Adventures in Handmade Jewelry

First Art Show

2010-11-29T12:41:00.003-05:00

Yes I still make jewelry and surprise, surprise, people actually want to buy it. After an idle year with no output, I was invited to a couple of shows.

A friend of mine is a painter who shares a studio with a photographer. They were participating in an open studio walk and I was asked to put a table in. Not having done a show ever before, I was really unsure what to expect. I didn't have a 'professional' looking set up, but people bought and I made a few hundred dollars.

Wow.

I'm floored. I know my stuff is good, but to have other people ooh and aww and then pull out their wallets was quite another thing. All the turmoil I put myself through over price-setting was completely irrelevant. Not one person commented on my pricing one way or another; they just paid.

I have another more craft-oriented show coming up this weekend, but my expectations aren't on par with the open-studio walk. The type of people who come to an artist's studio are very different from the ones who go to craft shows in strip malls. It should be a very educational experience though.

My displays are at least nice. Dark red/burgundy velvet covered wood panels with hooks for necklaces and bracelets - made by my dad - they show the work well. An antique printer's box for standing up earrings on cards. I need a better tablecloth though - the one I had didn't fit the table! Ha! I should have checked it out before hand. Funny. It didn't matter at all though.

So, this is my new endeavor...the art/craft show. I don't know if I'll do more, but I might. The fact that people can see and handle my work is really key. Online is one thing, but in person is another. Plus they can talk to me and ask questions. So nice.

I sort of regret not taking pictures of some of the items that sold beforehand, but it's no big deal. They were fun pieces and I know their new owners will love them.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-25T16:21:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T10:34:00.003-05:00

Silent Sunday

2009-12-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Secret Santa gifts

2009-11-28T09:38:00.004-05:00

So you signed up for the Office Secret Santa or maybe you're on the fence. Or maybe you got someone a little hard to please. Well now you've got it in the bag. Handmade artisan jewelry under $20 delivered. Unique pieces using beautiful materials like gemstones and sterling silver.

Oh and there's a choice of packaging, too. Check out the entire collection Here and make something a little easier on yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:37:00.001-05:00

Mama turkey and baby
Originally uploaded by TheWireSmith

No, these two are safe. Took this in Montana 3 1/2 years ago.

Anyway...no big celebration today, just being a homebody and trying to put perspective into my life. Be good to each other and don't eat too much!

Looking for a handmade gift sale?

2009-11-22T09:55:00.003-05:00

Look no further. Here's a sample of what I've put in my jewelry sale.
Oh and there's free shipping too.
And a choice of gift packaging...something funky and very personalized or a traditional gift box.
Who says customer service is dead?

Handmade jewelry sale

2009-11-20T13:07:00.004-05:00

So I've been neglecting the jewelry thing for a bit, but am working industriously today. Have lots of items to post to the shop, many of which will go into my Holiday Special section; all are discounted and even feature free shipping.

I'll be updating it often so keep the tab open and hit refresh!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T10:30:00.002-05:00

In honor of Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

This stone commemorates twin brothers who served in the Revolutionary War and died within weeks of each other in 1783. I have to assume it was a result of action either directly or indirectly and I silently thanked them for their devoted service and bravery.

My other creative side

2009-11-08T10:32:00.005-05:00

After a marvelous burst of activity, I've backed off the jewelry thing for a bit. I have one idea rolling around in my head for a piece and enthusiasm for making it is building, but not there yet. Plus nothing has sold in ages so my inventory level is quite adequate. Maybe with Christmas coming it will change, but whatever, I'm over it.

So I've gone back to one of my first loves; photography.

I got my first good camera, an Olympus OM-G 35mm SLR, when I was a sophomore in HS and have remained an Olympus bigot ever since. In 2005 I bought my very first digital body, an Olympus E-300, and sadly haven't really put any miles on it. My photo disease comes and goes and I was in a fallow period when I bought it, so that's sort of why. Only recently have I really begun messing with it and my old lenses. Too bad I'm unemployed or I'd pick up a few new toys for it. Since I am though, I'll just have to live with what I have.

There's a group of folks on Flickr who get together to shoot around the state and yesterday I joined them on the seacoast. It wasn't my most productive day, but I did have fun and came up with a couple shots that didn't suck. Maybe I'll start a photography blog...I don't know. I don't really need another online time-suck, but yesterday was my first experience with group photography and it helped me see myself as a photographer more clearly. I'm such a loner that I'd never been able to directly compare how I approach my art and how others do. Yesterday gave me some insight into that and I'm grateful for it since I was feeling a bit lost as a photographer.

Sooo...will I make jewelry again? Of course, but for now the photography thing is waxing and I'll indulge it while it's here.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T16:31:00.003-04:00

To celebrate I went to photograph an abandoned house not far from me. Check it out @ Flickr.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T08:28:00.002-04:00

Back from the Cape

2009-10-20T16:57:00.006-04:00

Husband and I took a quick couple of days to go to the Cape, primarily to see the Edward Gorey house (he was a legendary genius) in Yarmouth, but we ended up tooling around a little bit up the coast. A lot of the outer Cape is National Seashore land and quite lovely, even after a storm which is what we got Sunday/Monday. It made for dramatic photos, but damn, it was cold with the wind whipping at 30+ mph.

You can see the rest of the pics HERE if you want.

I'm pretty pleased with the way most of them came out. I used my old manual lenses frequently and was so glad Olympus decided not to screw its customers out of their investment in their products. My lovely old glass fits, meters and still looks better than 99.9% of the new cameras on the market. Yay. I even figured out how to deal with my old ringflash on my new digital...which may make jewelry photos really interesting. But that's another post.

Luxurious Necklace - in the Beginning There was Silver

2009-10-17T08:30:00.010-04:00

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 two rows of ovals and glass, I remembered some sterling chain that had been kicking around my stash for over a year. It was perfect.

Now for the clasp; something simple but easy to grasp behind one's neck...or for a man's fingers to get a hold of.

After tumbling I put it on the form and it needed remarkably little adjustment. It drapes fluidly and has lots of movement and shine; just what I wanted.

I hope someone falls in love with it as I have. It's in the 1000 Markets shop.

Fall Showcase

2009-10-16T09:19:00.001-04:00

A few choice items from my Fall Showcase.

Wordless Wednesday - Larry

2009-10-14T07:36:00.001-04:00

2 Modern Primitives

2009-10-12T16:44:00.003-04:00

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.

Paid Advertising

2009-10-11T17:06:00.003-04:00

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 time thing. Even unemployed and childfree I only have so much of it. Constantly updating content, editing photos and posting about listings has fast become drudgery. Not this blog so much, but a lot of the rest of it. I won't call out anything specifically because it's not the venue's fault and I still like some of the sites I call home, but I'm overwhelmed just the same. And the worst is while I'm making something at the bench, all I can think of is will it sell and how can I get people to see it. I spend more time thinking of those things than on new designs.

So what's a girl to do? While my belief in my own products is still on the plus side, I decided to take the plunge and pay for some ad space. Granted it isn't a ton of money (I found a coupon that saved me a chunk), but it's a start. Depending on how it works out I may continue to use it (It's Facebook) or even add others. There are a couple of blogs that I'd like to advertise on. Neither has anything to do with crafts, jewelry, handmade or the "artisan experience" which I think is key for reaching my audience.

Which is another thing altogether. Just who do I want to target? It sounds so bloodless, but I still think there are women out there who hate cutesy/"crafty" jewelry and want an alternative that doesn't cost the earth. They need, no they deserve to know the Wire Smith exists. So I made some attempt at ferreting out this elusive woman in putting my FB ad together. She's enough like me to be somewhat familiar, but not totally and thinking outside my own likes, dislikes and inclinations was a challenge. The ad is approved and will run for 1 week starting tomorrow.

Something has got to give. I can't keep pouring money, effort and emotion into this for so little return. So far I still believe that my product stands out. This isn't a weepy, fishing for compliments expedition, but the cold fact that it might not. My viewpoint might be too narrow or too short. How can I say I've never seen anything like my jewelry if I've only been making it for the lifespan of a dragonfly? I haven't really been on the inside track of "handmade" so what I do might just be so 2003. Maybe it's too late for a newcomer to succeed with all the overcrowding in jewelry. Maybe my relatively low skill level doesn't produce the kind of product people want. I don't really know, but I want it to work and I have to go for the brass ring while I still believe in myself, my vision, my ability and my product. This holiday season will be a big part of affirming or debunking this belief. But if I don't do everything I reasonably can to make it a success, can I say I really tried?

'Scuse Me While I Kiss the Sky

2009-10-10T18:45:00.002-04:00

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.

Crisp glass and fine silver earrings

2009-10-09T17:00:00.007-04:00

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.

Jewelry Making Tools

2009-10-07T10:50:00.004-04:00

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 once in a while I succumb to the lure of a new tool. After hearing about these things on a certain website and watching them be used, I thought I'd give them a try, especially after it was pointed out that using these specialized pliers would cut down on wire waste. Love that.

With these I can standardize coil and loop sizes more effectively. I can make a single ring without having to waste precious inches (even though I often use scraps to make clasps, hooks, eyes and charms I still hate it). They're also easier on the fingers when bending half-hard or heavy gauge wire. They look a bit ungainly, but you use them like ordinary round nose pliers with the wrapping jaw furthest away from you (I've shown them here at an awkward angle so you can see the wire looped inside). The inner jaw, the holding jaw, is shielded by thick plastic on the large ones to avoid marring soft wire like pure silver. A thoughtful touch.

I bought them in 3 sizes, the two largest primarily to make rings for fusing, and the smallest to make jump rings and split rings, so often needed with heavier pieces and sort of a pain to make with round nose pliers.

The largest makes sizes 20mm, 16mm and 13mm, the medium makes rings in 10mm, 7mm and 5mm increments, and the smallest 5.5mm, 3.5mm and 2mm. So far I like working with them and keep finding new uses for them (like earwires). Those Sharpie markers might just go into retirement.

Notice anything different about me?

2009-10-06T07:38:00.003-04:00

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 work and believe my prices are in line and that there are women out there who appreciate simple, modern jewelry.

The secret is the almighty

Since I can't control much about how my shop or individual items get found by Google, I decided to try to take better control of my blog. Blog hits from organic Google searches are pretty low according to Google Analytics. Shop hits, too. But if I can better understand how Google selects and presents websites to searchers, the better chance I have of folks finding me. Most people give up if they don't find something compelling on the first 1-4 search results pages on Google and so it's really important to be listed in those first few pages. But how?

First I needed to register my site with Google, then submit a sitemap, both of which I've done. Or half done. I need to create a more complete sitemap as the one I submitted is only a partial. Then I need to work on meta-tags or title-tags. These are the best way for Google's engine algorithm to find something. They have to be accurate, unique and compelling. The unique part is the toughest I think in combination with compelling. I can't just call every page in this blog the same thing over and over. Title-tags have to speak to the content of the page and which searcher would like to see it most. Then it has to be compelling enough to entice that person to click on it.

Evidently there is another tool (which I only used for a couple of seconds) to help guide us in our quest for the best keywords. It takes ones you think you might use and compares them to similar searches and how successful those were in other search strings. It has a lot to do with page rank and click-through. Two very important concepts in search engine optimization. So it's something I will tackle next. It won't get done overnight, but hopefully I'll see improvements once it's underway.

Today I will hit the bench to do a couple of custom orders for my mom's friends and spend some time on my SEO strategy. I've got a list of things to do and just need to do them. I'm building up inventory for Christmas and Hanukkah, but if I can't attract customers what is it all for?

Experiments, prototypes and cast offs

2009-10-04T14:45:00.007-04:00

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 barrel. It's hung on a length of leather cord I also used to perfect my finishing technique and of course has a mistake on it. No one will see the silly goof because it's in the clasp, but I can't sell it. I like it, but I don't think it's up to snuff.

Probably a lot of handmade folks do this - experiment and keep the results themselves, thus becoming walking scratch and dent sales. Reminds me of those outlet stores where they sell items with tiny flaws circled or pointed at with stickers. Sometimes even then I can't tell what's wrong with the thing. I guess my experimental jewelry is the same thing (at least that's what my mom says).

Problem is, sometimes I just have too much stuff and things I wore regularly fall by the wayside. When I come across an early piece that I was pleased with at the time, I laugh at how rough it is and how far I've come. Then I think how far I have to go in my adventure in handmade jewelry. Some I've taken apart to remake or re-use the beads in something else. Once I made this really nice necklace out of really cheesy wire and used gorgeous Sleeping Beauty turquoise. That one is currently on deck to be, uh, recycled. Doh!

3 Tasty Treats

2009-10-02T12:04:00.003-04:00

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?

Not My Only Blog

2009-10-01T16:02:00.004-04:00

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.

Geometric Simplicity

2009-10-01T11:54:00.005-04:00

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!

Little Sparklers

2009-09-29T09:42:00.003-04:00

I kind of dig these even though they're straying a bit from my usual, style-wise. They are dressy without being fussy. Fine silver hoops and "blueberry" quartz. I really like the microfaceting combined with the texture - makes them dazzle. In the Etsy shop today.

In-fusing

2009-09-28T17:52:00.004-04:00

Well I've gotten past the re-fusing thing and went directly to con-fused. Sorry about the fusing jokes. I promise to stop.

After messing around with things a bit more, I got some other wire to fuse beautifully and so I think it is contaminants in the quenching and tumbling water that polluted the finish and prevented it from heating thoroughly. That and for anything thicker than 18 gauge, my torch has to be totally full to reach maximum temp, which is a bummer since I really like working with heavier wire.

Thanks Kathleen for your kind words. I'm only fusing at this point; no solder or pickle or flux. None needed because the silver is pure and not an alloy like sterling. I think it might be a gateway drug though. I do like the idea of what I can do by heating and fusing and/or soldering metal. One step at a time though. First I have to sell enough to justify spending more. I'm so upside-down in this business that it's really starting to hurt.

I put these in the 1000 Markets store today.

Have 2 other pairs ready to go, but don't like the photos (not that I'm crazy about these) and will have to take more tomorrow. I'll also snap shots of the bracelet I made from fused rings and amethyst links. It has a fused S-clasp with ball ends and fits me perfectly. It's also flawed (the pattern is off) and so I think that's a good an excuse as any to keep it.

Re-fusing

2009-09-27T15:40:00.002-04:00

I am very frustrated and angry that some of the wire I ordered fuses fine while some (the 16 gauge) just will not. It glows red but either melts and pulls away or just sits there under the heat doing nothing. I just made a wonky little S clasp a minute ago out of 14 gauge wire and it practically caught fire. I'm sure that the 16 gauge is fine silver because it shows no firescale, but it WILL NOT fuse. Melt or nothing is all I get. I am so frustrated and angry that I can barely even look at my workbench now. It's not like it's all that complex or has many variables. I've cleaned and tumbled the rings over and over again. The cut is very tight and very flush. There is NO REASON why those shouldn't fuse but they don't. I've tried over and over. And it's not just the 16 gauge, the 14 won't go either, no matter what. What a waste of time this idea was.

OK. So I didn't give up. I had a calming Smithwicks and tried again. This time I tried to figure out which step in the process changed. I decided it was the water. All of the pieces that refused to fuse had been quenched more than once and tumbled. Maybe the water accumulated particles of debris that inhibited the fusing process because I got some 12 gauge, 14 gauge and 16 gauge to fuse, even making little S-clasps out of the 14 gauge (they're messy, but hell it's my first go).

I took some pictures, but they came out lousy so I'm not posting them until later when I can work the links and make them presentable.

Gah. Does anyone have any insight as to why rings will not fuse, but will melt and others fuse just fine? I make them exactly the same way. It seems strangely inconsistent and fickle.

Asian-inspired necklace

2009-09-26T08:44:00.003-04:00

It started with these blue and white porcelain beads with the stylized flowers on them. Then I started thinking of Asian architecture and a way to bring them together. The result was this necklace in sterling and leather cord and coordinating porcelain beads (which I just happened to have in my stash). I had a lot of fun making it (even though the idea of it kept me up one night) and it came together more perfectly than I dared to hope.

I really hope someone buys it soon and removes my temptation to keep it! It's exclusively at my Etsy Shop.

This Isn't Your Mother's Charm Bracelet

2009-09-25T11:52:00.004-04:00

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

John Keats' epic poem, Endymion, 1818

A labor of love comes to an end. I'm inordinately proud of this piece and hope someone scoops it up soon; it doesn't deserve to languish without an owner.

This is a serious piece. Weighty and solid. I used a ton of sterling and fine silver (made headpins with my new torch for the cane glass beads) and was crazy meticulous about working every technique perfectly. It's bold and contemporary and definitely not for the shy retiring type.

Taking photos was arduous as well. So hard to get the feel of the piece captured. The beads are luscious and pick up light beautifully. The silver is polished and dazzling. I think I did ok, but who knows. I took a ton of pictures and rejected most of them.

Anyway...I'm feeling kind of crappy (killer fall allergies), but will do another set of photos of a necklace destined for the Etsy shop. And then I might just play with my torch some more. If I can get out from under this cat that is.

Good things come

2009-09-24T15:54:00.004-04:00

to those who wait.

My torch arrived and I've been messing with it. Have to lock up the cats while I use it since they really like to jump up on my workbench. Just what I need; to set a cat on fire. Pests. Nothing I fused so far is worth using in a piece except some headpins which I'll be using in this -

as soon as the jumprings are hard enough to work with (tumbling as I type), I'll assemble and put it up in the shop. Which shop I don't know. Probably 1000 Markets.

Etsy won't be neglected however, this piece will end up there. It's a pendant that will be suspended from leather cord just as soon as I get that part done.

It came out exactly perfect from what kept spinning around and around in my head as I tried in vain to sleep last night. Still more ideas lurk and yearn for the light of day. I'll be playing with the torch especially since a lot of what I want to do depends on developing my skill with that tool.

Speaking of tools, don't you hate waiting for them to arrive? I ordered some specialty pliers that didn't ship right away and probably won't arrive until tomorrow. To make up for it though, I found out that in my little micro-file set I have a couple of round ones and some flat curved ones that will be perfect for finishing up the fused rings I've made. They're good enough for me to wear and to experiment with. I always experiment on myself. Guinea pig me.

Anyway, that's it for now.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

2009-09-22T07:45:00.004-04:00

Tom Petty never said anything more true. I'm waiting for 3 orders to come in so I can begin the next phase of my jewelry adventure; fusing.

Yes ladies, I'm getting a torch. Granted it's a butane microtorch, but it's still fire and it's still hot. I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited. I've got some weird ideas in my head (to paraphrase Warren Zevon) and want to try them out. Of course there will be a learning curve period, but I hope it won't be steep or long.

So far things in the sales department haven't been so terrific. Lackluster I think is the proper word. Some of it is my fault. I don't promote everywhere all the time. I stopped following a bunch of Twitterers and have quieted down on that front directly. It didn't seem to actually work and so I gave it up. Facebook appears to be a bit better of a medium, so I have a Twitter feed directly from my Fan Page (see that up there...go ahead, click it, I know you want to) and that saves me time posting to yet another site.

But this isn't a bitch session. I'm rather rejuvenated about my new craft (I've only been at this about a year) and have more confidence in my approach and my finished product than ever before. Despite the fact that no one else seems to like it except me, I'm sticking to my guns about my clean and uncluttered style. I don't want to make cute jewelry. I don't want to make fusty, encrusty pieces that look like everyone elses'. Granted there may be few of us out there, but damn, there must be other minimalist jewelry addicts, I just need to find them. My first sale on 1000 Markets the other day renewed my faith that these stylish women do exist.

But I said this wasn't a bitch session and it's not. Every day I'm anxious to hit the bench and do some work. Trouble is, now all of my ideas need heat. Either annealing or fusing or both. I'm playing with the idea of a Modern Primitives line for my shops. The combination of clean lines and rustic details (like texturing and leather) have always intrigued me, so I think I'll point my ship in that direction & see how it goes.

My mom keeps drumming up business for me though...she brings my stuff to work and it sells! I have some cash and a few custom orders to do which is good to keep me busy and keep my mind off my new toys. Once they come in, it will be hard to focus on anything else.

Lately I've been wondering about my Flickr account and how best to work with that. I know there are rules about using it as a sales vehicle, but maybe as a portfolio it could work. I post tons of pictures there and have created collections and sets. I've tried to improve my pictures as much as I can without investing in a bunch of new equipment (of course I have exactly what I need for my film cameras, but not the digital...go figure).

Well I've got to get some food in me and then maybe get some work done. Cheers.

Modern Primitive Aqua Terra Necklace

2009-09-20T17:02:00.005-04:00

This has been in the works for a while; I couldn't think of how best to finish it. Should I make a chain? Buy a chain? Make a beaded necklace? Nah. Those don't fit right. Nothing seemed to work. Then I hit on it. Leather. Chocolate brown leather. Oh yes. Now it's perfect.

Made with aqua terra jasper entirely in sterling silver it will go in the shop tomorrow. Am thinking about earrings and a bracelet as well. I still have some stones left. Sweet.

Graceful, elegant pearl earrings

2009-09-15T13:57:00.004-04:00

These are framed and wired in Argentium sterling silver and hung on a sterling silver ear stud. They gently curve back towards your neck in a lovely arc. The dove gray color is very soft, but the design is bold and they're well balanced. Hand hammered and tumbled for strength and shine. In the 1000 Markets Shop today.

Handmade Fall Jewelry Collection

2009-09-13T11:29:00.004-04:00

I've created a special showcase for fall that I'll be adding to over the coming weeks (at least until I do a winter collection).

Link!

Here's the newest member of the collection - a very architectural piece with smoky quartz and deep red garnet. The gold wiring really sets off the warmth and depth of the stones. One of my favorite combinations. Because of the way the frame is made, I switched to sterling silver earstuds instead of my usual earwires. They work much better design-wise.

Etsy Exclusive

2009-09-12T18:42:00.003-04:00

Etsy neglect. Guilty as charged. So here's the first of my Etsy only listings.

Smoky quartz so clear you swear it's glass. Chunky and alluring on their own, I instead decided to add tiny aquamarine and amethyst charms. I think they give it lightness and playfulness. All done in Argentium sterling silver and only at Etsy.

Works in progress

2009-09-11T13:51:00.004-04:00

I just posted the onyx earrings to the shop a minute ago, but thought I'd give you a preview of things to come. Bunches of earrings and a funky bracelet. Have some new supplies coming (and new ear studs that I think will work really well with some of these pieces) and ideas abound. Just realized the bracelet isn't in this shot. Gah! There's always something. It will be in the shop soon.

Big Changes at 1000 Markets

2009-09-01T09:28:00.003-04:00

In the never ending leapfrog game of online selling venues, 1000 Markets just pulled ahead.

If you haven't stopped by in a while, check it out. 1000 Markets

The polished look is still in force, but it has more buying cues and has shifted its focus from the seller to the customer. There's a little cart icon at the top of the page as well as a more shopping inducing front page so that folks don't think they've landed on a museum or gallery site. If you have an Amazon account, you're all set to buy here. I sort of wish that were more obvious, but info about payments has improved. Buyers can also build favorites lists - a first for 1000 Markets.

For sellers we finally have Google analytics for our shops as well as more control over how our shop looks and our products presented. I've tweaked mine a bit to enhance my overall goal of promoting modern jewelry and sleek, uncluttered designs. We also have a better 'widget' for blogs and other sites; one that rotates our items in preview mode. Photo-wise, I like the fact that I can have more than 5 photos since sometimes I shoot a ton of views and have a hard time deciding which few to use. I've included a shot of my bench on my shop home page so that folks can feel more like they're getting to know me and my work.

So I just need sales. None so far there, but Etsy's been dead, too. It could be my doing though. Lately I've been focusing my attention on my 1KM shop over my Etsy shop and I hope it pays off. Now that the weather has cooled, I should be able to devote more time to creating.

Frigging hot

2009-08-19T08:10:00.003-04:00

OMG summer has finally hit in New England. First 90+ degree days this year. About time. I'm not one of those people who bitches about a season acting like what it is. I expect summer to be hot and humid. I expect winter to be cold and snowy. That's what New England is like.

But damn...it sure makes it impossible to work. My bench is in the loft and totally without AC. I got in a few minutes the other day, but started to sweat and ew; I had to stop. So creating anything new is going to be on hold until things cool down about 10 degrees. I'm trapped in the two rooms with AC units and working from here is too awkward...besides, one of the things I'm experimenting with requires me to use my vise.

I've been reading and watching TV (NCIS overload!!!) and am going to dive into some marketing duties for the wimmins over at A Perfect Pair Earring Market on 1000 Markets. It will give me something to do and a way to make sure my brain doesn't start to leak out my ears.

So anyone with AC in their workspace rejoyce! This girl is jealous.

Modern garnet earrings

2009-08-12T18:02:00.002-04:00

Hitting the 1000 Markets shop as soon as the pictures load up. It's taking a bit of time.

Made these today...I love them. They remind me of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs...not that I'm in the same league, but I've always appreciated his style so much and I think these are in the same ballpark. Argentium sterling silver frames w/14k gold filled wire holding 2 garnet rounds each. I used the same wire to secure the earwire in the perfect position. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Progress

2009-08-09T11:53:00.004-04:00

I think this is the way I want it. More or less. There needs to be spaces between each drop so they hang well together. I'll add some wire coils to each side of the sterling beads to space them properly. At least I think. This is hard to get right. I have some other ideas, but I think this is the best one. The chain will be something unique as well. Ideas are still churning for that, too.

Necklace in the works

2009-07-30T16:36:00.004-04:00

A sneak preview of a work in progress. Aqua Terra Agate and sterling silver.

Materials Education Series

2009-07-30T08:52:00.003-04:00

One thing I noticed when it comes to handmade jewelry is a suspicion on the part of the buyer that they may not be getting the real deal when it comes to what the piece is made of. Granted, not every jewelry lover is a gemologist or metallurgist and so a lot of trust goes into the relationship. Is it really sterling silver? Is it really turquoise/jade/lapis/insert gem here? How come this lampwork glass piece costs so much more than others? Gold filled? What the heck is gold filled? It's crazy and sometimes confusing. Especially online where terminology is flung about sometimes arbitrarily and a prospective customer cannot handle the merchandise before buying. Accuracy is key, but what if the shopper doesn't understand the terms you use? Frustrating on both sides.

So in order to shed some light here I've started a blog series on my 1000 Markets Site that will go into detail regarding many of the materials and terms used in handmade jewelry making. I'm going to focus mainly on what I use in my work, but of course those things are not confined to me alone. Hopefully this helps with understanding between artist and customer.

First article - Argentium Sterling Silver

Please don't eat the jewelry

2009-07-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

I've heard it said that some jewelers have been known to lick stones. With these little babies, I can totally understand the urge. These are luscious little lozenges of fire crackle agate. Like tiny sunsets, each one is distinct. Heat gives these stones their unique appearance and I love the summer tan quality of them. Each is wrapped in argentium sterling silver and I finished the adjustable clasp with a bit of blue agate, just for contrast.

It's in both the Etsy and 1000 Markets shops as of today.

A Perfect Pair

2009-07-28T07:45:00.004-04:00

No...not those. These!

That's right, earrings. A girl can't have too many, can she? Well addicts rejoice! We have just the place for you. The earring market at 1000Markets.com. I was graciously extended an opportunity to participate in a marketplace (my first) and I happily accepted. Here's the link -

A Perfect Pair

As you will see, there are a lot of styles to choose from and pre-selected categories that help you hone in on exactly what you're looking for. Tribal and ethnic, earthy and eclectic, abstract and modern; it's all here at A Perfect Pair. Check us out. Tell your friends. Leave us a comment. Find your next favorite pair of earrings.

Just where the hell have I been?

2009-06-18T07:18:00.005-04:00

Yeah, I've been neglecting this. Sorry. Life intrudes.

Now that I've completed my certificate in project management I've turned up the 'looking for a real job' to high. It's time consuming. I also have taken a freelance job to manage a project for some people and that takes some of my time as well. The job hunt is depressingly slow and I feel like I'm sending my resume into black holes. It's hard to stay positive and keep one's energy up in this market.

Strangely enough, someone found my resume on Monster & called for an interview. Met with him today and it went rather well. He wants to have another meeting on Friday after the first round of his interviews as a whole. Promising. It's definitely a job I can do and would like to do. The physical location will be strange though; in the offices of a company I used to work for. With folks I used to work with (including my brother). I won't be employed by that same company, but my desk will be right in the thick of things with them. Could be kind of fun.

This hasn't resulted in a burst of creativity on the jewelry side either. I have made a few pieces, but haven't photographed or listed them yet on either of my shops. The weather has been so crappy and overcast that it's literally dark all the time compared to how it should be. I did order some more wire though and a sales lady in Macy's complimented me on the jewelry I was wearing today, so that was a nice boost in the validation department. Gave her a card. Glad I had a couple on me.

So that's what's going on. I'm not dead. Just otherwise occupied. Cheers all!

Beachy glass earrings

2009-05-26T10:17:00.004-04:00

I've been working on my 1000 Markets shop lately and I really like how it's coming together so far. Here is another in the Wedge Series that hit today. Although the glass isn't beach glass, it has the same feel. I love how it goes from pale green to deep blue. Sterling silver, hand sculpted earwires with just a touch of texture in the paddles. Rustic and modern at the same time.

You can get them here!

Another in my Wedge Series

2009-05-18T14:06:00.006-04:00

These look so good on that I want to keep them!!! Argentium sterling wires, Swarovski crystal and a shimmery sterling cube. Crisp, clean and thoroughly unfussy.

They're in the 1000 Markets shop now.

New photo editing software

2009-05-17T17:55:00.007-04:00

Let's me do this -

With hardly any learning curve. Of course, I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but it's interesting. I suppose I could buy a pack of cards and make my own postcards or counter cards or whatever. Kind of fun. This took me about 5 minutes to do. Honest. In Photoshop it probably would have taken me hours if I could have figured out how in the first place. It's like having a new toy!

Consignment inventory delivered

2009-05-17T08:02:00.003-04:00

Drove up to the spa/salon that will be carrying my jewelry. Lots of work still to be done and I don't see how T can open on Monday! She has 3 appointments booked though, so she'll have to get at least a treatment room ready. If I lived closer I could help, but she's an hour and 15 away and it's just not practical. It's all very exciting though. She gave me a treatment on the house - very nice of her. She's too trusting in a way, just skimming the consignment agreement and then sort of laughing and saying it was me and quickly signing it. She bought a set right there and then as well. Strangely enough it was exactly the same set that my fellow student bought last week. I know what I'll have to make again, for sure.

I'm nervous and excited about her new venture and my small part in it. I'm definitely going up again in a month or so to see how the place looks. It's in an older building, I'd say 80 years or so...maybe a decade less. Brick and kind of warren-ish. I think maybe the rooms were bigger, but were awkwardly divided as sometimes happens when a building changes purpose. It's not ideal, but the location is good and I think she can make it work.

In the mean time, I've been working to create new pieces for my two online shops. All these mouths to feed. I just wish that online activity would pick up. Nothing in about a month. Sort of discouraging, but I still have hopes. If it fizzles, but retail picks up, that's where I'll focus and see if I can add a couple of outlets...salons or similar. In the meantime I still have a bunch of classes to get through and then a job to find. Joy, joy, joy.

Ultra modern earrings

2009-05-16T19:11:00.006-04:00

Just posted today - one for each shop.

First is this ultra modern earring in carnelian and Argentium sterling silver.

Second is this similar pair featuring a bit more wrapping and smoky quartz paired with aquamarine.

They're both $20 and are sort of Star Trek-ish. Beam yourself up a pair today!

I've taken the plunge

2009-05-15T10:35:00.004-04:00

into the 1000 Markets pool. After kicking around the idea of the shop for a while and how (and if) I would distinguish it from my Etsy shop, I decided on an approach and have made my first official listings there. No listing fee is a bonus for me right now as I'm dead broke. Hopefully I can make an impression and gain some customers. These are the first two items I made especially for the shop -

As you might see, I've improved my photography a bit as well. Since 1000 Markets approaches their merchants differently, I think it's an important step to fitting into this new venue. My strategy for this shop is going to be different from Etsy and hopefully others will pick up on my secret-ninja stylings. Here's the link if you're curious -the Wire Smith 1KM Shop

Anyway...gotta get my butt outta this chair and walk a few miles and then probably hit the bench for more creations. I've got this idea brewing...

The Secrets of Hangtags

2009-05-14T07:46:00.007-04:00

Thanks ladies (Janice and Sherice) for the compliments on my tags. I tried the mass-produced little flocked ones, but my earrings always hung too low and it just looked generic. I want people to know and have a way to remember who made their jewelry and a way to contact me if they want more. I thought about stickers (you know, the Moo stickers), but again I was shackled to the size of the pre-fab plastic ones. Have to keep both stickers and cards on hand. No freedom there and it would run me more money, which until business picks up, this unemployed duck just doesn't have.

So, after working with someone to come up with my logo, I thought that the easiest way to print tags myself was to produce a graphic that is business card sized so I can use sheets of the kind available in home office stores and not have to go to the extra expense of having them printed special. Now I can slide them into a little card rack on the counter, or punch a hole in the top to hang on pegs...whatever is needed. It's flexible. I could even fold over the top in a little box fold and hang them like the traditional earring cards if I wanted to. I can fold them and stand them for a flat counter display. Whatever.

Of course I have to manually poke the holes in them for the earwires, so I use a small jewler's awl and a ruler on some cardboard. It's probably not the best, but at this volume, it's OK. I also write the inventory #, price and materials on the back of each one. I don't think anyone will mind that. It's handcraft after all.

The tags for bracelets and necklaces were less obvious, but after a few minutes thought and some trial and error, I figured it out. The full sized card is just too big with those pieces, but I still needed cardstock and I've never seen cardstock smaller than that...even in terms of sheet perferation. I still use business cardstock in my inkjet, but instead of using one whole graphic, I use part of two. 1/2 of two of my normal vertical hang tag graphic on each end of the business card. Then I print them and cut them in half. I tried another way, but the type was too small to read (my Etsy address is on there). Now it's normal sized, readable and still has enough real estate on the back to list information and pricing.

I'm thinking that I might...might...try double sided printing on them as well. Genereic information that could go on any piece attached, like what Argentium silver is etc. Not sure.

In the meantime, I need to put together an information sheet on me as an artist and the materials I use. The consignment agreement is all done...two pages, nothing too intricate, but it sets out the rules and expectations. Proper and businesslike. The initial inventory list is in the works and will be attached and initialed by both of us on receipt of goods.

Anyway...I hope this is helpful and gives you some ideas if you're looking to sell retail. As things come up, I'll post again. I'm sure it will be interesting to see how things pan out.

Less than a week

2009-05-12T11:24:00.004-04:00

Lately I've been devoting my time to producing work for sale in a spa that's opening soon. It's tough to know what will sell ahead of time in this market, so I'm making a variety of things (many photos posted to my portfolio here). This means my online shops have been quiet and nothing new has hit them for a while. If business takes off, I'll know better where to spend my time, but for now it's tough filling all the mouths.

Here's some shots of some new things for the spa -

I just love my little hang tags and stuff. I'm using 26ga brass wire to hold them onto the bracelets and stuff. Kind of funny and I don't know that I'll continue, but I was at a loss the other day and duh - I'm the Wire Smith for heaven's sake.

Anyway...I'm off to my mom's. She's helping me make a bracelet display for the spa.

Hidden bonus

2009-05-09T08:11:00.003-04:00

I may have mentioned that I'm going back to school for a bit to sharpen up my skills so I can move in a new direction career-wise. My first class was this past Thursday and Friday. Oddly enough, my instructor Steve noticed the necklace I was wearing upon meeting me and of course I said that I'd made it. He got very excited and said he loved to buy jewelry for his wife (oh bless you dear man, teach others of your methods!) and wouldn't I bring some in tomorrow for him to look at. A couple of the women in class were also excited about it and almost all the participants ended up buying something.

The necklace from my elegant pearl set the other day went with the teacher and I'm making earrings to match in a different style from the ones I originally made. Gary bought earrings for his wife. Elizabeth bought a bracelet for mom and earrings for herself, plus she says she'll hook me up with a friend who does a jewelry expo in Boston 4 times a year. Linda bought a bracelet and earrings set for herself and another pair of earrings for her daughter. Chris wants me to see if I can make a necklace to match the mother of pearl set and since we'll be in the next class together, I'll see him then.

Wow. I was so overwhelmed with their positive reactions. It was so gratifying and gave me some insight into what sells as far as design and price points. It has depleted my consignment stash, but I can quickly make more of what sold. Price wise bracelets at $20 are not an issue, but the larger, more involved and thus more expensive earrings did not sell. Moderately priced, simpler earrings went faster - especially ones with unusual design and construction - not just your typical danglers. It was very enlightening.

I had everything on the Wire Smith tags with my Etsy address as well as a stack of business cards and post cards. I think it went a long way to establish me as more than a hobbiest. It legitimized me as a business. It also bore out something I've long suspected - you have to see my work to appreciate it. I think a lot of wire jewelry is this way. The detail and the craftsmanship just don't translate well in photographs on a computer. This little trial run put me in a more optimistic frame of mind about how my work might sell in my friend's spa. I'm even more positive now that it will. Yay for going back to school!

Another set

2009-05-04T13:55:00.004-04:00

for consignment. Very summery. Mother of pearl - faceted beads again - paired with amethyst rondelles. Handmade clasp in sterling silver. I quite like it, but it's a PITA to photograph. Hard to get that shimmery loveliness that MoP gives off.

More Consignment Creations

2009-05-04T08:11:00.005-04:00

The official opening day for my friend's spa is May 18th - 2 weeks away. She generously bought some displays despite my protests that, since it was my work and she didn't even want a percentage of sales, I should buy them. So I've put a few sets together to feature in her shop.

This one is jasper, I think. Certainly will need to verify before putting it up for sale. Sterling silver throughout. The beads are gorgeous and earthy and I like the little square beads between the stones on the bracelet - different from the usual round ones.

This set is made of rhodochrosite and pearls. The clasp is made from sterling silver and is accented with some coordinating seed beads. Since the bracelet itself is a bit on the fancy side, I thought that it needed a clasp that would not have to be hidden and I think it works. Matching earrings also in sterling silver. I think it is feminine and substantial at the same time.

This set is amazonite, smoky quartz and a kind of false jade. The colors just pop and I've interspersed them with sterling silver rounds. Again, the clasp is customized for the bracelet with complementary seed beads and wirework that gives it visual interest. All sterling.

Today I'll make a few more things - some of which will go into the Etsy shop even though there hasn't been much interest in my work there. No sales for a while. Hopefully my being the Artisan item of the Day today will get some traffic over there and maybe result in sales.

Check it out!

Visitors

2009-04-29T17:44:00.005-04:00

I threw a little party on my back deck today. Only served birdseed and water, but look who showed up.

Chickadee trying to see who's flirting with his date.

Finch, stepping up to the bar.

Catbird, having his first drink.

And of course, someone had to crash!

This just in

2009-04-29T12:33:00.004-04:00

Just added these to the shop this am. Some other bloggers I read refer to wanting to lick stones because they look so good. These faceted nuggets of Amazonite are like that. They're like little candies. Very cool and refreshing for summer. Am making a bracelet to match now. Sweet.

Finished an elegant set

2009-04-27T16:15:00.003-04:00

This is what I've been working on lately...a really beautiful set featuring sterling silver and peacock pearls. The links are precisely measured, cut, shaped and gently hammered. They are connected with beautifully matched pearls set in sterling beadcaps. Complementary earrings are made from a single piece of wire and hung with the same pearl drops. The cirlce earrings are just there because I felt like including them. They're also gently hammered sterling silver and are very light with lots of movement. All are tumbled for durability and shine.

I'm not sure where I'm going to offer the necklace and earrings. They really need to be seen to be appreciated. Will take better photos tomorrow.

Back at the bench

2009-04-26T09:29:00.004-04:00

Took the weekend off. Didn't make a thing even though a batch of beads arrived. Very glad it did since it included some bead caps I need to complete a necklace that's been in the works a while. It's really elegant and simple, but I'm not sure if I should list it on Etsy or if I should put it in the spa where many other pieces are headed. It opens next week!

So to go along with my merchandise, I've had the lovely and talented Miss Helen put together some post card designs for me. I'll post pictures when they arrive since the files she sent me get totally distorted when I use them online. I'm going to use them as counter cards - sort of like an oversized business card or a small flyer. An ad basically.

Oh and the big thing that was in the works has come to pass. I've decided to make a career change and go back to school. At least for a little while. My first class starts next Thursday. I'm a bit nervous, but it's an adult education deal, so I won't be in a room of 20-year-olds. UMass is the school I've chosen and I'll be going during the day since I have time. Hopefully by the end of the summer I'll have a qualification that I lack now. The lack is preventing me from going where I want to go careerwise and I'm really hoping that with it I can do some contract work. Since being so royally screwed by my last emloyers (who have known me for well over a decade and I thought were my friends) I'm not anxious to put myself in so vulnerable a position again. Contracting might be a way to remain independent, but provide income. Wish me luck.

I've been working

2009-04-23T07:50:00.004-04:00

Really I have. Grand new workbench and all, I'd better be. I have so much space now, but am trying my hardest to not let it get out of hand. You should have seen my old desk...cluttered to the point where I couldn't actually work. I'm sure a lot of you know what I mean. Leftovers from finished work, parts of pieces that stalled or didn't quite gel, scraps of wire and stones grouped together in little "ideas", sketches, scraps...it's crazy.

So anyway...I've been working on inventory for a consignment deal that is in the works and here's what I have for her -

The double drop leaf earrings are near duplicates of the ones in the shop...she liked them so I made another pair. The rest is just me fooling around. It's tough to know ahead of time what the potential clientele will want, so I'm doing a lot of different things. This assumes anything will sell at all.

I also have some counter cards in the works. Postcards with photos of my work and business information. These will be at the spa in lieu of business cards and also my hairdresser said she'd put some at her station for me. Sweet. I hope it works. Sales have been super slow. Oh, I just remembered I have to try to print out my hang tags to see if they will work. So much to do.

There is also another really big thing in the works, but it's not 100% yet (I should know today) and so I don't want to let the rabbit out of the hat quite yet.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T16:24:00.002-04:00

My new workspace

2009-04-20T15:26:00.004-04:00

So we finally got the window stained (still no window treatments or anything yet...one thing at a time folks!) and can get my new bench into place. Here it is!

It's almost 6-feet of solid maple with huge drawers. I can stand or sit on a stool to work. After going outside to make a necklace that required hammering, I definitely see the advantage to standing for some things. I'm a bit intimidated by it and will have to actually work at it for a bit to see where best to stow what. My Bisley cabinet remains though - I love that thing. Good for packaging supplies, pens, scissors, wire, calculator etc.

Primo worksurface!

Anyway...no excuse for idleness now!

Gearing up

2009-04-19T13:18:00.002-04:00

It's mostly together, but because of where it has to go (in front of a window that needs staining) it will be delayed. I'm VERY excited about it though. A proper bench where I can stand and work. Big metal drawers. Places for hooks, but I can see the cats just loving that and knocking everything off, so we might not use that option. 6 feet long, 18 inches wide. Solid maple top. It will be sweet. I'll post pictures when it's fully together and in place.

Also put in an order for some more beads. Not a ton, but some. Am working with an old colleague to put my jewelry into her spa that's opening on the 5th and I want to build up some inventory for her. It's an expense, but she insists she doesn't want a cut of the sales so I may be solvent with these purchases sooner rather than later. Good thing, too since I need more wire.

Blueberry Hill

2009-04-17T13:59:00.004-04:00

New in the shop today. I bought these little quartz coins from another Etsy seller, but the holes are so tiny only a pair of them would fit on my headpins. Sooo...here they are, paired with my favorite Montana Blue Czech glass rondells. Sparkly ain't they?

Carnelian Incarnation

2009-04-16T10:29:00.003-04:00

Pele is the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire and her name (and fearsome reputation) popped into my head while I was making these. They are substantial and stunning...some of my best work both jewelry wise and photography wise. Put them in the shop today after some internal debate. Carnelian is one of my favorite stones. I don't see many other designers using it often, so I do. It's warm and comes in so many shades. The translucence of it is magical.

So it's Wordless Wednesday is it?

2009-04-15T09:58:00.003-04:00

New in the shop today

2009-04-14T09:44:00.003-04:00

Ramping up the old inventory. These are really lustrous and beautiful. I hope someone takes them home, soon.

Become a fan on Facebook and mention it in your Etsy transaction and receive a free gift with purchase!!

Been busy

2009-04-12T10:56:00.006-04:00

Had a couple of sales (those green and gold Roman inspired earrings in my last post are GONE!) and am making new things. Here are some that are inspired by a pair worn by the character Angela in the TV series Bones. Whoever the jewelry designer is on that show is great. Drool city.

I'm very happy with the way they turned out. I decided to put the texture in at the last minute after looking them over without it. It add something to it...visual interest maybe. Definitely catches the light more than if I left them plain. The stone is moukalite and I love the carved detail. I hope they sell.

Here's a shot of the carnelian brios in the sun. They look so warm and golden. I haven't quite decided if I'm selling them or not.

5 new earrings for the shop!

2009-04-11T11:56:00.004-04:00

Hitting the shop soon. Check out those carnelian briolettes. I'm especially proud of those. I think I'll have a Mother's Day Sale, too. I used up all my gold 20ga wire, so another shopping list is in the works.

Mother's day commision

2009-04-10T08:15:00.004-04:00

Not a big project, but one for a repeat customer. I kinda like them. 12k Gold filled wire, hammered and tumbled. Rose quartz and Swarovski. Think I'll make some more stuff and have a Mother's Day Sale.

Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated

2009-04-09T07:51:00.004-04:00

Yeah, it's been quiet around here lately. Combination of a lot of things. Real Life. Pain. The need to get an actual, paying job. Self-doubt. Laziness.

But if I can stand to sit in my work chair long enough to make something, I think that I will. My back has been a horror for a few days and I can't even put on my own socks, much less sit upright for any length of time. I'm so pissed. It just comes and gets me for no reason.

Anyway, I hope to be back in the saddle soon. I think it's just a phase.

OK, I'm ready to go try out my bench chair. Am restless and bored and need some distraction with accomplishment. Languishing in self-pity isn't helping me.

Funky bracelet full of character

2009-03-17T08:31:00.003-04:00

I can't stop looking at this one. Each link is unique with cool detail and was painstaking to make. I'm quite pleased with the quality. It has harmony and balance and I can barely part with it. Luckily I can always make another.

Sales have been very slow lately, but I'm still plugging away. Thinking about ad space and other venues for promotion. The number of items for sale is growing and has enough variety I think. It takes time to click I suppose. As long as I remain positive and productive, things can progress.

Amethyst earrings

2009-03-16T09:07:00.004-04:00

Changed tack a bit on the photos and went outside for these. I like the way they came out. Just listed these on Etsy today. Have a few more things to list. Trouble is, I'm getting pickier and pickier about my photos and the ones I have just aren't cutting it. Bah. I have earrings and a neat little bracelet with no pictures yet. Got to get on the stick.

Photographic evidence

2009-03-12T10:44:00.004-04:00

Of course that phrase doesn't mean much these days when CGI and Photoshop rule the galaxy. But I'm an old-school holdover to a large degree. I prefer to do most of my work in camera and not post-production. Just me. Not to say that I don't use Photoshop and other editors. I do, but only to adjust to reality when things go a bit awry. Nothing major, I haven't got the patience.

So I've been meaning to shoot some things using my old lightpanel that I used when I shot slides. It's very spectrum neutral (as it has to be for slide sorting) and has a nice shiny surface that adds reflections to the picture. I also think that it helps give a polished look to the photos.

So...thoughts? Are these improvements over the others that I've done? A step in the right direction? I think so, but hell, what do I know?

Experimenting with photography

2009-03-11T12:43:00.004-04:00

So this morning I shot a bunch of things on a new surface...my lightboard. I've had one forever. Back in the old day it was for viewing and sorting slides. When I shot film, that was my preference. It hasn't seen much use lately so I wondered how things would look against it. Mostly they came out well. I like the reflections in the shiny plastic, but need to go rework them due to lack of crispness on some and depth of field on others. How lucky we are to have digital these days. I'd have "wasted" 2 36 frame rolls on just this short session. But pictures make the sale many times, so it's important to me to keep improving. When I'm done the re-shoot I'll post some examples of what I mean.

Spotlight - with bloggers I follow

2009-03-09T10:53:00.002-04:00

You know who you are. This went up this morning. And yeah...I snuck in one of my own items. Mostly as an experiment to see if it generates anything in the way of views which have been seriously low on my Etsy site.

Well, off to shower and then make some earrings. Enjoy, peeps.

A new gig

2009-03-07T12:18:00.003-05:00

So hey check it out. Tim @ Found-Handmade was looking for some people to help out on his most excellent blog and since I already follow it I decided to muster for it. My first spotlight went up today, it's called Reaching.

I name all of my pieces after songs and so have decided to continue with spotlights. Reaching is a song by a Finnish metal band called Blake.

Anyway, the spotlight started out with 3 items I hearted over at Etsy. Those I found by pure serendipity, the others I put together with the purpose of rounding out the collection. I LOVE the fact that one of them is a notebook skin, something seldom seen in the handmade oeuvre.

Don't expect the usual stuff in my spotlights - they will be hard-edged and weird, that's for sure.

Anyway, here it is -

Contest

2009-03-05T12:46:00.003-05:00

Not me, but chocolateandsteel. Look at that gorgeous ring. Her style is really up my alley. If I just weren't broke and out of work. Oy vey. Well, I've added her as a favorite on Etsy, so maybe someday when my fortunes change.

the prize - ain't it purdy? I hope I win. : )

A necklace for a change

2009-03-05T11:26:00.004-05:00

Not-so-basic black. Graduated onyx and 18ga sterling wire. I like it a lot. Just made it this morning and posted to the shop just now.

My snowy back deck makes a lovely photo studio.

Just in

2009-03-04T13:14:00.003-05:00

time for spring. Another semi-set. I didn't put them in the shop that way, but separated them. The earrings were a trial run for another pair I made for a friend's daughter's birthday. I usually try out new designs in non-precious wire first, that way if I goof, it's an inexpensive goof. But they came out perfect and looked so nice that I decided to keep them instead of taking them apart. When I put them side by side with the sterling silver pair, I couldn't tell the difference.

I'm selling them as howlite though, not as the "tangerine turquoise" they were sold to me as. Turquoise is the color it is - aqua, green and blue - because of copper. It's shades of verdigris folks and so anything else - purple, pink or yellow - is not turquoise. It might have been mined near turquoise, but the lack of a copper deposit makes it something else. Not that it's a bad thing, just don't get fooled, ok. The bracelet does use real turquoise though and it's listed as such. I like them both and can't wait until it's warm out.

Slumpity, slump slump

2009-03-03T15:59:00.003-05:00

I'm out of it! The slump that is.

For a while there I just didn't feel like making anything. Felt like nothing gelled. Nothing inspired. Nothing seemed worth it. Got lazy and crabby. Unmotivated and unconvinced I have any talent at all. I've never put myself out there in this way before and I think it's a natural phase of doing so. The whole time I knew that if I didn't keep working, it would fade. The creativity engine takes a lot to crank over cold so it's best to leave it running. Unfortunately my engine was pretty much out of gas.

Part of it was just getting out of the chair I'm sitting in now. It's an Eames Lounge Chair that I bought myself for my 40th birthday last year. Ever since I first saw one when I was 18 or so, I've lusted after one. Normally I'm not a furniture snob, but I figured what the hell - you only turn 40 once (and it was a bargain compared to the BMW I bought myself when I turned 30). So when I get in this iconic wonder, I can hardly get myself out of it. But it's not my desk. It's not my creative space. What I needed to do was shift myself upstairs; back to my bench. It worked and I made 3 new things today.

Today I also learned 11 more people were laid off from the same company I was, including some folks I thought were totally safe. It helped me realize that it wasn't personal (even though it felt like it at the time) and that I'm glad I'm not there any longer. I can't even imagine the morale - lowest of the low, I'm sure.

Now is the time for me to network. To be excited. To empower and be empowered. To find a new community and I've taken a few more steps in that direction. Stay tuned.

In honor of those gorgeous eyes

2009-02-27T12:29:00.005-05:00

in my last post. (seems no one else appreciates Mr. Wyndorf's hotness - ah well - Love ya Dave.) Just put these in the shop today after a long dry spell of self-doubt. Anyway...more later.

We interrupt this blog

2009-02-25T17:03:00.003-05:00

for a total hottie.

Lapis and sterling bracelet

2009-02-23T09:20:00.003-05:00

I really like this one, but have put it into the shop for sale. Though I haven't had a sale in over a week, I have hope that this one will find a home.

Going into the shop today

2009-02-18T07:53:00.004-05:00

Couple of things. A bracelet that came out shorter than it has in the past since I changed up some of the jumprings and didn't hammer this one as I usually do. It barely fits me, but I can make extra links with no problem. I should probably do that before I list it though.

And the earrings I really like. I've been trying to incorporate these lustrous peacock pearls I got a while ago, but nothing seemed quite right, but this does. Have a few more ideas brewing about them as well.

Got a bit depressed and unmotivated yesterday. Will have to really watch that. Decided to go back to pilates. There's got to be a class around here somewhere, but I'll start a routine at home. I remember most of the forms and have a routine online that I can follow. I think if I felt better in body, I might feel better in mind and spirit.

Days off paid off

2009-02-17T10:47:00.003-05:00

So my downtime produced a few nice things, two of which have been added to the shop today. Swarovski crystal earrings that remind me of a constellation of stars and another pair earrings on sculpted wires, this time in a carnelian-colored jade heart. They're both quite lovely and I have a bracelet and another pair of earrings on deck.

Days off

2009-02-16T08:13:00.004-05:00

It seems strange to take time off from my newborn jewelry business when it's practically the only income I have these days, but I did. Felt myself running out of steam Friday and so did very little the next two days. No sales for days makes me sad and I have to strap down those feelings of inadequacy and loserdom. I know my work is good, I just need to try harder or find better avenues for promotion. Things will come together eventually, but I needed a break. I feel a little guilty, but I think it recharged my creative process a bit. There are a couple of ideas floating around in my head now that I will pull into the physical world. Plus I got to read a book. It was nice to escape into another world for a bit.

Speaking of books, my other blog is really feeling ignored lately so I must go post a couple of reviews.

2 new listings in the shop

2009-02-12T15:03:00.006-05:00

The first one is the only set I've made so far. I'm not really a matchy-matchy type girl, but I liked this new knot technique I learned and decided to make earrings, too. I think they came out quite well. It could be that I was watching The Sting while making them, and that much eye candy is bound to make a girl happy.

The second one is taken from Cynthia Wu again and her book Inspired Wire. I LOVE her designs and have adopted many of them.

All of these hit the shop today.

1st day, new time schedule

2009-02-11T07:40:00.004-05:00

Fairly successful.

Went up to continue with a piece at 9:30 and worked solid for an hour, then broke for a yogurt and checked email, etc. Back up and worked for another hour and checked again briefly. Lunch at 1:00 and another brief check. Called it quits when the piece was done and coincidentally it was 5:00.

As far as time management goes, it was good, but the bracelet I made doesn't work for me. I'll probably take it apart and use the elements separately so my whole day won't be wasted, but on its own it is a failure. Oh well. It's part of the process.

Today is for doing errands, lunching with a friend and maybe I'll start another piece. Have some ideas floating around that involve turquoise and lapis.

Anyway...be wise with your time today, peeps, and don't forget to enjoy what you do!

Time management and the small business

2009-02-10T08:55:00.003-05:00

Phew. I've been doing this my own business thing for about a month now and I feel sort of successful, but sort of not. It's funny how working for others really makes you diligent about your time. Mostly because you'll probably get into some kind of trouble if you're not. It's all about accountability. So who is holding me accountable now?

The truth is, I should be more intelligent about where and how I spend my time. Lately I think I've been doing a lot more promoting than creating and that can't be good for long. Soon anyone who visits my shop will be bored by the scanty selection. That's not how to get sticky eyeballs on your site.

So I've been thinking of devising a schedule for myself. Nothing hugely rigid, but one that keeps me on task and away from the computer which my biggest time suck. I have a loose plan in my head about where I want to take my business, but I think I need to write it out and set some goals. Then the schedule should follow according to those goals.

For example, I wanted to make some money so that I could continue to buy supplies even though someone took my job away. I listed lots of lovely things that I had already made and some that I hadn't and it worked after tooting my own horn to some people. I just received some new wire and will soon put in an order for some beads in a gorgeous color scheme. My simple promotion plan worked, but I want a wider audience so I've scoped out a few blogs that I want to buy ad space on and also have a plan to network with some folks I know IRL. But this requires more inventory and diversity of product. In order to get that I need to create and produce more and be on the computer promoting less. I need to be accountable to myself. This is my job and it needs to work.

So when I'm on the computer, it has to be for a certain set of tasks and follow ups. Say for 2 hours in the morning after I get up and then enforced stop and set to making new products. When there are orders to go out, pack them in the morning so they can get in the mailbox in time. Break for lunch and check digital venues again. After this, say an hour, I go back to working on new pieces.

These days I find myself on the computer for 12 hours and that's a sure way to burnout. So before this happens I'll take myself in hand and get more done in the same amount of time. Wish me luck!

Today's project

2009-02-08T18:00:00.006-05:00

Started this necklace at about 2:30 and finished at 5:20. Not bad. It's 20g sterling silver wire with two kinds of garnet beads - the traditional dark red and the not-so-traditional pale green. It's an unexpected color combination, but I think it works because the green is not intense. It's 22 1/2 inches long and I'll do some additional shaping once I have it up on the bust tomorrow. I'm done for today.

Update. Posted for one day and SOLD, baby!!! Woo hoo!!!

Facebook Fan Page

2009-02-06T14:16:00.005-05:00

Ta-da!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-Wire-Smith/48915173439

Check me out. I created a fan page for the business. It will be really cool I think. Can use it to communicate to my customers and to promote my shop. yay.

And while I'm here - the newest item in the shop is this adorable Zuni bear bracelet.

Glass and wire earrings

2009-02-05T11:11:00.005-05:00

I love these. Made them the other day. Good for beads with large holes since the wire (22g) goes through it a few times. and I love my old 90mm macro lens. What a gorgeous piece of glass it is.

click for the whole picture. Damn you blogger.

My workspace

2009-02-04T13:09:00.005-05:00

So there was a thread a while back on the Etsy forums for folks to show their workspaces. Here's mine.

Let's get Larry out of the way...he's my snuggler, sometime "helper", midnight howler and all around good guy.

Shelves, organizers and a pig!

Plus my Bisley cabinet which I love.

The desk is older than me...my dad made it when he was like 20 or something. Once mom got a rolltop desk I grabbed it and I can't part with it even if it is a hideous green.

It's on the 2nd floor which is a big loft kind of area. I've got a skylight and a window behind and to the left of my chair. Big old (and I mean old) stereo and turntable which gets a workout sometimes.

I do need another shelf near me because I find I just don't have enough room to put stuff down sometimes...like lenses and photography stuff mostly. But it works for now.

To sell or not to sell

2009-02-03T10:35:00.003-05:00

That is the question.
I love this piece. It took me a whole day to make. It's a bracelet in A-grade labradorite framed with sterling silver and wrapped with gold wire. The way the light catches the stones is breathtaking. It's also a substantial piece. Not dainty by any means. I love it and don't know if I can bear to part with it. On the other hand, I think it would sell.

What do you guys think?

Today's project

2009-02-02T17:32:00.003-05:00

A slightly modified version of a design I have in a book. I kind of like it. Will go on the shop tomorrow. Pardon the little cat hairs in the photo...thanks, Larry.