Every now and then I get the urge to write something hopefully to help someone. I've been encouraged to participate by a favorite author, blogger, jewelry artist (I could go on) Rena Klingenberg, Publisher of creative ideas for making and selling jewelry. Rena is the kind of person that inspires.
So when I found out that my "copy and paste" jewelry business inventory system is one of the featured links on the October 8 "Crafty Reading Roundup" on OnePrettyThing blog I thought it would be a good thing to let everyone know about the "One Pretty Thing" website and blog that I did not know about;
I hope you enjoy it. There is a great deal of information there!
This short video is how NOT to wire wrap. I don't mean to waste your time but this is a perfect example of wire wrapping at it's worst. Please avoid this type of wire wrapping there is zero craftsmanship.
As the populariaty of wire wrapping grows, and the desire to make a few bucks making and selling jewelry; this is what happens. People then wonder why they can't sell there "one of a kind", "inspirational" "best" jewelry.
If you want to have a really nice look to the wire wrapped briolette thread tiny beads on either side of the briolette. Why because the wire, usually very thin has a tendency to get out of shape. In other words it is ugly. Then after you connect the two wires by wrapping, put another tiny bead on the wire before you make your top loop. The reason is that the bottom wrap and the top wrap show way too much wire showing. The tiny bead will take the eye away from all of those wraps.
Briolettes can be tricky, start out using copper wire before you dive in to wrapping something to sell. Practice, practice, practice to make it near to perfect. And please, don't use the excuse "its hand made" for sloppy work.
This technique is duly noted in many "high-end" jewelry designer pieces. Kick it up a notch, go the extra mile and make your jewelry something better. Can't figure out why your jewelry isn't selling?
This video is good for learning the technique. The finished product is unacceptable for excellent craftsmanship.
This tutorial shows you how to use Cindy's Braider: Wire Weaving Kit. This innovative kit contains everything you need, except the wire itself, to make wire woven rings, bracelets and more!
If you are a female business owner or have a craft that you sell online, you'll be able to feature your business in an Expo list that will be posted on Girls Night Out. On the said weekend (September 26th), You will post a feature of your business on your blog, (details, links, photos, etc) that will introduce visitors to you and what you do. You can also host giveaways and drawings if you wish, but it's not a requirement. Visitors and hostesses participating in the event will visit all the shops over the weekend (beyond if necessary) and learn about what you do and what you have to offer!
An excellent article I agree with about Pricing Jewelry. Check it out.
I see far too many home based jewelry creators pricing their jewelry way to low, however on the other hand I have observed jewelry poorly crafted, and cheapish way over priced.
"People associate quality with price." Dr. David Weiman, marketing director of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine for more than 20 years, shares strategies and techniques for boosting your sales of handcrafted artisan jewelry!