Bangles Part 2

OK, I have totally fallen for these funky bangles. After making my first bangle, I ran out to load up on supplies. My husband even got involved with the annealing and hammering part. We were fighting over who got to use the torch first!

I just love how my bangles turned out and I think it's awesome how each one is different from the next. Since I can't seem to get enough of these bangles, I'm off to make more!

Bodacious Copper Bangle Kit

I purchased this bracelet kit at the Bead and Button show this past June. I made the bracelet this morning and had great fun putting it together. The directions were easy to follow and I got the chance to try out my new butane torch! Who doesn't enjoy working with fire?

The bracelet required annealing a piece of 6 gauge copper, hammering and texturizing, riveting and wire wrapping. I'm happy with how it turned out and I can't wait to buy myself some more copper!

For the love of leaves!

I can't seem to get enough of leaves these days. Maybe it's the thought of fall coming to visit soon or the fond memories I have of fun fall activities. Whatever it may be, I just can't get my mind off of leaves...the plated kind.

What are plated leaves you ask? Well, they are real natural leaves that are dried, painted with copper then electroplated in silver, copper or gold. The result is beautiful!

I stumbled upon these wonderful leaves while attending the Bead and Button show two years ago. I just found them in my drawer and have been captivated by them since.

Bridal Jewelry

This week I've been working on commissioned bridal jewelry for a September wedding. I'm very pleased with how the jewelry for the bride has turned out. I would describe it as simple yet elegant. The earrings for the 6 bridesmaids are even simpler yet with a touch of sparkle.

In the past I've worked with brides, mother's of the bride and sister's of the bride. In all cases, great attention to detail is needed which involves taking copious notes and obtaining a very clear understanding of exactly what the bride is looking for. I've often asked for pictures of the dress and I've even had bride's loan me their tiaras in an attempt to create jewelry pieces that match. It's also important to get proper measurements for the length of the necklace and the size of the wrist. I always strive to create jewelry that not only compliments the wedding dress yet also compliments the style and personality of the bride.

I never get tired of making bridal jewelry. Each time I get a request for custom jewelry I see it as an exciting challenge. I also love seeing the final product and getting a report back from the bride telling me how everyone loved her jewelry. It’s fun to be a part of someone’s special day.

Marketing

Today I focused on the marketing end of building my jewelry business. It's difficult trying to think of new and different ways to get the word out in an attempt to draw interest and traffic to my online sites. As with everything in life, things take time!

So, what have I been doing to create some traffic? Here's a quick list of some things to consider:
1. Create a Twitter account. http://www.twitter.com/ Try to Tweet about something every day in an attempt to get more people to follow you. If someone begins to follow you, be sure to follow them back.
2. Create a Facebook Group and/or Fan Page. http://www.facebook.com/ Invite others to join you on Facebook and provide folks with updates about your site(s) and offer discounts or coupons available to Facebook fans only.
3. Create a Blog. http://www.blogger.com/ You never know who might stumble upon your blog. I try to update my blog at least one time per week if not more. They're so easy to set up and keep up with.
4. Print business cards. I recently found http://www.moo.com/ which is a company based on the east coast that prints top quality cards. What's so great about moo cards? Well, they allow you to print business cards with up to 50 different pictures. The picture quality is excellent! If you are shopping for new cards, I'd highly recommend this company.

I myself have been trying to be more vigilant with handing out my business cards. Just today I went to the dentist and handed out cards to my hygienist and the receptionist. You never know where you might obtain a customer!

Wedding Shower Invitations

I had to take a break from jewelry making, etc. yesterday to make wedding shower invitations for my sister-in-law. Breaking out my paper and accessories reminded me how much I miss scrapbooking and card making. I had great fun working with my Cricut and would love, love, love to have the newer model. In fact, I just saw a sale for the Cricut Expression on HSN...of all places! Who knew? (http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/cricut-expression-with-jukebox-and-design-studio-software_p-5503973_xp.aspx?web_id=5503973&ocm=sekw) Well, time to get back to the card making since I need to mail them out next week!

Happy 4th of July!

We returned from Amelia Island, FL this past Sunday night. My husband and I spent 4th of July weekend with his side of the family. While it was great fun seeing his family, it was H-O-T, hot in FL! I thought I was going to melt.

Aside from the miserable heat, we did enjoy walking on the beach in the early morning and collecting sea shells. There is just something about feeling the sand between your toes, hearing the ocean waves and taking in the water front views. With my new collection in hand, I think I see resin covered shells in my future!