Happy New Year!

Last time I posted I was getting ready to do a craft show....my second show ever. What a lot of work!

The show itself was a learning experience...more good than bad. The most important thing is that I loved it and will do it again.

Some things I have learned...
*Always make too much and remember to bring everything...ran out of scarves and boas the first day! Had a customer offer to drive me home to get more...don't know whether she was serious or not.

*Bring stuff that you don't particularly like but maybe someone else would...did not have enough of these items.

*Always have business cards ready to hand out...had to make some quick cards on the puter overnight.

*Be more organized...saves time and stress.

*Start making items at least six months in advance...a must!! Saves time and stress.

*Make a list of what items to make and stick to it...no adding more stuff until you finish with your list...saves time and stress.

*Make sure to have someone to help you out...for breaks and helping with sales...someone who will be as enthusiast as yourself. Had the help but...the enthusiasm...


This show was also the first introduction to my gift baskets. I did not sale any of them but I did get some referrals...and...was asked if I might be interested in doing a child only show at a later date.

Here are a few pics of my baby baskets. I also made some knitted cotton baby washcloths and burp pads.

The empty space on the table was
because I had just sold some wash-
cloths.







Overall the experience was a good one. Although the show did not pull in the numbers as promised...(very low)..I did make sales. Sales were not as good as I would have liked but the people who did come...came to buy.

To sum it all up...I enjoyed myself immensely and would love to do another show...soon!

Crafty Fingers!

So I am working my fingers off trying to get ready for a craft show the second weekend in December. Must get ready!

So far I have knitted scarves, made earrings, bracelets and rosaries. I am cutting out material for mini pillows, making a kiddie bean bag game and pincushions with real emery. Emery sand is great for keeping straight pins nice and sharp. Got my emery here...http://www.etsy.com/shop/dottyral

I have created a list of things to make and am going down it checking items off as I make them. Seems the "list" has gotten longer because while sitting here creating things my mind is working double time creating with the creating...it you know what I mean. I think most crafters have the same problem. We start with one project and while we are creating we come up with half a dozen other ideas.

I bought some really neat fabric months ago and will make tote bags from it. Well...then I decided I should make coordinating keyrings. I thought the fabric would also look good as a bookmark...it does. Now I have two dozen of them...still have to make the bags and keyrings.

Went looking for a free vintage knit pattern for a baby layette. I personally think the vintage patterns especially for babies/toddlers are the cutest. Found quite a few patterns...there are a lot of sites offering them.

For those who like vintage patterns you can sometimes get caught up with finding the right yarns to match those use in the patterns. Most of the yarns used in them are no longer available. This site http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/discontinued-yarn offers "Discontinued Yarn Charts" which includes such info as...manufacturer, brand name, description(yarn content), put up(weight) and approx yardage. Great information to know! Hope this helps someone.

Christmas Rush

There are only eighteen more days till Christmas and I have not finish making gifts for the family. My gifts consist of handmade earrings and a couple of rings. I am finishing up the last of the scarf and hat sets and will be buying some gift cards.

What gifts I have bought have been online away from the frenzied mall and outlet crowd. No Black Friday or Monday for me. No pushing, no shoving, no rude remarks, no "but I had that first"... No!!

I have made online purchases from some incredibly nice and considerate sellers...some I know personally. These sellers have shipped my goodies to me with speed and offer great customer service to boot. The kind of service one does not see enough of in the physical stores anymore.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great time being with friends and family this holiday season. Take care and be safe.

Rings and Things

So I have since received my ear wire gadget and have been making ear wires from silver plate, copper and my all time favorite sterling silver. The gadget is a great little tool but its parts are mostly hard plastic. It is a fantastic tool for occasional use but because I will be mass producing my earrings I will be needing something a bit more sturdy. I have found just what I needed.

Pictures of some of the ear wires and jump rings I have made. I used a wooden dowel to make the jump rings. I do have mandrels for making the rings but a dowel or even a pencil can be used.

The second picture shows my SS ear wires. I will hammer them a bit to make them stronger and add some thinner SS coils near the hoop.



I have also ventured into making wire wrapped rings and here is my first attempt. There are a lot of mistakes but I do like the look and will keep at it until I get it just right. The stone is carnelian and the wire is brownish in color...makes for a great combination.

More beads....

So I am still going bead crazy...have been ordering more beads, findings and other neat gadgets. Found a really cool tool for making ear wires called "Easy Ear Wire" found it here http://www.rings-things.com/ The tool comes with instructions but if you want to see how it works you can find the short video here http://www.eurotool.com/video2.html

I think I will be saving a lot of money making my own earwires especially since I like using sterling silver. I have lots of SS wire just waiting to be used. I am waiting impatiently for my new toy to arrive!

In between my beadfest I have been seriously considering starting my own business...won't tell until I get everything situated. I have been wanting my own business since before time. I have been selling since I was 9 or 10. I have done the flea market thing...love...love the life! I would be out there selling in the rain, heat, sleet and falling ash. I have sold online for over six years and now I am ready to take the big plunge.

I have started writing my business plan, am looking at the licenses I will need and available storefronts. I have almost all the equipment, displays, shelves and other stuff I will need to place merchandise on. I will not be open for business for another six months...I think. I just want everything to go smoothly. I am so excited!

One bead...two bead...three bead...

So I'm getting back into jewelry making....

I have so much "stuff" already...findings, hooks, toggles, beads, books and more. I have spent the last three weeks ordering more "stuff"....semi precious gemstones, more findings, wire wrapping dvd's, wire, leather cord, more books and tools. I am so excited!!

Right now I am getting myself, my "stuff" and my space organized. I bought some of those clear containers in various sizes and labeling everything. This is way to cool!!

I am also looking forward to taking some jewelry classes or even a certification course...will have to look into it some more.

An Exciting New Year!

Wow...I have neglected this blog for to many months. Last year was kinda of stressful and my blog was the least important priorities on my list.