From Creator to Businesswoman. What? Who me?

When I started making jewelry, on a dare from my son, I would often wonder, who can I give this to?  Afterall, as much as I loved finding Polymer Clay and what I could do with it, I was not a big jewelry wearer. The natural expansion, after all daughters, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren and their friends were covered, was to consider some type of sales outlet.

Aladdin's Lamp Birthday Favors

That was when I came to the internet, and searched online sales markets. I decided on Artfire.com, because of the simplicity of setting up my studio, the relative cost effective factor for monthly access, and a warm sense of community between the staff and the other artists on the site. It has proven to be a beneficial outlet, albeit one that limits interaction with would be customers.



Treasure Trove Necklace



Copper Tile Bracelet



Floral Tile Necklace

I signed up for a Farmer's Market in an upscale town near where I live. I did it for almost a year, and made sales weekly, but some weeks I was just about covering the cost of the "table". I stopped the Farmer's Market however, due to their increasing the weekly cost, in part, but mainly because it seemed the same people were at the market and sales declined. I met lots of people and several who ordered custom pieces, and even brought their own items to me for "repair".

Craft fairs were my next adventure, and I have mixed feelings about them. It all depends on the ability of the promoter to put on a great show: i.e. location, experience, ADVERTISING, and what I have found to be most important, how many years it has been an annual event. The "First Annuals" are usually very "ify", but when they draw a buying crowd they can work out well, and actually there was one which was my best day. Speak to other artists at any craft fair you do, and they will steer you to the best of the best.



Metal Rings & Things Necklace

 This year have changed focus and am only signing up for juried shows. Yes, they are more expensive for the booth space, are usually more than one day, have strict application processes, and long waits for approval to the show, but they get the crowds (looking to purchase), and do not allow in those mass commercial sellers. It's not that I ever think I will be awarded any of the judge's prizes, but you never know, and a fantastic perk if it happens.



My advice to anyone who is ready and considering a move such as this, my advice is: When it comes to selling, believe in yourself and your craft, and the sales will happen, and if you are anything like me, you will be thrilled each and everytime one of your "babies finds a new home".  



Turquoise Art Sheet Necklace



Faux Mau-Sit-Sit Jade Necklace





Primitive Carved & Lampwork Double Necklace

 

Jasper Pendant & Swarovski Crystal Necklace



RED

Synonyms from the Merriam-Webster.com thesaurus for RED include: ardent, boiling, broiling, burning, fervent, fervid, fiery, piping hot, red-hot, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, sultry, superheated, sweltering, torrid, ultrahot, amd white-hot.

It is a color that can bring up many feelings in us, turn thoughts to a miriade of past and present experiences, cause us to get over-heated, passionate, excited, and yes, even angry.

But who could be angry after viewing these wonderful creations from some of the Polymer Clay Smooshers artists below (unless its "Oh boy, why didn't I think of that?" -LOL)?

Red and Silver Heart Pendant

Red and Silver Earrings

Red and Black Bead Necklace

Red Leafy Pendant

A New Year, A new Challenge!

2012 Already? With January quickly coming to a close, you may wonder why I mention this now. This has been a month I would at first say I don't want back. Right after the New Year, I found myself in the hospital and afterwards am still dealing with a slow recovery. My hubby managed to cut his hand on a broken glass requiring stitches, which didn't quite heal properly. My brother, who lives with us, developed a diabetic ulcer on his ankle, and needs constant monitoring and daily wound care. Even the dog (a cocker) has to get into the act, with ear infections (this breed is known to be prone to these), so putting antiseptic powder in her ears. Now I know why I became a nurse in my past life!

BUT, with the holidays put away, and so much time (or so it seems) left for other things, what else is there to do but sit and clay play!

So, as the calendar has a tendency to do and February coming up soon, thoughts turn to hearts and flowers. Here is my simple offering to that 14th day of the month. The beads are done in the Natasha style and then shaped into hearts. For the earrings I made one more slice into the heart to create mirror images for the matching pair.

For flowers, have always loved the look of shades of frosted glass. Here is my Polymer Clay recreation of them, in shades of pale gold to pink, with the top petal coated with Mica Powder in brilliant gold.

The tutorials on making both these beads can be found on Cindy Lietz's website: http://www.beadsandbeading.com/.