My New Booth Design

This month has been flying by, I can't believe November will be here this weekend.

I have been in jewelry making mode for the last month or so, building up my inventory for all my holiday shows.

Last weekend I got my show season off to a great start. I had a booth at a fashion show fund raising event, and it was a huge success. It was my perfect target market and everyone was there to shop.

I tried out some new display pieces, and they worked out great. I've needed a new idea for a long time and I am so glad this idea worked.

In my old booth it was very challenging to take jewelry down and put it back up when we had a crowd of people at the table, now it is much easier for me and the customers.

old display

As much as I loved my old display it was really challenging.

New Display

My new display includes the new flat boards, pipe display pieces, and it really emphasizes the industrial hardware theme.

My craft show display has been a work in progress for the last 10 years. Every time I add to it or create a new piece I like it more and more. I think I have finally found the solution to making it easier to show off the items even when it's crowed. 

I have another big 2 day show coming up this weekend and I am looking forward to being able to help customers easier, and hopefully sell lots of pieces.

How has your display evolved over the years?

Production Work is a Necessary Part of a Creative Business

I like creating jewelry this time of year. There is no rush to get items created for shows and holiday orders, and I can just be creative and make a variety of new pieces.

I have been doing a lot of that lately, as I am starting to put together pieces for my new Limited Edition collection. Here is a sneak peek at some of my new pieces.

Pearl and Hardware Pendant

Pearl and Hardware Earrings

Crystal and Pearl Choker

Here are a couple of pieces that are not listed in my Etsy shop yet.

As much as I enjoy creating new pieces I still have to work on building up my inventory for when things pick up later this year.

Production work is not my favorite things to do, but a necessary part of my business. I have several, as I'm sure you do, pieces that are good sellers that I need to keep a good stock of throughout the year.

I have started mixing it up this year, I create a new piece and then I do a couple of my production pieces. This way I still get to have fun creating, while building up my inventory. If I stick to this schedule I should have a nice inventory for show season.

How do you handle your production work?

We All Need Support Sometimes

We want to do it all, run our business, take care of our family, and hang out with friends. As we know it can be very challenging to do it all and do it all well.

Building a support system will help you better meet your goals, and still have time for family and friends.

Here are a few ideas for building a support system.

Family - If you have family close by, tap into those sources to help with child care, run errands, pack orders, maybe someone to bounce ideas off. My sister lives in another state, but I relay on her to flush out my ideas, help me make plans, and get her feedback.

Friends - Sometimes they are just as good as family. They will support you when you need it, and give you a place to vent as well. I have several friends in my support system and each one helps in different ways. When my daughter was younger, I had a good friend who would help me with transportation, theses days she offers to pick up things for me when shes going to the store.

Neighbors - They are close by and most of the time willing to help. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, but if your in a spot, Someone will always help.

Business Contacts - Network with people on and offline to share business ideas,  talk shop, and do some cross marketing on social networks.

Don't forget to pay back the favor whenever possible.

Asking for help can be difficult, but having a support system in place you will find that you are able to get more things done and see your business grow.

Do you have a support system in place for your business?

New at Additions

I don't do this very often, but with a few shows coming up and have created several new pieces and I wanted to share.

Have a peek and let me know what you think.

Pendant necklace with chrome washer

Dangle earring with black c clamp and washer

Bead and wire wrapped hardware necklace

Wire dangle earrings with washers

Multi chain bracelet with washers and chain

What new pieces have you created lately?

Art Club

I am lucky to have a group of friends that are into learning about and enjoy art.  We started a art club earlier this year and meet every month. 

We have a art teacher in our group that teaches art history, and he puts together informative presentations for every meeting.  I have learned so much participating in our monthly art club, and I look forward to going every month.   

This time is important to me. I spend most days by myself working, and I don't talk to many people during the day.  The opportunity to get away and talk about art is a nice contrast to working alone all day.  It's also nice that their is always lots of good things to eat and tasty wine to sample.

It was really easy to put our group together, here is what we did:

The couple that started our group asked one of their fiends and they asked a friend and they asked a friend and next thing we knew we had a group of about 15 people. 


We picked a day to meet each month, and created a monthly list of who was going to bring the food to the meeting.


Like I said we have someone who loves to do presentations and puts together our program, but if you wanted to start your own group you could easily have each person in the group switch off each month and do a presentation about an art subject of their choice. 


You can also take it one step further and actually do art projects (I have another group of friends that get together to try out new art material, but I will tell you about them another time). This will give everyone the opportunity to learn a little something, and experiment with a new art medium.

Getting together like this is a great way to learn more about art and experience new art mediums.  Grab your friends and put together your own art club.

What do you do art related outside of working?


 

What is your Design Process?

Woven gemstone bracelet 6-7 years old

I am in planning mode for a new collection for my sterling silver art jewelry line. I am working to build up my inventory for the shops I sell too and a couple of shows I am doing this year.

This collection is a lot more work and takes about a month or two to complete because I create all the chains, ear wires, and clasps to go with each piece

A pair of earrings called Piece of a Circle 3-4 years old

When I am in the planning stages of a new collection I can't get enough information. I have been to the library checking out design, furniture, and art books, looking for new shapes, colors, and textures. I even go to the bookstore to check out magazines of current fashion, art and design, and trends.

A ring from a collection I did about 2 years ago

I now have about 20 pages of sketches, that I have to narrow down into a 12 piece collection.

I go a little crazy when I am in design mode, but when I get an idea I have to run with it. My mind never shuts down until I have the last piece designed. As I start working on this collection I will share with you a few of my pieces in future posts.

What is your planning process when you designing/creating?

Check This Out...

In my effort to build a community on my blog I am going to start a new weekly post of sharing. The post will run on Thursday or Friday and will be an opportunity for all of us to get to know each other and our business. The new post will be called Check This Out...

Each week stop by and share 3 things you want everyone in our blog community to know.

Suggested idea:
-business goals
-business goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting
-a project you are doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that will benefit everyone
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea
and whatever else you want to share with everyone

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who also participate.

Let's learn from each other and get to know each other. I am looking forward to sharing with you and watching our community grow. Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Check this out...

1. I am working on a huge project that involves making a short movie and creating a book about inspiration. It is a project I hope to have done by the end of the year, and I can't wait to get it started. I will share more as my plans come together.

2. I found a new network called Indie Junction. It's a growing network of sharing, support, and learning. indiejunction.ning.com

3. Tomorrow I have another Etsy artist in my Artist Inspiration series. I hope you stop back and check out her inspiring story and see her beautiful work.

What do you want to share?

Blog / Shop News

BLOG News

It was a rough week for me. I was really sick Monday, and you may have noticed I did not have a new post on Tuesday. It took me all week to get my strength back and it made me realize that having a schedule and a plan for my blog is helpful.

I was doing really good having a weekly plan at the beginning of the year and I have slacked off a little, well after last week I know I will get back on schedule starting this coming month.

Pam had her last post sharing her tips and ideas for organizing a space and showing all the embarrassing photo's of my studio in chaos. She will be back a few times throughout the year sharing more tips organizing tips.

The popular post last week was Do You Love Everything you create? Check it out, lots of great comments and room for more.

A new guest post in the Artist Inspiration Series coming this Friday!

Stop by everyday, for sharing inspiring and creative ideas.

SHOP News

I started adding new items to my Etsy shop last week and more coming this week, check it out and let me know what you think.

Have a great week!

Shop News

I was very excited I got 2 orders from my 1000 markets shop this past week! I have only had two other orders this whole year. I hope I can get a few more before the year is over.

I had sales in my Etsy shop as well, not as many as I would have liked, but I am happy with the sales I had. I worked hard all week promoting, so people could find my shop, maybe they will find me next week.

I am going to get back on track taking pictures of my new items, so I can get all the new stuff I created online. The plan is to do that this week, so stop in my Etsy shop to see all the new items I will be adding.

ITEM OF THE WEEK

A special just for my blog readers.

When you place a order in my Etsy Shop

put BLOG in the comments section

I will send you a FREE GIFT with your purchase

This special is for this week only (12/6 - 12)

BLOG NEWS

This past week, on Wednesday I had a post about your plan for 2010. It is a post to get you started on your planning and goal setting for the new year. I will be doing a couple of more posts over the next couple of weeks about this process. Take a few minutes to read last weeks post to get you started on the process. These posts are to inspire you to not only create your goals, but to create a plan for success.

I also started my Holiday Spirit post's this past Friday, it is a great drink and easy appetizers. New recipe's will be added this Friday, so stop by and check it out.

I hope everyone has a great week of sales, and is full of holiday spirit!

Two in one Day

One of my goals for this summer is sending out info for possible blog features. Today I found out that I am featured on two different blogs.

Wickedly Chic is featuring a pair of earrings I just added to my shop yesterday, you can see the feature at http://www.wickedlychic.com/category/Daily+Ditties/.

Dirty Pretty Things is featuring a necklace and you can see the post at http://ravenxxxx.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-were-lovingcall-for-submissions.html.

I am thrilled to be featured on both these sites. Stop by and check them out.

5 Reasons you need Fashion Accessories

Its easy to throw on a great outfit and look good, but accessories will add that finishing touch to make your outfit great.

Here are 5 reasons why you should not skip the accessories

They complete an outfit

Choosing styles you love show off your sense of style

Your accessories can be conversations starter - especially if you shop for original handmade items

Sparkly accessories make you sparkle

For a big change try something out of the norm - if you wear small accessories try something larger or small accessories if you always wear larger items. You can even change up colors and styles.

Adding accessories is easy, a quick way to update your look, and fun. Check out Etsy.com or 1000 Markets.com today for some fun, original, handmade accessories.

New items COMING SOON to my Etsy shop!

New Shipping Policy

New in my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops, purchase as many pieces as you want for a flat rate shipping cost.

All packages are sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS) first class mail with delivery confirmation (domestically only).

New Rates

$3.00 within the U.S.

$4.00 internationally

Now you can purchase as many piece as you like with no extra cost.

Included with this new shipping rate is new packaging and business cards!

Ribbon colors vary

I Would love to know what you think of my new packaging.

Environmentally-Friendly Shopping

I recently joined a site for handcrafted items that are environmentally-friendly called Cosa Verde.

The sites goal is to make it easy to find green goods, while valuing products, how they are made, as well as style, uniqueness, and the changes that will happen in the way we think about consuming.

They showcase handcrafted items in categories such as clothing, accessories, home goods, beauty products, kid & baby goods, food, books & paper, as well as supplies. You can also do searches for organic, reusable, repurposed, recyclable, conflict-free, cruelty free, and green sources.

Cosa Verde is a unique site with items that are Eco-conscious.

Do you create handcrafted items that are environmentally-friendly and want to be part of a market that is Eco-conscious, and will bring traffic to your site, then this is the place for you.

Check out out there how to sale pages, and click here to sign up.

Copper Washers

This year I decided I was going to actively participate in the groups and organizations I am a member of. I have joined different committee's in a couple of my groups, and this past weekend I volunteered to help out at an event hosted by the Chicago Metal Arts Guild.

One of the benefits of being part of different groups is meeting new people, networking, and talking about ways to make our businesses successful. In my many discussions with other metal artists, I talked to someone who worked in copper. I have been wanting to add copper washers to my work for sometime, I just did not know where I could find some new and recycled ones. Lucky me she knew of a source for copper washers, and it turned out to be close to my house.

What a great find! I am so excited, I started working with them over the weekend and everyday this week I will be posting a variety of pieces with copper incorporated into the design in my Etsy shop and on 1000 Markets.

Lots of fun new stuff, just in time for Mother's Day.

1000 Market - Things I love

I thought this year I would plan ahead and start looking for Mothers Day gifts early. I found some wonderful items on 1000 Markets today, and I thought I would share three items I love.

All the cards in this shop are eclectic and a little different from your usual Mothers Day cards.

Thanks: A greeting card by Traceyj

This candle holder is like getting an original painting with a candle.

Wish Candle Holder by stypecreative

The Paintings in this shop draw you in that you are going to want one in every room of your house.

Fruitful Times by Genie

There are wonderful items on 1000 Markets, stop by and find a unique Mothers Day gift for your mom.

Spring is in the Air

I did it again. More flowers for my Etsy shop. Check out these two new pieces, just in time for your spring wardrobe.

Spring Fever

I'm not one of the girls who likes flowers and girly stuff, but I have just created this new piece and I love it. Who knew you could take an industrial building washer and make it feminine and pretty.
Check my Etsy shop for more information.
What do you think? Are you as ready for spring as I am?

From Idea to Reality - Tools

A sketchbook is an essential tool for your design process. It’s your diary of your design journey, with your observations, visual images, and ideas explored and developed.

The wonderful thing about a sketchbook is you don’t have to know how to draw to use one. I love my sketchbook. I use it everyday, and take it with me everywhere. You never know when inspiration will hit you.

The process for design is different for everyone. You may like to just start a project with no plan, just jump in with both feet. You may draw everything out from every angle and have very detailed plans. You may be more like me where I sketch to get the ideas down on paper and use them loosely depending on the materials available. Sketching can be your thinking process, how you fine tune your ideas, working things out before you start working with your expensive materials.

Use your sketchbook for your ideas, and as a technical journal. Record experiments you have tried, material you have worked with and techniques that did or did not work. Keep your sketchbooks, you will be surprised how often you go to them as a source of inspiration. Plus it fun to look back and see how your work has changed over the years.

Once you get started with sketching out your ideas it you will be surprised how the ideas will start flowing. It take practice to get into the habit and remember sketching is just for you, so no need to make them perfect. Try these exercise to help develop your mind-hand connection making sketching easier over time.

♦Make on-minute gestures drawing familiar objects or the scene outside a coffee shop
♦Use simple lines or scribbles to capture shapes
♦Doodle – Set your mind free and see what happens

Here are a couple of resources for making your own journal and on how to keep a sketchbook. Check out these Etsy shops that offer beautiful handmade sketchbooks (click on the photo for the shop).

Create your one moleskin sketchbook

How to keep a sketchbook

Question – How do you design? Do you just jump in working with the material you have or do you plan out what you are going to do?

From Idea to Reality - A Series

Since the launch of my new collection ♦VIBRANT ♦ HARDWARE♦ in my Etsy shop, I have been thinking a lot about the process of coming up with a design and making it a reality. I did a lot of research for my new collection, on products to use, design concepts, and of course color choices.

In this series I will share with you design concepts, tools, ideas, and an exercise or two, that you can use in your own process to create new products.

It's important to remember that how each person approaches design will differ, for some people design is and extension for their love of crafting and for others a desire to express something that inspires them. Either way design is about enthusiasm and commitment, and I will share with you the tools I learned for designing and creating new products.

Even if you are not a designer, it will give you insight into the design process.

I want to make this series interactive, let me know what you think, share your process, if you have photo's you would like to share please do. I want to hear from you!

This week's question: What part of the design process do you find most difficult when you are creating?

♦VIBRANT ♦ HARDWARE♦

Six new piece have been added to the
♦ VIBRANT ♦ HARDWARE ♦
collection now available in my Etsy Shop!


Purchase any item in the new collection and receive FREE SHIPPING (until 3/8/09).


Check everyday, new items will be added all week!