I have been a busy bee this week working on jewelry sets, gathering tools and supplies and trying to sort out all the questions being thrown at me.  One thing has become clear and that is I need a name for this jewelry venture and I need it fast.  All the pictures of my pieces and sets are on my personal facebook page so I can't just direct people to them without opening that up to the public.  That I won't do so time for a new plan.  Come up with a name and then create another blogspot and/or facebook page.

Still needing to figure out the best way for packaging, shipping, etc.  Not to mention software for tracking, inventory, tax, etc.  I know a certain someone that is champing at the bit for me to get business cards and pretty bags.  One thing at a time.  

You should start a business!

My Dad has been saying that to me for years.  Well that and that I should write a book.     I have decided to take on the first one, so one step at a time, Pop!

I am making jewelry now, working with wire, beads, etc.  Going to try my hand at chain maille jewelry here pretty soon.  I was having a blast when I started making the pieces (still am) but then someone suggested that I sell them (thanks Michelle!).  I got so excited about the idea because that would be a great way to bring in income and still let me have my time to take care of the family and work around the boys school schedule.  Sick days alone would be great for me!  Them home watching TV or napping would allow me to make tons of stuff while I looked after them.

I talked to Bob about the possibility of starting my own business and he was supportive but suggested that I work at it a little longer and see what the demand would be.  So far I have had great feed back on my pieces and today I sold my very first set!!!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ME!!!  Thank you, MO!!!

I LOVE this piece and it took me a couple days before I convinced myself that I could part with it and sell.  Pretty silly of me considering I could just make another one for myself.  This is an 18" gunmetal double infinity link with dyed pink jade.

Since I tend to have a problem with "MINE!" and "SQUIRREL!", I decided that I needed to lay down some rules.  1)  I promise to make something new and different everyday for the first few weeks.  Originally, I was only wanting to make things that I would want to keep but that isn't practical or business smart.  So instead I am going to make pieces that I like, that intrigue me, that require a skill I need to learn or one that seems challenging.  I am not a big hearts gal and really not a Valentine groupie (except when it comes to my menfolk) but yesterday I made this.  I think this turned out great!  My poor fingers are raw and beat up but it was well worth it.  This is an 18" chain of hearts made out of antique brass wire.

So now reality sets it and I will have to rely heavily on the left brainers that I love because SQUIRREL!  You get the idea.  I was up until 2 am the other day because I couldn't turn off my brain trying to think of a design name.  Now I have people asking me about PayPal accounts, shipping methods, inventory by count or weight, packaging, fairs/shows.  *head exploding*

It very well may require my entire village to help this idiot but I can do it!  I foresee many awkward moments  when it makes perfect sense to me and Bob is just shaking his head.

Wish me luck!  Better yet, order your own "precious"...

Note:  I only listed 1 rule?  See?!

Which-craft

I have been playing with beading off and on forever.  I enjoy so many different types of crafts/sewing but I have been focusing on quilting more than anything else the last 10 years.  One thing I always wanted to try my hand at was wire jewelry.  I found this book yesterday while shopping at JoAnn's.  Needless to say I had no choice, it required that I bring it home.

I bought a few supplies to begin one of the patterns and attempted to make it today.  My technique isn't perfect to say the least but I have the basics down and I don't think anyone would really notice my mistakes other than someone already experienced with wire jewelry.  I hit a bit of a road block in that I don't have a couple tools they want you to have.  So I finished all that I could except the "chasing" steps.  I also took some time to fiddle with wire flowers.  Here is what I have to show for my play time today.

The little pieces that look like old fashion spectacles need to be "chased" or flattened to harden the metal and then joined with jump rings.  I also bought jade chips and a pretty lime chip to make variations of this set and possibly bracelets to compliment them.  Here is what the finished product is supposed to look like.

A friend has offered to help teach me and spend some time learning other techniques.  I googled a couple that she mentioned and WOWSA!  Yeah, Bob isn't going to be happy unless I find a way to pay for this new "habit".  I am thinking about renting the Boblings out as birth control.  Serious bank right there.