Today's Silver Price: $32.98/t.oz.
I've stumbled upon a rather curious thing on Facebook. Apparently there are FB pages completely devoted to helping you increase your "LIKES," or fans on your small business page. Let me see if I can explain this...
The page is designed as a community page to help small business owners network and reach a wider audience and thus increase business. The page owner will post that it is time to start the Silent Tagging session (woo hoo!). You, using your personal page, post a tag to your business page. You must then LIKE all of the previous business tags before your post. The LIKING of other pages is a requirement in order to participate in this 'tagging ladder.' The idea is that everyone who posts a tag for their page will reciprocate by LIKING everyone else's page. Everyone gains LIKES. You are supposed to post using your personal profile so it looks legit... but it's really not. The session lasts a certain amount of time (e.g. 20 minutes), and then the page owner announces that the session has ended.
It took me a while to figure out what the hell this Silent Tagging and Tagging Ladders were all about. I quickly realized that I did not want any part of it as it is a bunch of bullshit. I tried to participate in a session last night. First of all, I couldn't figure out how to tag my page. I kept typing the business name but the tag did not appear. I checked all my page settings to see if maybe there was a selection keeping me from posting a tag, but had no luck. Having failed at tagging my business page, I was a good sport and LIKED several other pages who had tagged their businesses. And by several I mean 25 to 30.
I soon after realized that I would now be receiving posts and updates from these random 30 businesses that I had LIKED. Now I'm getting posts about handmade hair bows for babies. And sexy lingerie. And clothing for chicks who ride Harleys. And from someone who makes candles. And from someone who makes classy redneck drinking glasses (yes, really).
What was more bothersome was that I realized I did not want a ton of empty LIKES on my business page. What's the point of having 100 LIKES if none of those people are actually interested in the product or want to support me in my business endeavour? The whole point of the LIKE count is to see how many people are really interested in what your doing.
I'm still in the process of UNLIKING those 30 or so pages...
Sigh.
~~~{Blog Playlist}~~~
Florence + the Machine, "Never Let Me Go"
Bjork, "Army of Me"
Bjork, "Headphones"
Florence + the Machine, "Shake It Out"
An Entrepreneurial Adventure
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Anticipation...
Today's Silver Price: $33.49/t.oz.
I have two supply orders coming... and I can't wait!
I have two supply orders coming... and I can't wait!
From Rio Grande
Fire Mountain Gems will be sending me another package of goodness. 18x18mm lampworked glass heart beads (2 15" strands), purple glass pendants, turquoise glass pendants, 10 feet of 3.2mm silver-plated steel curb chain, 8mm 16g twisted silver-plated brass jump rings (100 pieces), silver-plated pewter toggle clasps, silver-plated pewter 28x24mm heart charms (2 charms), silver-plated pewter 14x14mm heart charms (20 pieces), 6mm round silver-plated brass beads (100 beads), and 6mm silver-plated brass corrugated round beads (100 beads).
Check out this video on making wire hearts- I'll be trying the second technique shown in the video once I get my nickel wire, which is making small wire hearts and linking them together to form a chain. Soooo excited to get that wire!
________________________________________
~~~{{Blog Playlist}}~~~
Rihanna, "We Found Love"
Christina Milian, "AM to PM"
Christina Milian, "Dip it Low"
Aaliyah, "Rock the Boat"
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Bead Landing by Michaels
Today's Silver Price: $32.19/t.oz.
I was in Michaels last night picking up some scrapbooking paper for a project I'm working on, and I of course wandered into the jewelry isle. I noticed that a lot of the beads and components were on sale, except for a certain brand called Bead Landing. I had never before seen this brand, although I haven't investigated the jewelry isle at Michaels in quite some time.
Apparently Bead Landing is owned by Michaels, as noted on the back of the packages. There was actually some cool stuff that I almost bought. Almost. I'll get to that in a minute. They had a large selection of chain, as well as lots of metal components, some jump rings, earwires and head pins. They also had a large section of pendants which were a little to shabby for me. I guess they are going for the shabby-chic thing, with lots of antiqued metals and large oversized pendants. Anyway, what I suspect was happening at Michaels was they had the other brands of beads and jewelry components on sale so they could get rid of it and bring in a larger stock of the new Bead Landing line. How crafty.
I was looking at some rather attractive chain I spotted and was leaning toward purchasing it. I turned the card it was attached to over to find out what type of metal the chain was. I was thoroughly disappointed to find that they did not list the metal type anywhere on the card. I proceeded to inspect other cards and packages only to find that none of them had the actual material listed.
One of the great things about Etsy is that you can list all of the materials you have used in the items you are selling. I always include the type of beads (usually glass), the stringing material and the type of metal components (usually copper or sterling silver) I have used. I want my customers to know exactly what they are getting and what kind of durability they are getting.
This mystery chain from Bead Landing would not allow me to inform my customers of what type of metal they were purchasing. While the chain was decently priced, I did not buy it because I had no idea what it was made out of! Maybe it wasn't even metal... maybe it was plastic made to look like metal! No me gusta!
So for now, I give Bead Landing by Michaels a big thumbs down. It will however be interesting to see how this new line evolves and hopefully expands... and hopefully figures out that they should list the materials on their labels!
I was in Michaels last night picking up some scrapbooking paper for a project I'm working on, and I of course wandered into the jewelry isle. I noticed that a lot of the beads and components were on sale, except for a certain brand called Bead Landing. I had never before seen this brand, although I haven't investigated the jewelry isle at Michaels in quite some time.
Apparently Bead Landing is owned by Michaels, as noted on the back of the packages. There was actually some cool stuff that I almost bought. Almost. I'll get to that in a minute. They had a large selection of chain, as well as lots of metal components, some jump rings, earwires and head pins. They also had a large section of pendants which were a little to shabby for me. I guess they are going for the shabby-chic thing, with lots of antiqued metals and large oversized pendants. Anyway, what I suspect was happening at Michaels was they had the other brands of beads and jewelry components on sale so they could get rid of it and bring in a larger stock of the new Bead Landing line. How crafty.
I was looking at some rather attractive chain I spotted and was leaning toward purchasing it. I turned the card it was attached to over to find out what type of metal the chain was. I was thoroughly disappointed to find that they did not list the metal type anywhere on the card. I proceeded to inspect other cards and packages only to find that none of them had the actual material listed.
One of the great things about Etsy is that you can list all of the materials you have used in the items you are selling. I always include the type of beads (usually glass), the stringing material and the type of metal components (usually copper or sterling silver) I have used. I want my customers to know exactly what they are getting and what kind of durability they are getting.
This mystery chain from Bead Landing would not allow me to inform my customers of what type of metal they were purchasing. While the chain was decently priced, I did not buy it because I had no idea what it was made out of! Maybe it wasn't even metal... maybe it was plastic made to look like metal! No me gusta!
So for now, I give Bead Landing by Michaels a big thumbs down. It will however be interesting to see how this new line evolves and hopefully expands... and hopefully figures out that they should list the materials on their labels!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fire Mountain Gems and Resin
Today's Silver Price: $30.55
Fire Mountain Gems
I've been doing some browsing on Fire Mountain Gems today. I got one of their catalogues in the mail yesterday and dammit I was suckered in. What drew me in was the glass heart shaped beads on the cover for $2 per strand. Check em out! While Rio Grande is great for metals (wire and components), Fire Mountain Gems has some awesome deals on beads.
Probably the most badass thing about Fire Mountain Gems is that when you buy a large quantity of items, you get a discount. Now I'm not talking about bulk pricing per item. When you buy a large quantity of any assortment/combination of items you get a discount. I believe the first price break is at 15 items. And that's ANY 15 items. 15 bags of wooden beads... or 10 bags of glass beads plus 5 charms... or 2 bags of glass beads plus 7 strands of pearls plus 6 sets of earwires... you get the idea!
Anyway, those heart beads are an awesome deal and just in time for Valentine's Day items. I'll be placing my order next week!
*************************************************************
Resin
I was watching videos last night on creating pendants and components using resin. Resin is a clear liquid that is poured into a mold and then left to harden. The cool thing about it is you can put items into the liquid and the item will become encased once the resin hardens (think mosquito encased in amber... a la Jurassic Park... although I won't be using mosquitoes). The resin has to be mixed with epoxy in certain measurements in order for it to cure correctly. I'll have to do a little more research, but my understanding is that you can drop anything into the resin and it will become part of the pendant. Once the resin has hardened you can drill a hole in it to insert a bail or jump ring to hang it from, or it can be wrapped with wire. I could sell them alone or put them on chains to sell as necklaces or bracelets. Lots of possibilities here!
There are also different colors of resin that can be used both to color the pendant and also to create designs. I'm looking into getting a resin starter kit from Rio Grande which is $145. I'll have to purchase some molds separately but they are not expensive (around $8 for a tray with different shapes).
There are so many materials and techniques out there that I am dying to learn about! I've only just begun my relationship with wire, and now I'm looking at a totally new material! I think having a diverse set of skills will only help my business as I would be able to offer a wider variety of jewelry to my customers. Bring it on!
Fire Mountain Gems
I've been doing some browsing on Fire Mountain Gems today. I got one of their catalogues in the mail yesterday and dammit I was suckered in. What drew me in was the glass heart shaped beads on the cover for $2 per strand. Check em out! While Rio Grande is great for metals (wire and components), Fire Mountain Gems has some awesome deals on beads.
Probably the most badass thing about Fire Mountain Gems is that when you buy a large quantity of items, you get a discount. Now I'm not talking about bulk pricing per item. When you buy a large quantity of any assortment/combination of items you get a discount. I believe the first price break is at 15 items. And that's ANY 15 items. 15 bags of wooden beads... or 10 bags of glass beads plus 5 charms... or 2 bags of glass beads plus 7 strands of pearls plus 6 sets of earwires... you get the idea!
Anyway, those heart beads are an awesome deal and just in time for Valentine's Day items. I'll be placing my order next week!
*************************************************************
Resin
I was watching videos last night on creating pendants and components using resin. Resin is a clear liquid that is poured into a mold and then left to harden. The cool thing about it is you can put items into the liquid and the item will become encased once the resin hardens (think mosquito encased in amber... a la Jurassic Park... although I won't be using mosquitoes). The resin has to be mixed with epoxy in certain measurements in order for it to cure correctly. I'll have to do a little more research, but my understanding is that you can drop anything into the resin and it will become part of the pendant. Once the resin has hardened you can drill a hole in it to insert a bail or jump ring to hang it from, or it can be wrapped with wire. I could sell them alone or put them on chains to sell as necklaces or bracelets. Lots of possibilities here!
There are also different colors of resin that can be used both to color the pendant and also to create designs. I'm looking into getting a resin starter kit from Rio Grande which is $145. I'll have to purchase some molds separately but they are not expensive (around $8 for a tray with different shapes).
There are so many materials and techniques out there that I am dying to learn about! I've only just begun my relationship with wire, and now I'm looking at a totally new material! I think having a diverse set of skills will only help my business as I would be able to offer a wider variety of jewelry to my customers. Bring it on!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
If I Had a Nickel...
Today's Silver Price: $30.21/t.oz.
I've been looking at some nickel alloy wire on Rio Grande's website. The wire is 65% copper, 17% zinc, 18% nickel. It has a silver-tone finish. It comes in a 200 ft spool for $27.00. They also sell nickel jump rings which should work well with the wire- I don't want to mix metals too much, I'm not ready for that! LOL.
One of the advantages to using this wire over silver-plated or silver-filled is that there is not a different metal at the core of the wire which would show on the wire ends. If I were using a silver-plated wire I would have to have a way to hide the ends of the wire to not show the brass or copper core.
A disadvantage would be that this particular wire only comes in dead-soft. I prefer to work with half-hard wire as it is more rigid. I am a little concerned about the wire holding its shape in jewelry designs. However wire is supposed to be come harder as you work with it (and becomes most hard when hammered).
I think I will give this wire a try- you can't beat the price! I'm going to try some linked hearts necklaces and bracelets and see if I can come up with some other linked shapes. Maybe Celtic knots? I have to make some prototypes out of craft wire to see what the designs will look like.
So now I can say... if I had a nickel for every time I've heard that... I'd make necklaces!
I've been looking at some nickel alloy wire on Rio Grande's website. The wire is 65% copper, 17% zinc, 18% nickel. It has a silver-tone finish. It comes in a 200 ft spool for $27.00. They also sell nickel jump rings which should work well with the wire- I don't want to mix metals too much, I'm not ready for that! LOL.
One of the advantages to using this wire over silver-plated or silver-filled is that there is not a different metal at the core of the wire which would show on the wire ends. If I were using a silver-plated wire I would have to have a way to hide the ends of the wire to not show the brass or copper core.
A disadvantage would be that this particular wire only comes in dead-soft. I prefer to work with half-hard wire as it is more rigid. I am a little concerned about the wire holding its shape in jewelry designs. However wire is supposed to be come harder as you work with it (and becomes most hard when hammered).
I think I will give this wire a try- you can't beat the price! I'm going to try some linked hearts necklaces and bracelets and see if I can come up with some other linked shapes. Maybe Celtic knots? I have to make some prototypes out of craft wire to see what the designs will look like.
So now I can say... if I had a nickel for every time I've heard that... I'd make necklaces!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Motivational Speech
Today's Silver Price: $30.27/t.oz.
Inspiration
(noun)
Create
(verb)
Inspiration
(noun)
1. a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
b. The condition of being so stimulated.
2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.
3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.
4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.
5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.
6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.
(verb)
1. to cause to come into existence
2. to invest with a new honour, office, or title; appoint
3. to be the cause of these circumstances created the revolution
4. (Performing Arts / Theatre) (tr) to act (a role) in the first production of a play
5. to be engaged in creative work
6. Brit slang to make a fuss or uproar
Dream
(noun)
1. A series of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations occurring involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.
2. A daydream; a reverie.
3. A state of abstraction; a trance.
4. A wild fancy or hope.
5. A condition or achievement that is longed for; an aspiration: a dream of owning their own business.
6. One that is exceptionally gratifying, excellent, or beautiful: Our new car runs like a dream.
Aspire
(verb)
1. To have a great ambition or ultimate goal; desire strongly: aspired to stardom.
2. To strive toward an end: aspiring to great knowledge.
3. To soar.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Love Is In The Air
Today's Silver Price: $30.10/t.oz.
My next big push will be Valentine's Day jewelry on my Etsy page. Maybe some love themed paintings?? We'll see if I have the time.
I've found some wire heart designs that I am eager to try out. One is a necklace made from linked wire hearts. I think it could be a big seller. I am also hoping to find some reasonably priced heart charms that I could use in bracelets and earrings. Hearts, hearts, hearts! Ooooo, copper hearts might be very interesting. I could call them "Firey Hearts." Oh the ideas are forming! Along with some red beads they could be attractive and unique.
I haven't made a purchase yet from Rio Grande, I'm still trying to figure out what to get. I am definitely going to try some silver-plated components and chain. I really need to start making necklaces. I think necklaces are very popular and are great for gifts- and I can charge more for them as they use more materials. I'm thinking I'll make a lot of 24" and 30" necklaces, those lengths seem to be in fashion again. I have an idea for a silver-plated chain and clear glass bead necklace.
I also have those evil eye beads and I never used them. I should look into some base metal components that I can make bracelets with. I haven't used them because they were larger than I expected and did not look right with the bracelet components (spacer beads) that I currently have. They would probably look really good with some large bead caps.
That's the game plan, lots of hearts, lots of necklaces! Let's hope I can crank out a bunch of jewelry in time for Valentine's Day shopping!
My next big push will be Valentine's Day jewelry on my Etsy page. Maybe some love themed paintings?? We'll see if I have the time.
I've found some wire heart designs that I am eager to try out. One is a necklace made from linked wire hearts. I think it could be a big seller. I am also hoping to find some reasonably priced heart charms that I could use in bracelets and earrings. Hearts, hearts, hearts! Ooooo, copper hearts might be very interesting. I could call them "Firey Hearts." Oh the ideas are forming! Along with some red beads they could be attractive and unique.
I haven't made a purchase yet from Rio Grande, I'm still trying to figure out what to get. I am definitely going to try some silver-plated components and chain. I really need to start making necklaces. I think necklaces are very popular and are great for gifts- and I can charge more for them as they use more materials. I'm thinking I'll make a lot of 24" and 30" necklaces, those lengths seem to be in fashion again. I have an idea for a silver-plated chain and clear glass bead necklace.
I also have those evil eye beads and I never used them. I should look into some base metal components that I can make bracelets with. I haven't used them because they were larger than I expected and did not look right with the bracelet components (spacer beads) that I currently have. They would probably look really good with some large bead caps.
That's the game plan, lots of hearts, lots of necklaces! Let's hope I can crank out a bunch of jewelry in time for Valentine's Day shopping!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Silver-Plated?
Today's Silver Price: $28.99/t.oz.
I'm really considering buying some silver-plated chain this weekend. I have several necklace ideas that I haven't tried because sterling silver chain is expensive. It seems that everyone these days is wearing silver-plated or gold-plated jewelry.
I have these gorgeous shell pendants that I bought at a bead show years ago and I have never used them. I've been wanting to make necklaces with them but have never bought the right materials.
I can get a 20 ft spool of silver-plated chain for a little over $20.00. Economical? VERY. I'm thinking that if I can make silver-plated jewelry I can drastically increase my inventory and hold someone's attention longer both on my web page and at a craft fair table. I've been limited in the past with how much jewelry I can make because I have limits on how much I can spend on materials.
Hmmmm looks like I will be paying Rio Grande a virtual visit this weekend...
I'm really considering buying some silver-plated chain this weekend. I have several necklace ideas that I haven't tried because sterling silver chain is expensive. It seems that everyone these days is wearing silver-plated or gold-plated jewelry.
I have these gorgeous shell pendants that I bought at a bead show years ago and I have never used them. I've been wanting to make necklaces with them but have never bought the right materials.
I can get a 20 ft spool of silver-plated chain for a little over $20.00. Economical? VERY. I'm thinking that if I can make silver-plated jewelry I can drastically increase my inventory and hold someone's attention longer both on my web page and at a craft fair table. I've been limited in the past with how much jewelry I can make because I have limits on how much I can spend on materials.
Hmmmm looks like I will be paying Rio Grande a virtual visit this weekend...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Copper Oxidation
Today's Silver Price: $29.54/t.oz.
Ok, not copper plumbing, copper jewelry. I've been doing some research on polishing copper as I have had some trouble with my copper jewelry. I had ordered a large quantity of copper recently and made some interesting pieces. The copper strip and copper wire arrived in spools and was very shiny and smooth. I made some earrings and made a prototype for a cuff bracelet.
I participated in an outdoor vendor party in the beginning of December. After a few hours outside I noticed that the copper was no longer shiny. At the end of the day I was slightly horrified to see that the copper items had become dark and tarnished. They were no longer bright and shiny, the very qualities that made the jewelry attractive.
Apparently when untreated copper is exposed to outdoor elements it oxidizes and looses it's shine. It becomes dull and looks dirty, and in a way it is dirty. Oxidized copper can leave black or green marks on skin which is a problem in jewelry making. Copper will turn green if left outdoors, most famously illustrated by the Statue of Liberty which is made of copper.
In order to prevent copper from oxidizing it must be treated with a solution or polishing compound. These solutions are applied with a polishing wheel or Dremel tool as I would use. I have to do more research to find out exactly what polishing compounds should be used on copper. From what I have read these compounds will not keep copper jewelry bright and shiny for ever, it will keep it shiny and polished for quite some time. It should also prevent the copper from leaving any marks on the skin.
I was truly disappointed when I saw the copper cuff bracelet turn dark and dull. I thought that I may have wasted time and money on the large amount of copper material I had purchased. However it turns out I was just not familiar with copper and how to work with it and polish it!
I am amazed by how much I have learned about jewelry making, and I am also amazed at how much I still have to learn. Little by little I am becoming a jewelry expert! I am eager to learn as much as I can about working with different metals and different materials, and I am happy to be able to share all I have learned through this blog!
Ok, not copper plumbing, copper jewelry. I've been doing some research on polishing copper as I have had some trouble with my copper jewelry. I had ordered a large quantity of copper recently and made some interesting pieces. The copper strip and copper wire arrived in spools and was very shiny and smooth. I made some earrings and made a prototype for a cuff bracelet.
I participated in an outdoor vendor party in the beginning of December. After a few hours outside I noticed that the copper was no longer shiny. At the end of the day I was slightly horrified to see that the copper items had become dark and tarnished. They were no longer bright and shiny, the very qualities that made the jewelry attractive.
Apparently when untreated copper is exposed to outdoor elements it oxidizes and looses it's shine. It becomes dull and looks dirty, and in a way it is dirty. Oxidized copper can leave black or green marks on skin which is a problem in jewelry making. Copper will turn green if left outdoors, most famously illustrated by the Statue of Liberty which is made of copper.
In order to prevent copper from oxidizing it must be treated with a solution or polishing compound. These solutions are applied with a polishing wheel or Dremel tool as I would use. I have to do more research to find out exactly what polishing compounds should be used on copper. From what I have read these compounds will not keep copper jewelry bright and shiny for ever, it will keep it shiny and polished for quite some time. It should also prevent the copper from leaving any marks on the skin.
I was truly disappointed when I saw the copper cuff bracelet turn dark and dull. I thought that I may have wasted time and money on the large amount of copper material I had purchased. However it turns out I was just not familiar with copper and how to work with it and polish it!
I am amazed by how much I have learned about jewelry making, and I am also amazed at how much I still have to learn. Little by little I am becoming a jewelry expert! I am eager to learn as much as I can about working with different metals and different materials, and I am happy to be able to share all I have learned through this blog!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)