Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry

More Things for HBS Express

2009-09-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the items I've shipped out to a friend's shop in Oregon. . . Due to the fact that I no longer live in Oregon and can't routinely polish up the silver after it has tarnished, I've switched to copper. Copper, once it oxidizes looks very cool, so I'm hoping these items and others that I've already sent, do well for her.

This is my first set of copper briolette flowers (normally, I use sterling). But, I just switched to copper & made my own chokers out of 16 ga. copper wire. The best part of making the chokers is what I used for a form. . . one of my husband's kettlebells! We use use them for working out, but they make an awesome tool to form large circles and hoops. I use a lot of our exercise equipment in my jewelry making. . .

Yep, you guessed it! To make these hoops, I use an Olympic weightlifting bar. It is the perfect size for my favorite hoops! These are made with 14 ga. copper wire, with sterling silver posts soldered on to the ends. Of course, I don't want to ruin my husband's expensive collection of exercise equipment, so I only use a rubber hammer when forming my hoops & circles to make sure I don't ruin the finish. I'd hate to have to replace that stuff!

Fun with Copper Washers

2009-08-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

OK, I will amit to taking the easy route with this bunch! However, the little box of assorted copper washers that are available at Harbor Freight are awesome! They come is various sizes, and make a great addition to jewelry. I drill, hammer, wrap, solder, etc. . . the possibilities are endless, especially since I don' t have to make them myself with a disc cutter. This first set is hammered copper washers with turquoise magnasite and a copper toggle.

This next photo is of a bracelet made with one large and several smaller copper washers that I drilled and linked together with jumprings. It is finished with copper chain and trigger clasp.

Here is a photo of the whole group. Most of this is on its way to Oregon!

Have a nice day!

Riveted Lake Michigan Beach Stones

2009-06-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

I took a Riveting class at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago, and this is my first try at my new skill. . . I used found stones from the shores of Lake Michigan, drilled holes in them with my Dremel tool & a diamond drill bit, and finally made a bail out of copper sheet & a rivet out of fine silver. I am planning on adding these to my Etsy shop whenever I can take more photos.

Thanks for looking!

Kris Webster Fundraiser Update!

2009-06-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

To date, I've been able to send Kris $491! Thank you to all the Wilson Elementary & Mequon, WI families who've purchased the necklaces. I will continue to make and sell as long as there is a need. Kris is still struggling and I'm hoping her health improves soon. Please keep her in your prayers.

Bead and Button Show

2009-06-08T07:07:00.001-07:00

Well, last week the Bead & Button show finally arrived in Milwaukee. I had been waiting since January, when I first signed up to attend & take a class. My good friend & I took a class on how to make rivets. It was a good class & I learned the basics. I'm ready to start experimenting with new things! After the class, we went out for sushi with a couple of friends, then we headed back to the convention center for the bead show. Here is a pic of my stash... It was a great day!

Fundraiser for Kris Webster

2009-06-01T06:48:00.001-07:00

Kris Webster is a friend of mine and was diagnosed last fall with a brain tumor. She is a single mom of two adorable kids and has not worked since she had her surgery in November. Although her surgery was successful and her outlook is good, she has continued to have issues that have kept her from working and driving. Because of all this, along with her medical bills, she is struggling financially. So, I figured since my last fundraiser was such a huge success, why not do another?

The necklace is handcrafted by me out of 16 gauge sterling silver wire. First I form the rings on mandrels (I use a Magic Marker for the large one, and a Sharpie for the small one!). Next I cut the rings with my jeweler's saw, solder, hammer and tumble. The finished necklace is on a simple sterling silver cable chain. I am donating 1/2 of the total sales of these necklaces to Kris. I've made one necklace for big girls & one for little girls. The large one is just over an inch in diameter, is on a 16 inch sterling silver chain and costs $20. The mini is about 1/2 inch and comes on a 14 inch sterling silver chain. Have a great day!

Secret Sale for our Starving Jewelry Artist Team on Etsy

2009-05-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

Etsy’s Starving Jewelry Artist Team is having a (shhhhh) secret sale. If you are interested in some FABULOUS handmade jewelry, mosey over to our blog for the (shhhhhhh) super secret code needed to obtain the special deals, discounts and freebies all weekend long, Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31. The super secret code needed to garner these great deals will be posted to our team blog on Friday morning.

The Starving Jewelry Artists Team Blog If you would like to be notified of future team deals, discounts, sales and events, I’d encourage you to subscribe to our blog.

For my part, I will be offering 15% off my entire sea glass collection, including custom made pieces in my Etsy Shop. Although I don't have a huge inventory of pre-made sea glass jewelry, I do have quite a large collection of beach glass, so I am happy to make a one of a kind piece of jewelry just for you.

New Sea Glass Pendant

2009-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is a wire-wrapped chunk of sea glass. I'm not sure where the piece of glass was found, but it was too large to set, so I wrapped it in wire. Portions of the wire are also hammered for a different effect. . . . When I wrap sea glass in wire, I tend to be less formal - note the wrap around the bail. I tend to keep these pendants more care-free - like a day at the beach!

Memorial Day Outing To Lake Michigan

2009-05-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

When we moved to the Milwaukee area last summer, I was looking forward to being near a large body of water. However, I've yet to go find a beach where I could go hunt for beach glass & cool rocks. On Memorial Day, I made the family pack into the car and go to Doctor's Park in Fox Point, WI in northern Milwaukee County. Here is a pic of the kids and me.

Although I didn't spend enough time there to find any glass, I did find some cool stones. This one actually was like a cabochon. . . it was perfectly rounded, and flat on the back. Great shape for setting in silver! The pendant itself is fairly large and measures about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. To see more pics of this, go check out the listing in my Etsy shop.

HOW Fundraiser Update

2009-05-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

To this date, I've made 72 necklaces and have been able to donate $928 to the Allison Huff Heart of a Warrior fund. Woohoo! And, thank you to all who've supported her. From what I've heard, she is making great progess and getting back into a somewhat normal life!

Fundraisers. . . good for business?

2009-05-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm in the middle of a couple of fundraisers right now. And, I got to thinking that if you are trying to start up a home jewelry business or you need to get new clients, this sort of thing could be a good idea to breathe new life into what you are doing. For both of mine, I'm not using it as a means to get new customers, a mailing list, or anything like that - I'm too busy right now to deal with more work! My main goal is to be able to donate some $$ to a couple of friends.

However, if you really would like to use it as a way to increase your customer base, it would be a GREAT way for you to do that. . . you'd have a built in audience, plus depending on how much you dontated to the group, you could make some decent $$. Similar to Pampered Chef, Tupperware, etc., you could offer 10% and up of the sales to a group . . . it would work for scouting troops, sports clubs, civic organizations, etc. You would have a built in audience or market! You wouldn't want to donate 50% of the sales, like me . . . you would never make any money for you! However, if you dontated 10-20%, you could make a decent chunk of change.

Here are some things I've learned. . . .

* Have set dates. Don't leave it open-ended. You can always extend a fundraiser to go longer, if needed. Go for a short, reasonable amount of time, and extended as needed if sales are still strong. For me, I scheduled my Heart fund raiser at a busy time of the year for me, plus all of the items were to be shipped. Packaging and shipping take a lot of effort & time! I originally didn't have an end date, but quickly learned that I was getting busy with life - family, kids, etc. come first in my world!

* Think about setting a donation maximum amount . . . the fundraiser will end once a certain amount has been raised. This also goes along with setting an end date to the fundraiser. You could be committed to making bracelets for months if you leave it open! For my first fundraiser, I donated 50% of the sales through Mother's Day, then decreased the amount to 25% for the duration. And, orders are still trickling in!

* Designing a special item for the group is a good thing. It will help capture your audience and they will feel a connection and want to buy your product. I designed a school spirit bracelet for a high school dance squad to sell . . . it raised a few hundred dollars for the group. The Heart was designed for a girl who recently had a heart transplant. Make it relevant and/or something people would want to buy.

* Doing a fundraiser is a good way to get an Esty shop off the ground. Run all your sales & transactions through Etsy & Paypal to help get sales in your shop. If you are after a lot of feedback, include a gentle reminder for customers to leave feedback in the Etsy system. If you are going to use Etsy, remember to include the additional fees when determining a price and donation amount. . . with Etsy comes listing fees, selling fees, and PayPal fees . . . fees take a piece of the pie! Don't make the mistake of forgetting about fees, which could make you end up losing money on a fundraiser!

* If you will be making the item personally, make sure it is something that can be easily duplicated without a lot of effort. And. if needed, kids/spouse/friends can help assemble. Don't make it too complicated. Luckily, I thought of this - I had a reasonable design idea, that I could duplicate easily, and assemble quickly. My main "nag" was the packaging and shipping proccess. I've got back-up help ready for this next fundraiser. . . any help from hammering circles to packaging to distributing. . . several friends have already offered to help when needed.

* Be prepared for orders! For my first one, I wasn't. I sold over 25 pieces the first 24 hours! Luckily, though, I had plenty of notices up that customers needed to wait up to 2 weeks for delivery, in case I got swamped with orders. I did. Everyone got their products delivered in about a week. But, you need to be prepared for supplies being backordered, slow postal service, etc. You never know, so you want to communicate with the supporters. I was just lucky MonsterSlayer had all my supplies in stock and are really quick with shipments.

* Use the organization to help promote! If they are going to benefit, they WILL help promote what you are doing. It is in their best interest. Have order forms, websites, and plenty of information available for the people who will be selling or attending an event.

* Have several ways to accept payments. . . cash, check, cc, PayPal. . . all work. If someone is paying with cash, they need to pay you directly. Keep all these funds separate from personal accounts and well documented in your business account.

* Keep detailed records! Excel spreadsheets are the best way I know how to keep myself organized. Also, you need to keep track of deliveries and shipments! You don't want to forget anyone who's contributed to the fundraiser.

* Make your donations in a timely manner. Don't hold onto the money and get a false sense of a fat bank account. . . . you might end up spending it on beads!

Anyway, I just wanted to put this out here. I know sales are lagging for a lot of us home-based jewlery makers, and crafters in general. Fundraising might be the answer in this crappy economic time. Organizations need money, we need money to buy supplies or support our families - you both can win!

Finally, think about this. . . donating 20% of the total sales to a charity is better than giving 40% to a consignment shop or 50% on a wholesale order, right?

Good luck!

Allison Huff Fundraiser

2009-04-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Whew! This is what I've been working on for the past few days . . . The Allison Huff "Heart of a Warrior" fundraiser. Allison is the 11-year-old daughter, grand daughter, and neice of some very close childhood friends. (Actually, I don't really even know Allison - I think I may have met her once a couple of summers ago.) Anyway, her aunt Theresa, contacted our family about Allison's medical condition that has kept her in the hospital since February 3 awaiting a heart transplant. Luckily, Allison received a new heart shortly after Easter and is recovering!

Theresa organized a family fundraiser in Quincy, IL that was held on April 18, 2009 and was looking for support. Since I make jewelry, I offered to create a piece to sell as part of her fundraiser. You can find them for sale in my Etsy Shop. For every necklace that is sold, 1/2 of the sales price will go directly to the Huff family. I've been overwhelmed with repsonses!

The following photos shows what I've been doing to get these necklaces made and shipped to all those who are supporting Allison.....

1. I have to have a hot cup of tea - Earl Grey (Stash), no sweetener, 1/2 & 1/2.

2. I start with some 16 gauge sterling silver wire....cut into pieces for 2 sides of the heart. . .

3. Next, I curl the ends and shape the heart - notice the variation?

4. Filing comes next - I have to file the ends so the metal can be soldered.

5. Soldering - flux, solder, torch all work wonders!

6. Quench in water, then soak in my homemade pickle solution (vinegar & salt).

7. Wipe clean, then shape the tail, hammer, and tumble for a high polish.

Now I am just waiting on the arrival of chains so I can get these babies shipped out to all those wonderful people who have purchased these necklaces. Again, if you would like to purchase one of these necklaces, which are available in large ($27) & small ($25) sizes, please visit my Etsy Shop at http://www.accentyourself.etsy.com/ Domestic shipping is included in the price. Thank you so much!

Newest Items in My Etsy Shop

2009-02-02T16:23:00.001-08:00

Since the start of the new year, I've made a commitment to really step up my effort in my Etsy shop. And, that means making more jewelry. . . Here are some of the things I've made recently.

First up . . . Regency Rose Plume Agate pendant on a sterling silver snake chain. I purchased this designer cabochon from The Gem Shop in Cedarburg, WI. Wanting something simple, I made a plain bezel setting, but added a little charm by making a feminine looking bail. Swirls are always a good thing!
Next, is a pair of mod looking rectangular hoops. These earrings are my new favorites and have pushed my big ass hoops to the back of the jewelry drawer. These are made with sterling silver wire and earring posts and are hammered and tumbled for a high polish.
Finally, here is a set of Owyhee Jasper earrings. I like to keep a group of lower- priced items in my shop, and these fit that description - $12 each. I have several strands of owyhee jasper and every bead is a bit different. Owyhee Jasper is found in SE Oregon. Earrings like these have always been hot sellers in my retail settings. Now to just figure out a way to sell them online. . . .hmmmmmm. . . . .
Thanks for looking! My next goal is to keep my blog updated more frequently. (I've heard that one before!). . .

How to Insert a Saw Blade in a Jeweler's Saw

2009-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted a tutorial. So, I've decided to go with something really basic . . . how to insert a saw blade in a jeweler's saw frame. I use a basic adjustable German-made, 4-inch (I think) saw frame with thumb screws. Here is an example from Monsterslayer (one of my favorite suppliers!). I find this type much easier to manage and is what I used in my metalsmithing class. They don't cost a lot, usually less than $15, not including shipping. Saw blades are relatively inexpensive, too. However, when you first start sawing metal, be prepared to break blades - buy extra!

First, you will need to make sure your saw blade is pointing in the right direction - teeth pointing down and out. You can run your finger against the blade to make sure you've got it right. Here is a quick video. . .

After you have the blade tightened in the top and bottom of the saw frame, make sure the thumb screws are tight. Once the blade is in tightly and in the correct position, push the back (adjustable part) of the saw frame with your thumb to increase the tension in the blade. At the same time, tighten the back thumb screw. To test if the blade is in tightly, pluck it like a guitar string. You should hear a high-pitched "ping" with no vibrations. Here is the second video. . .

Other tips:
* Use plenty of lube when sawing. I use beeswax that I bought at a local market.
* You may need to re-tighten the blade often throughout your project. Just push the back of the frame and tighten the thumb screw whenever the blade comes loose.
* When you first start using a jeweler's saw, be prepared to break a lot of blades. Make sure you have plenty on hand - blades are typically sold by the dozen, so this shouldn't be a huge problem!
* Here is a guide to figure out which saw blades work for different thicknesses of sheet or wire.

Good luck and happy sawing!

I have an Etsy Shop - Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry - Please stop by to check out my goodies!

Morrisonite Jasper Bezel Set Pendant on Byzantine Chain

2009-01-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well, this project proved to be quite the undertaking. I bought this awesome Morrisonite Jasper cabochon from The Gem Shop, in Cedarburg, WI (awesome store, by the way) and when I got home to make a bezel for it, I didn't have enough fire power. I either needed two torches or a hotter flame. So, there it sat for a few months until my friend, JF, of TwoChicksToo came over to learn some metalsmithing. Once we had both torches going, the solder flowed perfectly and I was able to finish this piece. I attached it to a sterling silver byzantine chain.

The finished pendant is quite large - approximately 36mm x 46mm and the finished length of the necklace is about 20 inches long, and is adjustable. I'm not quite sure yet when this piece is going to be for sale in my Etsy Shop ... I still have some finish work to do, including some sanding, polishing, etc. . .

A Jumbled Mess. . .

2008-11-23T16:24:00.001-08:00

I had these cool beads, some leftover links, some chain . . . voila! A new necklace! This piece is made with huge ocean jasper rectangles, some smaller faceted citrine, flat cable chain, and links handmade by me. The finished length is about 38 inches long. This piece is listed in my Etsy shop. Have a great day!!

I've Joined A New Etsy Team

2008-11-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve always wanted to know what an Etsy Team is and now I’m going to figure out Etsy once and for all (and maybe actually sell some stuff)! I’ve been an Etsy seller (accentyourself)since the summer of 2007, but that doesn’t actually mean I sell on Etsy. Of my 11 sales, only five of them were actual pieces of jewelry (all of them the same item, too!), three were handmade components, and the rest were beads I wanted to get rid of. Of course, you can’t just join Etsy, open a shop, then expect the sales cash to come rolling in – it requires actual effort! Since I’m not the poster child for “Etsy Effort & Marketing”, I joined this group and hope to improve my status as an Etsian! Yeah, I’m pretty pathetic . . . but oddly enough, there are others in my same situation – I’m not alone!

Our Group

Our new team – SATEAM (Starving Artists Team) – is made up of members of the Starving Jewelry Artists Forum and formed in November 2008. The forum was started by a friend of mine a few years ago, and we’ve continued to grow and offer great information on metalsmithing techniques, seed beading, bead making, jewelry business, and more. We left out the “jewelry” in our Etsy team title to encourage participation from other artists and mediums. We’d like to be more diverse eventually.

Our fearless leader is Laurel Peters, aka Lavalleygirl. At the time I wrote this article, she has sold over 500 items in her shop(s) in a short amount of time – she joined Etsy in April 2007. I’d consider that quite a success and would take all the advice I could get from her. Along with Laurel, there are several other members who are volunteering their time with various tasks associated with organizing and running a successful Etsy team.

So, what is a Team?

An Etsy Team is an organized group of sellers who help market & promote each other, mentor newbies, offer critiques on shops (descriptions, tags, titles, etc.), photography tips . . . basically any information to help improve your shop & increase sales. Here is a link to the Etsy Team Informational Page. Yes, I’m finding out there is strength in numbers (& diversity). And, I’ll need to actually participate, keep my shop open and stocked, take great photographs, and be open to helping others. I think I can do that!

I'll be posting quite a bit more on this process. I am learning it takes a lot of people to volunteer their time to make a successful Etsy team. We have a variety of tasks, some requiring a lot of effort & time. Here are some of what is required to start an Etsy team . . .

* A leader to apply/submit membership to Etsy Administration.

* Make a team banner/artwork for the shop.

* Approve/add/maintain a member list. Some teams are juried. For now our team is not juried. And, membership will close soon. We are debating on how/when to open membership.

* Open & maintain a Team shop. Ours is SATEAM. We won't be selling anything in there, however, in the profile, there is a listing of all of our current members. So, it needs to be continuously maintained & updated with announcements, sales, membership, etc. (This is one of my duties.)

* Set up & maintain a Team blog. We have a few of our members that will be maintaining our team's blog that will feature members, post photos of work, and have team related articles.

* We also have a Flickr photo pool that features photographs of our members' work. I already had a lot of my jewelry uploaded in my Flickr account, so this wasn't a difficult task for me. It is just another way to network and show your skills! Here is one of my photo sets on Flickr.

*Set-up a separate Etsy forum within the Starving Jewelry Artist forum. This will be an area where we accomplish our tasks, ask for help & critiques, monitor Treasuries, mentor, and general communication. Keep in mind, one of the main reasons for setting up this group is to keep it a friendly place with no cat fighting allowed!

*Set up a mentoring program. Seasoned & experienced Etsy members will help the new ones learn the ropes. This will include everything from setting up an Etsy shop, to taking photographs, to setting up a Flickr account. We will have volunteer mentors for all aspects of Esty.

Whew! That is a lot of work! Luckily, we have a great group of people working together. We've "known" each other through the internet for quite some time, so we are hopeful our team will be very successful together. We've all had our own shops, but banding together will hopefully help us all achieve more sales!

Up next . . . . the fine art of creating a Treasury on Etsy. What is one? Why are they important? What's the big deal? I'll find out and write about it!

World's Greatest Sandwich

2008-09-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my recipe for The World's Greatest Sandwich. Most of this creation is actually my husband's idea, but the end result was definitely a joint effort! It started out as a meal of meats, cheeses, bread, and salad, & wine but my husband decided to make a sandwich instead. It turned out to be his best idea in the kitchen yet!

Ingredients:

1 loaf of a good crusty bread
Extra virgin olive oil
Grated parmesan cheese
Hard salami (we usually use a couple different varieties from Trader Joe's)
Roasted red peppers (I roast fresh red peppers on the grill)
Soft mild white cheese (we use fresh mozzarella or Port Salut from Trader Joes's)
Trader Joe's Bruschetta (some of the best stuff on earth - square jar w/ a black lid)
Romainne lettuce
Balsamic vinaigrette (again. . . Trader Giotto's)

Heat the bread in the oven while preparing the rest of the ingredients. Slice when warm.

Take a few leaves of the lettuce and wash, dry & toss in some of the Balsamic Vinaigrette. Set aside.

To make roasted red peppers, clean & remove the seed from a red pepper. Brush with olive oil and put on a hot grill. Turning occasionally until the peppers are tender and the skin starts to flake off. I try to remove as much of the skin as possible, then slice about 1 inch wide.

To assemble the sandwich . . .

Take two pieces of bread, brush with olive oil & sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese on the oil. Next, (in no particular order) add the salami or any Italian meat you choose, roasted red peppers, cheese (sliced or spread), lettuce, and a couple of teaspoonfuls of the bruschetta. Warning: this is a messy sandwich, but it tastes so good. Enjoy!

Notes:

* If you are looking for a low-fat, low-calorie meal, this isn't it! We usually treat ourselves to this very rich meal only once a month or so.

* Almost all of my ingredients come from Trader Joe's. I love that place!

* TJ's jarred bruschetta also is wonderful on pizzas. I use it as a pizza "sauce", but sparingly - a little goes a long way. It is very potent & full of flavor!

* You can also buy roasted red peppers in a jar at TJ's, but I've never used them on this sandwich. I always make fresh roasted red peppers.

Kitchen Island Counter Top Redo

2008-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our house, the kitchen island was WAY too big for the space. So big, the refridgerator door couldn't open all the way. Who designs a kitchen like that? Who lives with a fridge that you can't open all the way? Huh? That was one of the main priorities on our "to do" list when we bought this house.

Here is a pic of the kitchen when we bought the house. See the "boob" lights on the ceiling? Those are next to go. I want can lights & a pot rack over the island.

Here is a pic with the new fridge.

Here is a pic of the new & smaller countertop. Of course, I couldn't find the matching laminate, so the countertop design shop suggested to go with something contrasting. Ideally, all new granite countertops would have been great, however, in the real world, that isn't in the Macy family's budget! The new countertop is small enough not to take up the entire room, but big enough to be useful - my Kitchenaid mixer will still work on it just fine!

Pool Table in the Dining Room

2008-08-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Who would put a pool table in the dining room?

I searched & searched the internet and found out that a putting a pool table in the dining room is becoming more & more popular. Our dining room is a wide open space that was sitting empty. Since we don't do much formal entertaining or dining, spending money on a nice dining room set seemed like a waste of money. We also considered putting some comfortable seating in there to make it an addition of the family room, but then you wouldn't be able to see the tv. The only logical solution? A pool table!

Here is a pic of the house before we moved in - previous owner's furniture. . .

Here is a pic of our new pool table in the dining room space (the French doors close, too) . . .

New House - Thanks G'ma Macy!

2008-08-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law, my house now looks and feels like home. She made a special trip up to Wisconsin from Florida to help me decorate, hang artwork, switch out light fixtures, hang curtains, and arrange our furniture. She has such a better eye for that kind of stuff than me.

Here are a few pictures from before we moved in. . . this is how it looked for the previous owners:

Here is the eat-in kitchen area . . . Last year, Barbara Sr. helped me refinish the kitchen table, baker's rack & another table. The light fixture is new - it replaced an 80's era gold thing.

This is the living room. It is large and had plenty of room for all of our big furniture. The only thing new in here is the tv stand, which we bought at World Market. It is huge, sturdy, and has plenty of room for the bigger tv my husband wants to buy some day down the road.

We are going to put a pool table in the formal dining room. Since we aren't a formal type of family, we decided to get something fun for the whole family that would get used. I'll take more pics when the pool table arrives. We removed the old gold chandelier and replaced it with a nice fixture that will hang above the table. I still need to paint the two stools black to match the bar table.

In the front room, we've made it into a den/computer/study room. It was a formal living room for the previous family, but we decided we wanted it to be a quiet place out of the way for homework & computer time. We removed 80's era gold sconces and replaced them with some cool-looking new sconces. (Actually, Barbara did that!). I still need to get some new book shelves & paint the little stool.

Thanks, Grandma Macy! You did a fantastic job. I'll try to get more pics of the upstairs bedrooms, kitchen (after the new countertop arrives), and the dining room when the pool table gets installed. We are almost finished!

Good Bye, Oregon. . . . Hello, Wisconsin

2008-07-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

OK, so the past 2 months have been an absolute whirlwind for my family. I can't even remember the last time I made a piece of jewelry or posted on my blog or updated my website. If you think you are busy or have a lot going on, this is what I've been up to the past couple of months. . .

In late April, my husband got a call about a new job. As soon as I heard the words, "sure, I'm interested. . . ", I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew if I heard those words, the job would be one that he couldn't turn down. So, we sat for a few weeks waiting to see what would happen with the job . . . turned out that the job was offered to someone else in the middle of May. Whew! I figured we were out of the picture and wouldn't have to pack our bags . . . . well, No! Shortly after the first guy turned down the job (mid-May), Jeff flew to Milwaukee for interviews. He got an official job offer on Sunday, May 25. Here is a timeline of my life the past 2 months.....

May 24 - Although we knew he was getting a job offer, we weren't certain of the terms. At this point, I wasn't convinced he was going to take the job. Plus, I figured it would take most of the summer to sell our house & I'd get to spend all summer in Oregon. . . . yeah right.

May 25 - Jeff got an official offer for his new job. It was one he'd be insane to turn down.

May 26 - We work feverishly to clean & declutter our house so we can officially put it up for sale.

May 27 - Our house was listed at 3PM; at 3:45 PM (while I'm still doing some touch-up painting), a couple stops by to see the house; at 5PM that same couple officially tour the house with their real estate broker; at 9PM we have an offical offer for our house.

June 6 - I get backed into in a parking lot. Not too much damage to my car, but enough to require a trip to the body shop. Luckily, the guy admitted complete fault & there is no out-of-pocket expense to me.

June 7 - Family flies to Milwaukee to go house hunting.

June 9 - Jeff & I find our house & make an offer.

June 10 - Our offer is accepted. (I also turned 40 this day!)

June 11 - Kids & I fly to Florida from Milwaukee for vacation to see Grandma Macy (we'd had vacation planned for a long time).

June 13 - Jeff meets up with us in Florida.

June 16 - Jeff flies back to Milwaukee for work.

June 18 - Kids & I travel back to Oregon - I'm so glad I won't have to make that trip anytime soon! Although I loved going to Florida, it will be so much nicer to only have a 2+ hour trip instead of all day, plus a 3-hour time change. West coast to East coast is no fun!

June 20 - Packed up my jewelry bench with my friend, Marleah. Thanks to my neighbor, Frank, the gin & tonics made that job much less painful! (Actually, the Tepley's kept the gin & tonics flowing all week . . . thanks, Caroline & Frank!)

June 21 - Going away party in our neighborhood. I miss our neighbors so much. Thanks for organizing the great party, Caroline, Liza & Kirstin! The food & margaritas were great!

June 23 - My van is picked up and loaded onto a car carrier for the trek across country.

June 25 - Movers come to pack the house. Cat is starting to go crazy!! She knows something is happening.

June 26 - Movers load our stuf onto a moving truck. Kids, cat & I camp out at our neighbors house down the street. Thanks, Sue & Eric!

June 27 - Our house closed. Spent the day with my buddy, Karen, and the kids at Green Peter Lake in Oregon. Gorgeous day. I spent that evening saying many tearful "goodbyes" to all my neighbors. Claire spent her last night at the Tepley's & Will spent his last night at the Vela's. My last night was spent drinking wine & eating fresh crab with Toby & Kirstin & Alex. A perfect ending to my short stay in Oregon.
June 28 - I took one last hike with Karen. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. The kids, cat & I left Corvallis in the morning to head to the hotel airport so we could relax by the pool.

June 29 - Kids, cat & I fly into O'Hare. Jeff picked us up and drove us up to the hotel in Milwaukee where we stayed until we got our house.

June 30 - Drop off kitty at the vet to be boarded until we took possession of the house.

July 1 - My car arrives on the car carrier with a big dent in the front! The semi was in an accident, and of course, my car just happened to be where he got hit! More hassles. . . .

July 2 - Closed & took possession of our house. Yippee!!! During our closing, we got a phone call that the moving truck broke down in Montana and our shipment would be delayed for 2 days. Ugh. More time in a hotel room with no pool & 2 kids.

July 5 - Moving truck arrives!! Now the work begins!

July 9 & 10 - My brother, his wife & 4 kids stop through on their way for vacation. I hadn't seen my brother & his family in 2 years, since we left for Oregon.

July 11 - Jeff left for Las Vegas for work. Shortly after he left, my parents, my sister & her kids arrived for a week. We had 9 people in the house! Yikes. It went surprisingly well, actually.

July 19 - Family leaves to go back to IL. Old neighbors from Chicago come up to go to lunch with the kids & I. It was great to see them and it will be nice living so close to our friends in Chicago & family again.

July 20 - NOTHING! Kids & I hung out and relaxed. Did a little exploring around here.

July 21 - Jeff comes home from Vegas. And, we'll do more of NOTHING!!! Oh, I have to take my van to the body shop to get repaired.

Still on my "to do" list . . . find doctors for everyone, a family dentist, start working out again, sign the kids up for school, find activities for them (gymnastics, soccer, etc.), and more. I have so much to do, but one of my main goals is to get my jewelry bench set up some time soon. I miss playing with fire so much! My mother-in-law is visiting us 8/13-18. I'm really looking forward to her visit so she can help me decorate. She has such a great eye for those kinds of things. . . . something I really lack!

We're Moving!

2008-06-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog in a while because I've been busy preparing for a move. Although we didn't want to move quite yet, my husband has been offered a job he couldn't turn down in Milwaukee, WI. On the positive side, we'll be much closer to family in IL. . . just a short drive down the road & a quick flight to Florida. Here in Oregon, we are soooo far away from everything.

So, now I'm trying to organize our move. We listed our home last Tuesday, and had an offer by Tuesday night. As of now, we are closing at the end of June. Movers are coming to pack & load the truck a couple days before. The pressure is on to find a home in Wisconsin so we don't have to live in a hotel or transitional housing too long.

This is all happening WAY too fast, but I cannot complain. This was meant to be. . . .

Jury for Fall Festival Art Fair

2008-05-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the pleasure of taking part in being part of the jury for the Corvallis Fall Festival. It is a large art & craft fair that takes place each fall in Corvallis, OR. Approximately 180 artists sell their wares, including: textiles, jewelry, wood, ceramics, watercolors, etc. There is a little bit of everything at this show - I've attended the past 2 years (as a shopper) and was impressed at the layout and the huge number of people in attendance. Of the 180 vendors each year, the top 1/4 - 1/3 in each category are asked to return the following year and don't have to go through the jury process again. I'm guessing the top sellers had sales well over $10K (easily). (What the heck am I waiting for?!)

Jury Process
There was a jury of 8 people, with 2 of the art fair organizers directing us. Among the jury group, there was a woodworker, a potter, a painter, a jewelry maker (me), a fiber/sewing artist, and a couple others. So, from what I could tell, it was a well-rounded group of people.

All the applications & photos were grouped according to category/medium. Each category group was passed around the table and we each looked at each individual application & photos. With each application & photo, there was a piece of paper where we rated the artist. We were instructed to consider the following:
* Originality - Is it different from work we've seen before?
* Craftsmanship - Is it well-made? Is the work complex? Broad range of skills & experience?
* Presentation & photos (see below).

After we reviewed the application & photos, we were to rate each application. Obviously, the artists/applications with the highest rating would be getting an invitation to join the fair next fall. The booth fees start at $100, plus 15% of total sales. After the show, artists report their sales and submit their portion to the Fall Festival organizers. Top sellers get invited back the following year.

So, for a few hours today, I learned quite a bit about the jury process for an art & craft fair. Here are some thoughts for you, if you are thinking about applying to a juried show . . .

* PHOTOS! Please submit good photos. If your photos suck, you will not be accepted, much less even looked at. You might be the best metalsmith or quilter on the planet, but if your photos are crappy, you'll never even get a toe inside the front door. The jury doesn't not have an actual piece of your work to touch, feel and examine, so the only thing we can go on is a photo example of your work. I probably passed & gave a rating of "1" or "3" on 20 applications just due to poor quality photos.

Here is a photo of a piece of my jewelry that I'm proud of. This would be a good example of what to submit for a jury. . . simple, good lighting (no flash, please), no busy background, close-up as possible of details, and clear/focused (please use a tri-pod!).

* Complete the application & provide details on your work. I liked reading what types of materials were used and how much of the process was actually done by the artist. Of course, you also need to meet the deadline & include any fees.

* Make a professional presentation. Whatever the jury asks for on the application, provide it! Extra photos were fine & welcome, but I especially liked the photos that had descriptions & labels of what I was looking at. Several of us often asked, "What is this supposed to be?" -- that isn't good for the artist.

Also, the professionalism in the application process made me wonder what kind of booth the artist would have. If their application and photos were sloppy, would their booth be sloppy/tacky, too?

* Know your market. If you do crafty country themed stuff and are applying to a fine art show, you probably won't get accepted. There were several applications of crafty stuff you'd find at your local craft store. These items (in my opinion) just wouldn't fit in this type of art fair.

All in all, I had a great day and learned a ton about the jury process for an art fair. Of all the groups, fiber/textiles, 2-d, and jewelry had the most applications. Leather had the fewest. There were some really amazing work included, but also a lot of crap.

Until next time. . . have a nice day!

Great Articles on Metals

2008-04-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Megan Casto, of Casto Creations is a buddy of mine in the jewelry making world. She has written a great article, "Rose? Yellow? White? What's the Difference?", which is about the differences in types of gold. . . and, another one, "Smart Shopping - Know Your Metals", which is also about all metals in jewelry. Both articles will help enlighten you on which metals to buy, how to make sure you get the most for your money, and what not to buy. Before you make any more jewelry purchases, read her articles first!

Way to go, Megan! Awesome articles, once again. You always have so much good information and are always willing to share. Thanks!!!

Sea Glass Charm & Mother's Necklace

2008-04-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

The first two photos are of a custom order I received this week. A very nice fellow Etsian, Highdesertdiva, sent me her charm bracelet and requested me to make her a sea glass charm. She also wanted me to attach a bunch of charms for her. . . no problem! I had the perfect piece of glass for this project. Now all that I have left to do is toss the bracelet into my tumbler to make it look new!

The third photo is a baby shower gift for a friend of mine. Since this was her second baby, she already had all the typical baby gear, so I wanted to make something just for her! I used sterling silver discs and soldered initials that I fashioned out of 20 gauge wire. I drilled a hole into the top and attached thick jumprings and put them on a sterling silver snake chain. I hope she likes my gift! If you'd like one for yourself, a necklace like the one below, with 2 custom charms on a sterling silver snake chain costs $50.

I gladly accept custom orders to set your favorite piece of sea beach glass and turn it into a lovely piece of jewelry. Please contact me if you are in need! You can also visit my Etsy shop or my website to learn more about my jewelry.

Customized Sea Glass Pendants

2008-04-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

I just added a service to my Etsy site. If you have a piece of sea beach glass that you would like made into a pendant, I am now accepting custom orders for your piece of beach glass. All you need to do is drop me a line and we can discuss your needs to have your piece of beach glass turned into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Check out my Etsy shop for more information.

Bezel Set Sea Glass Pendant Tutorial

2008-04-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

by Barb Macy

Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry

Corvallis, OR

Materials & Tools Needed:

* Bezel Wire – size & gauge is dependant on the size & thickness of the piece of beach/sea glass.
* Sterling Silver Sheet - 24 or 26 gauge is what I typically use.
* Sterling Silver Tubing – size depends on what type of chain used.
* Flux & Solder – Medium, easy, extra easy – you will need all three types.
* Sea/Beach Glass – you’ll want a fairly uniform piece, not too big, not too small; and as smooth & even all around as possible. . . . Kind of like a cab. Once you get good at making bezels, you can try an odd-shaped piece of glass. It just gets tricky if you have sharp corners or very thick pieces.
* Jeweler’s saw & bench pin
* Files & Sandpaper
* Torch, pick, tweezers, and basic soldering set-up.
* Quench bowl & a pickle bath – I use a homemade solution of vinegar & pickling salt. I heat the vinegar & salt solution in my microwave for about 20 seconds before I need to pickle.

1. Wrap the bezel wire around your piece of sea glass. Mark the end of the wire with a Sharpie. Make sure you measure a little bit bigger than you need – about 1/8 of an inch. You can always file down to size, but you can’t add to it later if you cut it too small.

2. Cut the bezel with your jeweler’s saw. I prefer to use a saw to cut the bezel wire because it makes a much cleaner cut. Although flush cutters do the job, they tend to pinch the end of the wire which requires much more filing to get a nicely closed seam before soldering. At this point, the bezel should be a little “too big” for the piece of glass.

Before I saw, I always lube my blade by running my saw blade through some bees wax. I saw with the piece resting on my jeweler’s bench pin. The saw should move in an “up & down” motion and stay upright and in one position. Using your hand as a guide, move the metal in the directions you want your saw blade to cut. You should not try to move your saw around the metal - you'll break a lot of blades this way!

3. File the ends of the bezel wire so they match up perfectly. You should be able to see no light shining through where the ends meet (before soldering). If you have any gaps, the solder will not flow. Solder does not fill in gaps or bring two pieces together. They have to be flush or touching in order for the solder to flow properly. Test to make sure the piece of glass fits. Re-adjust the bezel so the ends are flush again and ready to be soldered. You also should make sure the metal is clean & free of dirt, wax, and oils, which can hinder the flow of the solder. Rinse off well in clean water. (Tip: Flux also helps clean the metal, too.)

4. Flux the bezel (I use Handy Flux & a kids paint brush to apply), snip a couple of pieces of medium solder (I use wire solder) and set aside. If your piece has more than one layer or component, start with a harder solder and work your way down to easier flowing. For this piece, I’ll be soldering in 3 steps – the bezel, the bezel onto the sheet, and the bail onto the back. I start with medium flow to make the bezel; easy flow to attach the bezel to the sheet; then finish the bail with extra easy solder. Once you have the piece fluxed, solder the joint with the medium solder. Notice how I have the seam on top & on a “downhill” slant. This helps encourage the solder to flow in the right direction! Every piece is going to be different in this process. I just happened to have a bezel that would sit still and had a slant which made this part very easy! Quench & pickle before moving on to the next step.

5. Once the bezel is finished, test to make sure the piece of glass fits in securely. There should not be a lot of room around the edges of the glass, yet you don’t want it so tight you can’t get it into the bezel. Once you know the bezel fits properly, you need to sand both sides of the bezel. In a “figure 8” and “backwards figure 8” pattern on a piece of sand paper that is laying flat on your bench, sand until both sides are smooth. This method of sanding helps keep the surfaces level/even for a nice uniform finish. ***IMPORTANT*** The bottom side of the bezel should fit flush against the piece of sterling sheet.

6. Lay the bezel on a piece of sheet. Using a Sharpie, mark around where you want to cut. Cut out a piece of sheet that is a little bit bigger than the bezel with your jeweler’s saw. Use your hand as a guide to slowly move the metal in the directions you want to saw. Avoid moving the saw & blade around the metal or you’ll break a lot of blades! (See Step 2)

7. Remove the glass from the bezel. Flux the sheet & bezel once again, and solder with easy flow solder. For a piece this size, I used about 5 small pieces of solder. I cut my solder into pieces about the size of a donut sprinkle and put them in a small container so they don't get lost or mixed with other types of solder.

Sometimes I have to gently push the bezel down with tweezers onto the sheet as the solder flows to make sure there is a good connection between the metal. After quenching, inspect the piece to make sure all the solder flowed in the correct spots & that there are no gaps between the bezel and the sheet. If you have a gap, you will need to solder again. ***IMPORTANT*** if there are any gaps after you’ve soldered, this means the bezel & sheet aren’t flush against each other. You will have to re-solder & push the bezel onto the sheet while the solder is flowing. Hold it down with your tweezers & remove the heat until the solder has held. Pickle.

8. Depending on how you want your sea glass pendant to look will determine how much of the sheet you have to trim away from the bezel. For this piece, I had a little ledge or frame around the bezel – about 1/8th of an inch. Sometimes I just trim the sheet flush to the cup. Leaving a ledge allows you to add embellishments like decorative wire or balls of sterling silver.

Here is a view of the trimmed bezel cup. If all goes according to plan, you should now have a rough, but custom-fitting bezel cup. You should not have any gaps between the bezel & the sheet.

9. I like my sea glass pendants to have an open back to let light shine through and enhance the beauty of the glass. To do this, first you need to make a divot in the center of the cup with a pick or a nail. Tap gently with a hammer to make the divot. Place the drill bit in the divot and slowly drill the hole. Hold the piece with your hand while you drill so it doesn't spin or move. You can use a regular drill or a Dremel. I use what ever is handy.

10. Thread your saw blade through the hole in the bezel cup. Re-attach your saw blade and make sure it is securely in place. Lube the blade and saw around the center of the bezel cup about 2-3 mm from the inside of the bezel. Don’t saw too closely to the bezel because you want to leave enough sheet to hold the piece of glass in place & add stability.

11. Next, with your saw, cut a piece of sterling silver tubing to be used for the bail. For this piece, I used 5mm tubing because I plan to hang the pendant from a ball chain. You can attach any type of bail you like. Tubing is a really easy way to make a bail and it is available in a variety of sizes. File & sand the bail before soldering onto the back. I used extra easy solder to attach the bail to the back of the pendant.

12. Quench & pickle! I use a homemade solution of vinegar & pickling salt heated up in my microwave. I use a simple glass dish for my pickle bath. Some people keep their pickling solution in a crock-pot in their workshop; however, I have a tendency to leave appliances on, so I just heat it up as needed. It works for me!

13. File & sand the various edges of the piece. I start with my file set (straight & curved) to get rid of the really rough edges first, and then I gradually start with rough sand paper and work down to finer sand paper until I get the finish I like before setting the piece of glass. 14. Using a bezel pusher and/or a burnishing tool, set the glass in the bezel by pushing down on alternate sides until you’ve worked your way around the entire bezel. After the glass is securely in the bezel, use the burnishing tool to finish smoothing the bezel and to get rid of bumps & ridges. 15. Once the piece of glass is securely in place, I usually sand it some more, then send it to the tumbler for a while to polish & bring out a high shine!

Spring Cleaning! Tumble Time!

2008-04-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I stopped by the shops that sell my jewelry and most of my things are in desperate need of a shine & polish! For shops where I sell on consignment - Gabby's, Day Dreamers Beads, The Art Center (Art Shop) - I take the things home, throw them into the tumbler, re-package, then deliver back to the shop. This doesn't take a lot of time, and it helps keep the jewelry looking good. All of these items will be getting new cards & packaging. I've updated my earring cards & jewelry tags again, and want everything to be consistent & fresh for Spring.

At the spa that buys my things wholesale, I just take in my tumbler on a day when I'm planning to be in for services or if I'm going to be in the area. I show the front desk staff how to use it, and they clean the jewelry while they are working at the front counter. Jewelry that is clean & shiny will sell a lot faster than stuff that is tarnished or dirty looking.

My Jewelry Tumbler
I use a Lortone 3A with 2 pounds of stainless steel shot. I add the jewelry, some warm water until it is about 1 inch over the top of the shot, about 1/8th of a teaspoon of burnishing compound, then I let it tumble for about 20-30 minutes.

Homemade Tarnish Remover
For pieces that are very tarnished, I use a homemade tarnish remover. I use an aluminum pan or baking dish lined with foil, boiling water, and a couple of tablespoons of baking soda. All you have to do is dissolve the baking soda in an aluminum pan with boiling water, then add the jewelry. Make sure the tarnished metal comes into contact with the aluminum. If your silver is in between beads and it is difficult to make contact with the foil, crumble or wrinkle the foil when you line the pan. The tarnish comes off within a few seconds. It is amazing!!! I usually change the water after each bath. You will notice a sulfer smell & the foil or pan turning black - this is time to change the water because the process looses its effectiveness. After I remove the tarnish, then I tumble for a short while.

I'm in the process of polishing a bunch of Bali silver spacers & beads for my friend who owns one of our local bead shops - Day Dreamers Beads, in Corvallis. Her tumbler is buried in her garage! Anyway, the selection of Bali stuff was getting pretty black, so I've taken a bunch home with me to brighten up for her - so far, most of it looks brand new! I hope it helps her sell a lot!

How to Make Your Own Ear Wires

2008-03-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

I recently posted that I'd add pics of how I make my own ear wires. Well here is a simple tutorial. By the way, it took me less time to make these ear wires than it did to complete this blog entry!

Materials & Tools Needed: round nose & chain nose pliers, flush cutters, 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, a round pen or pencil, tumbler or burr cup (optional).

1. First, cut round sterling silver wire into 1 3/4 - 2 inch pieces. Make sure all of your pieces are the same length.

2. Next, with your round nose pliers, make a loop at one end of a piece of wire. I make the look going against the natural curve of the wire. You might want to mark your round nose pliers at the point you make the loop for more consistency.

3. Using the pencil or pen as a guide, wrap the wire around making a hook. At this point, I go "with" the natural curve of the wire.

4. Make a small bend in the end of the wire with your chain nose pliers.

Tips:

* Practice on copper wire first. Don't waste your expensive sterling silver wire!

*After practicing on copper wire, decide what size you like and stick with it! It will help you become more consistent in making your own earwires.

* Use a file or burr cup to soften the ends and to get rid of sharp points.

* Tumble the batch for 20-30 minutes for added hardening & shine.

* I like using 20 gauge wire. I've found that the ear wires are more substantial and hold the little plastic ear wire keepers more securely.

Working on My Sea Glass Pendant Tutorial

2008-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent most of the day & evening working on a tutorial for making a bezel set sea/beach glass pendant. It is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time, so yesterday, I got out my camera and started taking pics of the entire process. I have almost 100 pics taken so far, and still need some more! Yikes!

So far, my document is 6 pages, with 24 color photos. The project is a bezel set piece of cobalt blue sea or beach glass, that will eventually be hung on a chain & taken to The Art Center (Art Shop) in Corvallis, Oregon.

I am going to need to test subjects to try this tutorial once I get it finished. If you are interested in proof-reading or testing it to make sure the tutorial is worthy to be posted or sold, please send me an email to let me know. Send me a note with your email address and I can send you a copy of my rough draft.

Thanks for browsing and have a nice day!

How to Make Your Own Earring Cards

2008-03-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

I like the look of home made earring cards. It just seems to work better (for me) with my handmade jewelry. Plus, it helps me create specialized packaging for the different shops where I sell my things. I print all my earring cards at home on my laser printer. And, I use the perforated business cards that you can buy at places like Staples & Office Max. Here is an example. I buy packs of scrapbooking paper from Wal-mart, Target, and other craft stores.

I start with my cutting mat that I used to use for quilting, a rotary cutter, a large ruler & scrapbooking paper. I usually work with the large books of coordinating colors & patterns. I also use different color schemes for different shops. For the salons, I use the bright, bold patterns shown. For the art galleries, I use a darker, more subdued color & pattern scheme. Line up the paper and cut a 4-inch wide strip.

Next, after I have a stack of 4-inch strips cut, I cut those strips into cards that are 2 1/2 inches wide. Your finished card should be 4 x 2 1/2 inches.

Tear or cut apart the printed business cards. Make sure you have them printed prior to attaching them or you won't be able to get them through your printer. Attach with any adhesive, like a spray or double-sided tape.

Pierce two holes in the finished card. I like to use a safety pin or a lapel pin because it has a very sharp point and makes a small, tight hole that keeps the earring securely in place.

Finally, add an earring card adapter to the back. I purchase mine through JS Ritter and they are not expensive.

I apologize for the poor picture quality, however, today is a dreary, rainy day in Oregon and there just isn't any good light coming through my windows! But, you can get the basic idea of how to make your own earring cards without spending a lot of money.

What I like the best about this type of card is that you can make endless designs and you aren't stuck with one style like you would if you used professionally printed cards. A couple of my shops don't allow me to put my website on my earring & jewelry cards, so I have the freedom to print different versions on the business cards. Right now, I think I have 4 different versions, plus several different color schemes in shops.

Have a nice day! And, thanks for stopping by my blog!

A Collection of Hoops

2008-03-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Over the Easter weekend, I was able to take the time to work on an order for HBS Express. It is a little shop near the Oregon State campus. I am aiming to make simple things geared for a younger crowd, so I went with sterling silver hoops in a variety of sizes & a small group of black & orange beaded drop earrings. I now have almost 30 pair of earrings made & ready to deliver! Finally!

Finally! I Had Time to Work!

2008-03-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally sat down tonight and made time to work on a bunch of earrings I need for a wholesale order. I've committed a mortal sin in the handcrafted & wholesale world. . . . I'm way overdue on an order. I told my client that I'd have a large batch of earrings ready 2 weeks ago, and they still haven't been delivered. Life has just gotten in the way, I guess. Plus, I'm not really motivated to pull all-nighters any more. Sleep, my health & sanity are much more important in my life. (Sorry, Lisa!).

So, tonight I got back to work on my earring order. . . . I'd made some hoops a couple of weeks ago, and tonight I made some more in different sizes. And, I finished a large batch of ear wires. I use simple hook-type ear wires for most of my designs. They are very easy to make and it saves a lot of money making your own. How do I make my own ear wires? Well, here are a few easy steps. I will add pictures as soon as possible. . .

1. Cut 1 3/4 - 2-inch lenghts of 20 gauge sterling silver round wire. I prefer 20 gauge wire because it makes a nice & sturdy earring base that also can hold an earring keeper or plastic post on securely.

2. On on end, made a small loop with a round nose pliers.

3. Using a pen or pencil, wrap the rest of the wire making a large "hook" with a tail.

4. With your chain nose pliers, make a little bend in the end of the tail to finish the ear wire.

5. You can add additionals steps of hammering the wire and/or tumbling to soften the cut ends & harden/polish the earwire.

Big Ass Hoops!

2008-02-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

These are my current favorite earrings. Made out of 14 ga. sterling silver wire, soldered & hammered into shape, they are attached to hand-formed sterling silver earwires made out of 20 ga. sterling silver wire. The connecting jump rings are also hand-cut by me. The hoops measure over 2 inches in diameter and dangle nicely!

Generally, when I cut rings, I use a hand saw to cut rings larger than about 5 or 6mm in diameter. Anything smaller than that, I use my Koil Kutter & Dremel to cut them. I actually enjoy sawing metal with a jeweler's saw. I find it relaxing. The hardest part about forming hoops that are large like these is trying to keep their form and joining the ends together precisely. It can be a challenge!

This pair of earrings can be purchased from my Etsy shop. To see more of my work, please visit my website, Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry. Thanks for looking & have a great day!

Briolette Flower Pendant Tutorial

2008-02-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I've written a guide on how to make Briolette Flower Pendants a couple of years ago. I saw something similar to these demonstrated on a couple other websites, but decided to change it up a bit for myself and "make it my own"! I'm sure I didn't invent this technique, but you are free to make as many of these cute little flowers as you want! When finished, I string them on a leather choker, finished with sterling silver ends & a clasp. They also look great on a sterling silver omega chain or a wire choker.

I use both semi-precious and glass briolette beads and a variety of smaller beads for the center of the flower. For the wire-wrapped portion, I use 22 ga. dead soft sterling silver wire. To sew the smaller beads into the center, I use .010 or .014 SoftFlex beading wire. When finished, I tumbler the entire pendant to harden & shine the wire. You could also tumble the pendant before you sew in the center beads.

Pictured above are some examples of finished pendants. I typically use flat faceted briolette/teardrop beads that are about 12mm x 18mm & side drilled -- sometimes smaller ones, which make really cute flowers. I've also made the smaller flowers into rings (see below). With the 12 x 18mm size beads, the finished flower is approximately 2 inches in diameter.

To view my tutorial, it is published on my website at http://www.accentyourself.com/. Here is a direct link . . . Briolette Flower Tutorial. Feel free to use my techniques in your jewelry making activities. If you are going to sell these using this technique, all I ask is that you give me a little credit......thanks!

Here is a link to a wonderful tutorial on how to make wrapped wire ends for leather cord, by Cheryl Coccaro, of Gypsy Woman Designer Jewelry. It is an AWESOME technique & they hold up beautifully. I use this technique on all my leather cord necklaces now. I attach a jump ring and a lobster clasp to the ends. Previously, I used hook & eye crimp ends to finish the choker, however, I had too many of them break, fall off, and just not work properly. This is a MUCH more secure technique for finishing leather cord. Thanks, Cheryl!

Enjoy making these cute flowers. They are a great piece to wear in Spring & Summer and make a great gift for the gardener in your life!

More Wholesale Thoughts From a Buyer

2008-02-08T11:16:00.001-08:00

In addition to my last post on wholesale jewelry sales, from the viewpoint of the shop owner or buyer, I found a couple more tidbits on this topic. This was a post on a thread in the Etsy Business & Crafting forum on wholesaling.

Etsy member, amyblandford, said, "...my two cents worth (probably two dollars worth by the time I'm done typing) as a former buyer/manager of a gift store ...(pretty big store- southern California, independent, total sales in the millions annually)....

If we did't think it would sell in our market for double the wholesale, we didn't buy it. There's no 30% on some things, 40% on others. If we thought something would sell for more than double, we'd try it, keeping in mind that we aren't the only place to buy it. [Interesting side note- some companies insist that stores sell their product for MSRP. If you don't, & get caught, you lose your dealer account. No markups OR discounts. Examples are- Dept 56 Christmas Villages, Sandicast animals... TY during the Beanie Baby craze... but that's unusual & only works for companies whose product is in demand. It's important to them that the end consumer knows they can get the same deal anywhere.] .....anyway - We had about 30 local crafters who sold things on consignment. The store took 30% of the retail. The artisans/crafters tagged their items themselves, knowing that they'd get 70% of the sale price. We sent them a check once a month for whatever sold the month before. For the "extra" money the crafters got, they were responsible for restocking their items & the store didn't take responsibility for things damaged or stolen (as they do on things they've already paid wholesale for.) Whenever we had a sale, like- "20% Off Everything", the crafters got their regular amount & the store "ate" the discount. . . .

The biggest problem buying from crafters is that SO many didn't ship on time. We'd give every new order a ship date and a cancellation date, and if the stuff didn't show up on time, it usually got cancelled. Unless it was something I ordered for myself! :-) .....basically, if you want to be in business, act like it. "Sorry it's 2 months late, my dog got sick" doesn't cut it......

Most branded their items w/handmade hangtags that gave a description of the item & a brief note about the artist. Which helps the store to promote them, and gets customers excited to collect more. But if it had a website listed where people could buy it directly? I would've cut that off. I want them to come back to my store to see what's new, not never have to come back! I always thought the crafters/artists were what gave the store it's SOUL, and set it apart from all the other retail options people have. Those were my favorite days - getting a big box from the UPS guy that said "Sew Be It" or "Tattered Rabbit Farm", and ripping it open to see what I'd be spending my next paycheck on!

Bottom Line - You'll have a better chance at landing a wholesale account if:

* You are able to give a 50% discount - even if that means raising your retail prices.

* You ship & deliver the goods on time. Be prompt.

* You have your things tagged & packaged professionally. Ask about the possibility of having your website information on tags & cards.

Pictured is a sample of how I package my earrings. I print business cards on my printer at home - those perforated Avery brand you can buy at Staples - then I glue them onto a piece of scrapbooking paper for a framed or matted look and added strength. I have different color schemes for different shops. I attach an earring card adapter onto the back, so they can be hung on an earring spinner. Finally, I punch two little holes in the card so the earrings fit tightly and won't fall out.

My Introduction to Wholesaling Jewelry

2008-01-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

I've been a member of various jewelry-making forums for the past several years and have learned a ton from people who participate. I've learned everything from blogging & website design, to new jewelry-making techniques, to basic business principles. One person I've learned a ton from is Megan Casto of Castocreations. (Here is her Etsy Shop) And, she is the person who I looked to originally for advice on selling wholesale. We are moderators on the jewelry-making forum http://www.starvingjewelryartists.com/.

Why Wholesaling Works for Me

I've come to terms that my website is only a gallery. I don't have the knowledge or resources to have a high-profile website, invest in advertising, continuously update, or hire a web designer. Plus, my photography skills are marginal & I'm horrible at taking photos of new creations. As a direct result, I do not get many sales online. I also do not participate in many craft/art fairs or shows. At this point in my life, I do not have the time or resources to commit to an entire weekend fair or nag people to host in-home jewelry parties. I have a family and family activities that take a priority to my jewelry business. So, that is why selling my things on consignment & wholesale work perfectly for me.

Benefits of selling wholesale include:

* A large sale at one time. Payment is usually made in full immediately or within a few days.

* I don't have to sit at art and craft fairs and sell my goods. I don't have the time to commit to fairs at this point in my life. Maybe someday when the kids are older and more independent.

* I don't have to take photos of every single piece of jewelry I make. I only take pic of pieces I'm especially proud of. Even then, if I need to get things to a shop, and I didn't get a photo, I don't sweat it.

* I don't have to constantly monitor my website - that doesn't get much traffic or sales! Selling online is a very competitive market. I don't have a large online audience or customer base.

* I work on jewelry, tag & package, write up an inventory, deliver to the shop, and finally get paid.

Not For Everyone

Wholesaling is not for everyone or every product. Not every crafter or artisan wants to wholesale & give a 50% dicount - this would dip into their profits greatly - plus, a lot of artisans & crafters are already well-established online and do quite well on personal websites & other selling venues like Etsy. I don't wholesale all of my products. Most of my chain maille jewelry is not sold at high discounted rates becaues they are so labor intensive. For example, if I sold my Jens Pind necklace at 50% in a huge wholesale order, I'd end up making less than minimum wage for my hours spent cursing at that thing! When I sell a piece on consignment it is for a rate of 60-70%, which makes it more worth my time. Plus, most pieces I sell on consignment in galleries are things I can duplicate and list on my Etsy site.

What Works For Me

I do sell quite a bit of sterling silver fashion jewelry & simple metalworked pieces at wholesale prices because I can make a decent profit and the buyer can also make a profit. Earrings are a perfect example. Although they can be labor-intensive, when you account for making headpins & earwires, the market will allow for a higher mark-up when compared to the actual cost of components. Earrings are an "impulse buy". Generally, they are sitting in a display near the cashier and are priced between the $15-30 mark. An easy sell. I've also found the simple metalworked pieces that can be duplicated or varied easily are also popular - simple necklaces, simple rings, bracelets, etc. Mostly, I sell things on wholesale that range in price from about $15 - 75.

From the Shop Owners Point of View

A recent forum thread on this subject helped inspire me to write this entry today. Etsy Member, NormaW gives these tips from a shop owners point of view:

* Wholesale price needs to be 1/2 of your retail price. 50% is a general rule of thumb, although some artisans & crafters give a smaller discounts for large orders - 30 or 40% is also sometimes a wholesale rate. The store needs to be able to mark up the pieces and be able to make a proft, too. The shop owner has to pay for the retail space, utilities, advertising, staff, etc. All the overhead that the artisan does not have to pay. If you can't give a 50% discount, consider marking up your prices a little.

*Don't sell your things online for less than they are priced in a retail setting. It isn't fair to the shop owner if you sell the exact same product on your website or in your Etsy shop for 1/2 the price. Shoppers are generally internet-savvy these days, and can find out how to buy your things online. Why would the customer ever return to the store? The shop owner will be upset and won't continue to purchase your goods. Plus, as Normaw says, this situation makes it impossible to promote you in her shop. . . She isn't going to promote your website or Etsy shop if everything you have is 1/2 the price!

* When taking a large wholesale order that isn't local, it is OK to ask for a downpayment of 50% when the order is placed, then payment in full when the order ships.

* You don't need to spend your time & money on boxes or fancy packaging. Normally, a shop owner is going to use his/her own boxes and bags. I do put all my earrings on my own earring cards that have my name, my business name, and/or website. One of my shops does not allow me to have my website address on my tags.

My Guidelines for Wholesale Orders

A lot of my guidelines came from Megan Casto, so "Thanks, Megan!".....

* I give a 50% discount on orders of $400 (retail) or more. For follow-up orders, I'll go less ($200+), but only if the relationship with the shop is healthy -- things are selling, I get paid in a timely manner, my jewelry is displayed professionally, etc.

* I offer some display options, but generally the shop provides their own display items. Earring card adapters are a must, though! I couldn't live without these little guys . They instantly turn my business card size earring card into a hanging card that can be hung on earring racks and spinners.

* I give my retailers a Sunshine Polishing cloth so they can try to help keep the sterling silver looking good, although that is a challenge at times. I also will routinely take home items to run them through my tumbler to brighten & polish. I want my things looking their best, even after the sale has been made.

In conclusion I have to say one thing . . . Of course, I'd love to sell all my things at the regular retail price. But, that isn't reality for me. If I sat here at home, listed all my jewelry on Etsy or on my website and waited for them to sell online, I'd be way in debt! Whenever I do sell a piece of jewelry from my website or Etsy shop, I consider it a bonus and usually end up putting that money back into my business to buy new tools, equipment or more silver! Best wishes in all your jewelry making adventures!

Recent Work

2008-01-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted about my work lately, so here are a couple new pieces. . .

The first piece is a ring I made out of a green piece of sea or beach glass (whatever you call it!). I started with a wide band, made from sterling silver sheet. Next, I made a bezel and soldered it to some sheet. The bezel needed some life, so it got worked with my files to make a scalloped finish. Finally, I set the piece of glass, file, sand, and tumble. Oh, and this ring was made in my size!

The necklace is a sea foam piece of beach glass. I made a bezel wrap & attached a bail made from sterling silver tubing. Once I fitted the bezel around the glass, I attached a sterling silver swirly "belt" that is removeable (it slides right off the top). This pendant comes on a 20" sterling silver box chain.

Both of these pieces are available in my Etsy Shop. And, as always, you can see more of my work on my website. I welcome custom orders.

Soldering Tools & Supply List

2008-01-21T12:51:00.001-08:00

I just cleaned up my jewelry workspace because I got a few new toys to play with. Nothing terribly expensive, but fun, nevertheless. I visit & participate in a few jewelry forums and one topic that routinely comes up is "tools & supplies needed to start soldering". So, here is my list...

1. Torch - This, BERNZOMATIC ST900D 019527 Mini Torch, is the one I have and I love it! I didn't have the $$ for a real Oxy/Acetylene set-up, so this works perfectly for what I solder and fit into my budget! I just buy the bottles of propane from Home Depot and it lasts a long time! The only place I could find this torch was on Amazon.com, not in any local hardware store. I had a mini butane torch to begin with, but it just didn't produce enough heat. Small jobs were fine, but I quickly ran out of fuel, and had issues with the torch staying lit. It drove me crazy!

2. Fire Extiguisher - Keep this handy and close to your workspace!!!!!

3. Work Surface - I have several ceramic tile squares down as a base on top of my table, and use a couple of magnezia brazing boards that I bought from Santa Fe Jewelry Supply. They are cheap, but work fine for what I do. The down side to these is that they can be messy. There are other alternatives for a work surface, including a tripod (which is something I need to buy one of these days. . . ). I also have a block of hardwood that is burned out on top - I use this for melting silver.

4. Solder - I use wire solder, however, you can also use sheet solder. Solder you find at the hardware store or the type used for stained glass will not work. You need silver solder. I have hard, medium, easy & extra easy solder, but usually stick with medium or easy solder, depending on the project. For projects where you'll be soldering different layers or components, start with a harder solder and work your way down to easier solder. When you reheat the piece each time you add something, it won't come apart. Although, it seems expensive to purchase, it does last a long time because you only need tiny pieces for work - I usually snip my solder into "sprinkle-sized" bits.

5. Saw Frame & Blades - I have a saw frame that has thumb screws, which makes changing blades MUCH easier! My metalsmithing instructor recommended this type, either Swiss or German made. I have a 4-inch frame and is a good all-purpose saw. Monsterslayer (another favorite supplier) has a great guide for buying saw blades - it can be confusing. I have several sizes of blades to use for different projects & gauges of wire & sheet. Learning how to use a saw can be tricky & you will break a lot of saw blades early in the learning process! Buy extras! Another tip: make sure you install your saw blades with the teeth facing down. Practice, practice, practice (on copper or any cheap metal).

6. Bench Pin - This is cheap but absolutely necessary when using a saw! This is one of those things I couldn't live without. Here is the one I purchased, but if you are handy, you can make your own. I was taught to saw at about chest level . . . I like to have my bench pin attached to my bar in the kitchen and saw. My hand is about chest-high when I work. I don't grip the saw too tightly, make long & smooth strokes, and use plenty of lube on the blades . . . I use a hunk of beeswax and just run the blade through it frequently.

7. Tweezers - you need to be able to pick up the metal & quench it and you can't really use your fingers . . . ouch! I have a bunch of different styles, but generally use a longer pair. Everyone has their own favorites.

8. Flux - I use Handy Flux, but again, opinions vary on which type to use. I like this kind because it is cheap, and if/when it dries out, I can just add more water to it, stir, and it is fine. I use one of my kids paint brushes to apply it.

9. Pickle - I use a homemade brew of vinegar & pickling salt heated up in the microwave. I have small kids & a cat at home and don't want to deal with having an acid bath sitting around. Vinegar & salt has worked just fine for what I do. Other people use Sparex or Ph Down, a swimming pool chemical.

10. Water - I have a cup or a bowl of water to use for quenching hot metal. I also have a spray bottle of water to use when I melt silver on my block of wood/charcoal.

11. Safety - masks & good ventilation are needed when soldering and working with chemicals, a fire extinguisher is vital, and eye protection - wear glasses or safety goggles. I also recommend wearing shoes & long pants - I've had stray pieces of molten silver fly and land on my leg. I've dropped sharp objects and barely missed my toes! And, read the instructions of any new tools before you use them - I found my Koil Kutter to be intimidating before I first used it!

Other tools that aren't necessary to begin soldering, but you'll eventually buy them:

* Pick - for pick soldering. A very handy tool. This is an example.

* Files - these are so important for finishing soldered pieces. They come in all shapes & sizes and are used to smooth work before sanding. I think you get what you pay for when it comes to files. The more money you spend the longer they'll last & work for you.

* Sand Paper - I just bought some wet/dry sand paper in finer grits from Home Depot. Not expensive to purchase & it lasts a long time. When sanding, start with lower grit, then work your way to finer grades.

* Third Hand - I use this for chain making. Here is a picture.

* Bench Block - I use this for hammering & work hardening wire & sheet. One tip: Don't use it to sit your wet drink on - it does get rusty!!! Live & learn, I guess!

* Copper Tongs - if you use Sparex or PhDown, you'll need copper tongs. Putting stainless steel into the acid bath will plate your silver & ruin the pickle. I just use my fingers or other tweezers in my vinegar bath. No harm done since the vinegar is less caustic.

* Hammers - I have several. I use hammers to work harden, make rings bigger, flatten, add texture, form, cut discs, etc. A girl can never have too many hammers!

* Mandrels - I recently purchased a mandrel for forming rings. I have a smooth mandrel & a mandrel rest, but I need to get a stepped ring mandrel for working with wider bands. You can also buy bracelet mandrels and smaller ones for making jump rings.

My favorite suppliers right now are Santa Fe Jewelry Supply & MonsterSlayer. Since I'm on the West Coast, I've found their shipping to be lightening fast & they both have really good customer service. Occasionally, I'll look elsewhere, like Rio or Conteti, but I've purchased most of my stuff from SFJS & MS. Harbor Freight Tools is also another option, although their quality isn't always the greatest. I purchase things from them, when quality isn't a huge issue for me - they have decent shipping rates, especially for tools, which can be very heavy.

I'm sure I've forgotten some things, but I will update & add to this list, I'm sure! Good luck and have fun playing with fire.

Fellow Etsian, studiometalsmith says, "Don't forget band-aids!" (Thanks for the reminder!)

Part 6 - Introduction to Consignment

2008-01-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

On some of the jewelry-making forums I visit, the topics of consignment and wholesale are frequently started. I'd say in the "Crafting & Business" section in the Etsy Forums, these two topics are asked about on a daily basis. So, instead of replying to everyone, I'm just going to write down all my experiences here. . . . Today, I'll start with my first true consignment experience with the Local Bead Shop here in Corvallis, called Day Dreamers Beads.

I first visited this shop when my husband and I were in Corvallis house hunting. I stopped in, looked around, and casually talked with the staff. My initial visit set the entire tone - the girl behind the counter who spoke to me was friendly and informative. She gave me information on classes, sales, and frequent buyer programs. It was a good visit and I was encouraged to have a nice little bead shop conveniently located in town, so wherever we bought our house, it would be "on the way".

Months later, after we moved, unpacked, and painted, I was ready to get back to jewelry making. At this point, I was still only doing basic stringing and some wire work, but I just enrolled in my first metalsmithing class at the Oregon State University Craft Center. I was ready to get back into jewelry making, so I stopped in the bead shop frequently - sometimes buying, sometimes just looking around. I wanted to get to know the staff.

Finally, I had a good enough relationship with the staff that I asked about jewelry consignment and if they were in need of new/other jewelry artists. The manager asked me to bring in some of my work for a review - I was excited! We met, my things were different enough that she picked several pieces to display in the store. She didn't want it all, but I wasn't offended. She knew what sells at their shop. She gave me a consignment contract, I reviewed it, signed and took in my things! I was in a shop!!!

As my skills evolved and grew, I started to take in more metalwork & chain maille pieces. My style is quite a bit different from all of the other jewerly designers in the shop. Although, my main item in the shop is inexpensive, simple, sterling silver beaded earrings, I sell a lot of components. One of my most popular items is soldered & hammered links to be used in jewelry designs. I make them in all sizes and shapes and have a hard time keeping up with the demand.

From my first consignment experienced I learned a few things:

* Consignment rates can vary. In this particular shop the split is 65/35, plus I get a discount on beads & supplies. I also consign at 70/30 in one gallery, and 60/40 in all other locations. 60/40 seems to be the going rate in this area. It is fair. I don't have to pay for the retail space, the staff, or advertise. I just drop off my goods and they sell it for me.

* Consignment contracts can vary . . . things to look for: theft - who is responsible? The store owner should be responsible for any theft or damage; exclusivity - are you allowed to sell your things at other locations? This is important - you want to be able to sell anywhere you want or can - especially online;

* Flexibility . . . I make a lot of chain maille & metal pieces that can be duplicated. I can have them listed on my website or in my Etsy shop, but also have them on display at Day Dreamers. If I happen to sell a piece online, I have the ability to go in and take the piece out of their inventory and ship it. I do make sure I have enough supplies on hand to duplicate the piece in case it has sold in both places (unfortunately, I haven't run into this problem yet!). If I have something that is truly OAK and I can't duplicate, I only list or display it in one place (either a shop or online).

Since then, whenever I visit little shops or locally owned boutiques and galleries, I always ask if they are in need of a new jewelry vendor. I let them know that I do both consignment and wholesale. Most of the time I get "No, Thank You!". But, occasionally, I hear the "Yes" and it gets me motivated to get moving! So, here are my tips for making that initial contact . . .

* Visit the shop. Look around. Would your work fit? Are their hundred of other things in there that are exactly like yours? Foot traffic - is the shop busy? How is the staff - are they friendly, do they talk to staff?

* Ask to speak to a manager. If you get the manager - inquire politely about if they need any new vendors. If they say "No", don't get discouraged - I hear a lot of "No's". Be polite, smile, and take no offense. Move on! If the manager or owner is interested, set up an appointment for a later date or showing. Don't bring your things into the store with you - I think it seems to pushy. You can wear your things or keep a stash in your car if the owner wants to see things on the spot.

* At the actual showing, bring samples of your work and prices. I would take a price sheet, examples of my packaging, and displays (if needed), descriptions of my work or process, business cards, and reference to websites, blogs, online shops, etc. Also, have information and a pricing structure for wholesale orders (I'll get to wholesale orders later).

* Once in, you need to stay professional & organized. Every shop is different - some are ultra organized and computerized, others do everything by hand, or can be very unorganized. Luckily, most of my shops are well organized and on top of things. Along with your actual inventory, make sure you have a detailed inventory sheet. Keep a copy for yourself (signed by the shop owner/manager) and give a signed copy (by you) to the shop. I also stop by my shops frequently to see how sales are going, if new things are needed, or if anything needs cleaning.

*Keep your things clean & packaged professionally. I routinely stop by the shops and check to see how much my things are tarnished or looking bad. If things are "ugly", I'll pull and take them home to clean & tumble. Repackage & return to the store with an updated inventory. This sounds like extra work, but things don't sell if they are tarnished or broken!

Consigning can be a great thing, however some people have had really aweful experiences. Shops closing and owners keeping all the inventory is a common one. I'd also be wary of sending my things out to locations that are farther than a couple hour drive. Unless I personally know the shop owner. Be smart and if a situation sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

To be continued . . . . .

Pictured are examples of my popular items that I sell in the bead shop.

Salon Update

2008-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who sell to salons, you might want to think about bartering. The salon where I have a wholesale account is open to bartering or trading for services. Since I've had a decent holiday season as far as sales were concered, and wasn't cash strapped, I opted to take credit for spa services. In the past, I've gotten paid all cash, a combination of cash & credit, and with this last order - 100% spa credit. I look at it as my Christmas present to myself. I'm looking forward to a massage, maybe a facial and definitely a couple of wonderful spa pedicures.

Another thing I did for the owner was to take in my tumbler for them to use to polish up the jewelry they've purchased in the past. While I got my toes done, the girl at the front desk tumbled all my jewelry so it all looked new. I'll probably do this on a regular basis from now on. It will be an easy thing to do - drop off my tumbler for a day, so they can keep the jewelry looking nice. Very handy!

Have a great day!

Goals for 2008

2008-01-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

I do not normally make New Year's resolutions. What I try to do is set goals for the upcoming year. So, this year I am going to focus on my jewelry this year. Here are some of my goals:

1. Learn something new. I'm signing up for a Lost Wax Silver Casting class at OSU that starts in January. I'm pretty excited about that, but will end up spending more money on new tools & equipment, probably. It should be a lot of fun!

2. Keep my finances more organized. Although I do keep all of my crafting/jewelry money separate from my home/family account, I do need to do a better job of organizing and keeping my records up-to-date each month. I HAVE TO DO THIS!!!

3. Find at least 1 new wholesale account by June. I'd prefer to find a shop that is out of town, maybe over on the coast somewhere. They are usually filled will plenty of jewelry, but we'll see what I can find. At least it will give me an excuse to drive over to Newport!

4. Send in my business info to the state. I just want to make sure my business name is registered here in this state.

5. Keep my workspace more organized and tidy. It makes my husband crazy to see my messy workspace out in prime real estate in our garage. He's been threatening to invade my territory with his workout equipment if I don't keep it neat! I fully admit that I tend to be a slob when I work & don't put stuff away. And, I wonder why my silver is yellow?!

Well, I think this is enough stuff to worry about right now. I guess I need to get busy with my accounting work and get to labeling/categorizing transactions. Happy New Year!

(Pictured is my daughter trying to squeeze her big head into one of my jewelry photos!)

Updates

2007-12-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had a busy couple of weeks. I've finally got my Christmas gifts made & shipped. Jewelry is such a great hobby - I always have nice things on hand to give as gifts for teachers, bus drivers, relatives, friends, etc. Now to finish all that gift wrapping . . . .

Green Heron Art & Glass in Brownsville, OR is one of the galleries that sells my work. Since they close shop for the winter and travel, I've removed my things from their shop until Spring when they re-open. Those items are temporarily for sale at Day Dreamers Beads in Corvallis, OR during their jewelry trunk show.

I'll be adding more articles in my business series soon. Probably after the first of the year, once things slow down!!! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

My Version of Success - Part 5

2007-12-11T06:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that my version of "doing well" is probably a lot different from most artists or crafters. I know of a lot of people who make a living at selling their wares. Well, I am definitely not at that point yet, but thankfully, I don't have to support my family by making jewelry (we'd starve!). I also know of a lot of artists and crafters who go into huge debt trying to get a business off the ground. Again, I am thankful, that isn't my situation, either. I find success not only from the financial side of making jewelry, but also from the personal satisfaction I get from creating a piece of jewelry from a pile of metal or beads.

I started my jewelry addiction about 4 years ago with surplus money collected from selling Tastefully Simple products. I wasn't into selling or begging people to host home parties -- I lasted less than a year as a consultant. I was a horrible saleswoman (and still am) - I would even tell people where to buy similar TS products cheaper! Did you know that Trader Joe's sells a similar version of Tastefully Simple's "Oh My Chai" and "Truffle Fudge Brownies"? They cost about 1/3 of what you'd pay at a Tastefully Simple party. So, I quit that about the same time I learned how to make jewelry.

Since then, I haven't had to use any family funds to pay for supplies, equipment, classes, etc. I have paid for everything with my own "hobby/business" funds. Here is how my business operates. . .

1. I have a separate account just for my jewelry and craft business. Wine bottle supplies and all jewelry-making supplies and equipment are paid out of this account. All payments are collected here, too.

2. If I don't have funds in my account, I don't buy. It is that simple. If I have a surplus, I usually re-invest my money on new tools, equipment, and silver or beads.

3. I don't have a credit card. I only pay with cash. A credit card can only get me in trouble!

I do sell jewelry. I sell quite a bit of jewelry. But most of my sales come from consignment and wholesale sales, so my profit is much less than what it would be if I sold outright at a craft fair or from a website. A lot of people gasp at the thought of giving 30-50% of a sale to a shop owner or a gallery. Well, I have several reasons for this . . .

1. I don't have to spend weekends at craft & art fairs selling my jewelry. I have a family that needs me and weekends together are very valuable. At this point in my life, selling at fairs just isn't in my plan. Maybe I will do that some day when my kids are older and out of the house.

2. I'm horrible at sales. I don't enjoy doing home parties and pushing my stuff on people. I don't ever want anyone to feel obligated to buy my things. If my jewelry is in a store, I am completely out of the picture.

3. I don't have the cost & upkeep of a traditional online website. My website is more of a gallery of my work. Since my online sales were pretty much non-existent, I transitioned my website into a tool to showcase my work instead. I don't have the time it requires to promote and constantly attend to a website. And, I don't have the funds to hire a web designer.

As you can see, my version of success is not traditional, but it works for me. After four years, I still enjoy making jewelry. It isn't a chore. I still find joy in creating. My work has evolved over the years, and I sell enough jewelry to fund my hobby, with enough leftover to pay for my new equipment. I don't ever want making jewelry to become dreaded work. If it gets to that point, I won't do it anymore. Even now during the holidays, I'm feeling a bit overloaded and am looking forward to when things slow down.

My future goals are to actually become a real legitimate business and to make a profit. But, now while my kids are young and I'm not able to devote time to a true job or business, I can experiment. I can learn about consignment, wholesaling, and other selling venues. I can participate in a few craft and art fairs and get a taste of what works and what doesn't. I can learn what works in online selling. I can fine tune my craft and learn new skills. I can continue to break even until I feel I'm ready to devote real time and effort into this as a business. Until then, I'm happy to play with fire, silver & beads out in the garage. I'm happy with the occasional sale from my Etsy shop. Life is good.

The photo (above) is an abalone shell pendant with a cluster of freshwater pearls. The necklace comes on a sterling silver snake chain and is available for purchase at The Art Center in Corvallis, OR. To see more of my work, please visit my website at http://www.accentyourself.com/. Thanks!

Selling in a Salon - Part 4

2007-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

I've had a little bit of experience selling my goods in a salon - both good & bad. Of course, my first experience in a salon was the not-so-good one, which taught me a few things for the next time around.

First Salon = Gunk

My first time around was in a shop that was owned by a friend of my mom. It was actually a good deal - she displayed my jewelry at her work station, and if a customer wanted to buy something, they'd just write a check to me or pay cash. She didn't even keep any consignment fee. She was just doing it as a favor to my mother. As a payment to her, I made her a few pieces of jewelry to give as gifts for Christmas. I sold a few things right away, got paid promptly, and everything went smoothly. For the most part . . .

After a few weeks I went in to check on my jewelry in the shop. Pretty much everything was ruined from hair spray & chemicals. Most of it had to be thrown into the trash! Back then, I wasn't working with much sterling silver - mainly pewter, silver plate, and inexpensive beads. Any metal bead or component was very discolored and some had a coating of gunk (like my technical term?!) that couldn't be removed. I was able to salvage some of the glass beads, but a lot had build-up that couldn't be removed, so those went into the garbage bin as well.

How did this happen? Well, my display was right at her work station, in the direct line of fire of hair spray, mousse, and any other product you could find in a salon. It wasn't the hair stylist's fault -- it was mine. I wasn't upset with her, I just didn't know any better. Now I know.

Three Years Later

So, three years down the road, I've improved my skills making jewelry and have learned a few business lessons along the way. This past summer, I got the opportunity for a wholesale account with a local salon and day spa. I was really thrilled about the opportunity, but I wanted to make the best of the situation and have repeat business with this salon. What is different now? Here are a few tips to be successful in a salon:

* Displays. This salon has its own jewelry displays, however if needed, I could provide my own. Make sure your jewelry is displayed well and in a good location. I've found that things sell better when they are near the check-out. Earrings are a typical impulse buy. You want to keep those displays full and in full display of all the customers.

*Avoid Chemicals. My things are kept out in a lobby and waiting area. There are no chemicals flying around and no hair products being sprayed. I've also provided them with a polishing cloth, so when the sterling silver does start to tarnish (which it will), the staff who is working the front desk can polish jewelry during "down" time.

*Keep it Clean. Periodically tumble or polish your jewelry. I do this for all my places, both wholesale clients and places where I consign. If my jewelry is looking tarnished or bad, I pull it off the shelf, take it home and clean it up, then take it back. I even do this for wholesale jewelry. If it has my name on it and looks bad, that is a reflection of me. It won't sell.

*One thing I offered the owner of the salon is to do a "trade" system. If she has pieces of my jewelry that has sat too long and doesn't sell, I'll take it back and give her credit towards her next wholesale purchase. I haven't had that happen yet, but the offer still stands. Luckily, for me, my things have been selling quite well there. I figure if I offer this to the salon owner, I can always put the pieces that don't sell in one of my consignment shops or take them apart for scrap. The silver is valuable and I can always rework the beads into something new.

I hope you can learn something from my experiences. Selling jewelry at a salon is a great way to get more exposure and sales. Jewelry, hair products, and manicures all go together, just not in the same immediate space!

Here is the spa where I sell my jewelry. Hair Body & Sole, in Corvallis, OR. It is a wonderful place. They have a great set-up for pedicures - a long couch, pillows, soothing music, and can accomodate groups. In fact, I'll be heading there in a couple of weeks to get my toes done for the holidays! The photo above is an example of some of my jewelry that is for sale at HBS. For more information, please check out my website at: http://www.accentyourself.com/. Have a great day.

Custom Orders - Part 3

2007-12-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most crafters and jewelry designers do some sort of custom work. I do. Although I don't do a high volume, I have several custom requests each year - mainly for birthstone & mother/grandmother pieces. These pieces are always different, and it is hard to keep the right supplies on hand, so I always end up having to place an order to make-up for what I don't have in stock. After trial and error, I've come up with these tips for doing custom work:

1. State your policies up front. Most of my contacts for custom work are through email, so I always state my process & policies in my first response. I really like email because everything is in black & white - there is no "grey area". I always have proof of what was communicated and decided if any problems arise later. Luckily, I haven't had any major issues. Good communication is key.

2. Once you get an exact idea of what the customer wants, research and estimate how much the project is going to cost you. Include supplies, special tools, and any extra time you spent researching or shopping for "parts". Pay yourself for your time.

3. After you've figured out what the final price is going to be, quote that to the customer. Sometimes, I have to give a general price range for something because I'm not exactly sure what the final price will be until I've actually completed the piece. If Ihave to give a price range, the difference is never more than $10. For example, I just quoted a grandmother's birthstone bracelet at $70-80, the final price came in around $70 - always estimate high. I'd rather estimate too high and have the customer pleasantly surprised than to have something come in way underpriced and have an upset customer.

4. If the customer says "yes", then collect payment before starting any work or ordering any supplies. Do not invest your own money or time into work that hasn't been paid for! I require a 50% deposit, with the remainder due before shipping. I've actually never had a customer just pay the 50% - they always pay in full. I use the PayPal invoicing tool, which is very handy. It keeps records of all my custom orders which helps in pricing.

5. Order supplies and start the actual work AFTER you've received some sort of payment.

6. Keep communicating with the customer. I always let them know when I've received their payment, when supplies have been ordered & when they arrive; when I'll finish the product & when it ships. They might be bombarded with emails from me about a simple bracelet, but they will always know what is going on. I figure the customer does not know me at all, and is trusting me to complete a gift for a loved-one. I want them to be kept "in the loop" at all times. I want them to trust me. I want them to be a repeat customer.

7. Always, overestimate the amount of time it will take to deliver a finished project. Allow for extra time for the post office or UPS to deliver supplies, to actually make the piece, and to ship. This is especially true during the holiday season when shipping can be a nightmare. You never know when something will go wrong.

Other things to remember . . . . get exact sizes, ask if a gift box is needed, make sure you have the correct shipping address - often I mail the piece to the recipient, not the buyer.

I'm sure I've forgotten some great ideas for doing custom work, so if you have any things you do, please feel free to leave a comment below! Some crafters and artisans love doing custom work, others don't. It can be lucrative, if you make sure it is worth your while & stress-free. If your are up-front with your customers and have policies in place, you should be fine!

Pictured (above) is an example of my Grandmother's birthstone bracelet. I use a heavy gauge sterling silver cable chain as the base, and add a Swarovski crystal birthstone bead to represent each grandchild. Since I first started making these, my prices have dramatically increased due to the prices of silver! I think the first time I purchased a section of this chain a few years ago, it cost between $50-60, now it probably costs at least double that price! Ouch!

Part 2 - My First Retail Experience....At a Craft Mall

2007-11-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

I first started making jewelry about 4 years ago. I sat at my friend's kitchen table and she showed me how to make a simple strung beaded bracelet - basic crimping & stringing skills. From that first bracelet, I was hooked! I liked the fine motor skills it required, and, of course, the beautiful beads. So, as I learned new skills, I also accumulated more beads, supplies, and tools. My inventory of completed pieces increased and I I found that I needed a way to sell my things. It sure wasn't selling itself sitting in my house.

My first adventure in retail was at a craft mall called The Country Sampler Store. It is a large craft mall chain that operates mainly in the midwest. The store had every type of craft/art known to man, including food & a ton of jewelry. I rented 1/2 of a large floor jewelry spinner, which cost about $40/month, plus the store kept 10% of my total sales. It really wasn't a bad deal. I started at the craft mall in September, so my sales were pretty good through the holidays. I stayed at the store for 6 months, which was when my original contract expired.

I had several reasons for pulling out of that store. I originally started making jewelry using base metal findings & less expensive beads. For the first 6 months in the store, that worked fine. As my skills improved, I started working mainly with sterling silver. I didn't want to have my sterling silver jewelry sitting out in the open on a large jewelry spinner collecting dust & tarnish, plus it would have been more accessible to "sticky fingers". Theft in the shop was sometimes an issue because it was so jam-packed with goods, and the way my things were displayed, it would have been easy for anyone to take anything. My second reason for pulling out was that my sales slid after the holidays, which was expected, but I ended up doing better on my own. I got more customers through word of mouth, did in-home jewelry parties and little girls' birthday parties.

Although my first experience in retail was positive, I think If I'd stayed much longer, I'd have gotten really disapointed. Within the next year, the shop and a few more ended up closing. I knew a couple of other vendors and heard that the shops closed on a very short notice. The vendors weren't given very long to retrieve their goods from the stores. Some vendors were left hanging with a ton of inventory with no where to sell.

So, if you are just starting out and thinking about getting into a retail situation on consignment, here are some tips & things I learned from my first retail experience at the craft mall:

* A craft mall might be a good place to start. Generally, though, a craft mall will offer craftier items and lower-end jewelry items. For me, lower-priced base metal items sold the best. Plus, if/when things were "lost", I wasn't out a ton of money, just my time.
* Start someplace locally. It is much easier to keep your eye on your things when you can visit the store frequently. I wouldn't ship anything off to a store blindly. Know the shop you are getting into. Shop there, study the traffic, get to know the staff, and see what their business is like.
* Ask what is their most popular price point. If you have items that are priced similarly to other goods in the shop, you'll be more likely to have more sales. I was working my way into more expensive pieces, which I didn't think would sell as well in that setting. I was eventually going to price myself out of the store.
* You'll have to wait in line for the prime location in the shop - then be prepared to pay more $$. The prime jewelry locations in the shop where I sold was in a couple of contained jewelry cases. And, they were occupied by the same person. She sold a lot and had a great following, so it was difficult for everyone else to compete. We were all on jewelry spinners out in the open!
* Start with a smaller space, then work up to more space as needed. The more space you rent, the more sales you have to make to cover your rental fees.
* Read the fine print of all contracts. Know who is responsible for theft. Some shops are 100% responsible, some split theft or breakage 50/50, and others are not responsible at all for loss. If the shop is secure, theft shouldn't be a problem, but in a craft mall setting, with so much clutter & goods, theft can be a problem. Don't be naive, theft happens a lot.
* Read the fine print of your contract. . . oops, I already mentioned that. It is also important to know how and when you get paid. Luckily for me, the shop & company where I sold was ultra-organized. I got an email with every transaction and another summary every two weeks with sales and exact inventory items that sold. Their record keeping was awesome and inventory & payments were very accurate & timely.

I hope you can learn something from my experiences and if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email to bmacy at accentyourself dot com. My jewelry can be viewed on my website at http://www.accentyourself.com/ or in my Etsy shop at http://www.accentyourself.etsy.com/. Have a nice day!

The Life of a Struggling Artisan . . . Part 1

2007-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

Don't Feel Guilty About Your Prices!

It seems to be a constant struggle for artists, artisans, and crafters. . . . how to price your work, get sales & actually make a profit? I struggle with this too. Not only do we all pay for supplies for a project, but we also have to remember the other "stuff" that goes into making something by hand . . . . the amount of time it takes to make our wares, overhead, time spent researching new techniques or finding & purchasing supplies & tools, etc. With all that, it is hard to break even!

I usually take projects with me whenever I go to my kids' sporting events, practices, etc. So, one day I was sitting at a practice making a chain maille piece and a nice lady was admiring my work. (I was blushing with pride.) Then she asked, "How much does something like that cost?" I replied, "about $100." It was a sterling silver European 4-1 bracelet that took quite a while to make. She didn't flinch and replied, "Is that worth your time & effort? It seems like an aweful lot of work for just $100." So, right then and there, I no longer felt bad for pricing my pieces like I do. I no longer feel guilty for pricing a bracelet for over $100 or a necklace at $200. I not only spent my money on the materials, but also a lot of time making them!

So, now, even if I don't sell much, I don't feel sick to my stomach if I let something go for WAY less than it is worth. And, when I do make a sale in a consignment situation or give a 50% discount for a wholesale purchse, I won't feel like I've lost money.

Part 1 of this series - price your work and make sure you are paying yourself for your time, overhead, and all the other incidentals that go along with your craft. You are worth it.

Pictured is one of my recent creations......a Jens Pind 18 gauge 2.75mm necklace. It weighs just over 1 1/4 ounces and took FOREVER to make. Normally Jens Pind weaves rather quickly, however with this size rings, it is very tight and not the most forgiving when you make a mistake. So, after several hours & a long time in the tumbler to soften and de-burr, here it is! And, the price, you ask? $180.

You can view my things on my website at http://www.acccentyourself.com/ or at http://www.accentyourself.etsy.com/

Fine Silver Rings

2007-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

I finally got a ring mandrel and other tools and supplies to finally be able to make rings! I'm so excited. This was one of the skills I learned in my metalsmithing class, but only made them at the Craft Center with their tools.

The pile of plain rings are hammered, stackable rings. I start with fine silver wire, fuse them, hammer and tumble. These small rings (14 ga. wire) are $12 each. They are custom made, so if you'd like to order some, please specify your size.

The second ring is made with heavier gauge fine silver wire, then fused and hammered into shape. These are $15 and somewhat adjustable. All of these rings are available directly from me, from my Etsy shop (http://www.accentyourself.etsy.com/), or at The Art Center in Corvallis, OR.

Karma Line

2007-11-10T16:40:00.001-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, I finished the packaging for my "O" Karma necklaces & earrings. The earrings are made with the same size hammered rings as the necklace and are 100% handcrafted by me, including the earwires & jumprings. For the necklace, I used machine-made chain & clasps, but the jump rings & large circles are made & assembled by me.

You can purchase a pair of earrings or the necklace on a card with a variety of inspirational quotes or the definition of Karma. These are available from me directly or from my Etsy shop. The quotes available include:

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Ghandi

"An eye for an eye is a terrible way to blind the world." - Ghandi

"You can't choose sides in a round world." - Wayne Dyer

"How people treat you is their Karma, how you react is yours." - Wayne Dyer

or The Definition of Karma

What goes around, comes around - My O necklace

2007-09-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is my simple little necklace to help remind me of Karma. I've always been a fan of the saying, "What goes around, comes around . . . " which is represented by the circle.

The necklace is made of all sterling silver components and I cut, solder and hammer the large circle. The finished length is approximately 17 inches long.

Have a nice day & remember to always . . . do unto others as you'd have done to you!

Copper Flower, Byzantine & European

2007-09-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

The bracelet is made out of 20 gauge copper wire that I hand coiled & cut, then wove into the ancient European 4-1 chain maille weave. It comes completed with a handmade swan clasp and measures about 7 1/2 inches long.

The necklace is made with a flower that I soldered and hammered from copper wire (petals) & sterling silver (center). It is approximately 1 3/4 inches wide and is attached to a light byzantine chain. The chain is also made from 20 gauge copper wire. It measures about 18 inches long and is finished with a hook & eye clasp.

Back to the Routine

2007-08-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ah, summer is almost over! We returned from 2 weeks in Illinois last Saturday, and since then I have been busy unpacking, doing laundry and trying to get back to normal. I finally was able to work on some jewelry today! I spent most of the afternoon soldering & hammering rings to sell at the bead shop. Plus, I made a couple new pieces which I'll photograph soon.

School starts in about 10 days and I couldn't be more excited. My oldest isn't too thrilled to be starting back at school, however, my youngest is starting kindergarten and has been anxiously awaiting since June. I am ready. Just a few more school supplies and we are set!

Birthday Gift & Briolette Flower Pendant

2007-08-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

The briolette flower pendant will be listed on my Etsy store . . . www.accentyourself.etsy.com and the Byzantine bracelet is a birthday gift for someone special! I antiqued it to give it a little different look than the normal shiney silver!

Abalone Shell & Freshwater Pearl Cluster Pendant

2007-07-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of abalone shell I snagged from my neighbor. It already had a hole in it, so I added a large sterling silver ring with a bunch of freshwater pearl beaded drops. The shell is so pretty!

Beach/Sea Glass Pendant

2007-07-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am keeping this one for myself! I worked on this bezel set piece this afternoon while the kids played with a friend. I sawed a large section out of the back so light can shine through the glass. I accept any & all donations of sea or beach glass. Send it my way! (This hint is intended for my mother-in-law who has a major stash of beach glass in her house). Actually this piece was probably lifted from her collection - thanks, Barbara!

Link Bracelet & Sea Glass Pendant

2007-07-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

The sea glass pendant was a birthday present for a good friend of mine. Actually, I got the piece of sea glass from her. I used sterling silver wire to wrap it into a pendant. The bracelet is made from links I soldered & hammered, along with some black jasper or onyx (not sure which) beads I linked in between. It is finished with a lobster clasp and actually is quite comfortable to wear.

Jens Pind Copper Bracelet

2007-07-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

I used 16 gauge, 3.75mm copper rings woven into the Jens Pind chain maille pattern. It is a challenging weave to get, but once I figured it out, it went pretty quickly. It is always a challenge to learn a new weave. This on is 7 1/2 inches long and has a handmade hook-style clasp.

You can now purchase my jewelry from my new online Etsy shop. Visit my online store at http://www.accentyourself.etsy.com/ to see what I currently have for sale. I'll be adding more pieces soon! Thanks for looking!

More for Green Heron Art & Glass

2007-07-23T07:41:00.001-07:00

Here are two more pieces I made for Green Heron Art & Glass in Brownsville, OR. The smaller on is a light weight Byzantine bracelet that matches the necklace below. It is made with 20 gauge, 2.75mm sterling silver rings & finished with a lobster clasp. The large one is made with the same rings, but in a European 4-1 weave (similar to armor in medieval times). This bracelet is finished with a toggle clasp and is very lightweight too.

Green Heron Art & Glass - Brownsville, OR

2007-07-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

I recently started another consignment agreement with a couple who just opened a cute little art gallery in Brownsville, Oregon. Max & Jan have retired from the National Park Service and opened a fine art gallery, Green Heron Art & Glass, in the old bank building on Main Street in Brownsville. This is where the movie "Stand By Me" was filmed.

The top set are soldered & hammered link bracelet & earrings. The focal on the bracelet is a gorgeous borocosilicate bead. Yummy!

The following piece is a green & blue charm-style bracelet, made with a variety of glass, Swarovski crystal & semi-precious beads. All are attached to a heavy sterling silver chain.

Finally, the necklace is made with a heart-shaped pendant made for me by a friend. I attached vintage crystal beads to this piece and hung the pendant on a heavy stelring silver cable chain with a front-closing toggle clasp.

Sampling of Simple Earrings For Day Dreamer Beads

2007-07-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

I also sell my things on consignment at a local bead shop in Corvallis - Day Dreamer Beads. I try to keep my earrings simple & plain, which has worked for me so far. There is already quite a large selection of elaborately made earrings with nice gemstones, so the manager wanted me to bring in lower-priced, more simple earrings. I think the large hoop earrings on the left sold right away!

Instead of purchasing generic, pre-made earring cards, I make my own on my pc with pre-cut business cards, like you'd buy from Staples of Office Depot. I can change the labeling for the different shops that carry my jewelry - some allow my website information, some do not. This works for me now, especially since I don't do a huge volume and this is mainly a "hobby" at this time.

More New Things for Gabby's Apparel

2007-07-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

I needed to rotate my stock at the shop, so I've taken out some older stuff & took the owner some newer things I made recently. To see more of my work, please visit my website at http://www.accentyourself.com/

Sodalite Set - this set was made with sodalite & Swarovski crystal beads. I made the necklace in a linked style, while the bracelt is strung on beading wire. The earrings are simple single drops. All the findings & wire in my jewelry is either fine silver or sterling silver.

Peacock & Pistachio Set - Made with freshwater pearls.

Peach & Grey Set - Made with Freshwater Pearls

Two New Bracelets for Gabby's Apparel

2007-07-23T06:57:00.001-07:00

Here are two bracelets I made for one of the shops where I sell my jewelry on consignment. Gabby's Apparel is a fine women's clothing store in the new Renaissance Building in Corvallis, Oregon. I've been selling my jewelry there since the shop opened in February.

This first piece is a bracelet made with simple soldered sterling silver links and is finished with a sterling silver toggle clasp.

The second one is a pink & purple charm-style bracelet. The base is a heavy sterling silver cable chain with pink & purple beaded drops attached. I used a variety of glass, crystal, and semi-precious beads in this piece.

Light Weight Byzantine Necklace

2007-07-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of a sterling silver Byzantine (a.k.a. Bird Cage, Idiot's Delight) necklace. I used 20 gauge, 2.75 mm sterling silver rings. First, I wind the silver wire around a mandrel into coils - I use knitting needles. Then I cut the coils either with a jeweler's saw (by hand) or with my Dremel & Koil Kutter (special tool for cutting rings). After the rings are cut, then I clean & polish them in my tumbler. Finally, after all that, THEN I get to weave them into patterns. I find this so relaxing, although I have to have my reading glasses on, especially for these small rings!

Full view - Approximately 17 inches:

My Favorite Lighted Wine Bottle

2007-07-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite wine bottles from a local winery . . . Tyee Wine Cellars in Corvallis, Oregon in the Willamette Valley. There are tons of vineyards & wineries around and I'm lucky enough to have been given many empty bottles from this one! To see more of my lighted wine bottles, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com. I am glad to make custom lights with your favorite recycled wine bottle! I have several around my house as they make great nightlights in the kitchen and bathroom.

Chocolate & Pink Handbag I Made

2007-03-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is what I did yesterday instead of cleaning our house. I've been wanting to try it for a while and my sewing mach had been collecting dust. I used a chocolate-brown placemat with fringe, pink & chocolate ribbon, and coordinating pink fabric for the liner. I used a magnetic clasp for the closure. It was fairly easy, but I need a bit more practice. Thank you for looking. Have a nice day!

Czech Glass Donut & Handmade Chain Necklace

2007-03-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

This was one of my first projects after I got my new torch. I've been having fun playing with fire out in the garage! The chain is all handmade, soldered and hammered. Attached to it are a variety of Czech glass faceted donut beads that I just can't seem to get enough of. I love them! You can wear this necklace with the beads in front, the chain in front, or a little bit of both that will be perfect for Spring! To see more of my jewelry, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a nice day!

Handmade Link Bracelet

2007-02-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

This is a handmade chain I finished with all sterling silver wire and a toggle clasp. Each link was soldered closed, so it is quite sturdy even though it is light weight. A few of the rings are made from twisted wire I made with my drill. To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a nice day!

New Chain Maille Bracelets

2007-01-29T14:02:00.000-08:00

I recently received three kits from Urban Maille to make a Flower Chain, 3-in-3 Chain & Byzantine Chain bracelets. They were so fun to put together! Now that I am familiar with making chains, I'll be sawing my own rings and making more. To see more of my jewelry for sale, please visit my website at http://www.accentyourself.com/

Wine Bottle Lamp

2007-01-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is a wine bottle lamp I made today. I drilled a hole in the bottom/back of the bottle, strung the cord up to the top and wired it to the hardware. I added a bulb & decorative lampshade and now I have a new lamp for my dining room. Thanks for looking and have a nice day!

This is me.

2006-11-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

This is me on one of our Sunday morning hikes. My son took this picture.

Sterling & Copper Heart Pendant

2006-10-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

I made this pendant in my metalsmithing class at OSU. It is made with sterling silver & copper sheet. Each layer was hand cut with a jeweler's saw, filed & sanded, then soldered together. After that, I sanded & buffed until finished. What a fun piece to make. To see more of my jewelry, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a great day!

Carnelian Earrings & Bracelet

2006-09-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Carnelian Earrings & Bracelet
I used large carnelian pillow beads and a few other shapes, along with sterling silver wire, clasp & ear wires for these pieces. Each link in the bracelet is handmade by me.

This set is in honor of the Oregon State University Beavers! My husband recently took a new job at OSU and I thought I'd make some jewelry to promote the teams!

If you like what you see, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com I gladly accept custom orders! Have a great day!

Wine Bottle Light

2006-09-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

A wine bottle lamp. . . I just made this out of an Eola Hills Reserve wine bottle, some grapes & ribbon, and one strand of mini lights. I drilled a hole so the light cord comes out in back. This bottle has the original wine cork. Thanks for looking have a great day! For more information or to see other creations of mine, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a nice day!

Red Jasper Pendant & Ryolite Necklace

2006-08-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

I made this necklace with a strand of faceted ryolite coin beads & a large freeform red jasper pendant. In between the ryolite beads are several sterling silver Bali beads & spacers. it is finished with a twisted rope style toggle clasp in the front.

To view more of my jewelry, visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a great day!

Garnet & Sterling Silver Anklets

2006-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of anklets I made recently for a customer. One is made with coin shaped garnets & sterling silver chain, and the other has the same chain with sterling silver Bali beads. Both are finished with a trigger clasp. If you wish to order one similar to this, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com I would need your specific size and bead preference. Great piece of jewelry for summer! Have a nice day!

Cross Cluster Pendant

2006-08-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the partner to the oak leaf pendant. This one is made with a sterling silver cross pendant with vines. The beads are sodalite & swarovksi crystal. It hangs on a leather cord choker. This was a custom order and I can make duplicates. To see more of my jewelry, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a nice day!

Oak Leaf Pendant

2006-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

This pendant is a custom order for a client. I used a sterling silver oak leaf pendant that the customre found on eBay and the beads are amber, Swarovski, Czech glass (rootbeer float), olive jade, and citrine. The colors are perfect for fall.

Metalsmithing Class

2006-07-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

I had my second metalsmithing class on Monday night and I learned how to solder! It was fun and I didn't even singe my eyebrows. We are getting plenty of practice and are able to use the torches a lot. When I get my camera charged, I'll take photos of my work. It's bad, but I did it!

2 Bracelets -- Citrus & Pinks

2006-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

This summery bracelet is made with a variety of beads, including: coral, citrine, peridot, Czech glass, and sterling silver. It is completed with a sterling silver trigger clasp & a 1-inch extender and measures 7 ½” - 8 ½”. $30

The pink bracelet is made with a variety of pink beads, including: Czech glass, dyed pink chalcedony, rose quartz, Swarovski crystal, and sterling silver. It is completed with a sterling silver trigger clasp & a 1-inch extender and measures 7 ½” – 8 ½”. $30

Both bracelets have matching earrings. You will be able to find them on my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a great day!

Sunflower & Citrine Necklace

2006-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is perfect for summer. My neighbor's garden was the inspiration for this necklace. They have sunflowers that are now taller than me and are getting ready to bloom.

It was made with a Hill Tribe silver sunflower pendant, along with several faceted citrine bead drops. This cluster pendant comes on a leather choker with a 2-inch extender.

To see more of my jewelry, please visit my website at www.accentyourself.com Have a great day!