Saturday Sails

Stock Up!

2012-01-29T08:12:00.003-08:00

Not sure why this choker design says "old"/"old-fashioned" to me. I like it though. So does my sister-in-law's sister. Except this is on memory wire and that may be too snug....

I started to string a new one on 49-strand wire. Way too loose. Drapes too much. Looks so wrong. I'm going to try 7-strand but am expecting a similar result.

It's been a bit of a saga getting more mother of pearl for it. I bought the first lot (used above) from The Bead Factory in Tacoma, WA. And the reason I bought it was because it was so beautiful, a definite "don't-leave-here-without-me." Having used up that first lot, I went after more - but they didn't have any. Picked some up at Michaels but it wasn't nearly as nice. Ordered some from Fire Mountain Gems and it turned out off-white even though the photos showed bright white (this happens w/FMG - buyer be ware). Called a bead shop 30 minutes away - no luck. Checked out Shipwreck Beads online, found the right size, color, shape - AND - it is actually as bright and white as the photo. =)

(Moral of the story: Stock up when you find something NICE!)

Now to resolve the wire vs. stringing question.

7-strand is also to soft. I'll have to see what can be done with regular 24 gauge wire.

Necklace #2. How'd I do? =)

2012-01-21T17:33:00.001-08:00

So,...four new listings on ArtFire. Two wire bracelets sold. Two people want to try to figure out how to make them. It's not hard, just takes a little patience.

I used Swarovski pearls on this latest one after a friend's comment about wanting one with pearls and red and black beads/crystals. Took a few attempts working with inventory on hand, but this one works. The red and black thing remains to be seen....

This was a project that was begun and then set aside, picked up later, and completed.

Antiqued brass chain, lobster clasp, charms and tiger eye beads.

A package of corrugated silver loops, a string of blue cathedral cut beads and Swarovski faceted cubes.

Lead and nickel free kidney ear wires.

Swarovski pearl drops about 1.25" on surgical steel wires.

These latter two I had taken photos of a while ago, but they were not right. Set that project aside, took it up today and got it done.

I'm trying to aim for a FULL table at craft fairs in the fall. And if one or two things sell through ArtFire in the meantime so much the better.

New Bracelet Designs

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Warm colors for a winter's day.

First of a pair of dragonfly earrings.

Custom order for a birthday gift.

Silver and Gold

2011-12-18T20:49:00.002-08:00

Fourth of a custom order. Pictures for now. Words later. :)

Popular Woven Wire Bracelets!

2011-12-14T20:26:00.001-08:00

Is it just me or do these look frilly? Third of an order for four - all different. And underpriced!

Earrings Project "How-to's"

2011-12-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

Directions for pearl earrings I made recently are here on Craftsy.

These earrings were a custom order scaled down from a photo.

Here's what the buyer had to say: "I love the jewelry you make and whenever I get an idea in my head I know you are talented enough to make it perfectly how I think it up!!"

Facebook Page for Saturday Sails....

2011-11-28T17:40:00.001-08:00

So, I take the plunge and create a Facebook page for Saturday Sails to use ArtFire's Facebook kiosk application and....it isn't working....some bug or who knows....

At least I have a custom request to work on - the interwoven wire bracelet with purple cubes, bicones and rondelles....oh, and a cat charm. Nice having something to make.

Love Craft Fairs

2011-11-26T15:57:00.001-08:00

Gotta say I love going to craft fairs. Pieces actually sell. I averaged about $100/day in sales.

Sales online since April (not counting family and friends sales through ArtFire): 1

Way too much work for far too little return.

Just not sure what I want to do from here.

Charity Auction Pieces

2011-10-26T21:08:00.002-07:00

These two pieces were selected a couple of months ago by Care Net Pregnancy Center in Shelton (http://www.sheltoncarenet.org/) to be auctioned at their October fund raiser. They were sold together and raised $27.

It was nice to be able to help.

Business Cards

2011-09-27T14:15:00.002-07:00

Working through card ideas for business cards and hang tags.

Business card, left; hang tag, right.

Going with black and white.

Shop Talk Miscellaneous

2011-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

I signed up for Craftsy today. And added a project (the wooden bead earrings previously posted here). Hoping for yet more exposure for my work.

Yet exposure alone isn't everything. My ArtFire items have seen over 2,000 views (combined)! However, the only sales I have had have been to family and friends. (Bless 'em!)

So, what's the missing link?

ArtFire is a challenge, not to mention a TON of work. Not being a wordy person (as you may have noticed), writing engaging descriptions doesn't come naturally. And while I enjoy setting up and taking photographs, I can see that my photos are plainly not in a league with at least the ones used in ArtFire's "curated collections." (More work needed there for sure.)

Do viewers fault me for those shortcomings? Maybe. No one says anything one way or the other. Personally, I tend to think people just like to look. (Thankfully though folks that go to craft fairs do more than that!)

Maybe video might help. Some earrings are definitely of more interest when in motion. Not sure off hand where to use video, YouTube perhaps. That might even be a more effective plan than retaking photographs. But either way still requires an interesting background.

Now if I just had a tripod.....

Custom Earrings

2011-08-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Totally different. Totally great!

Czech pressed glass "leaves," ceramic "beets,"
surgical steel kidney ear wires.

Jerusalem olive wood, strung on leather,
antique brass (finish) jump rings and ear wires.

Bookmarks and Neck Crosses, Calistoga Monastery

2011-08-25T21:02:00.002-07:00

Some years back I attended a parish with woman who is now a nun, and has been for some time. We've been in touch over the years. Recently, it occurred to me to ask if the bookstore at their monastery (Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA: http://holyassumptionmonastery.com/index.html) might have any interest in some beaded bookmarks.

They were open to the idea and asked for samples. I made a couple and sent the photo below.

They also asked for neck crosses - the next two photos.

Wood is Jerusalem olive. Crosses are pewter with an antique brass finish. Cording is hemp. And the small beads are glass and tiger eye. The Bible charm is actually a locket!

Oh, there's an education. Spotted those at Michaels for $.17 each, yes, each. Was later looking on the internet for more...$1.71 each! Next time I find such a bargain I'm checking the internet the same day, then going back for more!

And speaking of bookmarks, the ribbon crimps (that the charm is hanging from) I had purchased locally. Went back for more only to discover the store had stopped carrying them.

Found others online and ordered them. But they were not suitable and had to be returned. Waiting now for replacements....

Small Retail Support

2011-08-23T09:54:00.002-07:00

http://wtforretail.wordpress.com/

Web Therapy for Retail

Happy Birthday, Dear M.!

2011-08-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Custom order for a birthday girl!

It was a hit!

Branching Out

2011-08-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Working on a request for a bracelet. Something I haven't tried before - a "random," busy, full sort of look. Hope it turns out.

The colors work. Just have to get all the little "attachments" sorted out. And vary the length of where the stone cube beads hang - that's the tricky part.

We'll see how it goes.

Oh, and there's only 6 days left for the 1/2 price sale in my ArtFire Studio: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/SaturdaySailsGiftShop

Crazy Savings

2011-07-31T15:53:00.002-07:00

Everything's half off. Two weeks only. http://www.artfire.com/users/SaturdaySailsGiftShop

Custom Order - Vegan Bracelet

2011-07-30T12:36:00.005-07:00

For a vegan friend and chef (not officially but should be!!!). May include carrots. Remains to be seen.

A bracelet, perhaps?

Or a necklace?

And the winner is.....

The bracelet.

Art Therapy =)

2011-07-23T07:40:00.001-07:00

Just ran across this on a Facebook post. I know from personal experience how true it is.

Ever since I've started making jewelry and other beaded things, working on a computer for a living is dull. I'd far rather be creating things with my hands!

New Design

2011-07-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

Custom/GIFT for Marti.

Shop Talk

2011-07-14T21:49:00.002-07:00

In no particular order:

Two repair pieces awaiting completion. One needs cord ends of the right size. The other needs stringing wire of the right size and color. I have neither currently.

My sister asked for a modification of a bracelet I had made her. But I need to consult her on it.

Been brainstorming, or trying to, ideas for something for MH who donated a generous quantity of beads.

The items on Artfire could still use additional photos, "poses" if you will. People look and that seems to be about it. Artfire sure seems to be a disproportionate amount of work for no more return than it's brought so far.....

Black cord needs ends, loose beads below it need wire.
Turquoise beads (dyed howlite?) are an inkling of an idea.
Bracelet for modification in front.

I had forgotten that the bent wire end on memory wire can
actually be something more attractive than just a loop!

A Jewel of a Tune!

2011-07-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

Give forgotten musical instruments new LIFE. Louis Armstrong started on a used instrument.

Necklace Repair - Before and After

2011-07-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

Tarnished toggle clasp, bare crimp beads.

Charm hanging directly on stringing wire.

Polished toggle clasp, jump rings, wire protectors and crimp beads with covers.

Charm suspended from jump ring hanging on stringing wire.

The cherished handiwork of a child repaired.

Back to Beading....Misc. Thoughts

2011-07-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

I've been repairing a few pieces for a friend who generously sent me the beads and beading supplies that she was tired of storing and didn't want to throw out. =) These fixers are treasures to her, made by her kids some years ago.

After posting photos of a couple repaired ones on Facebook for her to see, it dawned on me that I should have taken some "before" photos also. Another thing I should have caught was the symmetry of one piece which, even though it was incomplete, could have been improved on if I'd been paying enough attention.

Except for pieces for friends, momentum has slowed for making new things. Still working on getting more and better photos of studio items. Also giving thought to craft fair set up come fall, with as minimal inve$tment as possible.

Along those lines, things I've read on fair booths spoke of getting items up, more at eye level, ditch the chair and stay on your feet, have a mirror available, and samples of various color fabrics.

I'm thinking of having items grouped and labeled. One person asked specifically for non-pierced earrings. I'll have some.

Christmas in July Sale

2011-07-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

Wine glass charm sets, red and green items, angel and gift box earrings, prices on all items reduced 10%.

Sneak Peek...

2011-06-25T08:32:00.005-07:00

Newly listed three-piece set.

Earrings, cuff bracelet, and choker.

Five photos on ArtFire. =)
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3495391

Pages, Tabs

2011-06-22T16:55:00.002-07:00

Just "discovered" this "pages/tabs" thing. Now in transition. Bear with me. Thanks.

Macro Photos

2011-06-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Have a look. Trying to go for more, and - slowly by slowly - better, photos over more items.

Necklace Discovery, Wire Ends

2011-06-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

I made this bracelet over a year ago and have always loved the rainbow pattern colors. Yesterday I went looking for jewelry making ideas and happened upon a necklace at the Smithsonian site that instantly reminded me of the bracelet.

Silver makes a nice background, don't you think? I wonder if aluminium foil would work....Hmmm.

In other news...

My latest jewelry making venture was a pair of earrings for a friend with the request that they be lightweight. I wish I could show you the finished product but the camera battery died before I got that far. What I can "show" you is what I learned in the process.

As I was making them I found myself running into "what to do with the ends of the wire" - again! The earrings were strung from the bottom up. Picture a "v" of wire with a drop at the bottom then beads strung alternately over both wires, then one, wire off-setting them. After stringing the beads I was still left with the two ends of wire and how to attach the ear wires to them. Bead tips seemed a possible solution. But the ones most readily available were too big, not the right scale for the beads. What I ended up deciding on was to use a crimp tube with the wires going up through it forming a loop then the ends tucking back down inside the crimp. Not perfect but reasonable. Next time I would run both wires through the crimp but use only one wire for the loop and trim off excess.

Always something to learn.

Seasonal Bracelet and Earrings

2011-06-14T19:03:00.001-07:00

The latest arrivals in the studio:

Silver plated brass loops, glass beads.

Glass beads, memory wire.

Latest Creation

2011-06-09T11:39:00.002-07:00

Gold loops at each end of gold-plated chain twist and swing with movement.

A Work in Process....

2011-06-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

"Tip" for the Day

2011-06-01T07:21:00.002-07:00

If the wire you're using to string beads catches on the edge of the drill hole, try cutting the wire at an angle. Start with the wire cutters parallel to the wire. Angle them out slightly and then cut the wire. This will give the wire a bit of a point which will slip more easily through the hole. (Holding the wire cutters at a right angle to the wire makes a blunt cut across the end of the wire.)

Charity Auction, Part 2

2011-05-31T12:46:00.002-07:00

Found out today that these two very different items were the ones selected for the charity auction in the fall. It will be interesting to find out what they sell for. Stay tuned.

Now to make replacements for my studio. =)

Dragon Flies, Powder Blue Fresh Water Pearls...and Continuing Education....

2011-05-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Where to start? As is often the case, I bought the pearls because I liked the color, their size and the price. Same for the dragon flies, and also the tiny spacers - little six-pointed stars when viewed flat rather than strung.

The (a?) birthstone for June is pearls so I've been giving thought to how to make use of these and the others that I have for some time now. My first attempt (some days ago) with these was an illusion necklace mixing the pearls with blue crystals and strung on 19-strand, sterling silver nylon covered beading wire. (It looks very nice with the blue.) I laid out the groupings of beads on one of those bead design board things. Once they were spaced I started carefully flattening the crimp beads. Unfortunately, as I was rounding the curve at the lower edge of the board I realized the spacing between groupings had diminished in going around the curve. So much for Round 1.

Fortunately, this story has only 2 rounds.

So, I picked up the pearls again earlier today and started trying to find what to combine them with. These small, soft blue pearls are tricky. Anything too flashy - like crystals, and not large ones at that - overpowers them, draws your eye away from them. (Learned that in Round 1.) These guys needed something small, petite, and a little sparkly. Enter dragon flies, tiny stars and hook & loop clasp. Perfect.

I'm happy. =)

Before and After

2011-05-26T20:48:00.001-07:00

Workspace before - white mat on table top, and tackle box for storage.

Workspace after - drawers, desktop spaces, plastic organizers, and...

...closeable!

Took a couple of closer shots of one ArtFire item:

I'm hoping they will help.

A Custom Challenge

2011-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

The two sales I've had through my ArtFire Studio (Saturday Sails Gift Shop) were custom orders for friends. One friend saw earrings there that she liked but wanted with pearls. Another wanted wine glass charms with a specific type of charm. No problem!

I enjoyed making the items I knew they specifically wanted and they were happy with the results.

Have you ever gone looking for a particular piece of jewelry, a certain sort of wine glass charms, or any other beaded or jewelry item without finding what you were looking for, or the right price for it? I'd love to try meeting that challenge if you would be willing to give me a try.

What do you think?

Google Analytics

2011-05-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you have a web site or blog and would like to know what kind of traffic it is getting, check out Google Analytics. Really interesting stuff. For example, it shows me that visitors of my ArtFire studio that come from here, don't stay long. :( Mobile Facebook visitors stay longer than Craigslist visitors. About 2/3 of all visitors are repeat visitors. Like that! The overall average visit is about 5 minutes and includes nearly 3 page views. Interesting stuff.

Jewelry Making Workspace

2011-05-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

The desk for my beading workspace has arrived and is in place and is it big! Even though I asked for the dimensions and received them, it's not the same as seeing the desk in our house. (We'll be rearranging the rest of the furniture in the room....)

And I have to say I'm glad the guy selling it wasn't asking more for it than he did. It's seen some wear and tear, but still quite serviceable overall. Lots of storage for jewelry making supplies.

Got the computer in and connected last night. Checked the Skype video preview then relocated the camera. Stowed away the various desk parts that are not in use at the moment. Next comes "moving in" my beading tools, supplies, references, etc.

Then the real fun begins. =)

A Picture's Worth....

2011-05-19T19:04:00.002-07:00

Short on words, so here's a photo. =)

Navajo mix Czech beads, metal spacers, memory wire.

Graduation

2011-05-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

A few photos for now. Words later.

Amethyst nuggets and Japanese seed beads bookmarks.
Inspiration - nephew's graduation, class colors.

A first attempt at making a ring.

These look much better on black!

Pot of gold. Leprechaun and
rainbow sold separately. ;)

If You EAT Read This!

2011-05-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Things you never knew that lurk in food.

Birthstones, Emeralds, Pearls

2011-05-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

It recently dawned on me that May's birthstone is the emerald and June's is the pearl. My first thought: There are no emeralds let alone anything green in my shop. Well, there is one emerald green bracelet. Pearls fared a little better. One glass pearl choker and earring set (blue, cream and copper colored) and one pair of earrings with pink Swarovski pearls and crystals.

I had so hoped to actually sit down this evening and play with the freshwater pearls that I have. Even planned to invite the kids to play in my room while I worked. But the way the evening went - it went. And with it those particular hopes, now deferred.

Next best thing: list two glass pearl creations left over from the craft fair with renewed hope that someone will find them, even one of them, just the thing for a June birthday gift.

You or someone you know could make my day. =)

An Observation: Online Shop vs. Craft Fair

2011-05-08T20:51:00.002-07:00

If it happens anyone wonders which is simpler, an online shop or selling at a craft fair. Here's a brief observation.

As a vendor at two craft fairs last fall, over 1,500 people attended the fairs I was at. I made a modest number of sales over the three days. My ArtFire shop has been online for some number of weeks. There have been over 600 visits to my studio and over 500 item views (numbers which likely overlap, I would have to guess). The one "sale" listed there is simply the record of the shop as a vehicle for the payment of a custom order for a friend. No other sales or even nibbles as I have had no communication from any studio visitors.

Additionally, selling at a craft fair eliminates all requirements of photography, uploading, writing listings and descriptions, and shipping. It minimizes handling and packaging. It increases communication with customers, or at least makes it two-way rather than one-way.

An online shop is at least more exposure for my work than having it stuck in a box until the next craft fair.

My two-cents' worth.

Happy Mother's Day!

High Tops: An Evolutionary Process?

2011-05-07T21:42:00.022-07:00

High tops for a youthful friend (which she loved!).

About the high tops. A teenage choir member arrived at service one warm afternoon. In canvas tennis shoes, like high tops only low. One red, one gray. "Love the shoes," I said smiling. Apparently the dog - a puppy - had eaten the laces or something and that was the wearable pair she had. Too cute. Anyway, inspiration struck one afternoon as I was in the local bead store. High tops? Yes. But only in black. Gave them to her mom at service tonight. I hope she (the daughter) likes them.

Cue Paul Harvey, "And now for the rest of the story....." Having purchased the shoes (for a song, I might add), it remained to attach them to ear wires. Seemed simple enough. Ha!

I wanted the shoes to swing, playfully. There were no rings in my supplies that were the right diameter or gauge either one. Hand making improvisations didn't work. Not to mention only having silver- and gold-toned ear wires on hand, neither of which were "right." So the whole idea got put on hold.

Picked it up again recently when I was in that same bead store. Saw the right color ear wires and split rings that looked to be a good diameter. Foresight wasn't fully in gear. The double wire of split rings increases the "gauge" so it was far from fitting like I thought it would.

Back to square one.

Okay, try to think outside the box.... 49-strand beading wire. Never mind that it's sterling silver. It's the right color! And flexible. Now to get it in a loop. A small loop. Small loop, small length of wire - so as not to waste any. Ha! Small lengths of wire are hard to handle especially when trying to form them into even smaller circles. Cut to chase - a little anyway. Finally figured out to use a longer length of wire, easier to handle, goes faster, saves time, saves money, even if it ends up wasting more wire.... Configure wire into two figure 8s. Bottom loop for shoe. Wiggles great. Top loop for ear wire. Crimp bead in the middle.

Success! Well, except for knowing whether the hightop earrings will be well received or not. Might find out tomorrow.

Good-night.

I've Got Ears That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle.....

2011-05-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Metal bell buttons and clappers. Gold-toned ear wires.
Two pairs available, listed separately.

Lovin' It!

2011-05-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Just had a jump in Item and Studio Views! I'm lovin' it. Thank you all, and keep spreadin' the word. =)

2-for-1 Amethyst Nugget Lanyards

2011-05-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Amethysts on 2.5-inch lanyards, $3.50 + shpg
@ http://www.artfire.com/users/SaturdaySailsGiftShop

Bead Supply Resource Not to Be Missed!

2011-05-04T07:42:00.001-07:00

I'm trying out a new service, Jet Beads. Jason (one man operation) charged me the 3rd discount level prices, which I paid him for via his web site. Then he places an order with Fire Mountain Gems, including my items, at the next higher (or highest?!) discount level - the total cost of which was less than my order alone. The difference is his profit (about $7 in this case). My items will be shipped directly to me (Jason already forwarded the FMG order confirmation). What a great idea! Looking forward to saving some money (more than $10 on this order) and being able to buy nicer items in the future.

For the record though, I also picked up a few items from a local bead shop (in Poulsbo) to do what I can for the local economy. A little goes a lot farther than you might think. The 3/50 Project explains.

New Items

2011-04-30T21:29:00.002-07:00

Glass cubes float invisibly on monofilament.

Acrylic beads. Small, fits under 6-inch wrist.

Beads and spacers (acrylic) swing freely on cording.
Soft, slightly metallic sound.

Click to enlarge. Also acrylic.

Nothing Like a Little Variety

2011-04-28T19:40:00.004-07:00

Looking for ???? "Find Things Here!" in the right-hand column might help. Or feel free to ask. I love requests.

Glass pearl choker and earrings set, in blue, cream and copper.

Wrinkles.... Education.... Waiting....

2011-04-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

A friend saw earrings she liked (a couple posts below, antiqued brass pewter with ruby beads) and asked if they could be done with pearls. Of course. Or so I thought.

I went last night to work with them and sort out how they would hang nicely, etc., only to discover the drill holes in the pearls (freshwater) are too small for the head-pins.... :p So I will see about finding thinner head-pins.

This hobby isn't a hobby--it's an on-going learn-as-you-go experience now expanded to online marketing. No doubt business and marketing folk more knowledgeable than I would be shaking or scratching their heads at my "processes" such as they are.

I wouldn't say there's been a "process" beyond being bitten by the beading bug, the love of watching people's faces light up at seeing things I've made, and reading friend's enthusiastic responses to gifts I've put together just for them. Not to mention how nice it is when a hobby at least partially pays for itself!

As nice as it is to be paid for things I've made, there is one thing nearly as good if not better! There is numerical evidence that people visit this blog and my ArtFire studio. That's interesting. People leave complimentary comments on photos of my work on Facebook, which is nice. But what I'm dyin' for here is some FEEDBACK!

I like the reinforcement of knowing what I'm doing pleases people. But at the same time the satisfaction I find in creating with my hands is really why I'm here. I make things I like, and I enjoy them. It's just more fun knowing someone else does too.

Favorite Things

2011-04-27T17:24:00.004-07:00

Brown paper packages, they're not. But they might just be among her favorite things! (Just added to my ArtFire listings.)

New Studio Listings :)

2011-04-26T18:20:00.003-07:00

Antiqued brass, ruby glass crystals with AB finish.

Slightly smoky (gray) Czech crystals w/black.
Two pairs available.

Swarovski crystals, pearls.

Triple strand wire with metal cube beads.

Christ is risen! Flash mob sings in Beruit mall.

2011-04-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Listen here. Click "cc" for English subtitles.

Paused

2011-04-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am taking a break from Artfire and this blog for Holy Week (http://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Week). Feeling a little internet over-dosed. The studio is "on vacation." However, I do not know if that includes the Rapid Cart here. Back after Easter.

Mother's Day Gifts

2011-04-15T10:41:00.001-07:00

The perfect Mother's Day gift might just be in my ArtFire studio. Have you looked to see? : )

I am happy to take requests and custom orders.

Baker's Dozen

2011-04-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

A baker's dozen of various items can now be browsed (and bought) in my ArtFire Studio.

I welcome feedback. I do want to get it right.

Thanks.

Nerves....

2011-04-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Crystal wire bracelet, $15. http://www.artfire.com/users/SaturdaySailsGiftShop

While it feels good to have a market for my creations, I am now nervous about the parts of that that I have yet to learn.

Shipping - Many (most?) sellers that I've seen do list a separate shipping rate. For simplicity sake, I've gone with including shipping costs in the price of the item. Don't know if that will fly. I am hoping so because it does save time. But maybe buyers won't like it, and won't tell me so.

Actually, that is my largest concern.

If buyers would challenge their own assumptions and ask questions, they might just get answers they like.

I'm trying to clearly communicate that I am new to ArtFire. What I could add is that there will be a "settling in" period, an adjustment period. ArtFire is quite different from eBay.

Will see how it goes.

Waiting for Market

2011-04-08T17:29:00.004-07:00

Available now in my ArtFire Studio.

This one, too.

Tailor Made ;)

2011-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

My friend, Monica, had this to say about the hair combs I beaded for her:

"They are wonderful. I don't think I ever had anything that was made just for me. It did not look like a 'first time' to me. They are beautiful."

Love Positive Feedback!

2011-04-04T14:35:00.004-07:00

My friend, Teri, had this to say:

"The necklace and earrings arrived in today's mail. They're beautiful! What nice handiwork you do! Already wearing them..."

And my niece said, "The earrings are GORGEOUS. Thank you so much! ♥"

Doesn't get any better than that. :D

Favorites!

2011-04-01T11:24:00.007-07:00

Just some favorite pieces I made that all sold!

Wood and seed beads. Bright, cheerful, fun.

Bells (buttons actually!) with little clappers that really jingle!

Two pairs are for sale in my ArtFire Studio.

Bird charms "caged" in hoops.

Maybe my most favorite piece, although fragile.
The metal links are square jump rings.

Beaded Christmas ornament hooks. Three sets. All three sold!

Love gardening? or a gardener? Lots of
people liked these "mismatched" earrings!

Starry, Starry Night Layered Necklace

2011-03-30T14:25:00.008-07:00

The length of this piece as a loop is about 31" (unhook the clasp and it is about 62" long) and wraps nicely into a triple strand necklace.

Starry Night available in my ArtFire Studio.

Speaking of Plan B.....

2011-03-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

This blog started as a record of my "education" in eBay and quilting. I haven't done either for quite some time. However, the "education" continues just in a different area - beading and jewelry making. And now I find myself wanting/needing a venue or market. (Frankly, I feel guilty investing in more supplies without revenue coming in from my efforts.)

I don't know that here (Blogger) is right. Getting pictures arranged is a pain! But it's where I am for now. Etsy is tempting aside from the minor detail of there being nearly two million (2,000,000) items in the jewelry section. Even though the listing fees are low, I'd rather not pay any. Nothing beats direct sales, craft fairs, that sort of thing; completely eliminates all shipping, handling and intermediary fees (okay, aside from paying for your table, etc.), not to mention your packages won't get "lost in the mail." And I totally LOVE watching someone walk up to my display as a smile brightens up their face! That is nearly priceless!

There's my two-cents' worth for the moment.

Plan A - Scratch that... Plan B!

2011-03-28T08:05:00.003-07:00

I like puzzles - jigsaw, sudoku, scrabble. But I should qualify that. I like puzzles with relatively short order solutions.

Not having added beads to hair combs, I was puzzled, but plowed ahead. The first one I did is below on the left. I wasn't completely satisfied with it and in no hurry to redo it having knotted and glued the ends of the monofilament. The second one came together much better. Now I'm left with a somewhat mismatched pair. I think the friend they were for would be happy with them in the way a mother is happy with the scribbles of her child. So I am tempted to go ahead and send them to her with the promise of a better pair to come.

This set below is also a "Plan B." Plan A still isn't sorted out, and I like it SO much more! (Might even post a photo, maybe.) One of the things about making jewelry is there's always stuff to learn and no book has all the answers. And I will send this friend Plan B, followed by Plan A - once it gets sorted out....

Okay, below is Plan A. This is meant to be a front and center segment on a "snake" chain (the chain below the crystals). Problem being what to do with the ends of the wire that the crystals and small silver beads are strung on. I think I've figured that out. Now to get more snake chain, and try it -- again (for about the fifth time - I kid you not!).

More Goodies

2011-03-24T18:46:00.010-07:00

Click photo to enlarge.

Memory wire bracelet, glass and metal beads.

Hematite stars, glass beads,
memory wire choker.

[These are taken.]

Swarovski elements bracelet and earrings.

Metal sea life wine glass charms.

One use for remnant pieces of chain.

Earrings, Pearls, Hearts, Charms

2011-03-23T19:28:00.016-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge.

Hand blown glass, "strawberry" hearts.

Crystal drops, gold plated ear wires and chain.

Metal hearts, glass beads, on memory wire.

Glass pearl choker set (memory wire).

Swarovski heart charm.

Asian antiqued brass
wine glass charms.

Metal plated acrylic, stretchy string.

Misc Creations

2011-03-22T21:55:00.013-07:00

Click any photo to enlarge.

Antiqued brass and glass beads.

Yellow gauze bookmark with glass
and metal filigree beads.


Sterling silver plated humming bird cell phone charm.

Metal plated acrylic beads (a great Goodwill
find) "swing" freely on the cording.

Sterling silver plated "garden"
wine glass charms.


Czech crystals and glass seed beads.


[SOLD] Goldstone hearts and rose gold chain eye glass holder. Started out as a necklace but wasn't "right" somehow. Much better like this.

Some Simple Gifts

2011-03-21T20:26:00.017-07:00

This charm came from a vendor
that takes very good photographs -
meaning, they know how to make
everything look GOOD. Not that this
doesn't. But being pewter it is not so
spotlessly shiny and silvery in real life
as it looked on the web site.
This orbit and a second are now a pair of earrings.

This piece started as an attempt to recreate a much more
complicated one I had seen. I like this one better! (My hus-
band also likes it.) But, best of all, the prototype sold at a
craft fair and within five minutes someone came and asked
if there was another one! So I said I'd make one, and did!
I can take orders for this bracelet, just contact me.

Wish I could take credit for this concept, but I
can't. I just really liked it. [Sold.]

Another "lookin' good" photograph - the blue cube beads on
the web site, that is. Some vendors have a very "loose" or
broad definition of "cube." If it has to be a CUBE, better to use
faceted ones. I picked the squarest cubes for this piece.
Love the color (so does my husband).

Honestly, my favorite piece so far (although
the wire and crystal cuff above is a close
2nd). I wear the necklace (unpierced ears).
Still, the set is for sale. Opaque Czech beads.

More fun with memory wire (bracelet).

Fancy jasper wine glass charms. Added the
metal charms after comments that the color
of the gems alone wouldn't be enough for
anyone who's color blind to tell them apart.

Gifts

2011-01-03T19:02:00.005-08:00

Mother of pearl choker, and India bead necklace. Both gifts for friends.

Craft Fair

2010-12-18T10:50:00.006-08:00

Items for craft fairs last fall. Also donated some to the Christmas bazaar at church. Starting from the blue necklace in the middle, things that sold include: the blue necklace, the butterfly one to the left, the two glass vases with bead "necklaces," the middle pencil holder with a ring of star beads near the top, and the hoop earrings near the front of the photo.

Latest Quilt Top

2009-07-06T21:08:00.004-07:00

Here is the finished quilt top that I made for my sister-in-law. It's about 70"x90".

Close-up of fabrics below. The yellow dot is the backing.

Had to get the top finished before we move rather than have it in parts, not knowing when I'll be able to get back to it.

Original Quilt Top Patterns

2009-06-21T14:38:00.015-07:00

Contact me to purchase patterns.

If at First You Don't Succeed....

2009-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

These batik bargello pillow tops (click to enlarge photo) all found a new home today, and the same home - one person snapped them up! And it's still a puzzle to me. All of them have been listed at least twice before, for at least a week each time. Maybe they just needed more time? Hmm.... So, it is a good thing for me to be able to offer set-price items 30 days at a time for lower insertion fees than 7-days. Often I use the "or Best Offer" option also which does allow for some "dickering".

I was about to give up on bargello items, even though I really like them! Not to mention, I have at least one, maybe two, more to offer.

That brings me to things I am learning. Ideas in my head, and designs on a monitor, do not always look the same in "real life". The quilt top for my sister-in-law looked very different on the monitor and in "real life". Sewn and lying in front of me, it totally catches my eye differently than on the computer! And some of the bargello items started out part of what was to be a larger whole, but how those parts worked together in reality was not the same as had in my head. Lesson there being, take pencil/s and graph paper and draw. Had I done that I would have seen the problem with my concept as well as what would have worked better! And very nicely, I might add!

Tomorrow's another day, and I now have packaging to do. : )

Original Quilt Pattern

2009-05-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a quilt/top, maybe table cloth, maybe quilt, for my sister-in-law. It's been quite the saga actually. She's had the fabric for many years. At Christmas, I drew her name - and knew what to do - quilt! So, I have ventured out of my squares-and-rectangles-only comfort zone into the world of triangles, pinwheels actually.

Now, there is an aspect to quilting for all you perfectionists out there. However, I am not planning on entering any county fairs any time soon, and I know that a quilt does not have to be "perfect" to be used, loved and beautiful! A "perfect" 1/4" seam allowance is still something I am striving for. Even the smallest deviation makes a difference. There are places where some of the seam intersections are 1/8" off. Fortunately, they are few, and I can live with that (and so can my sister-in-law, I think). Either way, it will be enjoyed, I'm sure.

A Dream...

2009-05-29T16:35:00.001-07:00

I have always liked the idea of working from home - for money. (All at-home moms work! 24/7!) eBay seemed a way into that, although it's been really slow going. In my "trial & error" efforts (trying to figure out what to sell), of what I've listed that has sold, about half of the sale price (aka, "profit") has gone to fees!

I like the creativity of putting fabric together, whether I get to sew it or not. It's fun to go looking at fabric. And it's fun watching it sell. I like tracking expenses, taking photos, writing listings, even packing and shipping stuff. About the only parts that are the "downside" are setting prices - really tricky - and watching stuff not sell. Other than that it's pretty much all good so far. Well, more cash flow would be nice considering two growing kids, and the prospect of possibly relocating this summer.

Leave me comments so I know I'm not just talking to myself ;).

Gone!

2009-05-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

$25.45 NTB (not too bad) Still not much of a return on my time, but better than I expected.

Looked like someone sniped it just before the auction ended. "Snipe" being a sort of service(?) some web sites offer to win auctions - firing in a last-second bid so that there's no way anyone can put another bid in after that. The person that won won with that one bid. Only two other people were bidding on it. Tells me the person that won it *really* wanted it. Sniping services don't come for free.

That was fun.

Going, Going....

2009-05-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, the item I was kicking my self over has now been bid up to $22. That covers the cost of the fabric and various eBay fees. But nothing for my time, except for the fact that I do enjoy working with fabric - and watching it get bids!

Auctions are funny things.

I am finding another thing eBay has done that seems to be working for me. They started charging a low insertion fee for set price items listed a month at a time. Two items that have not previously sold despite being listed and re-listed have now both sold. Not for staggering prices, but better something than nothing. And both things were donated to my cause.

Now, back to see how the auction ends.

The Price is Right?

2009-05-26T18:37:00.001-07:00

I am currently, mildly, kicking myself. There is an item in my eBay listings that has one bid, and my fear is someone will get it for a song. The fabric alone is worth half again as much as the bid, not to mention the time that's gone into it, or the fees, etc. to list it.

How did this happen??? Well, as I was putting the listing together I kept going back and forth, debating between putting it up for regular auction or just listing it at at set price for a month. Somewhere in the mental confusion at the time I clicked "post my item" (or whatever it actually is) and realized that I hadn't meant to.... So, chances are I'll eat that loss. It's a drag.

Pricing really is tricky. Unpredictable. Aggravating. But also fun when something goes for more than expected, although that only rarely happens - to me anyway.

Three people can list the same item, the same way, and get three different prices! It's crazy.

eBay seller ID: unklbrent

Quality Fabric

2009-05-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Quilts have probably always been made from what fabric was available. The main difference "quality" material makes, I think, is that it holds its shape better making for more precise piecing - getting intersecting corner and things to line up where they're supposed to, and it should be more durable. But by the time any fabric is combined with batting and backing then hand quilted, it's going to last a while.

Buyer Beware....

2009-05-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

I had some fat quarters (1/4 yard pieces, 18"x22" - or should be!) of bright, realistic flower prints, on "Watch" (a way of keeping an eye on auctions of interest) on eBay one time. I had come "this close" to just up and buying them but thought better of it and waited. Not long later I was in Walmart looking for thread, and cruised the bolts of fabric while I was there having previously noted some of Walmart's stock for sale on eBay. And, guess what? There was the fabric I was watching! What's more it wasn't Walmart's better fabric (the $4.44/yd stuff). Needless to say I took the fat quarters off "Watch" when I got home!

Know what you're looking at on eBay. "Quilt shop quality" is a good phrase to watch for. Visit quilt fabric shops. Learn "name" fabrics - RJR, Hoffman, Moda, etc.

Just Sold on eBay!

2009-05-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of fabric I love - bright, happy, make-you-smile - sort of stuff! It all just sold on eBay, thankfully. This is the 3rd(?) time it's been listed, I think. 2 1/2 yards altogether, plenty to make a really cute kids quilt top.

There's just no definitively predicting what will sell, when it will sell, or for how much. It is a puzzle. Despite that, I still enjoy that people like my ideas - in this case the combination of pieces. If I remember right, I bought the panel separately from the other pieces, which came in a bundle.

I like looking at photographs (my husband accuses me of buying magazines primarily for that reason - and most of the time it's true) and taking them, like this one. It draws on my graphics background (an Associates in Commercial Art, a.k.a. desktop publishing) and enjoyment of organizing things, trying to get an attractive composition.

Quilt Tops and Kits

2009-05-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Briefly earlier this afternoon, I thought this photo (and all the ones I have of quilt kits and tops I've sold on eBay) had been deleted. Oh, man! I had never really been faced with what they do mean to me until they seemed to be gone. The whole of what was essentially a portfolio of my creativity, over two years worth of efforts - history! Wow! Well, needless to say now that they are not deleted I will be getting them backed up ASAP.

Since I mentioned quilt patterns and kits, I thought I'd share a few here.

The kit pictured above was an idea to make use of some coordinated fabrics, and seemed a good idea at the time. I listed it on eBay sans directions - assuming that whoever bought it would have looked it over and decided whether or not they could put it together. The buyer later emailed me to ask if there were directions. Not really. She also wondered how to finish the edges.... I try to be more careful now about such details and have not run into it again...yet.

I'm in the process of putting together a kit - pattern and yardage rather than cut squares - for the same one again to list on eBay.

I stumbled upon the fabric in this baby quilt top (above) on eBay and just fell in love with it. Racked my brain for what to do with it, and came up with this design. Given the response the pattern for it has been having on eBay, I'm not the only one that likes it :)

Okay, so this is another quilt top not a kit - I will get there, really. More fabric I fell in love w/on eBay, a "jelly roll" (strips of coordinating fabric rolled together, cinnamon roll like). Novice quilter that I am, I charged ahead sewing the strips together for a bargello. The fabrics were a mixture of textures and weaves, which isn't too much of a problem until I got to lining up corners.... Live and learn.

Here is another kit - cut pieces to be sewn together. Pattern came from a quilting magazine, BH&G American Patchwork & Quilting (which I have renewed my subscription to because I do enjoy it that much). This one was fun. It sold on eBay. Buyer very kindly sewed it together and sent me a photo. Very fun seeing the "finished" product (bottom photo).

There are many reasons I do enjoy messing about w/eBay, more of which I'll share next entry.

Time is Money

2009-05-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

I wonder any number of things about eBay, but one thing I am certain of: People bid on items they want regardless of when the auction ends (prime time being Sunday, 8 p.m., PDT)! It is a relief to have a bid on an item not long after it is listed. Oh, the suspense when it happens right before an auction ends.

The trick is figuring out what sort of items to auction. It's taking me a while. Which brings me to another aspect of eBay: How to get the be$t return for my time, as in the less time spent for the same income the better!

I've come to another related conclusion: Many bidder/buyers on eBay don't seem to realize the time that goes into listing items on eBay, at least not for handmade items. Consider, for example, a simple bargello quilt top (see photo, current eBay listing):

Find fabric (jelly roll on eBay, for example)
Buy-it-now and pay right then
Wait for fabric to arrive
Arrange strips
Re-arrange strips (must appease the "perfectionist")
Sew strips
Press seams
Lay fabric (horizontal strips sewn together) and cut vertical strips
Arrange vertical strips
Sew vertical strips
Press seams

Done - Sigh of relief. Uh, no, not done. Next comes:

Take photograph/s as needed
Download (or is that upload) to computer
Edit photo - crop, sharpen, create collage, etc. Oh, and don't forget the all-important "SAVE"!
Upload to internet (to not pay extra fees for having more than one photo in the auction listing!)
Weigh quilt top with packaging

Now, go to eBay and create listing:

Select a category
Title your listing
Upload photo/s
Write description remembering all the details.
Set pricing
Set auction style, length
Select and enter shipping information

(Those are the main bits, but there are more considerations.)

People come to eBay, sit down at a computer, cruise through listings, find a ready-made (even if handmade) item in 10 minutes and expect to pay comparable prices. As in, it didn't take me long to find it, it shouldn't cost much to pay for. Hmm.....

So far, about the best I've done is to get back what I've paid for fabric! Hence, my attempt to get the mo$t for my money for the time it takes to get things listed on eBay.

Whew. That was long but I had to get it off my chest.

(eBay Seller ID: unklbrent)

An Education in eBay & Quilting

2009-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Over two years ago, I ventured into the world of eBay with an eye to an eventual in-home business. At this point, it is a hobby that partially pays for itself, which is, at least, more than can be said for many hobbies.

Somewhere between here and there, I got back to working on a quilt started many years earlier and fell in love with quilting and quilts.

I am now trying to incorporate these two things - eBay and quilting. I have an ample stash, lots of ideas, books, templates, sewing machine....now if only I had some time....

In light of that lack, patterns and kits (cut fabric to be pieced together) are about my best bet.

The whole process has been, and still is, an educational process! Highlights from which I hope to share here. Maybe someone can learn from things I have learned.