Devine Designs Jewelry

Weight loss: 3 lbs. Finally; to see the scale actually say something lower this week;just great. I am sooo struggling with hunger all the time. I hope this gets easier as my stomach shrinks. It's been another busy week here for me. Count down until my next show: 5 weeks. Did I make anything this week? No. Well, not entirely. I finished a custom order which I will have to post photos later, when I get the chance to take some. I spent Wednesday helping a friend out. I had promised to take her around some of the cute shops, so she could get over her fear of talking to shop owners. (she makes jewelry too) I had to work an extra day this week at my day job, so I really haven't had much time to create. One day this week, I pulled my jewelry from one of the shops that just wasn't selling much. You know, I have to think of the financial and business end of things. Well anyway, this gives me a few more things for the show. My friend says, I'm like "a bull in a china s...

I cannot believe that I have a show in just 6 weeks! It's a weekend show, meaning 2 days, so I need alot of inventory. Now what has made my inventory low is that last week I had an appointment with the Florida Craftsmen to bring in more jewelry. So I took a whole tray of cuff bracelets for them to choose from and a few other pieces, and guess what? They took all but 4 of my cuffs! Not that I'm complaining, but this leaves me short again with less merchandise than I think I will need for a 2 day show. Some how I work well under pressure. My next show will be March 3-4 in Palm Harbor . I've never done this show before, but a metalsmith friend of mine said she does pretty good at this one. Now for some new jewelry! double layer stamped bracelet and earrings Now these are available for purchase at the Florida Craftsmen gallery. copper squiggles and greed aventurine long necklace with lampwork and lapis This one is 30 inches long in sterling silver, adjustable, with pretty...

I've been trying to eat the "Weight Watchers" way all week, and have been hungry too. I'm continuing to exercise vigorously 3 times a week. So, it came my first week's weigh in; and guess what? I gained 1.6 lbs! Well, this really helps my attitude. Now I could blame this on the pants I was wearing that day; they were heavier, but I had alot of business running around to do that day, and had to wear nice pants. (I'm not going to wear the same out fit each week that I go and weigh in) But, I must say, it is difficult to follow the system unless you buy the extra "starter kit" or something, because I really didn't have much access to calculate my points for this week. I did buy the new calculator, (which was on sale for 1/2 price) and this should help some. What gets me is this; I've eaten the same breakfast (whole grain English muffin, piece of Canadian bacon, and Egg Beaters) that used to be 4 points, now is 7 points. How is this an im...

I have just finished reading The handmade marketplace , and I must recommend this as a must read for anyone who is a crafter and looking to build your business, whether on-line or at craft shows. This book is a thoroughly up to date guide to social networking, advertising, pod casting, on-line communities, setting up shop on-line and much more! You can get it here: Also: are you looking for a replacement or back up battery for your digital camera? I've been needing one for a while now and didn't want to pay $45.00-50.00 for a brand name, so I found E-batts and got one for $17.95! That's it for today's tips!

I finally joined Weight Watchers this week. With resistance, I might add. I kept making excuses for not going. I'll join on Monday. Don't want to start on a weekend. (Monday) I don't like the times of these meetings today. It doesn't fit into my schedule. (Tuesday) Maybe I'll join after work. I'm already out, so I'll just stop by after work. But I'll be hungry at that time. What if I don't get out of work on time to get to the meeting. This excuse is usually the one that is most true, because every time I plan something for after work, it never fails that we work late. O.k. I'll do it tomorrow. I did not let myself off the hook on Wednesday, and went. With skepticism, and probably a bad attitude too. AND, I am not happy with the "new" 2012 program. Not only do you have to eat fruits and vegetables all the time, but now they are cutting back on carbs too. Of course you can eat all the fruits and veggies you want, except for 3 which do h...

I finally got through photographing and pricing my new pieces. I've been playing around with the photos, some on the dark background that I've been doing, which I feel, make my jewelry look more professional and "gallery" like. "organic mint lampwork beads and copper" And some in light backgrounds. I finally managed to take some in natural light, which is quite the challenge in my home. There is really nowhere in the house where I can access a window, where I can take photos. The best spot seems to be out on the patio, which is a crowded area, and I don't have much room to move. It seems that Etsy wants everyone to have their photos in natural light. To all look the same. So my question is: "How do you stand out among the rest, if you have a similar product, and all the photos a shopper may scan through look the same?" My new sterling bangles I've searched "sterling silver bangles" on Etsy just to see what came up, and there are...

They say you will spend about 75% of your time marketing your business and only about 25% actually (in my case) making jewelry. How true this is. I have spent at least the last 7 or 8 days, reading and studying much about marketing and where I want to take my business. Because it is a business and not a hobby. I've been reading alot at Megan Auman's site, Designing an MBA . Which I highly recommend. I have a small list of a few jewelry/artist/craft business books on my reading list. I have figured out that I will need at least $1200.00 to apply to the shows this year that I want to be part of. I have applied to another gallery, and hope I hear from them soon. And finally, I did work on some new designs yesterday, and finished the copper tube bead necklace and matching bracelet that I mentioned last week. (photos to follow) I had taken off this week from my (day) job and am really enjoying the time off. It has allowed me to-- well, actually, breathe. I have signed up for MailCh...