Adventures in Handmade Jewelry

The way this piece came together was magical. It was as if I was under the guidance of a Greek Muse maybe Melete. Normally I picture a design in my head, sometimes make sketches, sometimes make prototypes in cheap wire, then I put the real piece together. Not this time. I wanted to use the aqua and brown cane glass, but not another bracelet or earrings. I already had 6 rings fused by the time I started to really envision the necklace as a whole - I wanted two rows of links, one set higher than the other. The idea of circles hadn't solidified and quickly turned to ovals...hammered ovals in two sizes...with a twist. Only two fusing failures marred my process and so the fluid vibe of creation flowed on. Choosing among the glittering cane glass beads was easy and I found matched pairs that balanced the color scheme of the piece. I even had the perfect number of fluted sterling beads to add some dash. How often does that happen? When it came time to decide on what to hang the t...

A few choice items from my Fall Showcase.

These are destined for that collection in my 1000Markets Shop. Both are made with pure silver and feature lots of hammered texture. I love the mix of silver and copper in the necklace and am quite pleased with the way it turned out. The earrings aren't exactly a stretch in terms of originality, but I think they're flattering for almost any woman and we all need classic earrings that go with everything. I may add them to the Etsy shop, too since they're easy to make and I have plenty of materials.

It's been something I've been contemplating for months now as it seems I get more and more lost in the sea of online jewelry sellers. I've read every online handbook, marketing blog, thread, website and tip sheet I can stand, have been doing as they preach and it hasn't made a difference. Views at both shops are low no matter how I massage my descriptions, keywords and tags or participate in the venue's SEO efforts. Direct emailing didn't work out. Optimizing the way this blog is seen by Google hasn't made a noticeable change, although that does take some time I'm told and I could be condemning it prematurely. Back when it was available to the individual, Google Base didn't work. Participating in online fashion and shopping communities hasn't made a dent. Tapping into online communities in which I am a member, but not as an artist hasn't worked either. Ditto my consignment efforts that I was so excited about. Plus there's the whole t...

Did I pick the brightest, most brilliant turquoise bead in my stash? You'd think so, looking at it. It's rich and eye-catching, yet simple, too. Fine silver teardrop on a sterling silver ball chain. I even used a pure silver ring as a bail. I'm tempted to keep this one.

Like a fall apple and given the color, maybe a Granny Smith, which would be appropriate. I just put these in the shop today after a failed attempt at photographing them yesterday. The slight texturing and irregularity of the ovals saves them from that stark, mass-produced feel and gives them the warm glow of handmade. The ear wires and the links with the sparkly glass beads on them are sterling and all have been tumbled for strength and shine. I just think they're graceful and classic. More to come, of a more primitive aspect, but still contemporary and of clean design.

Part of the mystique of jewelry manufacture is the tools. I admit it, I love new tools. I love good tools. Finely worked tools that have special and often obscure purpose. Sometimes I just go through catalogs looking at stuff and wonder what the hell a person does with such a gadget. I remember spending a lot of time as a little girl at my dad's workbench, messing with his tools (lord help me if I misplaced any). A while back while on a visit to my folks' house I spied dad's coping saw (frame saw/jeweler's saw) in his workshop and told him I coveted it. He laughed and said I could buy one for about $10 at Lowes. He's right of course, but that old one looked sweet. My own tool collection is modest and consists largely of the inexpensive variety. Until this craft starts to pay off, I can't justify the expense when money is put to better use buying materials (Christmas is coming and you never know what Santa will bring – Lindstrom, hint hint). But every ...

Yesterday was devoted to updating the blog and harnessing some Google tools to make this site more visible to searchers. I only took a couple of small steps and will take some more, but I'm on my way. Like any other small business my biggest problem is exposure. Most of us sell on Etsy and know what a mob-scene it is over there and how hard it is to stand out. The other venues, of which I'm only participating in one, aren't much better. When I started out in jewelry I had no idea how overcrowded it is and how difficult it is to get noticed; especially with wire work or very simple smithing (all I'm capable of at the mo). Yeah sure I use Twitter, Facebook and Byhand.me, but it only generates a handful of views each time and I suspect it's the same few folks who look, but do not buy. I need to reach potential customers who love and buy handmade jewelry, or even customers who buy modern or contemporary jewelry, but have never tried handmade. I know I do quality ...

While I'm learning a new technique or working with a new material, I often keep my experimental pieces for myself. Most aren't up to the quality I expect and so don't qualify to go up for sale. Some are just weird and I don't think anyone else will want them. A bracelet I made a while back is a perfect example. While it's good enough for me, it isn't good enough for sale. It lacks balance and the pattern is goofed, so it's mine. With an eye to correcting the balance I created a new piece. It is more harmonious and the pattern is regular. I try not to be wasteful, but fusing requires that I use "the good stuff" to practice with and so I end up with more stuff for me. This one makes the grade though and is looking for a new home. Here's another one. I was fooling around with different fusing techniques and this one didn't quite work out as planned (the fusing is rough), so I attached a small ring to the top and wired on an ametrine barre...

Just posted to both shops in the last couple days. More stuff in the works. I wonder when I'm going to drop from exhaustion?

So every site now has a blog component it seems and it's hard to keep up with the content in them, but I think I've come up with a method to my madness. 1000 Markets has a blog feature and lately I've been using it to write a series of articles about materials I use in my work. I think it helps with some of the insider jargon that customers might be confused about. I'm up to part 4 - The Turquoise Dilemma ! I've thought about reproducing them here, but since they're really customer-oriented, this isn't the best place. So hop on over & let me know what you think.

Circle Gets the Square! A fun and three-dimensional bracelet in fine silver; hand fused and shaped, then tumbled to max out the shine and durability. Never knew slaving over a hot torch could be so fun! Dig that little fused S clasp. Anyway...gotta hit the showers before I hit the bench. Got 5 miles in today. Up to 22 this week, tomorrow should make 27. My ass is not going to get smaller on its own!