Jewelry Care - Tips on Preventing Breakage

I got upset recently when someone contacted me that their bracelet broke. I was worried it was something I did. Well maybe it is. But after contacting the Softflex company, I realize now that beaded jewelry doesn't last forever.

First I need to use thicker wire. I think that will be hard since I like smaller beads especially on a bracelet. It is almost impossible with some beads to return the wire for crimping. So I will have to change the design of many bracelets in order to end them with a bead that has a larger opening.

However, Sara at Softflex agreed that jewelry and especially bracelets will need to be restrung. If the bracelet is worn frequently it should be restrung every year. A bracelet moves up and down the arm which causes the beads to roll over and over on the wire. The wire can wear down and cause breakage. This is even more possible if a bead has a rough edge.

I am happy to restring any of my bracelets. If you have had the bracelet for more than a year, it could be time to have it restrung. Please contact me for more information.

Versatility of Turquoise

Turquoise and Connemara marble

Turquoise beads are a favorite of mine. The blue green color is so versatile and works well with other beads. It has a natural beauty that looks good on almost everyone. Here are some recent pieces I made with turquoise beads

Turquoise and wood beads

Turquoise and artisan glass from beadsbot.com

Turquoise and Connemara marble

A waste of time and talent

Lampwork bead from Sortaflowering Designs

Ceramic pendant from Beadfreaky

Polymer clay pendant from Humblebeads

I want to sell my jewelry. I want to make some money. It's true. But I've decided that I am making each piece of jewelry as if I didn't care about selling. I worked very hard this past week making jewelry that I hoped to sell at a show. I didn't. Now I don't think it was my work specifically since noone truly showed up at the event. But it did make me realize that my time is limited and I don't want to waste my time. Sometimes I try too hard trying to please people and that can be an impossible task. I have recently decided to use more artisan made parts. I think that was the first step in a new direction. So I am continuing on a new direction of making jewelry for the sheer pleasure of making jewelry.

But I do wonder why don't people show up at events? Yesterday was a great example of a wonderful venue with wonderful vendors but noone came. Minute after minute would pass with noone coming by. The other vendors thought it was the weather. But I think it is more than that. I think people say one thing but do another. People say they support art but shop at Walmart. People say they love original music but buy commercial pop.

It seems to me that we are all caught up in a buy and sell culture. I wonder how many people wanted to come to the Arts and Craft show but ended up shopping at BJ's warehouse. Just as I want to change and stop wasting my time trying to sell for the sake of selling. People need to change and stop buying for the sake of buying. Every purchase is a decision.

Project Earrings

Many jewelry makers set a goal of working through another jewelry maker's book. So I decided to try this as well.

Perfect Match Earring Designs for Every Occasion first caught my eye at the library. After borrowing it I decided to buy it because it has so much information that can be applied to all jewelry not just earrings.

Working through a book like this can help me to get out of my comfort zone. Most of the earrings are wonderful but some I would never try. But setting this as a goal will force me to try something new and learn new techniques.

I won't be working with the exact materials also. So trying the projects through my own interpretion is another way of learning to be more creative.

I'll try to post the projects as I go. Here are the first two.

Quartz beads with semi-hoop earring wires

Rose quartz rondelle beads with a twisted jump ring and pink crystal

Repeat Sales

I am considering offering 10 percent off for returning customers. I wonder if it will help to increase sales. I was looking back at the purchases I have made on etsy. I realized that I have returned to purchase again from several different sellers. So I wondered - why? What did these stores have that made me return. Some have great ideas, some have superb skills, some simply have what I need at a good price. 

Those with great ideas are:

Classichound- dog silhouettes on well made bags and handmade dog collars. Shop for yourself and your dog in one shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5316607

Beadfreaky- ceramic pendants with celtic designs http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5338835

The Fearless Knitter- simple scarfs that also work as a shawl http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=24967

Modern Pet- modern pet supplies, eco friendly http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5094984

Those with superior skills are:

CottageGardenTherapi-the best soap, smells and feels wonderful http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=111518

SFDglassbeads- lampwork bead artist, such lovely beads I could spend a forturne http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=47279 

Czannes-handmade bags with flawless sewing skills http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=100603

Buckster- lovely handknit items http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5190312

Those with useful products at a great price

Jennuh-cute little crocheted doggy waste bags that are super affordable http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5021006

Brendee- image sheets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21106

Piddix- image sheets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=46139

Busy Aprons- handbands and cute little wallets http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=85691

So I'll keep trying with Etsy. I'll take what I have learned. And I'll keep working on these three qualities: good ideas, superior skills, and affordable prices. 

Beading Challenge

I entered a beading contest.  It is a contest celebrating a new book Designing Jewelry with Semi-Precious Beads. Which is what I like to do most. I never could get into seed bead designs. And pieces with Swarovski crystal sell well at craft shows because of the sparkle but I like "real" stones the best.

I am sure I won't win but that is not why I entered. It is very much the same feelings I have about dancing in feiseanna. I compete because I enjoy the experience, I am around other dancers, and competing forces me to practice. In the same way entering this beading contest will encourage me to work on my jewelry skills. Although not in person but through blogs I have met other beaders and jewelry artists. 

The decision will be made by April 17 on www.beadingdaily.com

 I can't wait to see the results.

St Patrick's Day Parade

Yesterday was the St Patrick's Day parade here in Bucks County. I didn't dance in the parade this year. I was there as a spectator. It was a nice day weatherwise and I really enjoyed watching the parade.

More pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythiclassie/