Today's Silver Price: $19.93/t.oz.
This is the first time I've had a sale in my shop! Lets see how it goes!
An Entrepreneurial Adventure
Showing posts with label bracelet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bracelet. Show all posts
Monday, December 2, 2013
Cyber Monday Sale!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Vacation is over...
Today's Silver Price: $19.42/t.oz.
Time to get back to work after an awesome vacation in the Florida Keys last week! It was heavenly... we stayed on Long Key, did some snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and of course relaxing!
Anyway... I'm looking for some new bracelet designs. I was Googling this morning to find some inspiration, but I didn't come across anything. I have some ideas brewing in my head so I may just work on developing them. I want to create some big bold bracelets. The bracelets I currently have in my Etsy shop are mostly simple, thin, one strand bead bracelets. I may experiment today with wire links and see what I can come up with. They need to be BOLD!
I also have yet to use the knot component that I learned to make a long time ago. It's super cool, I just haven't figured out how I want to use them. I think they are too bulky for bracelet components so they'll probably end up in a long necklace.
Time to get back to work after an awesome vacation in the Florida Keys last week! It was heavenly... we stayed on Long Key, did some snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, and of course relaxing!
Anyway... I'm looking for some new bracelet designs. I was Googling this morning to find some inspiration, but I didn't come across anything. I have some ideas brewing in my head so I may just work on developing them. I want to create some big bold bracelets. The bracelets I currently have in my Etsy shop are mostly simple, thin, one strand bead bracelets. I may experiment today with wire links and see what I can come up with. They need to be BOLD!
I also have yet to use the knot component that I learned to make a long time ago. It's super cool, I just haven't figured out how I want to use them. I think they are too bulky for bracelet components so they'll probably end up in a long necklace.
I won't work too hard today... I made a promise to myself that I would get outside as much as possible this summer! Maybe I'll play some tennis with The Hubbie. Ciao!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Back to Work!
Today's Silver Price: $28.97/t.oz.
I got married in June of 2012. This is my first post since. No more excuses. No more distractions. Time to get back to business! I've had a few sales on my Etsy shop in the last couple of months so it has gotten me excited again about creating new jewelry.
Yesterday I posted several new items in my Etsy shop. I've recently been making jewelry with supplies I've purchased from Etsy sellers. At first I was annoyed that people were selling supplies on Etsy. I mean, isn't Etsy supposed to be totally handmade or antiques? Then I realized they had created a specific category for people selling supplies. I guess it makes sense, buying supplies from and Etsy vendor, keeping the commuinty spirit. So I've purchased some charms and components that are very affordable and I'm so happy with them!
I'm making an adjustment to my previous blogging schedule. I'll be posting weekly, rather than bi-weekly. I haven't picked a day yet though, so it may be random for a while. I need to figure out what will work best for me, being that I'm not real fond of schedules and set times. LOL.
Here's what I've been up to recently:
I got married in June of 2012. This is my first post since. No more excuses. No more distractions. Time to get back to business! I've had a few sales on my Etsy shop in the last couple of months so it has gotten me excited again about creating new jewelry.
Yesterday I posted several new items in my Etsy shop. I've recently been making jewelry with supplies I've purchased from Etsy sellers. At first I was annoyed that people were selling supplies on Etsy. I mean, isn't Etsy supposed to be totally handmade or antiques? Then I realized they had created a specific category for people selling supplies. I guess it makes sense, buying supplies from and Etsy vendor, keeping the commuinty spirit. So I've purchased some charms and components that are very affordable and I'm so happy with them!
I'm making an adjustment to my previous blogging schedule. I'll be posting weekly, rather than bi-weekly. I haven't picked a day yet though, so it may be random for a while. I need to figure out what will work best for me, being that I'm not real fond of schedules and set times. LOL.
Here's what I've been up to recently:
Spiritual Charms 2-in-1 Necklace:
Cascading Hearts 2-in-1 Necklace:
Shell Bead Necklace:
Om Charm Bracelet
Silver and Black Beaded Necklace:
Silver-Plated Teardrop Bead Necklace:
Thursday, March 15, 2012
New Additions
Today's Silver Price: $32.24/t.oz.
Some new items I've added to my Etsy page... finally used one of those abalone shell pendants!
Some new items I've added to my Etsy page... finally used one of those abalone shell pendants!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Quickie
Today's Silver Price: $33.94/t.oz.
I'm not feeling well today so let's make this short and sweet. Here's some pics of new jewelry I made over the weekend. The first two are bracelets, the rest are necklaces. Most are silver-plated, the last one is a copper necklace. Also check out the necklace display I made out of cardboard and a black tee shirt!
I'm not feeling well today so let's make this short and sweet. Here's some pics of new jewelry I made over the weekend. The first two are bracelets, the rest are necklaces. Most are silver-plated, the last one is a copper necklace. Also check out the necklace display I made out of cardboard and a black tee shirt!
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 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!
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!
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.
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
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Stocking Up On Supplies
Today's Silver Price: $32.30/t/oz.
Yesterday's price of silver was $31.20. Perfect for buying!!! I went online to Rio Grande and I bought some sterling silver earwires, some sterling silver pear shaped components in two sizes and sterling silver jump rings. I also got some 10mm Murano glass beads. All of this is for making earrings. I've made these earrings before, they are long dangle earrings with one colored bead in the middle and they sold like HOTCAKES when I set up a table in my sister-in-law's teacher's lounge one day in 2010. Teachers love jewelry! It of course helped that it was a week before Mother's Day.
I also purchased some 16 gauge copper wire to make wrapped wire rings, and I bought a pound of copper stripping with which I hope to make cuff bracelets. I'll be giving the baseball bat a try for those.
From Fire Mountain Gems I ordered 18 different colors of 6mm glass beads. The beads come in 16" strands so I am going to have a whole lot of beads! I'm looking forward to making multicolored glass bead bracelets in both sterling silver and copper. I also bought some 10mm Greek evil eye beads- one package of 100 in traditional blue and white and another package of 100 which is multicolored. I have a friend that requested a bracelet with green evil eye beads so I thought I'd make a whole bunch, I think they would be popular.
I spent a little over $200 on these orders combined. Hopefully it will be worth it! My supplies should be arriving early next week. Can't wait to get to work on it!
Yesterday's price of silver was $31.20. Perfect for buying!!! I went online to Rio Grande and I bought some sterling silver earwires, some sterling silver pear shaped components in two sizes and sterling silver jump rings. I also got some 10mm Murano glass beads. All of this is for making earrings. I've made these earrings before, they are long dangle earrings with one colored bead in the middle and they sold like HOTCAKES when I set up a table in my sister-in-law's teacher's lounge one day in 2010. Teachers love jewelry! It of course helped that it was a week before Mother's Day.
I also purchased some 16 gauge copper wire to make wrapped wire rings, and I bought a pound of copper stripping with which I hope to make cuff bracelets. I'll be giving the baseball bat a try for those.
From Fire Mountain Gems I ordered 18 different colors of 6mm glass beads. The beads come in 16" strands so I am going to have a whole lot of beads! I'm looking forward to making multicolored glass bead bracelets in both sterling silver and copper. I also bought some 10mm Greek evil eye beads- one package of 100 in traditional blue and white and another package of 100 which is multicolored. I have a friend that requested a bracelet with green evil eye beads so I thought I'd make a whole bunch, I think they would be popular.
I spent a little over $200 on these orders combined. Hopefully it will be worth it! My supplies should be arriving early next week. Can't wait to get to work on it!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
To List, Or Not To List, That Is The Question.... and Show & Tell
Today's Silver Price: $34.24/t.oz.
Ok, Twilight is on FX at 7:30 tonight so lets make this quick. LOL.
To List, Or Not To List?
One of my challenges in keeping an online shop and doing craft shows at the same time is which items to use in which arena. When I list an item on my Etsy site I don't like to take it to a show or fair because if I sell it, I would have to immediately take it off of the website which is not always possible. Today's smartphones do offer easy internet access, however my Crackberry has limited capabilities (I may have to upgrade- I need better technology!!!). So if I am taking particular items to a craft show I cannot post them on Etsy. I want to have a large selection on my website, but I feel that I have a greater chance of selling something when customers can pick up a piece of jewelry and try it on.
For every piece of jewelry that I make I must decide if I will post it on the website or use it for a show. I suppose if I were to have an inventory large enough there would be enough merchandise to fill both the website and my table at shows. I feel like for a craft show or fair I should bring every piece I have and sometimes I have even removed pieces from the website in advance of a show.
Show & Tell
Over the weekend I finally got to make my new rings out of the sterling silver patterned wire that I've been babbling about. This is the patterned wire. It comes in a coil- I believe I purchased two feet of it (not all of it is shown below). I cut it down to 3-inch pieces in order to make rings.
I've made several of the rings below using 16 gauge sterling silver wire. I made one for myself and I wear it all the time. I've also made these out of copper wire.
I still have to add the spiral charms to each one. The charms are made from copper wire.
Here's some sterling silver bracelets that I've made previously. The first two pictures were taken using my homemade light tent- you can see the difference in these from the third pic below which was taken only using the camera's flash.
Amethyst Beads:
Black Onyx Beads:
Multi-colored Glass Beads:
That's all I've got for Show & Tell tonight!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Holiday Prep!
Today's Silver Price: $34.11/t.oz.
I've got one month to go before I do a craft fair and a holiday boutique party in one weekend (Dec 3 and 4)! I'm hoping that these two events will be my most successful yet! I'm also hoping that silver prices stay relatively low this month because I need to stock up on materials. The price of silver has been creeping up in the last couple of weeks. The patterned sterling silver wire that I bought recently worked out REALLY well, so I am hoping to purchase more of it. And.... it comes in copper! I'm going big on rings this time around. I made a great ring out of the patterned wire but I gave it to my mother and forgot to take pics. I'll have to make another ASAP so I can post images. I also learned to use a Dremel to grind down rough edges on the wire. I'm on my way to being a real metalworker, haha!
The patterned wire also lends itself to making cuff bracelets, however it requires a bracelet mandrel- which I don't have! From what I've seen they cost about $30 to $40. I may just have to spring for one! The wire is bent or hammered around the mandrel to form a bracelet shape. Pretty simple process and could produce some very popular pieces (no alliteration intended).
I have a new necklace idea that I want to try. I saw it at a jewelry party- it's a 2-in-1 necklace. Basically it's a 32" necklace that can be doubled to become a 16" necklace. I think it would be pretty expensive to make in silver so it may have to be only in copper. Maybe I'll try out some silver-plated material, but that makes me nervous. I worry that the silver plating will chip or peel. Also I think any cuts made would not be clean. I guess I'll never know until I try it.
So I've been re-thinking my display as I seem to do before almost every show, lol. For my first show I displayed my earrings on homemade black earring cards. Then for a couple of events I used window screens to hang my earrings from. The window screens were great because they allowed light to pass through the earrings and a lot of my pieces have glass beads that reflect light. However when a pair of earrings was purchased it was a little tedious to take them off the screen and put them back on a card. I'm debating whether or not I should go back to the card display... which now that I think about it may pose a problem as I believe I threw out the display box I built... hmmmm. I might also need more boxes for ring display, since I plan on having a ton of rings available. If I have necklaces to display (which I haven't in the past) I will have to come up with some new display ideas. Better start planning for it now...
I'm very excited about these two events coming up and I am anxious to see what the public will think of my new items. There's lots of work to be done so I will be a busy bee for the next month! Time to get the production line (me) cranking!
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