Snowflakes & Wine: What Could Go Wrong?

YOU GUYS!!!! I'm teaching a snowflake class at Oceans5 in Shoreham. Here's the deal--you get a glass of wine on the house (or a virgin specialty drink if you like instead) and the bead kit and my class! You get to leave with a very pretty snowflake made with Swarovski crystals! Hang them on the tree, windows, or adorn a present with one. All you need to do is register (in person, call, or online). It's Thursday, December 7th--don't wait!

Summer Classes Announced!

I have a bunch of classes coming up soon and will be at the Huntington Library for the first time! The classes at Huntington should be really great as they're letting me do a 3 part series. So the more difficult projects people are always asking for will be an option as we have more time to get the projects done. (Not limited to a single 2 hour session).

		Tue Jul 76:30–8:30pm	West Babylon (Downton Abbey Necklace) 211 NY-109, 211 New York 109, West Babylon, NY 11704, USA
		Wed Jul 15 6:00–9:00pm	Northshore (Project to be determined)
		Wed Jul 226:00–9:00pm	Northshore (Part 2)
		Mon Aug 3 6:30–8:30pm	Huntington (Project to be determined) Huntington Library, 533 College Road, Farmingville, NY 11738
		Mon Aug 10 6:30–8:30pm	Huntington (Project to be determined)Huntington Library, 533 College Road, Farmingville, NY 11738
		Mon Aug 17 6:30–8:30pm	Huntington (Project to be determined)Huntington Library, 533 College Road, Farmingville, NY 11738

Irish American

(I realize this is not about jewelry. I wanted to share this with you for St. Patrick's day. It was originally published in the East Hampton Star).

My father used to roll his eyes and say, “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s day.” For the most part, being a Mick wasn’t something people bragged about.  It immediately makes you think of potatoes, famine, sad songs, and beer.

My father William (Billy) McCormack was the oldest of three boys from Brooklyn and about as tough as they came. My grandmother was frequently told to 'wake up Billy' in the middle of the night when he was a young teenager so he could help his father, a police officer, who would have found himself in the middle of a bar-fight and needing some extra muscle. When he was 16 he enlisted in the Navy under a false name (that his World War I veteran father gave him) to join the fight in World War II. For two years he stood on the back of a destroyer looking for enemy submarines, dropping bombs into the water with his bare hands. He was court-marshaled at 18 when it was discovered he wasn't who he said he was on his enlistment papers. In light of his courage he was granted honorable discharge after fulfilling the rest of his contract with the government under his own name. Later, he settled on tending bar as a career. It was as close to being on stage as he would ever come.

Billy, a classic Irishman, answered most questions with a story or a joke. He'd lay out the joke slowly, as if pouring a drink desperate not to spill a drop. Taking a long drag on his cigarette, he'd review his audience to ensure they were all paying attention. As he let out the smoke from his lungs, he'd reveal the punch line and survey the laughter. He died when I was a young girl and the grief nearly destroyed me--I really loved being Billy's daughter.

My Mom had a French father but her mother was a direct descendant of Ireland.  I did some family tracing a few years ago. I was able to find my family roots as far as 1600’s for my grandfather, the Frenchman, but my grandmother’s roots stop very short. 

My mother's great-grandmother Katherine Cane was seven years old when she found herself alone on the banks of the Isle of Orleans outside Quebec. Her family, along with the majority of passengers, had been wiped out from typhoid fever on the ship escaping the famine and disease of Ireland in 1847. The stories are varied, but she may have had a sister who also survived. They were separated and adopted by different families. My grandmother said the two sisters once saw each other in town while shopping but were pulled away immediately and never saw each other again. We can only verify the existence of Katherine. The ship burned shortly after arriving to Quebec. All was lost, including the ship's manifest. The only thing left are the stories.

Even though he was not that great of a husband and made questionable parenting decisions, my mother has always spoken very fondly of my father.  I doubt my mother knows about the many Sunday afternoons I spent spinning on bar stools while my father drank, feeding me maraschino cherries for lunch, and quarters for the jukebox.  My mother tells me that the first thing she noticed about my father were his big blue eyes.  My middle son, Max, reminds my mother of him and she always says it with nothing but admiration.

I made a big pot of corned beef and cabbage over the weekend. While it cooked in the slow cooker there were a lot of turned noses and whines, “What is that smell?” I know none of them like it but I decided I didn’t care and made it anyway.  Once it was ready and gave myself a hearty portion.  I mashed the potatoes into my cabbage and put butter and salt. I put a big dollop of yellow mustard on my plate to dip the corned beef. I took a bite and closed my eyes. For a moment I was five-years-old in my mother's kitchen. My parents weren’t divorced and we were a family.  We were the McCormacks.

(This was previously published in the East Hampton Star, 2010)

Fall 2014 Classes

Since I’m asked often when and where I’m teaching next, I thought I’d make a list for you. I know, it really IS so thoughtful of me. If you want me at your local library ask your adult education coordinator. They LOVE it when people do that! (actually, I'm not sure about that--but it can't hurt). Or, email me and I'll hit them up, too.

If you can’t make the class and would like to try it on your own, I sell the patterns and kits on my ETSY shop. Patterns are sold for immediate download on ETSY and my CRAFTSY pattern shop.

Current Schedule

Oct 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm @ Northport Library  ETSY

All about ETSY. Do you want to open an account, learn how to list, get payment, make millions of dollars? Okay, I can't help with the millions of dollars but I can show you the rest. ;)

Dec 1, 7:00pm – 8:00pm @ Longwood Library Snowflake Ornament

Want to make one of these cool snowflake ornaments? You can use them for more than just the tree--they look great in the window and make nice teacher gifts (if you LIKE the teacher). ;)

Make a Fast and Pretty Hair Tie

My daughter Annabelle doesn't like jewelry. Yes--I know. It's been difficult for me to handle BUT it turns out she will allow me to make her pretty hair ties. She also confided in me one day that it makes her happy when people are impressed they're hand-made. (I should qualify--she likes jewelry on everyone but her. She wears earrings but only under protest). ;)

Anyway, I came up with some hair ties that she likes and I enjoy making them for her. They're easy to make and if she loses them I'm ok with it because I'll just make more (and I honestly just don't stress about that kind of thing anyway).

If you know how to crochet, you can do this in a snap. If you don't know how to crochet there are some youtube videos to show you how and this uses the most simple of the crochet technique of single crochet and double crochet. 

Here's what you need:

Supplies

• Plain pony tail tie
• 1 mm Cording 
• (You can use lots of things like elastic cording, cord, thick string, or yarn. Experiment with what you like to work with and what you can easily string beads on).
• Crochet hook (Size depends on the size of the cord)
• Beads for embellish
• I use lots of different things.. acrylic is best as it's not as expensive and if it breaks you don't have broken glass everywhere. I'm very often trolling the clearance racks at craft stores).

Step by Step

1.  String all your decorative beads on your cord/yarn/thread.

String Your Beads FIRST

 

2.  Tie your cord around the pony tail holder and secure it with a knot.

3.  Attach your thread to the crochet hook. Go under the pony tail tie, pull the cord from the other side through the tie, wrap the cord around the crochet hook (to do a double crochet) and pull thread through your loops.

Crochet Around Plain Tie

4.  Continue around the pony tail tie until you have it covered. (You can pull the stitches over a little to fit more in. Depends on how much you want to cover up the hair tie in the base).

Double Crochet To Cover Plain Tie.

5.  Do a single crochet into the first row of crochet you did. Chain one.

6.  Pull a bead towards your hook. Chain one.

Row 2: Add Beads

7.  Single crochet in next hole on the first row of crochet you did. Chain one.


8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 til all the beads are gone.

9. Single crochet around the entire base.

10. Remove hook and secure your thread with a knot. I normally like to drop a dab of bead glue on the knots to make sure they're secure. Just make sure you don't USE the hair tie til you're sure that glue is dry. ;)

Just Add Hair

In the Lovely Month of May

Me and my mom.

It will be May in ONE day and yet here I sit with a fleece jacket on in my office--freezing. This is the year of the elusive Spring day. I need the sun to warm my face--I'm sure that I'll stop complaining once that happens. I also solemnly swear to NOT COMPLAIN ONE TIME about being hot this summer. I swear it, I swear it, I swear it!

There. I'm done now.

Mother's day is COMING!!!  For Mother's everywhere (hey--that's me too!) I am offering discounts on jewelry! 20% off anything in stock. I can make things for you too (custom) but it does depend on what it is (some stuff takes time to make and I want to make sure there's time to get it to mom--you don't need THAT kind of guilt trip when your gift doesn't arrive on time, right? You know the sigh I'm talking about, "Oh... sigh.. it's alright... I don't need a gift...sigh")

So the coupon code is MOTHER20. Shop it up!!  -->Belle Jewelry Designs

I'm Hiding Easter Eggs Full of Calorie Free COUPONS

So I have four main places you can follow me; Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. I'm hiding coupons in each of these locations and they are all different values. So far, only one has been published. I will publish the other two later this morning. All coupons will be published by 10am EST.

Follow me for your special egg of savings in my ETSY shop. These won't rot your teeth, add calories to your diet, or melt in your hands. I'm not saying you shouldn't have chocolate though--that's pure insanity. Life is short--eat chocolate and wear lots and lots of jewelry.

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Bracelet Photoshoot--Does This Make My Butt Look Big?

Authoring my first book was a tremendous amount of work. More than I anticipated (to be honest). Would I do it again? Um. YES, please! I learned a lot with this project.

 



Book designer Susan Van Horn and Photographer Steve Legato

One of the more glamorous parts of the project was the photoshoot. I had to go to Philadelphia to meet with my editor and book designer from Running Press at the photographer's, Steve Legato, studio. The trip there was NUTS (short story: three kids tagged along to visit my brother and sister in law for the day. Car broke down. Rented another car. Major snowstorm on the way there.)

 

Back to shoot. We met at the studio which was so classically a photographer studio you would see on TV.  Like--picture a loft with amazing wood floors that creaked as we walked, super high ceilings, exposed brick walls, massive windows, and photographer lights and diffusers all around. 

 

First order of business was to decide on what music we'd listen to--Steve is also a musician! So we talked about music, our kids and their interests in certain bands and instruments, it was pretty cool. Then we had to decide how the jewelry would be photographed.  Susan wanted a minimalist and clean approach--just the bracelet would be featured.  I wanted them to mostly be clasped and upright. Most of my work, because of the beads, makes them very soft and not easy to prop up without assistance. You can do it but a gentle breeze would knock them back over.  We did our best with this issue.
 

So much equipment to photograph that little bracelet!

A fun part of this was also to have pictures of the bracelets on us. We three kept changing shirts and layering sweaters (so it wasn't the same shot all the time) while wearing the bracelets. The photographer took close-up shots of our wrists while our hand was in a pocket, holding a phone, reading a book, holding keys, and... you get the idea, right? Trying to make wrist shots be unique and interesting was tricky. There's only so many ways you can hold your wrist. (By the way, I saw the official wrist shots recently. My kids and I were able to pick out my wrists immediately. I said nothing out loud but on the inside I was thinking, "gawd--they look old and bony."  It's official--I have a problem. I don't even like how my WRISTS look in photos.)
 

We had a great lunch together, worked some more, and then I took the train to meet up with my kids and then drive 4 - 5 hours home. It was a whirlwind 36 hours!

Upcoming Live Classes!

A listing of classes, locations, and topics. I keep this current so you can sign up too. I provide the patterns and ALL the materials you need. I even thread the needle ahead of time. Seriously, how cool is that??

Northport Library  October 29, 2014 7pm to 8:30pm

Would you like to learn about the site ETSY? How to make an account, how to get payment, how to take pictures, and make millions of dollars? Okay--the millions of dollars won't happen but I'll show you everything else. :)

Longwood Library   December 1, 2014  7pm -  9pm.

Really fun snowflake ornament  using Swarovski crystals that can be used for more than putting on a Christmas tree. I personally use them in my windows for a winter decoration and sometimes for teacher gifts. They're not difficult to make and whip up rather quickly.

It’s the Great Mother’s Day Giveaway!

I don’t know why but mother’s day seems to sneak up on me every year. My mother prefers it when I give her things I’ve made—she’s kept pretty much every macaroni craft of mine. While my craft skills have improved a bit—she still has her preferences. She told me that she has too much jewelry (hmph!).  Just yesterday I started to panic about having enough time to make her something she’ll like and get it shipped in time. For your reference: mother’s day is Sunday, May 12th!

I’m participating with a bunch of my friends to create a huge Mother’s Day Giveaway. What? You don’t believe me? I’ve got friends! Anyway, the gift package includes an assortment of books, DVDs, jewelry, and a very cool gift certificate.

Here's the short version of the rules: To enter, leave a comment on this post. For more chances, leave a comment on the other blogs listed below. Enter by midnight ET on May 12, 2013. . Detailed rules at the bottom of this post

THE PRIZES!

From PuttingItAllontheTable (The Organizer of This Great Giveaway):

One signed copy of "The Muffin Tin Cookbook: 200 Fast, Delicious Mini-Pies, Pasta Cups, Gourmet Pockets, Veggie Cakes, and More!" by Brette Sember. Moms love muffin tin cooking because one cup equals one portion (no fooling yourself that you’ll have “just another bite”) and because kids automatically think anything made in a muffin cup is delicious and are willing to try new foods made this way.

One copy of "Cookie: A Love Story: Fun Facts, Delicious Stories, Fascinating History, Tasty Recipes, and More" by Brette Sember, a glorious celebration of America’s favorite treat, a gleeful look at its history, impact, meaning, and deliciousness, filled with mouth-watering anecdotes and stories that will satisfy in a way no other book can. Special recipes, anecdotes, and everything you ever wanted to know about cookies are in its pages.

From Project: Happily Ever After:

One copy of "Project: Happily Ever After," by Alisa Bowman, a memoir of how the author saved her marriage. Partly tragic and partly humorous, the book will help you feel normal, give you helpful tools to try at home, and leave you with a pervading sense that you are not alone.

From Christine Gross-Loh:

One signed copy of "Parenting without Borders: Surprising Lessons Parents Around the World Can Teach Us," hitting shelves just in time for Mother's Day. Parenting expert Christine Gross-Loh, a mother of four, takes readers on a multicultural tour of the world’s best parenting practices -- from Finland, Sweden, and Germany to France, Japan, China, Italy, and beyond to examine how international parents successfully foster creativity, discipline, independence, resilience and academic excellence in their children.

Revealing the surprising ways in which culture shapes accepted practices, Gross-Loh offers objective, science-based insight into what strategies are best for children -- and why -- in a book that is sure to spark new conversations among parents. Ultimately, "Parenting Without Borders" is both a call to action and an international handbook on how to build our own global village -- one that will raise all of our children well.

From Belle Jewelry Designs:

One Bead Kit and Pattern to Make Dainty Daisies Bracelet by Claudine Jalajas.  Every year my children give me flowers for the garden for Mother’s Day. It’s one of my favorite gifts. This bracelet reminds me of Mother’s Day for that reason.

This pattern and bead kit will provide you with everything you need to create this lovely bracelet. The design is created using a cross-weave technique which is great for anyone from never-touched-a-needle-and-thread-before to advanced weaver.

I’ve taught this design at several libraries in Suffolk County (on Long Island). Most people can create the bracelet in an hour. It is woven using 4mm and 6mm genuine Swarovski crystallized pearls for the flowers, TOHO seed beads for vines, and potato pearls to simulate leaves. The clasp is a lobster clasp. This design also makes a gorgeous anklet -- just increase the size.

Also? I have BIG NEWS!! My bracelet design book will be released Fall 2014 by Running Press!! Go to my agent's site to read more.

From Attainable Sustainable:

One copy of  "Off the Shelf: Homemade alternatives to the condiments, toppings, and snacks you love" from Kris Bordessa, who shares a collection of recipes that take your favorite condiments and pantry staples off the grocery store shelves and puts them right in your (very capable) hands.

Make hummus, pesto, fresh salsa, and a Caesar ranch dressing that will knock your socks off. Whip up a batch of hot fudge sauce or chocolate pudding to indulge your sweet tooth. If you can chop, dice, and stir, you (or your kids, mom!) can make any of these recipes and more right at home.

From MyKidsEatSquid:

One $25 Gift Certificate for King Arthur Flour, from My KidsEatSquid.com, which offers cooking tips, tricks, and recipes to tempt your family's taste buds.

Founded in 1790 (yes, you read that right), King Arthur Flour is a really cool business where baking and social responsibility go hand in hand.

From The Friendship Blog:

One copy of "Best Friends Forever: Surviving a Breakup With Your Best Friend" by psychologist Irene S. Levine. On a recent appearance on "CBS Sunday Morning," Rita Braver called Irene the “Dear Abby of Friendship."

Close friendships, which are essential to our well-being, can be challenged by motherhood. Having children often drains time and emotion from other relationships, and can create distance between mothers and child-free friends. Give yourself the gift of focusing on your female friendships this Mother’s Day.

From MyItchyTravelFeet:

One copy of "65 Things to Do When You Retire: TRAVEL." A total of 10,000 people turn 65 each day -- and many of them who retire want to make the most of travel opportunities. "65 Things to Do When You Retire: Travel" offers practical, inspiring advice about how to have the time of your life, whether traveling with a group, with a spouse or partner, or on your own.

More than 65 intrepid writers and travel experts reveal their own personal adventures and describe glorious getaways for retirees, including such exciting travel opportunities as international house-sitting, going to Italy for a writing workshop, volunteering to help communities in developing countries, doing archaeological digs, taking a retirement "gap year," and chucking it all to see the world.

From StickingMyNeckOut:

An autographed hard cover copy of "The Business of Baby," by Jennifer Margulis, an explosive new book uncovering how corporations and for-profit medicine harm new moms and their babies.

Award-winning midwife Ina May Gaskin calls the book, "a must-read for expectant mothers," and Library Journal has said it's "not just for parents to ponder."

Check out the trailer for Business of Baby

From ReelLifewithJane:

6 DVDs. Every mom needs a distraction from life, whether it's Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts on a scooter, Edie Falco as a wayward nurse, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman as old friends who might be parents, the classic boy from Neverland, Anna Wintour's glitzy life, or America's bully crisis.

That's why Reel Life With Jane's entry in The Great Mother's Day Giveaway is a DVD/blu-ray six-pack extravaganza: "Larry Crowne," "Nurse Jackie Season 4," "The Switch," "Peter Pan Diamond Edition," "The September Issue," and "Bully." For more great giveaways, entertainment news, celebrity interviews and reviews, visit Reel Life With Jane and follow them on Twitter.

 

Check out the trailer for Bully

 

Rules

• One winner will win the ENTIRE package of prizes!
• Enter by leaving a comment on this post.
• For more chances to win, enter once at each blog listed in the giveaway below. One entry per person per blog.
• You must enter by midnight ET on Sunday, May 12, 2013 (Mother’s Day).
• Each blog participating in the giveaway will randomly select one semifinalist from those who have entered on that blog.  One winner will then be randomly selected from those names and will win ALL the prizes.
• Offer limited to U.S. addresses only; entrants age 18 and up.
• Winner will be notified by the email given when entering; not responsible for email transmission problems or postal delivery problems or failures.
• You are responsible for notifying us of your correct mailing address if you are selected as a winner.
• Contest closes at midnight Eastern Time on May 12, 2013. Prize is nontransferable and may not be redeemed for cash.
• We reserve the right to announce the name of the winner on the blogs.

Each participating blog will be responsible for sending its own prize

I Have GREAT NEWS!

I’ve been working with a literary agent at Mansion Street Literary Agency and she SOLD MY BOOK!!

My bracelet design book, featuring more than 25 bracelet designs, will be released Fall 2014 by Running Press.

I. Am. Floored.

For the next few months I’ll be sketching, creating, and writing like a fiend. :)

Here is the announcement in Publishers Marketplace (that I plan to have framed with marquis lighting around it):

Claudine McCormack Jalajas's WEARABLE ART, combining her background in technical writing and jewelry design, featuring 25 bracelet designs with tutorials and numerous illustrations so that beginners and experts can fully realize her designs, to Cindy DeLaHoz atRunning Press, for publication in Fall 2014, by Jean Sagendorph at Mansion Street Literary Management (World).

Upcoming Classes

Since I’m asked often when and where I’m teaching next, I thought I’d make a list for you. I have them organized by course, not by date. If you can’t make the class and would like to try it on your own, I sell the patterns and kits on my ETSY shop. If you just need the pattern and want immediate download, try my CRAFTSY pattern shop.



Floral Anklet or Bracelet 

Tue Aug 6
6:30pm – 8:30pm North Shore Public Library
Etsy: How to create a presence on ETSY
Mon, June 3
6:30pm – 8:30pm 
Bellport Library

How To Design Your Own Jewelry

Coming up with my own design is something I really like to do but it’s a challenge. Making jewelry, for me, is a little like cooking. I usually try an existing  recipe first following the directions to the letter. After I eat my new meal I think about how I would change the recipe to make it a touch different or, in some cases, better. If I didn’t cook all the time, trying new recipes, new ingredients, I wouldn’t have the ability to change a recipe from lack of experience. After cooking for a lot of years and trying many recipes, I’m more comfortable now and readily omit and add ingredients. Sometimes I’m successful, sometimes not, it just takes practice and a willingness to fail sometimes.

Making jewelry is very much the same. In the beginning I just followed directions. I’d find a pattern I liked and ordered exactly the beads they told me to get, the sizes, and sometimes even the colors they specify. I would follow the pattern religiously and rip out any time I discovered I had made a mistake. Until I had mastered a stitch (Chevron, RAW, Herringbone, Crossweave) I would not alter a design. But now I’m a few years into beading and have become more adventurous. Sometimes I alter designs and then realize *why* it had to be a size 15 delica and not an 11 round seed bead. Sometimes it doesn’t matter at all. For me, it’s how I like to learn—trial and error.

Recently I found this free earring design on Bead & Button’s  website. They’re called Mosaic Medallions. It uses RAW and doesn’t take a lot of beads. I never really make earrings—it’s pretty rare. But, I usually have a few leftover crystals from bracelets and necklaces laying around and thought this would be a good way to use them up.

But the design wasn’t exactly what I liked. However, I did the design first as instructed.  Ten minutes after I finished them, I ripped them out. I modified the design and made these instead.

 

 

Personally I like mine better. But if I hadn’t made the first design it wouldn’t have occurred to me to make these.

How do you come up with designs?

 

 

Technorati Tags: free earring design,design jewelry,earrings,beaded earrings

Accepting Credit Card Payments

Tomorrow, October 6th, is the Women’s Expo at Middle Country Library in Centereach. It’s from 10am to 6pm. If you’ve never been to it—make some time in your day to attend (and if you are a vendor, definitely DEFINITELY put this one on your list for next year).

I don’t do a lot of fairs but when I do accepting credit cards is a must. I have a few low-priced items but mainly, the stuff I’m dying to sell is pricy. If I didn’t accept credit cards I’d lose a lot of sales.

Last year I did some research on accepting credit cards. I’ve used PayPal for years as an ETSY and EBAY seller. It works great for online payments. But if I wanted to use them for credit cards at the expo, they would charge me a monthly fee in addition to all the other fees built in per transaction. Right now, I average 2 fairs a year. Why would I sign up for a monthly fee? Last year I tried a company called ProPay. Instead of a monthly fee they do an annual fee.  I used to write down the CC info on those carbon papers you can buy at Staples and then input the information on the web once I got home. Taking a risk? Yes, but I’ve never been burned (yet).

Now with smart phones it’s even easier (IF you have connection) to capture credit card info at the fair. If you don’t have connection, you’ll need to get the information somehow, so that’s when I use the carbon imprint papers. When I went to sign in for the fair this year I noticed that my ProPay membership had lapsed and I’d have to renew—for $50 bucks.

So I went to twitter and asked the masses. I have a TON of fellow handmade crafters and twitter friends that were really helpful. Check them out: @ittybittybag, @easton_place, @cheekymaiden, @uffishL, and @thecoastalchick.  Overwhelmingly they all said, “I use @square.”

Here are the benefits to Square:

• No annual fee
• No monthly fee
• Pay small fee per transaction (and you don’t need a flowchart to figure it out) 2.75% per swipe for all cards
• Next-day payout with automatic direct deposits to your bank account
• Free reader, free app for iPhone, iPad and Android
• Available when your friends that stop by your house and do some “shopping”

I signed up on Sunday and had an official account linked to my checking account in minutes. I don’ t have the swipe thing yet and the fair is tomorrow—but I can still accept cards. I will just input them later (with a slightly higher fee at 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction.) It’s STILL better than laying out $50 bucks before making any sales. I’d have to have more than $1500 in credit card charges to hit $50 in fees. While I like to be optimistic—I doubt I’ll sell $1500 worth of jewelry (but boy—wouldn’t that rock?)

Hope to see you there tomorrow!!

DIY Bracelet Display Using PVC Pipe

I’m participating in a really great craft show soon. The Eleventh Annual Women’s Expo. For local people: it will be held at Middle Country Public Library in Centereach (101 Eastwood Blvd.) from 11 AM - 6 PM on Thursday, October 6, 2011. I don’t do a lot of craft fairs. They’re a ton of work and not always a lot of return on the investment. Kind of a crapshoot. You just don’t know what kind of crowd will come. My stuff is expensive—I get it. I don’t sell volumes like some of the other booths do. This craft fair is different—they really cater to women-owned businesses. They have people help you unload your stuff and carts to bring it in.  They advertise the heck out of this thing and you would NOT believe the crowds.  So, when I was sent a letter asking if I’d like to come back I yelled, “Mais, OUI!”

I needed some more displays for the jewelry. I don’t want to go and plunk down tons of cash on store-bought displays. Seems counter-intuitive since I don’t do a lot of craft fairs.

I went looking through the garage for scraps (hey, look at me recycling!) and hit the local Michaels store. I had some 2x2 pieces laying around and some 4” PVC pipe. I asked the husband to get out his saw (he’ll do anything to fire up the power tools. If I attempt to use the tools he gets very anxious. I’d like to point out that I DID get an A in wood shop. Whatever.)

Assembly

I had husband cut the pipe in half so I would wind up with two semi-spheres. Is that a word? It should be.

Then I assembled my supplies. Hot glue gun, really cool sheets of felt, scissors, and glue sticks.

The sheets of felt are really nice. They’re thicker than the usual stuff (and more expensive at 99/sheet) but they’re still cheaper than buying a $10 display at the store. They also match my business cards that I just had done by the fabulous Heidi Antman at Faboographics.

I wanted the edges to be covered so I cut the felt leaving me about an inch of overlap.

I applied hot glue to the PVC pipe and rolled it back and forth to cover the base with felt. Be careful—the glue is hot. I know, that seems like a dumb thing to say right? However, I lost some of the skin on my thumb today. DOH!

After doing the base I did the ends and then the sides. The ends are easy. Apply glue, fold over. The glue dries pretty quickly (which is why it’s so perfect for this little project.)

The other sides were a little trickier since the fabric was thicker and I want the edges to be perfect. Who will look under the displays? No one you say? Well, I will know—and that’s why I have to have them as close to perfect as possible.

I needed to use a lot of glue (this is actually when I burnt my thumb). So, get a pencil or something to use to push the fabric down instead of your finger. Live and learn. I did the ends first by folding in neatly and putting a lot of glue. I used these large clips to hold the fabric in place until it dried.

Once dry, I finished the sides and voila—a bracelet display was born.

Now, I need to go dress this wound and then I’ll work on my next post: DIY burn care.

How and Where to Sell Your Jewelry

One question that I’m asked a lot is if I “make money” selling my jewelry. Honestly? Not really. It’s a hobby gone awry and I’m desperately trying to clear out the supply I build up on a continuous basis and maybe fund the addiction.

I don’t give my jewelry away. (I mean, I give it as gifts but I don’t sell it for cheap). The supplies I use are top quality and are not cheap. I put a lot of time into them too but I really don’t factor time into my pricing. You wouldn’t sell a THING if you did.

Here are a few places I’ve sold and what my thoughts are about each venue.

Craft Fairs

Many people sell at craft fairs. Many, many, many jewelry vendors sell at craft fairs. This is a tough place to sell. If you figure out the hours that you’re there, the money it took to reserve the space, the set up and take down, travel to/from, you’d need to bring in a pretty good haul to make it worth it. And, there’s tremendous competition. So far, for me, I’ve not found craft fairs all that worth it.

Online

It’s tough to sell online if you don’t have a great camera and some photography skills. I was using a point/shoot camera and just winging it and not really selling much. I upgraded my camera, got some advice, and within 24 hours of reshooting some jewelry had a slew of sales. People can’t pick it up and touch it—you’d better make sure your photos are great. I currently sell on ETSY.com. You can’t just list things and sit back though—you really need to work on marketing. You need good descriptions, good tags, and to get featured in treasuries.

 

Shops

I had a local business offer to sell my items in their spa. At first I thought it was a great deal. They took a large cut and I was left barely covering my costs. I pulled my stuff out since it wasn’t worth it. I’ve had others come to me asking if I wanted to sell in their stores and I’m considering it—but only limited inventory and for smaller percentage of sales. If they take a large cut I need to increase my price and then no one buys. Lose/lose. If you sell in shops, be sure and keep good track of your inventory. Keep a spreadsheet listing all the items, descriptions, and prices. Jewelry is very easy for someone to slip in a pocket.

Friends

One friend of mine loves my jewelry and is often buying from me. She has mentioned my jewelry to many people and that results in sales. Another person offered to sell my jewelry at school. She had been drooling over one of my bracelets and I said, “You sell my stuff and you can have that bracelet.”  Well, she’s currently sold more in the last few weeks then I’ve ever sold at craft fairs or online.

My local Hospital

Has vendors come in each day and sell at the hospital. You donate a portion of the proceeds to the hospital. I haven’t done this yet but I’m getting on the calendar. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

Technorati Tags: selling jewelry,craft fairs,vendors

Teaching Classes

I’ve been asked to teach classes. I teach on occasion now—at different libraries in Suffolk County. That works pretty well but that means I need to wait until the library wants to run a jewelry class and it often fills SO fast that my friends can’t get into the class. So what to do?

I’m thinking of starting in-home jewelry-making classes. I haven’t worked out the kinks yet (like, how could I actually make MONEY doing it) but I’m toying with ideas.

I am going to try it out, take it slow, see how it progresses and tweak my method as I go along.

I did a little brainstorming today with a friend. I’m thinking we do one 3-hour class in someone’s home. The host is free as a thank you. Each participant pays a set fee for the class and all materials are provided. People will prepay and get to pick out their crystal colors in advance. I can’t have more than 10 and no less than 8 people (or it wouldn’t be worth it financially for either party. If I have less people I need to charge more per person).

What are your thoughts? Want to have a class in your home? Have you ever done this?

Technorati Tags: jewelry designs,jewelry classes,in home class,jewelry parties

Working With Rivolis

I’ve never worked with Rivolis until recently. I saw several different patterns and Bead & Button kept saying, “we just can’t get enough of Rivolis.”  I will admit—they’re freaking GORGEOUS. However, kinda hate working with them (so far).

I bought some assorted sizes from my usual source, Artbeads.com. I bought them in Montana Sapphire (a new favorite color of mine.) I was at the Long Island Bead Festival recently and bought some more rivolis in a lighter blue for contrast.

The first pattern I tried was Bead & Button’s, Rivoli square dance. Figuring out the correct number of beads needed (even using the chart on the diagram) was tricky. Once I completed the bracelet I was in total awe.  However, I was concerned about the rivolis being secure.

Even though this is a little over-the-top in style, I wore it the other day. I was VERY upset when I saw one of the rivolis was missing from its’ cage. I had even modified the design adding an additional round of beads to hold it in place.

Last night I reached into a pot holder and felt some kind of pebble in there. Before I screamed at my kids, “Who was playing with my potholders?” the beautiful blue rivoli fell out. So now I have it; but I need to figure out a way to secure it. I’m thinking some jewelry glue. Any ideas?

A free project that you can download off Bead & Button’s site is called “Stones with corners.” Before I throw in the towel on rivolis, like I have with making homemade cheesecake, I’m going to try this pattern next. So far, the rivoli sections seem more secure. I’ll keep you posted!

Technorati Tags: handmade jewelry,beadweaving,beads,rivolis,rivoli,free jewelry patterns,pattern advice

Tribute to Downton Abbey

Disclaimer: I want to thank Artbeads.com for providing me with the gorgeous crystals and seed beads to create this fantastic necklace.

I was asked by Artbeads.com to create something with the theme, ‘What’s Old is New Again.” I recently watched season 1 of Downton Abbey on Netflix. I am dying to see season 2—but in the interim I’ve been watching a ton of movies or TV series that feature the royals. It’s no surprise that the jewelry showcased blows my mind. The amount of detail and grandeur is amazing. (And now I’m hooked on Tudors!)

When I saw this pattern, Fit for a Queen, in my most recent copy of BeadAndButton.com’s magazine, “Right Angle Weave” I knew I just HAD to make it. It features pendants by Swarovski, xilion bicones, and tons of gorgeous seed beads. I finished the necklace with a really pretty antique S clasp.

My only issue with the pattern is that I think they miscounted the number of crystals. In the section regarding “Small Units” they say to substitute 3mms for the 4mms, 11s for the 8s, and 15s for 11s. If you do that, you’ll need another 75 3mm bicones. When I looked at the picture more closely (after running out of bicones) I noticed that it looks like instead of 4mms they are using the 8 seed beads. I really liked the look of more crystals so I ordered more bicones to finish the project.

 

What I used

• Montana Sapphire crystals in 4mm and 3mm
• Swarovski Pendants
• TOHO™ Bead Round 8/0 Frosted Silver-Lined Dark Gold
• TOHO™ Bead Round 11/0 Metallic Dark AB Iris