Jewelry Making Outside The Box: Selling Your Work

June 18, 2013

Why Not Me? Why Not You? Why Not All of Us? Take the Challenge!

Here we are, me and my sweet friend, Kate, at the Lafayette Hotel last weekend right before breakfast.

John and I took a run down the river to Marietta to spend some quality time with our pals, Kate and Mike Mulligan, of Mulligan Stew Jewelry

Kate is an exhibitor/member of the Riverside Artists Gallery in Marietta. On Friday evenings, once a month, Marietta (Ohio) sponsors the Art Walk, where there are many businesses featuring handmade and fine arts stay open later than usual, and there are vendors and musicians of all kinds in the streets. We visited Kate's spot in the gallery. One of her most recent pieces is this one:

Love those colors!

During our visit we talked about marketing opportunities and getting your name out there in the big, wide world of handmade jewelry. I asked her if she'd ever considered submitting her work to a magazine for publication.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed. "I don't really think I am ready for THAT. Do you think my things are good enough?"

We all struggle with that big question. (The answer to hers is YES, good grief, YES!!)

In the Summer 2013 issue of BELLE ARMOIRE JEWELRY, Jen Cushman writes about the submission process in her regular column, ART CHOOSES YOU. The article is entitled, "A Turn in the Spotlight", and you'll find it on page 124...right there with Jen smiling at you.

Jen mentions that the "process of publishing is simply that---a process. Media is a business, and business rules and etiquette apply just as in any other profession."

Rules? Etiquette?

Yes! In the back pages of most craft publications on the market, especially those on mixed media art and jewelry making, you will find explicit rules on how to submit your artwork and/or ideas to their particular publication. Many have published deadlines as well as suggestions regarding what the publication will be looking for at that time (so you can go ahead and get your thinking cap on!)

They also give directions on how to approach them for submission. Some will ask you to simply go ahead and mail your items to a certain address; others will require a *brief* email query before sending. Some publications require that funds to cover return of your materials be included with the item(s) you submit; others do not.

Most all of them do not mind if you have blogged about your item or shown it once on a Facebook page (but DO check, as there are a few that don't want you to show it ANYWHERE before you allow them to consider it). NONE of the publications wants you to submit photos to several editors at once, waiting for the first bite. All want an EXCLUSIVE to your project, photo or article when it comes to print.

None of them will accept submissions that are copies of work you have seen, or anything made from a kit. Few will accept submissions of exact techniques learned in a class. If they do allow it, full props must be given to the teacher and the class you took.

Are you already thinking, AWWWW.....this is TOO HARD?

I get ya. I think that was going through Kate's mind, too!

Let me ask you this: Do you blog? Do you think you can write a tutorial?

Here is an example of a very professionally written tut:

Rubber Stampings on Metal by Michelle Mach

Michelle Mach has been published over 100 times in print, and I'm pleased to say that once in a bit, she provides a tutorial for the B'sue Boutiques Jewelry Supplies website. If you need a great example of what you'd need to do for magazine submission, this is probably a perfect one.

In Jen Cushman's article, we're told that to take the first step, you need to make a few pieces---maybe a small body of work--that are authentically YOUR OWN, YOUR STYLE, that express who YOU ARE, as an artist.

Next, go ahead....wrap them up....ship them out. Jen says not to put too much pressure on yourself. Rejection is INDEED possible! (Oh how I know. I hate rejection as much as anyone; time is precious, it's kinda like, hey, I don't have time for this rejection PROCESS!)

But rejection is PART of the process. You may need several tries. The fact is, eventually, you WILL be published. And then, after being published, you may not be, another time you try! But keep at it. Maybe your items will not be right for one publication, but your design type might be perfect for another.

Jen went through the process, stem to stern. Now she has a column in BELLE ARMOIRE JEWELRY, and recently was FEATURED....literally, pages of her pieces!...spotlighted in the magazine and ON THE COVER!

During our little brainstorm session, I actually said to Kate, "Sheesh, I keep saying I have to do this, but time is so short, I can't be fiddling around with these people." WELL: on thinking that out, I realized that *my* fiddling around is more like, NOT DOING IT, holding back from doing it, NOT taking the time to fully experience the PROCESS.

So then, we were thinking, HEY! What if we could get a *bunch* of the VERY QUALIFIED jewelry artisans from the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook to start submitting like crazy fools. Some of them already do, like Joan Williams of Lil Ruby at Etsy, and Cathy Buckley of Cat's Meow Jewelry. Joan has been published quite a number of times!

If we as a group did that, IN TIME, it's almost a given that many would start getting those lovely CONGRATULATIONS! letters and emails.

MAYBE a whole bunch of us might appear in print all at the same time!

Maybe even, in the same magazine!

At this writing, we have over 1,100 members at the Creative Group. It's entirely possible that this dream could become reality.

So, what do you think? Can you get on the stick with me? I'm gonna do this. I'm tired of saying I don't have time, tired of fiddling around. We are a very gifted group; many of us have been at our craft for a very long time. I've been published here and there over the years, but I have never dedicated myself to making it happen.

And what if you're new? Don't think for a minute that you can't be published yet, that you are not ready. If your work is original, looks good in a photograph, is something a publication feels would garner attention amongst its readers....you totally could be published. There is no prerequisite amount of time required for you to be at your workbench, before acceptance.

So whether you're an old hand at what you do, like me....or brand new...here's to US.

It's my time. AND yours. What do you say? Let's DO IT.

Posted at 07:41 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, It's My Life, Jewelry Making, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Selling Your Work, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 10, 2013

Tea Time Chatelaine Brooch

I made this brooch in 1998......fell in love with it and kept it.

I know brooches aren't the hot ticket right now, but coming from a vintage background, where brooches are a big deal! I have ALWAYS been drawn to a cool brooch with stuff dangling, chatelaine style, from the bottom.

I wish I had all the cool ones I used to have. Here is a line sheet from my old gift line, that has some simple dangle styles that stemmed from my love of chatelaines and swag brooches from the Fifties:

From 1996! Yep, you can see I've been a sucker for a brooch with dangles for a really long time.

The golf bag brooch on this page had a chain swag, double-pin style, too.

So here is the back of the brooch, to show you how I made the tea time brooch:

Wow, this piece is 15 years old. The glue has a little patina in the photo and so do some of the metalized leaves....but it's in good shape.

I still love to wear it.

Posted at 05:16 PM in American Made Brass, Designer Finishes, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, It's My Life, Jewelry Making, Selling Your Work, Style and Color, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 09, 2013

Mitzi Came To Visit.....Her Impressions of Her Class At B'sue Boutiques

Mitzi Curi of Mitzi's Collectables came down from Lansing, Michigan last week to spend two days of instruction in the shop with me.

Mitzi is easy-going, low-key and interested in everything. We had a very fun and productive time together last week and she went home with her head swimming full of new ideas.

You might like to take a moment to read her blog, see her photos, and read her observations about the trip she made to B'sue Boutiques shop here in East Palestine, Ohio:

Mitzi's Blog Observations

Mitzi is a full-time antiques dealer and finds lots of amazing little deals and doo-dads. Be sure to check out her Vintage Vocabulary Series as it is FULL of great information. You will find more about Mitzi in the right-hand nav bar of her blog. She loves to blog so subscribing to her writings would be a very good idea for you.

Normally I teach 2-3 hour techniques classes here at the shop with 1-3 persons. I am able to book a class like Mitzi took only a few times a year, but am happy to do it if you are a dedicated artisan who wants to learn more about current mixed media techniques. My rates are reasonable; your biggest cost might be getting here and your hotel fee! I recommend the Dutch Haus Inn In Columbiana, Ohio They have beautiful, comfortable rooms and feed you amazing Amish pastries for breakfast.

More information on visiting us at B'sue Boutiques here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/visiting_bsue_boutiques.shtml

Drop in company is always welcome; if you are traveling, it's a good idea to call first so that you can be sure I am not out on an appointment for some reason. I'd hate to miss you! We have a lot of our stampings inventory out front in the shop now and I am adding more every day.

Posted at 12:28 PM in Easy Peasy Projects, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Jewelry Making, Selling Your Work, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 25, 2013

B'sue Boutiques Was On Television This Morning! Check out Greta on the Go!

I had such a great time last Wednesday when Greta Mittereder of WYTV News, Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio, visited me at the shop!

Greta is always on the go, ferreting out new ideas, little shops, cool things to do in the Mahoning Valley area. I was thrilled when she said she and her camera man, Anthony, were coming out to visit with me.

The video was shot in two- three minute segments....here are the current archived links from the WYTV Greta on the Go archive:

http://www.wytv.com/content/features/daybreak/gretaonthego/story/BSue-boutiques/bnahURa3Vk--vKfxd9bPsg.cspx

or you might notice at the bottom of the video screen it shows part one and part two video, click on the first one to see the first part, then the second. ;-)

The first one showed our stock and shipping area, and talks about our business....and the second shows off our shop, talks about our wares and classes. Greta shows off the bracelet I made for her, as well!

If you would like to make a bracelet like this, here's the video:

Charm Bracelets a New Way

Here are some more that I made:

Here is the silverware finished skinny silver bangle form at our website, too:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/item/Fine-Silver-Finished-Skinny-Cuff-Make-Layers-of-Bangles-10905

Here's a big thanks to Greta for coming on out to check us out! I hope we can do it again some day!

If you'd like to see some more of the places Greta has been lately...check out her archive: http://www.wytv.com/content/features/daybreak/gretaonthego/default.aspx

Posted at 06:34 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Selling Your Work, Style and Color, Using Social Media to Promote Your Art | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 23, 2013

Kitchen Sink Jewelry Making

Kitchen Sink Style is a unique form of assemblage that does not involve glue....but chain, wire, and lots! of jump rings. It is repurposing/mixed media at its best. One of its most unique interpreters is my friend Wendy Baker, of Bendy Who...you'll find her shop at Etsy.

While many of the pieces in Wendy's pieces appear to be repurposed, some are, some aren't. She paints some of her brass and assembles it to great effect. Many of the pieces made in the old 'flower power' style brooches we remember Mom and Gramma wearing in back in the 60's, are still made. Some are going up in value, so it's not always a good idea to tear them up. Some you can make from components that are still made, or are vintage.

Truth be told....most ALL of these components are still made, most of 'em, anyway.

With Kitchen Sink Style jewelry, you don't really need to tear up *anything* if you're repurposing. The materials are assembled and collaged to wire 'armatures', if you will...or chain....with more wire. So it's a very responsible way to repurpose materials and old jewelry.

There's really no right, no wrong with this art form. When folks ask me about doing it, I say go after the design until you are satisfied. Make sure it feels good when you wear it, and make sure that nothing is kinked up or uneven. (Assymetric is fine, but kinked up and uneven, isn't.) Think flow, color; be sure you have used substantial enough chain and clasp to support the piece.

I find it restful, rather like working a puzzle. It usually begins with a mess:

Oh yes! I guess we've all seen worse messes than this. But in my case, anyway, Kitchen Sink Jewelry is usually the result of cleaning up workspace. This mess above, came to be this:

Well, yeah, I did use a bit of glue to attach the Geisha Lady to the filigree background. The rest was stuff I made using embossing folders, wire, patina, stuff I had lying about.

This is a piece I did back in 2005 for Fabulous Jewelry from Found Items, published by Lark Books:

I was so thrilled to be part of that project, as it was the first book that really addressed free-form collage style, or found item jewelry, in depth. Since then, there have been many such books. This piece was called "Lost Earrings Bib". It's a bunch of single enameled earrings I got from a warehouse bulk lot buy of off-season jewelry, and then, some things from the B'sue Boutiques website. They were all pierced earrings, with long posts. That worked out well; I simply took my round-nose pliers and turned the posts into connections, and hooked them up. Ever do that?

My friend,Linzi Alford of Magpie in the Sky, also makes wonderful assemblage in the 'Kitchen Sink" style. This piece, called Time Traveler,was recently published in a beading magazine in the UK:

Wowzer! There are A LOT of cool components on Linzi's composition from B'sue Boutiques on that one. The rusty black propeller in the pendant is set in resin, with the propellers out, so they still spin.

Beanzie of TheVintageHeart, is famous for her trash and flash Kitchen Sink bracelets and necklaces:

Really there is nothing all that random about what Beanz does. She makes a 'collection' first. It may take her a year or two to gather JUST the right things for something she has in mind. It might be in a certain color family, or a type of antique/vintage component that she searches out, or even a theme. It also might be a series of charms that she herself hand-paints. She selects the chain she uses very carefully, and is very fussy about the type of jump rings she uses.

So while upon first glance her Kitchen Sink Style looks seem to be the contents of someone's old jewelry chest, they are really very well-thought-out.

At B'sue Boutiques, we carry everything you need to make excellent Kitchen Sink Style looks. You will find many flower findings here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/brass_flower_petals_layer.shtml

You will find clustered flowers here:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/brass_roses.shtml

And LOTS of resin roses:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/resin_plastic_flowers.shtml

As well as vintage beads that are PERFECT! for the task:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/resin_plastic_flowers.shtml

I like to use vintage chain, new or old bookchain, and/or rolo (belcher) chain for these compositions. We have lots of chain at Bsue Boutiques

AND TONS of heart charms!

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/just_hearts.shtml

See what you've got in your stash....and get started with a brand-new look. Something old...something new....something borrowed....and hey, sure, blue if you want blue! Or altered. or Steampunk. Go Spring, Summer, Fall....Winter drama. Or completely handmade! Who says you can't do this with a fistful of gemstone beads and handmade ceramic? Or old glass? New charms, old charms. For sure, whatever you DON'T have to do the job....WE DO, at B'sue Boutiques

The website is chock-a-block full of IMAGINATION! Add *yours* to some cool new bits from our place, and the creative world belongs to YOU.

Posted at 04:08 PM in American Made Brass, Designer Finishes, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media Technique, Selling Your Work, Style and Color | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 05, 2013

Sometimes It Pays to Play Hooky

Things here sometimes get pretty intense. There are so many things that have to be done to run this little company and stay on top of trend!

Yesterday as I passed by my workbench in the front of the shop, a lovely old vintage silverplated spoon seemed to call my name.

I paused, looked at it, picked it up, and began to bend it.

Before you knew it, I was heating it and beating it on the bench block. Sheesh, I wish I'd taken pix as I'd gone along....but I truly never thought I would get this far:

I sawed the top of the spoon off with my jeweler's saw (ugh I hate that thing but sometimes nothing else will do!) ....then heated some more, then bent the top around so that I could make a pendant from it. I drilled the bottom tip so I could hang another bauble....and glued a tiny cameo into some silverware-plated bezels I had, and applied it.

Okay...so now I got this far, I had this spiffy pendant.

Last week we got some bookchain, just a bit (don't get excited, it's not on the site yet, I have to get enough to share!) .....and it was a good match. I engraved a bunch of silverware lace edged hearts...and kept going.

This necklace is the result:

The hearts say, Remember Me, Always, Truly Yours, Forever. I engrave in script, freehand, with a Dremel engraver. In the center, it says Sentimental Me.

I did the little dangles with our new Spectra Beads and Beadsmith 20 ga. silverplated non tarnish wire.....

There is a video on how to wrap those, here:

Simple Wire Wrapped Bead Charms, Dangles (warning, this is one of those videos where we got goofy!....but the technique is well done,LOL)

Anyway, as I look across the office at the mannequin today, where the necklace is still displayed, I feel satisfied. Glad I played hooky. Sometimes the work has to wait!

If you'd like to try some of those charms and other components, hang out with us at the website: B'sue Boutiques

I love the stuff I sell, I use it. The general consensus is that I have a good eye for the good stuff....yeah, maybe after all these years, I do! And I'm always looking for more, to share with you.

I WILL have that bookchain ASAP. ;-)

Posted at 12:01 PM in American Made Brass, Designer Finishes, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Mixed Media Technique, Selling Your Work, Vintage Findings and Antique Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 18, 2013

A Smart Design from a Smart Cooky

Every time I look at this lovely design from Robin Delargy of Loo Loo's Box at Etsy I just smile.

I can see myself wearing this lovely concoction. I would walk down the street with a spritely step and a song in my heart. Wouldn't YOU?

But the reason I'm writing about it is because of how INTELLIGENTLY it is made. These days artists have to work carefully, stuff is costly. My way is to load up a piece to crazy...but egad, can you stay profitable like that?

When you first see Robin's bracelet, you think, oh my! so over the top! But really....there is an uncanny economy going on here, so pleasing to the eye, so joyful to the wearer....and profitable for the artist. Such clever use of components, such smart choice.

She's used a heavy length of old vintage chain here, and oh my, it's soooo handsome. Robin is an ace with her own patina on raw metal, it's her thing. She's done her thing to the brass here, sealed it, and made that piece of chain HERS.

She added a heavy lobster for easy on and off....and excellent security. The end of the piece is embellished, too...simply, but effusively. My guess is that it probably has her maker's mark on it.

The heart charms have also been subject to Robin's patina treatment, yet she has staggered color. She even staggered color on the large, heavy jump rings she used in the piece. Then, the hearts were embellished with Old Rose Ox flowers, tiny caps inside used to set little sparkling chatons.

This is a piece fit for the most Bohemian gypsy....or elegant businesswoman. And it's just so DANG smart.

You go, girlfriend! Thanks for sharing this design with us.

Posted at 09:26 PM in Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Mixed Media Technique, Selling Your Work | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 14, 2013

Cool Etsy (Or Google) Keywords To Help Your Listings Be Found

Many of us bang our heads over what keywords to use in our Etsy stores or stand-alone websites.

At the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook we've had quite a discussion. This lead to some research being done, and a list being made, which we have archived at the Group.

Why should we keep that all to ourselves, though?

So here it is....such as it is:

Style 1980s (or any decade) adorable African Americana angelic antique art deco

artisan art nouveau Asian autumn avant-garde bizarre black tie bohemian boho chic bold burlesque business casual cheerful chic circus classic classy clever cocktail colorful complex contemporary country cute cyber dark deconstructed delicate DIY dramatic earthy eccentric edgy Edwardian elegant ethnic European everyday fall fantasy feminine flapper folk folk art formal formal French funky funny futuristic gag geek geekery gladiator glam goddess goth gothic gothic lolita grotesque harvest hippie hipster horror humorous Indian indie industrial Japanese kawaii librarian lolita luxurious manly masculine mermaid Mexican midcentury

minimalist Middle Eastern mod modern modest modish mystical natural nautical nerd noir nostalgic old world organic oriental Paris peasant pirate playful polished prairie preppy pretty Primitive punk quirky refined Renaissance Renaissance Fair (Ren Faire)

recycled retro rockabilly Roman romantic rustic sailor secretary seductive shabby chic simple sophisticated southwest sporty spring

statement steampunk summer sustainable tasteful traditional trendy ugly

upcycled urban Victorian vintage waldorf weird western whimsical winter witty woodland zany Texture airy bright bumpy buttery coarse cool cozy cuddly delicate downy embossed feathery fluffy frilly frizzy furry fuzzy glittery grainy hammered hard iridescent light luminescent luminous matte metallic opaque patina plush pointy polished prickly puffy rough ruffled sculptured shaggy sharp sheer shimmery shiny silky slick smooth soft sparkly stamped translucent transparent velvety waxy woolly Size baggy big bulky chunky curvy deep delicate dense extra small fitted frail gigantic heavy huge large lightweight little long loose massive medium miniature oversized petite plump plus size shallow shapely

Actually.....this is just part of the list. At the Group, you will find the info under FILES in the top toolbar. It's in a nice four column document, easier on the eyes.

We had an interesting conversation on the meaning of some of the words as well as tips for finding keywords to list our Etsy goods that might help our cause.

Catherine Jeltes mentioned that she keeps tabs on the front page treasuries, and peruses other listings by artisans who have been successful at Etsy. She also says that you can type terms you'd use to describe your work in the search bar and watch what comes up. Phrases and terms you might not have pondered may arise!

Also, don't forget: your keywords should not only be in the title, but in the description as well as the tags.

Happy listing!

And more reason for you to come and join us at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook

Many thanks to Laurel Steven of http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelsteven, who compiled the document for us. She works in polymer clay....and last time I looked, had some pretty awesome stuff for sale!

Posted at 05:12 PM in Jewelry Making, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Mixed Media Technique, Polymer Clay, Selling Your Work, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs, Using Social Media to Promote Your Art | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 19, 2012

Can There Be Too Many Artists?

What do you think? Do you think that since handmade has become so hip, there's now an artist on every corner? Can it possibly be that being an artist doesn't mean what it used to?

I remember the first time someone called me an artist. I was making rice paper earrings, crumpled paper with a wash of color, heavily lacquered, with a few little pearls and sparklers studding some of the folds in the paper. They were huge. What can I say....it was the late 80's.

A woman picked them up, looked at them in a rather marvelous way and commented to her friend in a hushed, rather reverent tone: "This woman is an artist."

They didn't buy the earrings.....but I have looked at myself and what I do differently, ever since.

I'd always thought that if you were going to call yourself an artist, you needed some sort of paper to prove it, like a degree....or at least, a huge, recognized body of work. I stopped thinking that way a long, long time ago. Being an artist simply means that you are capable of doing artful things, have proven it, and had the guts to stick your neck out and share them with the world. Once shared, your handiwork was validated via a sale....or given to someone who wore it with joy, and the piece became the center of a conversation.

But is that really all there is to it? Many people call themselves artists nowadays. Many people have sold their work! The internet has made this more and more possible as the world grew smaller via your computer browser.

Can there really be too many artists? Or too many artists in one field? We here like to make jewelry. Is there really a glut of jewelry makers, for example, on Etsy? Too many at shows?

I look at it this way: Can there be too many restaurants?

If you like to eat, there are NEVER too many restaurants, especially since there is a limitless variety of cuisine in the world. I love Mexican food. In the last ten years or so, there have been a lot of new Mexican restaurants open within driving distance of where I live. Are there too many?

No. I have my favorites at each of them.

Art is like that. Do you really think that you would favor ONLY the work of one artist, all your life? Will people always be drawn to just ONE genre? Will they all like only one style of jewelry?

If you are a real jewelry afficionado, you can't have enough of it, and you may not care if it's handmade or not. You're as comfortable shopping at the mall as you are at a show full of artisans. You like what you like, you buy what you like, when you can. How many times have we been told, "I love it all!"

On the other hand, we all have favorites....a favorite artist, a favorite restaurant, a favorite movie, a favorite book. My faves won't necessarily be yours.

And you know what.... that answers it, I think! NO. There can never be too many artists. Yet, in a world that is fast beginning to appreciate handmade as being something special (FINALLY!) there is a key to getting notice and being successful. That key is the proverbial 'rub'.

The next time you begin to feel that there are too many people making jewelry and that it's too hard to catch a break, and that your sales have flagged and oh...sigh...maybe you just don't have enough talent, ask yourself:

1. Have I tried anything new lately? Just as cooks try new recipes....have you tried a new jewelry technique?

2. Where am I listing my goods? What do I do to make my photos clear and my designs appealing? Do I have a gimmick, something unique that draws attention to what I do as an artist?

3. How do I treat my customers? How do I package my handmade items? Do I make my customers feel special when they buy from me? Am I helpful and open to suggestions?

4. Is my pricing in tune with the market? Too cheap is just as bad for sales as too expensive. Do I have goods to suit all purses: impulse items as well as higher-end items?

5. Do I try constantly to upgrade quality in my work?

There can NEVER be too many artists who are busy learning new techniques and changing up their game. They pay attention to trend, parlay their talent into quality goods, and show their customers the respect and care they deserve.

The flowers in a garden are diverse, but there can never be too many.

Be glad to call yourself an artist, to share with other artists, be nutured and be willing to nuture others. There is always room for another innovative artist with a great new idea.

Posted at 04:14 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Selling Your Work | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 12, 2012

REAL Steampunk antique door hardware bracelet by MKPjewelry

Felt compelled today to report on this handsome piece of repurposed jewelry made by Kat Barron-Miller....you'll find it here on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/117495455/real-steampunk-antique-door-hardware

With a little coaxing (and annealing) Kat got this heavy solid brass door hardware to bend perfectly for a bracelet centerpiece. I love to see this sort of repurposing---something outside of the box, something not typically used to make jewelry, and nothing of great value destroyed.

Does that get your wheels turning?

Thanks to Kat for sharing her bracelet at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook

Also want to thank her for using some of B'sue Boutiques' products in her work from time to time, as well.

Job well done!

Posted at 04:20 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Mixed Media Technique, Selling Your Work, Things I've Learned From Others' Blogs | Permalink | Comments (2)

Jewelry Making Outside The Box