Playing Catch Up

Good morning dear readers. This week's post brings a general update on the shopfront. I'm staying in the background a bit when it comes to promoting, as I have a number of custom orders to catch up with (at least six of them, to be exact). I hope to get back on track with those this week. I'm also in the process of making new creations for the fall, and reorganizing my store a little bit.

Look out for many a necklace coming your way, as well as matching earrings. Colors will include the soft, translucent shades of chalcedony -- greens and blues and pinks and lavenders -- plus bright, rich contrasting colors to set them off. I'll also be offering sets at discounted prices; when you buy items that coordinate, you can save some extra cash!

I plan to continue my exploration of metalsmithing, with hopes to have some more items by September; probably pendants. Finally come October, expect a rockin' sale to coordinate with my one-year anniversary as a seller on Etsy.

Have a great week, dear readers. I hope to post progress updates as I move along in completing these custom orders.

Smooches,
Chelsea

Expanding the "Warmth" Series

So, if you're familiar with my shop, then you know about my Warmth Earrings. For a while now, I've been holding on to a few different variations of them, and finally decided to start listing them this weekend.

These are Warmth in Turquoise, and I'm pleased with their results. The turquoise against the copper brings out a nice, complementary mix. In addition, with the rising cost of sterling silver, I can offer these to my customers at a pleasant price. In the next few days, I'll also be listing the same style made with amber and ocean jasper.

I also finally got to work on some more metalsmithing techniques yesterday...the project: stackable rings. I love how you can make them all thin and delicate and hammered out, with lovely little sterling beads as accents. My first set turned out acceptable, but not "sell-able." I put too much solder in between the joint, so it gave a messy little bump, and I forgot that when you wrap thick wire and then hammer it, it expands by at least two sizes. I'm making practice sets for all of my friends, so once I'm done with those I should have the technique perfected by then. My goal is to have the first set for sale this week.

I'd like to give my customers options...I was of thinking offering them in groups of three, four, and five. Your thoughts are appreciated--tell me what YOUR favorite number of stackable rings would be!

Interstitial Obsession

Interstitial Obsession
Originally uploaded by Simply Wired Custom Jewelry

Yes readers, it is finally here--my first metalsmithing project (good grief, now I can stop whining about it!). Interstitial Obsession is a pendant comprised of copper and nickel silver, suspended from leather cord.

The general design--a simple background and a simple shape--comes from Mark Lareau's book, Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry (yes, I am a big fan of both of the Lareaus--recall in a previous post I mentioned his wife's book).

The reason I like Mr. Lareau's approach is that he really puts everything in layman's terms. He gives you the "need to know" information that's necessary to get started, and before you know it, you're on your way to your first project. Of course, his book won't be the only book I study and learn from, but I'm really glad I have it as a starter!

That being said, here's a rundown of what I did to create this piece:

1. Cut out shapes and filed them
2. Soldered the foreground shape to the background shape
3. Soldered the bail to the background shape

Of course, there are some things I'll be doing differently for my next project. Some of these, as well as things I can improve upon, include:

• Making sure I'm careful while filing my shapes...the heart you see on this pendant bent a little at the bottom tip; therefore, it was hard to get it to situate itself flat against the background.
• Making sure I flux appropriately...my bail suffered a bit of an impact, which is fine because you can't really see it, but it's definitely discolored and it won't polish off.
• Investing in a more powerful torch...I'm running a small butane torch right now, and it takes forever for the solder to reach its flow point. I'm not sure if this is normal or not, I have to do some reading, but I'm thinking with some more flame it wouldn't take as long.

Keep watching, dear readers. I promise I'll post new items as I get them created (and as soon as my husband lets go of some space in the basement--we're both currently working in the same room, as he is building our entertainment center and I'm trying to learn all of these metalsmithing techniques).

For those with experience, any tips for future projects? I'd love to hear them. One special Flickr contact of mine recommended that I integrate my wire working techniques with my metal work...which is exactly what I'm plannin'. I'm hoping to come up with some really unique designs by combining the two styles together.

Fire Gypsy

Sigh. Well, I wanted to work on something new tonight, given the latest group I joined on Flickr, which is titled "Design a Day" courtesy of gemmafactrix! But, I had violin lessons, and then when I got home I had a few other things to take care of, and then I wanted to list two more items...and, well, you know. So, tomorrow I'll start the challenge.

First off, if I feel like weaving and coiling, I'd like to do a "redo" of the pendant in my Fire Gypsy necklace (yeah, that's what I decided to name it). I posted another version of this in one of my previous entries. Upon further inspection, I noticed that my coils aren't lining up correctly at the bottom (see what I mean...look at the top of the spiral...that little piece of wire sticks out where the coil should cover it), and they just look a little too sloppy for me. So, back to the drawing board! Bummer, because I'm going to lose about 8 feet of wire, but luckily it's a smaller gauge and doesn't impact me as much.

In other news, I'm still waiting on one final item--my saw blades--in order to do some of the metalsmithing projects I want to do. Ugh. It's been more than two weeks now, and I'm getting restless. Until then, maybe I'll just draw everything that I have in my head, that should keep me occupied for a few hours LOL.

Inspiration

When I first joined Flickr, I remember finding the Wire Sculpture group and how excited I was...it was like a catalog full of the type of jewelry I love to make! It was a great source of inspiration to me, and it helped me start building up inventory for my Etsy shop (it was Flickr, after all, that introduced me to Etsy!).

I'm currently an administrator for the group, which doesn't require much, but it does keep me busy by making sure I welcome new members when they post to discussion boards and leaving comments on photos. Lately, however, I've been seeing many posts on Etsy related to Flickr, and how a number of sellers have been able to score sales through their groups. So, today, I decided to join some new ones.

I'm not going to list them all here, but I did want to mention my favorite of the day: Silversmithing & Metalsmiths ~Forging & Fabricating. It's a group that's all things metal, and of course intrigues me given my latest endeavor. Looking through the photos, I'm amazed at the amount of talent out there...and such unique designs. I keep thinking about what my newly composed pieces will look like, and there are a number of things that keep creeping into my head:

• Hand forged chains friggin' ROCK. 'Nuff said.
• The more hammered, the better.
• Blackened metal is my favorite metal.
• I don't think I'll ever be able to do away with beads, so many of my metal pieces will probably incorporate color through my favorite gemstones (which are too many to name!).
• Clasps and their design are very, very important.
• Fat rings with bezel set stones are a necessity.
• Mixtures of metal add depth and make for a spectacular focal piece.
• Everyone should have a metal cuff in their wardrobe.
• Heated metal is HAWT!

I just hope I can live up to my own expectations.

What types of things inspire you? Where do you get your ideas for your creations?

...And Metalsmithing Begins

Well, sorta.

All equipment is here, for the most part. All tools are here, for the most part. All materials are here. For real. I'm missing a few key items, one of which is on backorder, so until it gets here I may be a little bit delayed. But, I can't wait!

I'm most excited about creating fused chain links and being able to make rings. I'm not really a fan of wire rings, that's why you don't see them in my shop very often, so hopefully you'll be able to see the real deal very soon! Lately I've been a fan of the tension-set type...I'm hoping I'll be able to pick up the technique sooner than later.

My husband is in the process of carving me out a little work area in our basement; I'm not real sure yet that he wants to share his sacred space, but I remind him that this hobby of mine could possibly make us rich one day (hahahahaha LOL) and he then becomes somewhat more accommodating.

I also worked on some pendants this weekend, including a standalone pendant similar to that found in my Back to Earth necklace, only it incorporates red coral and sterling silver beads into the design. In addition, I made some copper and agate pendants based on the Back to Earth pendant, which will be attached to leather cord. Finally, I worked on a herringbone weave focal pendant, which will be hung from a handcrafted chain made from easy links. Yeehaw. New earrings are also on the way; I had some beads available that easily turned into simple, dangly designs.

I'll post progress of my new metalsmithing endeavor as I creep along; watch out for new items in my Etsy shop all this week.

Some Notes on What's Comin'

Many things, readers. Many, many things.

I put together a "Beneath the Moon" necklace last weekend, but it's comprised of garnets and pearls rather than smoky quartz and moonstone. I'm hoping it will be a Valentine's Day favorite, given its lovely red colors. Other Beneath the Moon items will include amazonite, serpentine (maybe), and some other beautiful colors of quartz.

I have some earrings coming, which are quite simple in design yet lovely nonetheless. One pair is comprised of smoky quartz briolettes (small ones), and the other pair is labradorite teardrops (the colors in them are amazing!). Another pair will feature red coral beads, another Valentine favorite.

An additional "Paint It" is in the works, which will be titled "Paint It Pomegranate." The name is inspired by my friend's feedback on her "Paint It Cherry Red" brooch, where, upon receipt, she e-mailed me with the phrase "I'm thinkin' pomegranates!" I'm hoping to incorporate all beautiful shades of red, purples, and pinks (thanks Deb!).

Labradorite faceted teardrops are on their way to my home, which means that I can list the items that are included in the Jonelle series, with some slight variations.

Finally, I completed the acquisition of all tools and materials required to start doing some metalsmithing. I hope to create my first project next weekend, after I get back from my trip for work. I also plan to enroll in a class during the March-April timeframe.

So...keep your eyes and ears open, dear readers. I promise to keep you informed.

One final note: I need to close the shop from 1/14-1/16, as I'll be traveling for work. Access to Etsy and e-mail will be minimal (if at all) during this time frame; all orders will be filled/created upon my return.

My Gift to Me

Well, I had a pretty large balance left over in my PayPal account after the holiday rush. I was tired of buying supplies and equipment, so I decided to buy another piece of gorgeous jewelry from Mary Boden of Wood Thrush Studio. You may recall when I first started this blog that I bought a dragonfly pendant from her back in September.

Here it is, in all of its exotic glory (the title of the piece, BTW, is called "Exotic Visitor;" read the details here):

And here's another pic for you--you see that ring in there--yeah, I got myself that, too!

In case you've never heard of Mary or her web site, she's well worth a visit. She has links to her Etsy shop on her web site as well, and you can also visit her blog at http://egg-shell.livejournal.com/. I absolutely adore her designs; she is everything I want to be as a metalsmith (and since I haven't started that aspect of this hobby of mine, I have a long way to go!).

So, here's to you, Mary. Thanks for making such beautiful things that keep me coming back to your shop...and thanks even more for being such an inspiration.

Phew! I Made It!

Alas, readers, another Christmas has gone by. And I made it. All of the shopping, the baking, the planning, the gift wrapping, the get-togethering, and the stressing is nearly over. Honestly, I don't know why I get so busy at this time of the year, it's not like I don't know how to plan for it! However, this one was a bit different, and the reason was my Etsy shop.

Let me just tell you, as mentioned in my previous post, I definitely wasn't prepared for the holiday rush. I really didn't think I'd be a part of it, being a fairly new seller and all! It was exciting though, and it kept me very busy. Luckily, I did have nearly all of my shopping done at the beginning of December, which helped quite a bit. I'll also have you know that at least 60% of my gifts came from Etsy, or were handmade by me. I also received some handmade goodies--a birdhouse, some coasters and some hot pads, and a painting--as well as items that PROMOTE doing handmade activities (a gift certificate from Fire Mountain Gems and a kit to make my own incense!).

In '08 I'm going to be a busy, busy girl. Today I did a bit of shopping for my belated birthday (December 19), and it included some metalsmithing tools--a jeweler's saw, a torch and some solder, a ring clamp, some new tweezers and needle files, and of course some new beads and wire. In late Jan, or perhaps March or April, I'm going to be attending a private session with a metalsmith in State College, PA to learn some additional skills. Most of what I've been doing is self-taught, but from what I've read it seems that once you get into soldering and the like, it helps to do some one-one-one instruction. I can't wait!

Over Christmas I took a little break from the shop, but I still got some orders. I'll be working over the next few days to fill them, as well as try to come up with a few new designs for earrings. I'm also waiting on materials to continue developing my Beneath the Moon necklace and earrings (smoky quartz smooth teardrops are becoming hard to come by these days!). I'm also working on variations of this design...changing up the stones and whatnot. For instance, my up-and-coming "Beneath the Blood Moon" necklace will feature garnet teardrops and freshwater pearls in place of smoky quartz and peach moonstone. I'm hoping for a nice outcome on that one! The garnets I purchased are big and gorgeous and perfect for someone to show off. I'm also going to be doing a made-to-order piece called the Jonelle necklace, made after the person I made it for this Christmas. :oD I haven't talked to her yet, so I hope she liked it! I'll be putting pics of it on my Flickr page soon.

Well, I'm off for now, gotta get to work in the studio. Have a nice breather before New Year's!

The Business of Being in Business

Well readers, it's been over a month since I've opened up Simply Wired Custom Jewelry on Etsy, and I have details to report. Some of it good, some of it so-so, but let it serve as a guide for you if you decide to start this endeavor. This won't be ALL boring biz stuff, but it is important for new sellers to be aware of. What I will try to do over the next few days (weeks?) is provide information related to tips, practices, resources, web sites, etc. that are available to you. Some of them will be my own, and some of them will be from others.

Please keep in mind that I do not consider myself an expert at this point, nor do I consider myself to be a "successful" Etsy seller as of yet. Also keep in mind that some of you may be impressed with where I am a month after beginning, and some of you may not. That's OK--we all measure success in different ways. However you want to measure yours, let the information posted here help you along your path in some way or another.

Goals

First let's do a review of the goals that I posted for myself a little while ago. The reason I listed these on my site was because I was following Christina's Perdue's Blog, where she provides insightful articles and tips for improving your shop. I credit Christina's blog with starting to set things in motion for myself. Following along and writing about my shop, even before it was open, forced me to move forward and start actually thinking about things like "goals" and "marketing" and "branding." If you haven't been there yet, regardless of whether you have started your shop or not, you should check it out.

OK, enough of my rambling. Here is what I listed way back in early October (the 7th, to be exact), along with notes related to status:

October

• Open Etsy shop: Simply Wired Custom Jewelry officially opened on October 21
• List at least one new item per day (weekdays) after opening until inventory runs out: I think I did this, but it was hard to tell because I had some sales in there. Regardless, I did list a new item each day (except Saturdays). Now, I try to list a new item each day plus renew 1-2 items each day.
• Create new items while listing so that number of items in my shop is approximately 30 (may stretch to November): This definitely stretched to November! And, not to mention, when I listed this I was assuming that I wouldn't have any sales. At this point, I've had 15 of them, and I currently have 16 items for sale. So, add them together, and what do you get? 31! So, as far as I'm concerned, I met this goal.
• Update blog every day: I've done a fairly good job at this; however, I think every 2-3 days may be more realistic for me. I was finding that I was spending too much time blogging and not enough time crafting, which should obviously not be the case.
• Sell at least one item before the end of the month: Well, I didn't make a sale before the end of October, but I did have a sale within 30 days--seven of them, to be exact. So, I consider this goal being met as well.

Long-term (within one year): I'm not going to provide an update on status yet, as these were intended to be far beyond 30 days. If, however, you see something that you like, feel free to use these goals with adaptations for your own needs:

• If sales continue to be a success, purchase a Simply Wired Custom Jewelry domain name
• Begin metalsmithing techniques, and take a class if one is available near me
• Submit my work in a jewelry contest
• Evaluate success and determine if Simply Wired Custom Jewelry can become a significant portion of my income; if so, begin business plan for brick and mortar store (may extend beyond one year)

So, back to my October goals. How did I get to where I am right now? Much, much work my readers. And much more to come. Marketing and promotions is where it's at, and you have to be ready to put your time into it. Below is a list of activities that I've completed, are currently in progress, or are on my "To Do" list. The items displayed are what I'll be presenting in my blog entries in the future. If you see one that interests you and would like to see it presented sooner than later, do leave a comment and I'll be happy to post it quickly (also comment if you'd like to see something added; I'll write about it if I feel I can provide blog-worthy input):

• Researching
• Perfecting photos
• Participating in Forums
• Making the "Brand"
• Developing business cards
• Selecting promotional materials
• Determining packaging approach
• Joining social networking groups: Flickr, MySpace (to do), Ning (Indiepublic, Skwiggler, EtsyLove [to do]), Talent Database
• Blogging/blog directories (i.e., Technorati)
• Joining Street Teams
• Advertising (Project Wonderful, paid ads)
• Volunteering/Networking

...and that's just a start. There is plenty more, but it's 9:30 and I still have to edit some photos for posting. Stay tuned for updates on each of these and more...

Six Things About Me: #5

Almost done! Here's #5: I've only recently been doing this crafty/jewelry thing.

It's true...I never really had the time until about two years ago, when I decided to MAKE time for myself to do the things I love. Don't get me wrong...I did things outside of work and beyond the standard "life responsibilities" (I always made sure I had time for the band, spending time with my husband and my friends, etc.), but I was looking for something tangible where I could "get my hands dirty." One day, I was talking to my soon-to-be-sister-in-law about making stuff (as mentioned in item #4, she's soooooo talented), and she was showing me some bead work. I didn't want to do the exact same thing, so I started looking through some books, and wire and metal is what really drew me in. I think it's the mixture of the metal with gemstones and glass that really attracts me. Plus, there are so many techniques to learn, I figured I could get into something that would offer many, many opportunities to keep learning and growing. So, that's where I am today. I'm ready to take the next step to PMC and metalsmithing in general. I have a large, mostly cement basement that's divided into little rooms; one of them is just dying to become my workshop. After that, I'll be working on starting my glass studio. That's the one I'm really excited about, but it seems that there's much more equipment that I need to buy, so I'll be taking it one step at a time. I figure this will keep me occupied for quite a while.

I must warn you that I'll probably have to skip a day tomorrow, as I may not be around in the evening. If not, I'll try to get on early Saturday to give you the 6th and final "interesting" (or maybe not) item. By then, I hope to have some more photos of some works in progress, too. My pieces are very labor intensive, so it takes a while, folks. Please bear with me! Until then, I included some photos that I put on Flickr not long ago, they'll be on Etsy, too (and most likely rephotographed, as they're a little gray).

Tomorrow is Friday,
Chelsea