Devine Designs Jewelry

I’d rather be in the Studio ~by Alyson B. Stanfield “The Artist’s no-excuse guide to self-promotion” This book has been recommended by many in the art world whom I admire. The author, Alyson B. Stanfield is an art-marketing consultant. In this book she writes about the “excuses” artists can make that keeps them from becoming a more outgoing, assertive, and social media giant, referring to their art “business”. The chapters in the book fully explore areas where artists might be weak in self-promotion, and gives many suggestions on things to do. Topics from, how to write a better artist’s statement; to all the ins and outs of social media and beyond touch just a small fraction of what can be found in the pages of this book. The author includes links to download worksheets that are mentioned in the book. These can be found on the website: http://www.idratherbeinthestudio.com/free-downloads/ For me personally, I found some of this knowledge not new to me, but other chapters wer...

There has been so much talk lately among jewelry designers who sell on-line about copying other's work. O.k., so you think you're the first to come up with some new design? Then go ahead and get in copyrighted. Pay the $30.00 fee, fill out the application, etc. You know what? People of all walks of life have been making jewelry since the Egyptian times. Know what I have to say, get over it, move on, life's too short. BUT, this is NOT what I'm here to talk about today. I stand on my soap box today with the issue of jewelry makers who price their creations too low. I've recently talked with a fellow on-line jewelry designer who said the same thing as me and agrees. She sees many other's selling quality made jewelry at discount prices. So I have to say, "what's your worth (as a jewelry artist/designer)? Do you want to make .50 cents per item you make? And have to turn out 20-30 items to feel like you've made some money? Let me say this, you are not onl...

I thought I'd start out today by showing off my new lampwork beads that I can't wait to create with. All these new beads came from a (new to me) lampwork artist, Jennifer Powers of "Quinlan Glass". She has shops on Ebay, Etsy, as well as her own website. What I like about her work, is the quality of the beads, beautiful colors and patterns, different shapes, and a fair price. The first set, "candy apple" I think will make a nice summery bracelet, possibly with matching earrings. The second set, which is my favorite, with the beautiful heart focal, I plan a rather detailed piece. A necklace with all hand forged links of sterling silver, with I think will be oxidized and put together for a funky stylish look. The last set, "mardi gras"; I'm not sure yet; the beads are so pretty, I had to have them! They will probably look best in a necklace. We'll see. Here's a look at a bracelet that I made yesterday. I think I'm still on a "gre...