Devine Designs Jewelry

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...

Happy New Year to one and all! With the beginning of a new year lots of folks like to look back on the past, and set goals or resolutions for the upcoming year. I am not big on resolutions. I don't know why, since I am big on setting goals. But that all changes now as I announce my "cliche" of a resolution. I want to join Weight Watchers . Many folks do this, of course, making it known that "this year" they will lose weight. May join a weight loss program or join a gym, just to fall off the wagon a few months later. (not everyone does) And I really, sincerely hope that I don't either. I seriously need to loose about 50 pounds. I've been putting this weight on over the last few years, and I'm not getting any younger. I have done W.W. before, so I know the deal. And I've been using excuses the last couple of years too. I love to eat. I hate writing it all down and keeping track of everything I eat. I don't have time. I don't have the money....

I'm trying to get back on track with my daily routine. Working my part time hours, and creating jewelry on the other days. But boy, have I been lazy since Christmas. I think I worked so hard producing and preparing, and doing those last few shows before Christmas, that I almost burned myself out! I have finally finished photographing all my jewelry and have slowly been adding new items to my Etsy shop , day by day. But have I finished a new piece, no way! Well, not entirely true. I have been working on a chunky necklace of copper tube beads and lampwork beads for a while now. The necklace is finished, but it turns out that I will be doing a matching bracelet as well. I just can't seem to finish it. I made my warm lemon cake too. It didn't turn out quite as I hoped. Recipe compliments of Kraft.com; you can find it here . Now, look what I got for Christmas: a new (small) work bench and vise! It's just big enough for the kind of work I use it for, and I needed a new vise, ...