impatient setting up the shot. I need to allow myself enough time to take good photos, and not just rush through the process to get it done.
I'm pretty satisfied now with the pictures I've been posting on Etsy. I think they are attractive and eye catching and much more dynamic than my older pics. Hopefully over time my pictures will continue to improve and help to boost my sales!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Forbes Gives A Shout Out To Crafters
Today's Silver Price: $31.35/t.oz.
Over the weekend I came across an article on Forbes.com which suggested that entrepreneurs look to the craft industry for guidance and direction. The article entitled "What Every Entrepreneur Can Learn from the Crafting Industry" discusses the surge in small business development amongst crafters and artisans and how these entrepreneurs have found success.
One of the major tools that an artist or crafter has is their creativity and ability to think outside of the box. Creative and inventive marketing strategies help to promote a new or expanding business. While creative people may not have great business sense, imagination and problem solving skills can go a long way in developing a business. One area where crafters are recognized in having an edge is social media marketing. Many crafters put a lot of time into Twitter posts, Facebook updates, Etsy pages, blogging and other social media outlets in order to grow their business. This is often how crafters and artisans establish a customer following.
The article cites a couple of craft-focused organizations that are aimed at assisting crafters and artisans grow their business and steering them towards success. One of the things I have learned in my internet surfing is that there is a tremendous community of creative minds out there that are eager to help one another. I am finding more and more blogs, forums and conferences that specifically discuss the business of crafting or art and how to be successful selling your creations.
It is very satisfying and validating to see that Forbes has recognized the craft industry as a source of knowledge and experience in the small business field. The article encourages anyone thinking about starting their own business to take a look at crafters for inspiration. Crafters and artisans are motivated by their imaginations and dreams and have envisioned lives lived on their own terms. Creativity and innovation are essential to any entrepreneur in any field so anyone pursuing self-employment should think about connecting with their inner-artist!
Over the weekend I came across an article on Forbes.com which suggested that entrepreneurs look to the craft industry for guidance and direction. The article entitled "What Every Entrepreneur Can Learn from the Crafting Industry" discusses the surge in small business development amongst crafters and artisans and how these entrepreneurs have found success.
One of the major tools that an artist or crafter has is their creativity and ability to think outside of the box. Creative and inventive marketing strategies help to promote a new or expanding business. While creative people may not have great business sense, imagination and problem solving skills can go a long way in developing a business. One area where crafters are recognized in having an edge is social media marketing. Many crafters put a lot of time into Twitter posts, Facebook updates, Etsy pages, blogging and other social media outlets in order to grow their business. This is often how crafters and artisans establish a customer following.
The article cites a couple of craft-focused organizations that are aimed at assisting crafters and artisans grow their business and steering them towards success. One of the things I have learned in my internet surfing is that there is a tremendous community of creative minds out there that are eager to help one another. I am finding more and more blogs, forums and conferences that specifically discuss the business of crafting or art and how to be successful selling your creations.
It is very satisfying and validating to see that Forbes has recognized the craft industry as a source of knowledge and experience in the small business field. The article encourages anyone thinking about starting their own business to take a look at crafters for inspiration. Crafters and artisans are motivated by their imaginations and dreams and have envisioned lives lived on their own terms. Creativity and innovation are essential to any entrepreneur in any field so anyone pursuing self-employment should think about connecting with their inner-artist!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Shipping and Handling
Today's Silver Price: $31.80
I've been learning a bit about shipping lately. So far I have only shipped bracelets as those are the only items I have sold on my Etsy site!
I first wrap the bracelet carefully in tissue paper, then place that little package inside a small plastic bag with my business card inside, along with a hand-written note thanking the customer for shopping at Silver Current Designs. Everything goes inside the plastic bag so if the envelope gets wet everything should stay dry. Now I'm not talking about Ziploc sandwich bags here, I have purchased small 4" by 5.5" bags from a craft store. I've been using small padded mailing envelopes from the post office- I think they are 6" by 8" (not sure on that). The envelope costs $1.19, and I get shipping confirmation which costs 80 cents, and the whole thing costs between three and four dollars.
I shipped a package yesterday and it surprisingly arrived to my customer today. She only lived a few towns away but still that was pretty quick for the USPS. At the post office I was expecting lines, people trying to mail huge boxes, general chaos and screaming but there were only a few people in there yesterday. I guess the holiday mailing madness hasn't started yet!
Here's a little secret for you. On my website my items are listed with free shipping. The fact is, I have included the cost of shipping in the price of the item. If I were to sell a bracelet at a craft fair, I would charge the customer $15. When selling the same bracelet on my Etsy site, the price is $19.00 with "free shipping." I think there is something about the phrase "free shipping" that encourages customers to make a purchase. Most people of course will probably realize that the cost of shipping has been calculated into the price of the item... but still that word FREE has magical powers...
I am looking into opening an online account with USPS. This would allow me to print postage labels from home and just drop packages off at the post office rather than waiting on line to pay for postage. I would have to get a scale which could connect to my computer in order to get correct postage for my packages. I don't know that I'm ready for this phase yet. I think if I start shipping orders on a regular basis I will set up an account, but for now I'll just run to the post office on my lunch break.
I've been learning a bit about shipping lately. So far I have only shipped bracelets as those are the only items I have sold on my Etsy site!
I first wrap the bracelet carefully in tissue paper, then place that little package inside a small plastic bag with my business card inside, along with a hand-written note thanking the customer for shopping at Silver Current Designs. Everything goes inside the plastic bag so if the envelope gets wet everything should stay dry. Now I'm not talking about Ziploc sandwich bags here, I have purchased small 4" by 5.5" bags from a craft store. I've been using small padded mailing envelopes from the post office- I think they are 6" by 8" (not sure on that). The envelope costs $1.19, and I get shipping confirmation which costs 80 cents, and the whole thing costs between three and four dollars.
I shipped a package yesterday and it surprisingly arrived to my customer today. She only lived a few towns away but still that was pretty quick for the USPS. At the post office I was expecting lines, people trying to mail huge boxes, general chaos and screaming but there were only a few people in there yesterday. I guess the holiday mailing madness hasn't started yet!
Here's a little secret for you. On my website my items are listed with free shipping. The fact is, I have included the cost of shipping in the price of the item. If I were to sell a bracelet at a craft fair, I would charge the customer $15. When selling the same bracelet on my Etsy site, the price is $19.00 with "free shipping." I think there is something about the phrase "free shipping" that encourages customers to make a purchase. Most people of course will probably realize that the cost of shipping has been calculated into the price of the item... but still that word FREE has magical powers...
I am looking into opening an online account with USPS. This would allow me to print postage labels from home and just drop packages off at the post office rather than waiting on line to pay for postage. I would have to get a scale which could connect to my computer in order to get correct postage for my packages. I don't know that I'm ready for this phase yet. I think if I start shipping orders on a regular basis I will set up an account, but for now I'll just run to the post office on my lunch break.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Debriefing
Today's Silver Price: $32.00/t.oz.
Level of success? My success was moderate this weekend. I did sell a lot of items, but unfortunately I won't be quitting my day job... yet.
This past Saturday's event was a craft fair at a local high school. Quote of the day: "Oh, I knew a girl that made jewelry but it was crap. Yours is really nice!" LOL. I was also asked twice if I go to school there. Mmmmm no, but thanks. I guess I should be happy that I can pass for 15 years younger than my real age!
Anyway, this craft fair was not so great. The vendor next to me said that the fair the school holds in November is better attended. Dammit. I made a little more than my table fee, which is to say I didn't make much profit. AT LEAST I made that table fee. It's a sad day when you lose money doing a craft fair (which I have).
Sunday's event was much more successful. A friend of mine held a vendor party in her backyard. It always helps when the customers are a bit liquored up... haha! The best thing about this event was there was no vendor fee, so everything I made was profit. I sold several bracelets, several rings and a few pairs of earrings. I found it very interesting to learn that what sells at one event will not necessarily sell at another event. Remember those dangle earrings I told you about? Didn't sell one pair this weekend. I was quite surprised.
Last night and tonight I've been posting my leftovers on my Etsy site. I've given my card out to a few ladies at work so I'm hoping I'll start getting more activity on the site.
That's all for now. I'm quite tired after not really having a weekend, so I'm off to bed early tonight!
Level of success? My success was moderate this weekend. I did sell a lot of items, but unfortunately I won't be quitting my day job... yet.
This past Saturday's event was a craft fair at a local high school. Quote of the day: "Oh, I knew a girl that made jewelry but it was crap. Yours is really nice!" LOL. I was also asked twice if I go to school there. Mmmmm no, but thanks. I guess I should be happy that I can pass for 15 years younger than my real age!
Anyway, this craft fair was not so great. The vendor next to me said that the fair the school holds in November is better attended. Dammit. I made a little more than my table fee, which is to say I didn't make much profit. AT LEAST I made that table fee. It's a sad day when you lose money doing a craft fair (which I have).
Sunday's event was much more successful. A friend of mine held a vendor party in her backyard. It always helps when the customers are a bit liquored up... haha! The best thing about this event was there was no vendor fee, so everything I made was profit. I sold several bracelets, several rings and a few pairs of earrings. I found it very interesting to learn that what sells at one event will not necessarily sell at another event. Remember those dangle earrings I told you about? Didn't sell one pair this weekend. I was quite surprised.
Last night and tonight I've been posting my leftovers on my Etsy site. I've given my card out to a few ladies at work so I'm hoping I'll start getting more activity on the site.
That's all for now. I'm quite tired after not really having a weekend, so I'm off to bed early tonight!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Double Header
Today's Silver Price: $32.93/t.oz.
I received my order from Rio Grande today! The production line is now in full swing! I have a craft fair on Saturday and Holiday Boutique Party on Sunday... LOTS TO DO!
I received my order from Rio Grande today! The production line is now in full swing! I have a craft fair on Saturday and Holiday Boutique Party on Sunday... LOTS TO DO!
Right now I'm working on some sterling silver earrings with Murano glass beads. They are very long dangle earrings and have sold very well in the past. They are fairly simple to create. The only tricky part is creating links for the beads. I am using 18 gauge sterling wire to thread the bead, then forming wrapped rings on each side. The beads can then be attached to the sterling components with jump rings.
Also in progress are several beaded bracelets, both sterling silver and copper. I should have almost 40 bracelets when I am done, including bracelets that I have made previously. I have a whole lot of wire spiral charms to make for these bracelets.
I'm very excited and optimistic about my two events this weekend. I will be displaying my largest collection of jewelry so far. This will be the biggest opportunity I have had for making money selling jewelry. Having two events in one weekend is great. I am doing two events, but I really am only preparing once. It will be a very busy weekend but I think it will be worth it!
In my order today I received copper stripping that I am hoping to make cuff bracelets out of (with my baseball bat). It is very thick and I'm not sure if I will be able to cut it with the tools I have. Also I will have to file and polish the edges which are unexpectedly rough. I am also going to attempt to make rings out of this material. I think I can make some funky chunky rings with this stuff.
My displays are pretty much all set. I am using the same displays I have used in previous shows. No need to change things now. The earrings will be hung on window screens with painted black frames. The rings will be nestled in between rolled up black felt that has been sandwiched into black wire trays. The bracelets will be draped over paint rollers that have been wrapped in black felt. I will also have elastic wooden beaded bracelets and elastic shell beaded bracelets in glass bowls on the table. These I make and sell for a few bucks- they are usually pretty popular. I'll buy a plastic black tablecloth from the dollar store and be all set! Totally a DIY table display!
Tuesday evening I will be reporting my success... :)
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
-Helen Keller
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