Project Earrings

Many jewelry makers set a goal of working through another jewelry maker's book. So I decided to try this as well.

Perfect Match Earring Designs for Every Occasion first caught my eye at the library. After borrowing it I decided to buy it because it has so much information that can be applied to all jewelry not just earrings.

Working through a book like this can help me to get out of my comfort zone. Most of the earrings are wonderful but some I would never try. But setting this as a goal will force me to try something new and learn new techniques.

I won't be working with the exact materials also. So trying the projects through my own interpretion is another way of learning to be more creative.

I'll try to post the projects as I go. Here are the first two.

Quartz beads with semi-hoop earring wires

Rose quartz rondelle beads with a twisted jump ring and pink crystal

Repeat Sales

I am considering offering 10 percent off for returning customers. I wonder if it will help to increase sales. I was looking back at the purchases I have made on etsy. I realized that I have returned to purchase again from several different sellers. So I wondered - why? What did these stores have that made me return. Some have great ideas, some have superb skills, some simply have what I need at a good price. 

Those with great ideas are:

Classichound- dog silhouettes on well made bags and handmade dog collars. Shop for yourself and your dog in one shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5316607

Beadfreaky- ceramic pendants with celtic designs http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5338835

The Fearless Knitter- simple scarfs that also work as a shawl http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=24967

Modern Pet- modern pet supplies, eco friendly http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5094984

Those with superior skills are:

CottageGardenTherapi-the best soap, smells and feels wonderful http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=111518

SFDglassbeads- lampwork bead artist, such lovely beads I could spend a forturne http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47279 

Czannes-handmade bags with flawless sewing skills http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100603

Buckster- lovely handknit items http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5190312

Those with useful products at a great price

Jennuh-cute little crocheted doggy waste bags that are super affordable http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5021006

Brendee- image sheets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21106

Piddix- image sheets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=46139

Busy Aprons- handbands and cute little wallets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=85691

So I'll keep trying with Etsy. I'll take what I have learned. And I'll keep working on these three qualities: good ideas, superior skills, and affordable prices. 

Beading Challenge

I entered a beading contest.  It is a contest celebrating a new book Designing Jewelry with Semi-Precious Beads. Which is what I like to do most. I never could get into seed bead designs. And pieces with Swarovski crystal sell well at craft shows because of the sparkle but I like "real" stones the best.

I am sure I won't win but that is not why I entered. It is very much the same feelings I have about dancing in feiseanna. I compete because I enjoy the experience, I am around other dancers, and competing forces me to practice. In the same way entering this beading contest will encourage me to work on my jewelry skills. Although not in person but through blogs I have met other beaders and jewelry artists. 

The decision will be made by April 17 on www.beadingdaily.com

 I can't wait to see the results.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Yesterday was the St Patrick's Day parade here in Bucks County. I didn't dance in the parade this year. I was there as a spectator. It was a nice day weatherwise and I really enjoyed watching the parade.

More pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythiclassie/

 

Bridal Jewelry

A friend of mine is getting married. She is also an Etsy fan so she gave me some advice for selling on Etsy. Bridal jewelry.

I made claddagh necklaces for an entire wedding party once but never made anything for a bride. I wonder what is a bride looking for when buying jewelry. Something white, something sparkly, something simple, or something ornate?

I came up with a woodland theme like a fairy princess bride might wear. A matching necklace and bracelet set with white beads and pretty little pink flowers. The bracelet is so pretty I think I might make one for me.

Earrings Winner

The winner of the earrings giveaway was Allison O.

Thanks for your participation!

~Darlene

Checking Labels

At my library job, I had seen a DVD coming and going several times. It gets so busy that I didn't notice the full title. Mardi Gras (Made in China). Looking at the cover more closely I discovered a strand of beads. So I had to check it out and watch it.

It is a very interesting DVD especially for jewelry designers. It is a documentary that follows the making of the beads to the use of the beads at the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The hard work and long hours that the factory workers put in to make the beads are quite a contrast to the end result here in America. Here the beads are tossed around if women expose their breasts or the beads lay in the streets where people vomit. Finally a street sweeper comes along and the beads are trashed. In the factory the lives of the young girls are horrible. Long hours, low pay, factory housing. In the end the factory workers watch part of the documentary and they laugh at the way Americans act.

I felt ashamed.

I have always been very mindful of where items are made. But seeing this DVD has made me even more diligent about checking the origin of where an item comes from. It can be very hard since many jewelry components are imported from China and India.

Soon to be Woodland Wedding Necklace

I always try to buy glass beads from the Czech Republic. Tonight I was looking at beads at Joann's Fabric store and came across some Czech leaf beads right beside cheaper leaf beads made in China.

It is even more expensive to buy hand crafted beads made in America but I am certain it is the right thing to do. I have made a promise to myself to use more beads from independent glass artists. It will mean charging more for my jewelry but it is something I have to do.

Mambo glass bead from sortafloweringdesigns.com