Sacrificial lambs

As a creative person you try anything, right? You make an item, sometimes just to learn a technique or because you saw something similar or thought it would be great, but it turns out not to be.

We've all done it, but sometimes those things have to go on the block.

The other day I found a necklace that I'd strung ages and ages ago and it never sold. No wonder since it was old fashioned, boring and something your grandma would probably wear in the 1970s.

So I took it apart and put the components back into inventory. I did it again with a necklace I'd saved for myself but actually wore like once or twice. Plus other things I've never worn.

Sometimes it's the only way. Clinging to a piece that never sells out of sentimental reasons is just plain silly. We all grow and improve and sometimes those early works are just plain embarrassing. I know mine are. Learning curves just shouldn't be seen sometimes.

It's all part of defining your style and by extension your brand. I'm going to be pretty ruthless with myself in this effort. If it doesn't fit my vision - out it goes. Maybe to a fire sale section or to be reworked, but if it doesn't represent, it isn't going in the shop.

So that's my tip for today - define your style, don't get attached to pieces that don't work. Be ruthless.

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A little post about branding

Branding is important. Having a consistent look and feel to your work, your identity as an artist and in how you present your work is part of having your own business. It can be a little tough, but once you've got your logo and colors and associated motifs, that's enough, right?

Maybe.

Lately I've been trying to develop a routine with my business - to do at least one thing a day to promote or create or interact with other people in craft or home businesses.

The other day I decided to work on packaging since what I had was running low and I wanted something more distinctive. That led me down a tangent, let me tell you! Part of what I need are stickers and while looking at my current logo documents, I did a bit of a refresh. Nothing too drastic, but definitely an improvement. Check it out!

became

It's subtle, but I think it's important and I didn't catch it in my first go-round with logo design. A professional probably would have, but 'what do you want for n…

What is good design?

People have been asking this since...I don't know...forever?

And it isn't a universally accepted standard, but I'd like to post about things I love and designs I admire. So because I'm a reader and it's the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, I'll begin with SP Books' inspired cover of her original manuscript -

I think it's brilliant because it's understated. It's restrained. Many Frankenstein covers are garish and shocking, but this one is subtle and subtly painful.
Sutures.
Just that. ~~~ shivery! ~~~

Sunday Showcase ~ early spring

Partly a sneak-peek at what will be in the shop, partly a wrap-up of what's already there, I'm pleased to bring you a little Spring Collection showcase!

It's a little hard to do with an Etsy shop, so I set up this curated selection to show how beautifully coordinated these pieces are. Plus I had a lot of fun setting things up in my travel jewelry case. Don't you just want to take them all home??!! Very hard for me not to just keep everything.

That's totally my fault though. I don't make jewelry I wouldn't wear myself, or, for that matter, wear with my "good jewelry". Handmade doesn't have to be cheap or tacky and we all know that when we see it. My work is different if I do say so myself. Yes, as the name states, I use wire, but I work hard to produce high quality pieces with designs that stand out and wear well. I'm too darn picky to do it any other way.

Lots of pearls up there, and kyanite, amethyst, garnet, citrine and some luminous Czec…

Adventures in Handmade Jewelry

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