What?

I renewed a couple of items, but that's all I did for the jewelry biz today. Oh well. I'm hoping to get more done tomorrow! I was gone most of the morning, and I got lots of other things done, so I'm not too worried about it!

What did you do today?

I'm Back!

Smile - It's a Jewelry Set

Last time I blogged it was to say that I was taking a break for awhile from blogging and my jewelry business. The good news is . . . I'm back! I was gone for longer than I thought I was going to be, but sometimes life hits you that way. I'm not even sure at this point I could go back and trace the nitty gritty details of the last few months, but that's ok, because life is moving on, and that's what matters right? 

I'm back to working on things, but no promises about how consistent I'll be in the near future. I'm anticipating it's going to take some time to get back into my routine and really get things back to where I want them to be. But I'm still back :) 

I am really excited about connecting with everyone again! One of the best part about being a jewelry artist on the internet has been that I've met some wonderful people through Etsy, Artfire, and blogging. I can hardly wait to see what you all have been up to and be a part of your lives again! 

Taking a Break

I haven't been around much because of my migraines, and I decided it's just time to officially take a break. I need time to move things around and organize them in my apartment, and just time to let my body heal. I don't want to feel guilty because I haven't blogged or worked on my shop. I just want to be for a little while. I miss you all and I'll try not to be gone for too much longer!

Harvest Days!

This weekend is Harvest Days out in Battle Ground where I participate in the market. That means longer hours, more days, and hopefully a lot more customers! Which probably means absent Ruthie yet again :P *rolls eyes* But hey, if I make lots of sales it'll be worth it right? Here's hoping! I need to go get stuff ready....

Their done!!! Woohoo!!!

I finished working on my new earring cards! 

It was a LOT of work - but they are pretty :)

Don't you agree?

I used vertical cards that I ordered from Vista Print (LOVE their deals!).

Step two was to glue a "hook" type thing to the back so they'll go on the displays.

I obviously should of taken a picture of that, but I wasn't thinking!

Then I used a tape measure to mark where the holes for the earring wires should go.

Then I made the holes with a 1/16th hole punch (did you even know they have those?)

Last I took each pair of earrings, wrote new price and inventory tags, and put them on the cards!

I'm guessing I did about 75 pairs of earrings?

I didn't really bother to count...

But the backs I used came in a pack of 100,

and I think there are about 25 left.

Like I said, lots of work, but I think it's well worth it!

New Books!

We went to Powell's Books today and my Uncle bought me these books! Now I'm all torn. I have so much to do right now....but I want to make beads! I'm changing over all my earrings to new cards, and I need to assemble the cards and transfer everything before Saturday's market. So that really needs to be my priority right now. But it would be so much more fun to play with the beads!

I've been wanting to expand what I offer in my shop. My shop isn't very well stocked at the moment, but that's because I need to take improved photos, not because I lack inventory. I want to branch out into new areas and featuring fun supplies is one of the things I want to do! I already have some paper beads up in my shop, but I've also been wanting to learn how to create and feature beaded beads and fabric beads. I'll begin to use them in my own work of course, but more than that, I want to have them available to sell!  These books will be perfect to teach me some of the techniques I need to expand my business.

Another thought I've had is that I might see if I can wholesale handmade beads, of any type, to my local bead store. I want to make up a selection and then I'll present my idea to the gal who runs the store that I already have jewelry in on commission. That will be awhile before I get too it because life is busy - but maybe by fall?

Pirates Swag!!!

Look at all the swag I got today! And at 50% off or more! Woohoo!