Jewelry Making Outside The Box: Jewelry Making

November 10, 2017

If You Just Smile

"You can do it....if you just try!"

That was the advice the Little Tramp was giving Paulette Goddard's character in the movie, MODERN TIMES. The film came out in 1936. It was the last time Charlie Chaplin would appear as this beloved character, a character who cheered a great many people up during the Great Depression.

Today, the world is turning so fast, our heads spin!

This is a scene from MODERN TIMES when the Little Tramp tries to deal with the new technology of his time. At first it seemed like fun!

Everyone longs to have a job they love! Isn't that why we became jewelry makers?

In time, though....for many of us, it became overwhelming. We did not realize the planning we should have done as we learned our craft. We did not know there was so MUCH planning to do or so much to learn!

Some of us have felt a great deal of anxiety when things weren't going smoothly, or when one of the crazy algorhythms of business life suddenly changed. We may be artisan designers, but we are also required to be business people. Some of us have a head for it, and some of us don't.

In the movie, the Little Tramp nearly had a nervous breakdown!

Do you remember that heady rush you felt when you sold your first pieces of jewelry?

I can remember some of the first crafts shows I did with my own jewelry. People were buying it left and right and I was stuffing money into my pockets. It was SUCH sweet validation!

I never expected that kind of acceptance, right at the beginning. It truly stoked the fire inside me, so I kept makering away and I did more and more shows. Reality quickly came calling. It was not long before I came to understand that not all shows were the same. It would take time to find the really great ones.

You had to hang in there with it!

Being quite honest, at times I felt like the Little Tramp, careening about, blindfolded, on roller skates.....about to have a terrific crash.

Or maybe, an amazing success! That's it! YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.

I have gotten really down about my business many times over the years, but I must say: I always kept the rollerskates on. Nothing would happen if I did not continue to try and work things out.

Perhaps you know the song, SMILE? It is certainly part of the Great American Songbook, a consummate classic. Its sentiment is encouraging and the melody is beautiful.

Smile, though your heart is breaking,

Smile, even though it's aching,

When there's a cloud in the sky, you'll get by...

If you smile through your fears and sorrow, Smile, and maybe tomorrow,

You'll see the sun come shining through....for you....

Light up your face with gladness,

Hide every trace of sadness,

although a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time you must keep on trying,

Smile....what's the use of crying?

You'll see the sun come shining through....if you

Just Smile.

This song was written for the soundtrack of MODERN TIMES by Charles Chaplin. The melody was inspired by the famous Puccini aria, Vissi d'Arte, from Tosca. If you listen to the aria, you will quickly hear how the motif was 'sampled'.

Here it is as performed by Leontyne Price....it comes just after the beginning recitative. It is very slow and muted with all the orchestration, but it is there:

The song SMILE is heard at the final scene of MODERN TIMES.

There were no words for SMILE until 1954 when a team of lyricists created two verses. Nat King Cole took the song that year and had a crazy hit with it!

Through the years it has been covered by many, many artists: Natalie Cole, Jimmy Durante, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson (it was reported to be his favorite song) Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Martina McBride....to name just a few.

Here and there I like to meet a personal challenge.

A few months ago I challenged myself to make an entirely Spanish-language video with the help of my friend, Joisse. The video was not very well received; I think those who like to watch me in English were put off somewhat that they could not understand what we were saying.

It was difficult for me to stick my neck out like that and risk being a fool....but nothing ventured, nothing gained. That's the thing, whether you are learning/speaking a language as an outsider, OR finding your way as a jewelry designer, OR any other worthy endeavor...you MUST be willing to look foolish here and there. Those who appreciate your efforts will prompt you and catch you if you begin to fall, if you are genuine and humble. That is what Joisse did for me in that video.

Tomorrow I am taking another personal challenge.

Here and there, we attend a little family night with 50-60 friends. Everyone brings something good to eat and we share a meal. After that, we have a little talent show. This time, everyone wanted me to do something, as I have not done anything for some time. After all, years past, there was NEVER a talent show where I didn't write and play a little song on the piano, or do a funny skit, dressed up in a ridiculous outfit, singing an equally ridiculous song.

Here I am in the wig I had saved from one of those skits:

This time, my friends want me to sing. I used to be a pretty good singer, I was singing all the time, and I loved to sing all types of music from bluegrass to Italian art songs. As I grew older, I let it go: I was busy doing other things, also I had a serious of operations that caused me to lose core strength. SO! Sadly, that part of my life is pretty much over. I was okay with it, as I got very busy with helping other artisans and providing vintage style jewelry supplies at B'sue Boutiques

My son Jordan said, "Mom, we can do it! You are so used to doing the You Tube videos. Just look at them and do what you can, and speak it like Johnny Cash, if you have to." Johnny Cash? Now there's a concept, LOL.

SMILE was originally written in the key of G. Jordan and I played around with it and I discovered that if he would change the key to B flat, I could manage it. Then he suggested we do a guitar break after the second verse, then come back and sing that last part again, modulating the key of the song up to C. When you change the key at the last verse or portion of a song, I always think it sounds hopeful. Sort of like that sun shining through!

Jordan created a beautiful arrangement for me and he will play the guitar. He is a very good guitarist.

So! Tomorrow I will take that challenge, and no, I don't think it will be recorded. But I am looking forward to it. I like to push the ticket! It's about keeping those skates on, moving along and trying something new. There is always a new horizon to discover, but we will never find it, if we don't try.

I wish you many new discoveries and beautiful new horizons in all of your creative endeavors.

Just be sure to smile!

Posted at 10:47 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Jewelry Making, Using Social Media to Promote Your Art | Permalink | Comments (6)

November 04, 2017

Among My Souvenirs

There are times when we all find ourselves retreating to some lovely green place, in our memories. Sometimes the memories are sweet, and others are bittersweet. Still others, just are what they are. Life passes quickly.

Beyond that line of trees in the photo, only detectable to those who know this place, is a spot that once was my grandmother's garden. She was always to be found there. In my lovely green place where time does not pass, I can close my eyes and see her there, picking the green beans for supper, or pulling out weeds. Yes, her garden was her happy place, and it makes me happy to remember that way.

It was another time.....a time in my life when there was far less hurry and far more time for reverie.

They say there was once a part of the old Nemacolin Trail in that field behind the horses in the foreground. That's what Grandaddy said, anyway! He hung the moon for me, so I believed anything he said. Nowadays we sometimes laugh and remember things he said, and call them "Naylorisms". His name was Naylor and he had his own spin on facts. I know that, now. But I do feel this information was probably correct.

The Nemacolin Trail was developed from an old Native American trail. Found in the Southern Allegheny Mountians, it traverses land not far from the point where Pennsylvania reaches Maryland. Later, the trail was improved by George Washington and Edward Braddock and other engineers of the National Road, which is old Route 40.

My grandaddy's farm nestled directly between the old National Road, and newer Route 40 where it cuts through the back acreage of his farm. We would walk across Route 40 and pick blackberries along the fence and call out to the cows in the pasture, just as he did, in Pennsylvania Dutch. He always called the cattle in Pennsylvania Dutch.....for some reason. I may never know why, in fact, I'm not sure I realized it was Pennsylvania Dutch until later in my life. But, that's what he did.

My best souvenir from those days is Daisy's cow bell. Daisy was the lead cow who brought the other cows home to the barn when he called them. When he called, she would raise her head up a bit and move it back and forth a little, and she would head for the barn door, as if to say, "Okay, troops, the party's over, time to go home."

Grandaddy really loved that cow, odd for a man who had been a farmer all his life, a farmer who felt that animals had their purpose. He gave them a wonderful life on his farm, but he didn't get attached to any of them. Except Daisy.

I was up in the barn with him about 35 years ago, and I saw the old bell. I liked it because it was a country primitive and at that time, I loved prims. He told me I could have it, but that I needed to take care of it for him....because it was Daisy's bell. Today, it hangs on my back door from several layers of sari ribbon tied in a bow, in lieu of a doorbell. Daisy's cow bell still rings to announce a visitor.

Souvenirs can be those green memories, or they can be boxes full of photographs. Like Daisy's cow bell, they might be bits and pieces from our lives, or a someone else's life lived long ago, handed down to us. These souvenirs are my most precious possessions.

Roselawn Farm is among my souvenirs, nestled forever in my 'happy green place'. That is the place where I am a child again, helping Grammy in the kitchen and running across the gravel drive to Great-Grandma Cora's stone house, to see what she was doing....then up to the barn to check out the chickens in the big chicken house. No one can take those souvenirs away.

When these memories come, often times the sound track rolling through my head is Connie Francis singing that old chestnut, "Among My Souvenirs". If you don't know it....

Here it is: Among My Souvenirs, 1959 version by Conny Francis

A lovely song, but are you depressed yet? A bit maudlin, don't you think? Yet that's the song I hear in my head! Thank goodness, it is not what I feel. My souvenirs are wonderful things, slices of my life that I would not give up for any sort of money. Memories, photographs...... bits and pieces. I love to be the keeper of the 'bits and pieces'.

Here is a memory that always makes me smile. When I look at it, I am back in the mid 60's, watching late night television on Cleveland (Ohio) channel 8.....at 11:35 on Friday nights.

If you wanted to be cool in school, you didn't want to miss the Ghoulardi show. Ghoulardi was played by Ernie Anderson. The show was primitive and crude, a bit like Ernie himself. He totally pushed the ticket for the time. Ghoulardi memorabilia was sold in a number of places back then, but none so much as the Manner's restaurants in the greater Cleveland area. Today those mementos are highly collected hereabouts by baby boomers who were fans of the show. I wanted the special milkshake glass that the poster below, describes. I wanted one back then, but I never got one; we didn't go to Cleveland often.

I wouldn't mind having one now, but I don't want a cheap repro, I want a real one. Sadly, a REAL one costs. Sigh. So, in lieu of that milkshake glass, I've settled for this well-worn poster, which I have in my outer office just behind the door with Daisy's cowbell. It really doesn't belong there, but I ask you....WHERE would such a thing belong, anyway?

What can I say? It just takes me back to a green place that makes me smile.

The sign is even green!

I will never forget the experience of having my own shop. More green memories.

We were using the back of the shop for business; the front was being prepared as a place to sell jewelry and 'cute stuff'. My wall of doors, the separator between the front and back of the shop, was just being planned and built, here. We took seven old doors and hinged them together, painted them mint green, distressed and decoupaged and stamped them. OH! how I wanted to bring them home when I left the shop, but we would never have had a place for them. So I sold it back as artwork to the antiques dealer I first purchased the doors from.....for far too little.

We bought a great deal of vintage furniture from the lady who owned the building. I loved the old depression dressers!

But....they had to go, too, when we left the place. We were there for three years. Most of the memories of being at the shop are in a very green place in my memory. I'm not gonna lie, there are some very anxious memories from that place, too. Well, those things are over, now. So I choose to remember the good, green memories. Selective memories.....souvenirs.

When we were selling the shop out, I had so much STUFF we had accumulated in only 3 years. I sold a great deal of it off by Muse Package. Maybe you will remember those? For 100.00 I would pack as many tchochkes from the store as I could jam into a medium sized shipping box. People got gift shop merchandise, small displays, jewelry, linens, old buttons and stuff to make jewelry as well as a lot of great collector's books. Everyone was so happy and I had a good time packing them. Green memories. I think we sold 40 of them.

This necklace is a green memory. It is the bridal bracelet I made for my niece, Andrea. The bracelet would convert into a necklace. She looked beautiful that day and I was so happy to make the jewelry for her. Everything on it, she picked out, herself.

What can I say......

I'm a sentimental fool. I'm fairly sure that's why I have such an attachment to the 1928 Jewelry Company these days, its history and its jewelry....my sentimental heart. I know I am not alone in feeling that way. Theirs is jewelry that truly will be found among the souvenirs of many people.

I've gotten to do so many meaningful things this last year or so. One was to work on 'reprise' pieces of jewelry, in other words, jewelry that 1928 made long ago, but had not been made again for many years.

The first time I visited their factory in Burbank, California, Mel Bernie, owner of the company, brought out a curious little black box of very, very old souvenirs....pretty bits that had been collected up by he himself or the designers that worked for him years ago. In that box was this little silver pill bottle. As you can see it is quite old. My guess is that it is mid-Victorian (about 1839-1865 area, depending on who you ask for the historical dates of that period).

To give you a better idea of the pill bottle's circa date and purpose, I am including a photo of a complete mid-Victorian chatelaine. Look closely.....the pill bottle is right there. It has a different pattern, but it's the same size and same design type as the little bottle from the 1928 'black box'.

The things in that box were collected up for a reason. Many of the little treasures squirreled away were used to make models for actual pieces that were sold in the 1928 line. As you can see below, this was certainly true of this historic little piece. Somewhere around 1980 they cast a model of the pill bottle and made this necklace for a short time. The model is still out in the archives. Mel and I talked about making it for the B'sue by 1928 line, but it didn't cost out right. It just made more sense to reprise it.....so he did. He made it for me to sell to 1928 fans who wanted souvenirs, as well....collector pieces.

We had it in silver, and also gold. We STILL have a few silver ones left! Find them here:

https://www.bsueboutiques.com/1928-Jewelry-Company-Pill-Bottle-Necklace-02191-p/1928-02191.htm

All are made with the original 1928 Jewelry Company barrel clasp that you might remember. Same scroll chain, too. After my last pill bottle necklace 'souvenir' sells down, I don't think we will be making more. They are very special.

As for me, among my souvenirs are both a silver and a gold pill bottle 1928 reprise necklace, but also the original sterling pill bottle that undoubtedly dropped from an old chatelaine 150-160 years ago, in Europe. The very one you see in the photograph, here.

Most of the things in the 1928 keepsake black box came from Europe, as the designers would travel there for treasures to mold into jewelry that others could still enjoy. I bought this piece for super-safe keeping. I have the black box with me for the time being, as well, while I continue to work on writing the book. It is an honor to have it for the time being.

But! Now, let me tell you about this ratty plastic suitcase. It is the ULTIMATE 1928 souvenir; there is only one in the world, it cannot be reprised and it cannot be purchased.

This pitiful little case is where it all started. This is the briefcase that Mel used to display his mod watches when he first hit the bricks to try and sell back in about 67-68. You can see the tape on the inside of the lid of the case. He used to tape them there as samples, and then put the ones for sale in the bottom. I can only imagine what it looked like the day he set out for the first time, to sell them to stores. He didn't know a thing about jewelry and the only thing he knew about watches is that they were supposed to keep time and sometimes, he wore one.

A while ago, I asked him if he still had it, and the reply was, "I think so." A couple of weeks back, I got this photo in my email with the subject header "this is where it all started."

I dared boldly to ask him if it could be sent to me so that I could get some pictures for the book, etc. I promised to take great care of it and return it all wrapped in bubble and tissue wrap.

The first response was yes, sure, he would send it. Then, he wrote and said....."You don't need to send it back."

I still hardly know what to say, except to think about this fellow as a young man and the whirlwind that he started that day, venturing out with those watches. He was stalwart, wouldn't take no for answer. For me, this souvenir says, if you want something bad enough, you can probably have it if you work hard and find yourself in the right place at the right time.

Wow. There is still so much to learn about this company. The more I dig, the more layers there are. But, soon Mel Bernie's original selling case will be among my souvenirs.

I'll take care of it for him, just as I am taking care of Daisy's cow bell, for Grandaddy.

Posted at 05:47 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Jewelry Making, Selling Your Work | Permalink | Comments (10)

October 21, 2017

Five Big Mistakes Artisan Jewelry Designers Make

I've been doing what I do in a number of incarnations for going on 30 years. In those 30 years, I have made many mistakes. I don't beat myself up for having made them; as the mistakes were made, I've struggled to break bad thought patterns and habits, and turn things around. Sometimes I am more successful at change than other times.

As I prepare to teach the Build A Line Master Class again this winter, I have been thinking of a short summary of 'big mistakes'. I think I can speak to these errors well, because I'm guilty of all of them. I have MADE these mistakes. I STILL struggle with a few things.

So here's my short list of FIVE big mistakes that artisan jewelry designers tend to make, especially when they are just starting out. See what you think, and if you want to leave me a comment, by all means, do that. If you blog, maybe you will have the next five big mistakes and continue on for me! But these are the ones that stand out the most, at least for me:

1. Going over the top too much.

Artisan jewelry designers are all about the art. They love texture, they love unique materials, they love to make a statement with their work. They WANT their work to be memorable. They want it to resemble the droolworthy photos of big-opus pieces that might make better wall hangings than neck hangings, so to speak.

The photo of me in my old video set, above, is a great example of going over the top. Everyone wants to know about that necklace, when they see that picture. It was from my 'kitchen-sinker' video. What fun it is to make kitchen sink jewelry----in other words, jewelry that has everything on it but the kitchen sink! But how much is practical?

Well....what would I have to charge for that necklace? I'd say at least a couple of hundred dollars. All of the heart pendants are handmade. I stood there, rolled out polymer clay, cut it, textured it and added surface treatment to 14-15 pendants. I baked them, re-drilled holes, and then I arranged them on a triple strand necklace I had to carefully measure, and if you know me, I only use good chain. So there is probably 25.00 worth of chain in that piece, too.

Then that chain went on a mannequin where I spent half the afternoon connecting, arranging, re-arranging, fiddling and fussing with the placement of the hearts and other assorted doofus. When I got done, yeah, it looked pretty good, and it drapes well, as you can see.

And it weighs a ton. Do I wear it? No. Is it for sale? No. I honestly don't think I could get enough for it. How many newer or even established artisan designers have clientele that will pay 200.00 up for one piece? Some do.....but the vast majority of us do not.

Tell you what. That necklace should be taken apart and made into 14-15 separate necklaces on less-expensive (but nice) chain, accompanied with a few little ornaments/charms to make them pop, and sold for 29.95-35.00 each. Let's do the math on that one: if I did that, was able to sell them all, and priced them at 29.95 each, I'd make 449.25. That's over twice what I think I would have to get for this one necklace.

This doesn't mean you should never do over-the-top pieces. They are GREAT window dressing for shows or even your online shops. People love to see them. They may make sales for you via people stopping to look and then having a look at all your other more practically-priced lovelies. They have their place and isn't that grand? Because we all love to make them, and we still can. There really is a need to scale back on the big statement pieces, though. Break it down to what people will really buy, and can afford.

Having said that, it leads us to the next mistake....

2. Having no concept of the customer. Being artists we love to go off on our own artistic tangent and do as we please, use the colors we like, go where we want to go with the piece. And you CAN, sometimes. You NEED to do that for your own soul. But: if you intend to make any money and gain clientele as an artisan jewelry designer, you can't do that all the time. You MUST think of your customer.

So who IS your customer? Who IS it that buys your work? Who do you WANT to buy your work? What do you think your customers would like to buy from you?

You might think, well, I want to play to very wealthy ladies who have everything and will pay me to do whatever I want. Well, okey dokey!! Don't we all? Being very honest with ourselves, though, we'll quickly realize that it is the masses who will pay your show rent and keep you in business as an artist. They do not have unlimited funds. They are probably not quite comfortable wearing things that are too busy. So, the trick is to find that balance between who you are as an artist, and who your customer is.

I had a ball making that big floral necklace and it went together easily for me. It was a custom commission as a mother of the bride piece. The customer went nuts over it and paid me well. But I don't imagine for a minute that she wore those huge earrings or this heavy necklace all night. It probably made a fantastic entrance, though.

If I was to do it again, I would do ONE of those sections, less fussy, on 18-20 inch chain accented with a few beads and accompanied by a pair of drop ears. I could probably make it in 30 minutes and use far less product, and I think I could get 45.00 for it. And I could make more than one, which would mean a number of people could enjoy this pretty look. That's called 'artistic generosity', reaching out to please and play to more than one customer. Find a way to do your thing and still make people happy and your work affordable.

It's just smart business. And you do have to be a business person besides being an artist. Which takes me to number 3.....

3. Ignoring the Pyramid of Sales

How can you ignore it, though, if you never knew about it?

Okay, I'll give you that, maybe you didn't know about it. But now you do, and here is a great visual for you.

You will notice that the bottom layer, or tier, of the pyramid, is 25.00 or less. This is your FOUNDATION. This is where you have something for everyone. I have often suggested to those who do sales that they have a rack of 5.00 earrings. Some balk at that, they say they don't want to play to the 'cheap market'.

Yet, having such things is SMART. It's not that people are cheap. They have stopped at your show booth or website because they love your look. They hang around because they are intrigued. The fact is, they just don't have the money to buy the big pieces. Maybe it is gifting time and they have a bunch of people to buy for. GIVE THEM THAT OPPORTUNITY. With the purchase of a bunch of 5-10.00 pieces, hand them some extra business cards. Be kind, be obliging, THANK THEM for shopping with you. Money is hard to come by for MANY. And here, look at that! They just spent what they had with YOU. What a grateful heart you should have, thinking of it that way is humbling!

You can create a lot of goodwill by having as much as you can in that lower tier. Make a special section for it, because you DO want to showcase your better pieces as well. At the same time, though, be sure to have something for everyone. This can be the difference between having a successful show, or an unsuccessful show or selling season.

I hope you will spend some time with that pricing infographic and adapt it to your art, and see what you come up with. We discuss it at length in the Build a Line Class, which will start again in January 2018.

4. Not counting the cost properly.

It's a sticky wicket, costing. So many of us begin not costing out and pricing our work effectively. It's something we have got to get a grip on.

You need to be able to sell at a profit, but also at a practical price. Many fail to figure in the cost of every aspect of what it took to create their jewelry, down to the last jump ring and a little bit for the cost of the electricity in your work space as well. They don't often think of the cost of packaging and branding materials; these, too, must be figured into the cost of a piece. You've got to take a careful look at this or you won't be making enough money to keep going.

There are many pricing formulas that you can Google and consider. Find the one that works best for you and don't be afraid to jiggle it a bit. You must work as hard not to price your stuff too high, as not price it too low.

And finally.....

5. Not having an organized work space.

This is a shot of one of the many incarnations of my workspace, from about 7 years back when I began to shoot instructional videos for my You Tube channel. It has evolved greatly over the years, and my guess is that yours will, too.

If you want to take yourself seriously and get something done as an artisan designer, you need a dedicated work area and there needs to be some organization to it. It's okay if it gets messy sometimes. The photo above was when it was all cleaned up for a video. Normally that space looked like this:

I think organized chaos is okay, so long as you have a basic idea of where you can grab this or that when you need it, instead of wasting precious creative time, searching for things.

I have the best creative space I have ever had so far, now:

I have more work surfaces than ever in my space, I can make messes everywhere! But I have a place for everything and a basic idea of where I might find it. I can get everything out and have it at my fingertips before I even get started. My biggest error when I create a new work space is being practical rather than trying to decorate the space. It's good to have fun and personal stuff in your space as well as things for inspiration, but there are things here in this last picture that had to go, like the dolls. I moved them to another spot, as that surface along there is a major mess-making place.

These pix were taken just after we moved back from the shop we had had, downtown. Now I have carpet on the floor and more rubber matting. There is also way more stuff in here, and it is truly my happy place. Everything I need to make mixed media jewelry is down there. I don't have expensive tools; I have only basic stuff. That's all I need.

Many are working in much smaller spaces than this, and some are working in fantastic renovated barns and even little sheds and buildings created just for their art. Small or large doesn't matter at all for jewelry making. The main thing is that you are able to work efficiently. If your space is poorly organized and you cannot find anything, result will not be creativity, but confusion and disappointment. We all only have just so much time to spend doing this, so we must make the best of it. Even if you have the privilege of being a full time jewelry maker, you still have to quit at a decent time to eat well, get enough rest, and live a balanced life.

You know, that last statement could really be a number 6. That is the one I still struggle with most of all.

Living a balanced life, eating right, getting exercise, and getting my rest is something that has always been hard for me. It's so easy to become so immersed in what you do that you neglect your health, and sadly, sometimes even friends and family. If you take a good look at your life as an artisan designer and find that you are being neglectful of these basic, very important things....resolve today to find a way to straighten that out as soon as possible.

Focus is a good thing, obsession is not. Do your best to find balance, and you will find you are not only a better artisan designer, but you will be living an artful, generous life.

(If you would like to join us for the 2018 Build A Line class from B'sue Boutiques, you will find basic information here: Build a Line Class Syllabus This is last year's syllabus so those are 2017 dates. A few other things have changed to make the class simpler; for example, we are posting our lines at Pinterest rather than blogging as a class. Also, you can join me in my work shop by watching my free instructional videos at You Tube: B'sue Boutiques Channel )

Posted at 03:58 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Jewelry Making, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Selling Your Work | Permalink | Comments (11)

August 24, 2017

An Elephant's Treasure....And A Contest!

It's been such a crazy good time, unearthing all the beautiful old pieces from The 1928 Jewelry Company. Mel Bernie, CEO and driving force behind this beloved jewelry line, has become such a friend and mentor. He is always finding vintage photos and pieces to share with me.

Here and there, I talk him into making the pieces again, so that collectors may enjoy them. A few make it to our website but most are sold directly from my page at Facebook.

Ingrid Anderson, a busy jewelry designer and a member of the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook, has been an avid collector of 1928 Jewelry for many years. Here and there, she has been showing us treasured pieces of her collection. Due to her sharing, we've offered a stunning heart shaped magnifying glass, reprised from her collection. Also we are currently having the perfume bottle pendant re-made, and buyers were allowed to choose the color of stone as well as the metal color (silver or gold) that they wanted.

Ingrid also found the delightful elephant pendant in the photo above, many years ago. The original had a lovely Victorian-style cameo bonded into the bottom of it, sort of like a wax seal.

I asked Mr. Bernie about the pendant and he said, sure, we can re-create that for your collectors! And then, he wanted to know if I wanted the original cameo in the piece, or left hollow so that I could place my own semi precious stones in the pieces? Or, so that you could.....

There it is, standing up on its own, just like a delightful little figurine. But yes, the underside is hollow:

It occurred to me that my collectors and customers might really enjoy filling the elephant with their own version of treasure! So I experimented a bit to see what would happen with a domed glass lens and some sparkly items:

That piece will be taken apart now that I know it works.....I have other ideas for it, and other treasures I would like to use. Also, I used E6000 to glue in the lens and it's just a bit too glurpy. Hypotube cement would be much better for the application of a crystal lens:

You can find it on our website, if you need some: https://www.bsueboutiques.com/product-p/hypotube.htm

ANYWAY: We thought that maybe this time, since I have only a limited number of elephant necklaces to share, maybe we should make a mini kit with the elephant pendant and include one lens.

Then, those who purchased one, could have the option of joining us for a little contest.

You can put anything you want in there.....whatever treasures you like, that is what your elephant will carry! Glitter, seed beads, stones, pearls, watch parts, just keep thinking, you'll come up with your own unique ideas. The elephant could also be filled with a beautiful stone (you will need 25X18mm) I filled one with a piece of our Chinese turquoise:

Chinese turquoise is found here at B'sue Boutiques: https://www.bsueboutiques.com/Turquoise-Stone-Turquoise-Semi-Precious-03654-p/semi03654.htm

I can't take mine off! I also have one that Mr. Bernie put together for me, in silver...with a blue lace agate, which you can find here: https://www.bsueboutiques.com/Blue-Lace-Agate-Semi-Precious-Stone-25x18-03850-p/semi03850.htm

We really have a lovely selection of semi-precious cabs and beads at B'sue Boutiques now, and it's growing all the time, too. Our prices are very reasonable:

https://www.bsueboutiques.com/category-s/1932.htm

Anyway....getting back to the contest. This one time, only, we are leaving on the 1928 swing tags. So you will be literally be creating your own piece of 1928 jewelry!

We have silver and gold elephants. The trunk is up, and that's the way elephant collectors like it! The pendant is chunky and weighted, but not overly heavy. It measures about 1.5 inches up and down, and 1.25 across, and is very dimensional....as I mentioned, rather like an old wax seal or little figurine. The cavity underneath has a depth of about an inch. The chain is 30 inches long and included.

It would be great for resin, too. Or, why not consider doing an image on the back of the lens? That could be really interesting. You could look for just the right small image to depict the elephant's treasure...or evoke a sentimental memory....or maybe something depicting a circus.

The cost for the elephant and the lens is $35.00 and this includes the US shipping for you, too.

Those who buy the elephant and decide they want to be part of the contest to share what treasure their elephant is carrying (and there is no right or wrong, no disqualifying factors) should be members of the Creative Group. If you are not yet, come and join us! Once again, find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bsueboutiquescreativegroup/

Each one who wants to participate should tell me when they purchase their elephant kit. I'll put them on the list! I hope we get at least 10 to jump into the fun. At the beginning of October, when I come back from the master class I am teaching in California at the 1928 factory, I will create a special Pinterest board for your photos. This way you will have plenty of time to work with your elephant. I will give all those in the contest pinning rights so you can get your picture on there, after the board is up.

On Sunday October 15th, the winner, who will be chosen by Mr. Bernie, will be announced at the Creative Group and here at my blog, as well. The winner will receive 500 bonus points placed into their B'sue Boutiques customer account, ready to use. By the way, 500 rewards points equals a $25.00 gift certificate!

The winner will also receive in the mail a very special piece of 1928 Jewelry, that Mr. Bernie will pick out.

I have 20 kits. If you purchase one, you do NOT have to be in the contest, but we would love to have you join us, and see what you do with your official 1928 Jewelry Company elephant necklace!

To get your kit: Please contact Brenda Sue Lansdowne at Facebook via private message/Facebook Messenger. You may choose silver or gold. You can pay with PayPal and I can send you an invoice. You can also call us at 1-800-868-4393 for a PayPal invoice OR to pay by credit card over the phone. Someone is here most days from 9 to 5 pm. Do not request one here in the comments on this blog as I might miss you!

I can't say for sure..... but I sort of think that we will place the elephant necklaces quickly. Don't assume they are sold, though. Feel free to inquire. Who knows, maybe Mr. Bernie will make us some more, another time?

Here's to the Elephant's Treasure! Let's see what you come up with!

Posted at 10:40 PM in Coupons and Contests, Easy Peasy Projects, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Jewelry Making, Style and Color | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 27, 2017

Everything Old Is New Again

It's been the thrill of a lifetime to get to explore the vintage archives at 1928 Jewelry Company. Not only was I allowed to spend days studying over their library of over 35,000 castings....but now, we are working on exploring all the old catalogs, samples, recipe boards of finished goods. That would be, finished jewelry the company released long ago, or old prototype models that just never got into production.

Ingrid Anderson is a jewelry artist who also loves to collect 1928 jewelry. She is privileged to own quite a few rather rare pieces. The beautiful heart-shaped magnifying glass in the photo above is part of her collection and the photo is also hers. From this photo, Mr. Bernie and his assistants at the company were able to locate the mold and reprise the necklace just exactly as it was originally made. This allowed me the privilege of being able to offer it again as a very limited edition piece.

(I sold quite a few of the magnifying necklaces from the reprise run, but I do still have several left in stock. They are 68.00 each)

We are currently reserving custom made necklaces made from another wonderful old casting. The mold goes back to very early times for the company; on my very first visit to the factory in Burbank, California, I had the opportunity to 'discover' it. Intrigued, I asked Mr. Bernie for a price so that maybe, we could put it into the B'sue by 1928 line.

Here is a shot of the original mold, just as I found it:

Here is a collage of photos of the finished piece:

Because of the way the stone has to be mounted into the mold, we felt it just was not going to work for B'sue by 1928. The artisan plater that I use would not be able to apply our special finishes correctly to make it a good fit for the line.

As a result, we decided to release it as it was originally made back in the day--- complete with barrel clasp and tag, just like all the older 1928 pieces. Just the same, this time, we shortened the chain to 26 inches so that it could be a great layering piece. It just looks better on a bit shorter chain! (Original was 30 inches.)

If you wonder what the original looked like, it is in the collage above in the lower right section. Again, this piece belongs to Ingrid Anderson. The original was antique gold finish with an opaque black glass stone.

Since we were changing it up a little bit for this piece, we decided to really customize the pieces. We offer antique gold OR antique silver finish. You can have it in the black stone, or a crystal, see through stone. We also offering it in several vintage glass moonstones: amethyst, pink, green, blue or white pearl moonstone. The customer may choose plating shade as well as stone!

So far the best seller is silver finish with white pearl moonstone! After that, gold with white pearl moonstone, and then silver with the amethyst. And the price is NICE. 39.95---PPD in the US! If you miss the pre-sale reservation, not to worry, I am getting some extras for my stock.

Another piece that Mr. Bernie reprised for me in very limited edition was this spinner.....and there's a nifty little story to go with it!

My friend Ellen Gonchar sent me a photo of a piece that she suspected was 1928. She was bidding on it at auction and wondered what I thought. She sent me quite a few photos of it, and I felt very confident that indeed, it WAS an vintage 1928 piece.

So I shot the photo over to the factory by email. Mr. Bernie said, "No, Brenda, I do not think we made that!"

But I had the evidence!

He and his assistants searched all morning to find the mold. His secretary stayed in contact with me all the time to report progress. He couldn't remember the piece at ALL....but he WAS going to find that mold by hook or by crook!

And THAT, he surely did! He still could not remember it ever being in the line, and they had nothing on it. So, the guess was that it may have been a prototype piece that never did go beyond samples. Nonetheless, triumphant, Mr. Bernie made me a short run of them in the original gold and also in silver. When I released them on my Facebook page, my allotment sold out in literally hours.....

As did this nifty little pill bottle necklace:

The initial run that I had was quite large, so was quite relieved to sell over 80 of them the first couple of days on Facebook. I did so well that I got a second run, and we still have some in stock in silver at 38.00 plus a tiny shipping charge.

The original was shared with me the first time I went out to the factory, last summer. I couldn't forget about it! In fact, I discovered that it, itself had been copied from a very old mid-Victorian silver chatelaine:

Yep, there it is, same exact thing, except the one made by 1928 had a much more ornate pattern.

When I went out again last winter, we started making plans to get busy ferreting out the old archived pieces. The pill bottle was, I think, our first reprise. Originally, I wanted the bottle for B'sue by 1928, but it just didn't work out right to put it in that line. I sure didn't have them long when they finally came in from California.

We have done so many pretty pieces since then.....here's a little picture show for you!

The perfume pendant above was so much fun! I was just out there visiting again May, and that's when I saw it!

Mr. Bernie said he would make it again for me, if I would go out into the factory and find the right decal. Well, that was something I actually knew where to go, and get it for him. As soon as I came home, we did the pre-sale. It took about five weeks to get them, but the work to make this hollow vial was intense. Casting filigree so intricately as this is quite an art.

Everyone that got one agreed, it was worth the wait!

Here is the mold for that piece:

The purse locket below was in the 1928 line for a long time, but it is being re-made as a short run for B'sue Boutiques again:

I also had him try the stamps locket that is currently in the ANTIQUITIES COUTURE line, in silver. Normally it is only found in gold.

I still have a very few of these in stock as well.

Some that we are currently or will soon be working on:

This perfume pendant was a beautiful gift from another collector and jewelry artist, Suzanne Valeriano:

Here is the mold for it!

We will also be working on this book locket:

One that was just recently finished:

These, I have in stock in limited amounts.....mostly silver, some gold and a few in rose gold. The top of the heart pops up to open the locket! Very unique! They are 42.00 each.

And there are so many more....a seahorse magnifier is in production right now and my sample should be coming in soon. There is a fabulous Art Nouveau pendant locket to do, it's one that also was in Ingrid's collection. There is almost not a day gone by that we are not talking about bringing certain old pieces back in limited editions, just to see what happens...or working on revamping an old design. Mr. Bernie likes to share his current projects with me, too.

It won't be long now til my next trip to the 1928 Jewelry Company in September. I'll be there for a week. For two of the days, I will be joined by ten inquiring minds, students, colleagues and customers....all who love the company. We will be allowed to use the conference room there to conduct a master seminar. There will be some spirited and lively discussions!

Don't worry....We will take LOTS of pictures! And if I don't get worn out by the excitement of that, I'll be back checking the archives for new ideas and experimenting with a few new ideas that we have been discussing during the rest of my stay. We might work on learning to etch glass for one of the ideas...but who knows where that will go.

For sure, it will be FUN!

If you are interested in any of the items in this blog post, you can contact me by calling 1-800-868-4393 9-5 Mon-Sat and 2-9pm Sundays, or at my Facebook page for B'sue by 1928: https://www.facebook.com/bsueby1928/

Posted at 06:25 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, It's My Life, Jewelry Making, Style and Color | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 05, 2017

Revealing the Theme: First Challenge for the 2017 Build a Line Class Group

The 2017 Build a Line challenge began in mid-January. So far, we've been examining our style, what it says about us as artisan-designers, and trying to identify our customer. For many, some of concepts are things that can't be answered in a just a few days. It might well be a process. That's the purpose of the class, to re-route thinking and help the artist to discover which path to take.

To get started, the students were first required to make photo collages of past work. This way we would have a sense of where they were in their journeys, so far. The collages also helped the students step back, with a visual, so that they could be more objective about their work. They were asked to try and imagine they they are NOT the artist who made the collage, but someone else entirely. And then....to ask themselves, does it look like the same person made this stuff or a bunch of different people? They were also asked to try and identify common elements in the collages of their work.

A big reason for the class is to help them pull their look together so that it will speak 'one voice'. Some of us become too intrigued numerous techniques and design styles that we never do two pieces that look as if the same person made them! To be successful in developing a line, you need to get that 'one voice' concept, down. Your lines must flow and hopefully, get to a place via your hand and your branding, where people may come to realize who made them even before they are even told who made it.

We've come to the place in the class where we are sharing what our theme will be for our prototype lines developed as a class exercise. The photo collage at the top of the page was one made for the theme reveal by Suzanne Valeriano, of A Silk Purse. She's going with Art Deco-inspired jewelry design.

Here is another, which happens to be a color palette...from Joy Turner of Fireskye Designs:

I have to say, I'm quite drawn to that palette and would love to make things in those hues, myself!

Erika price went with a lovely collage of vintage pieces that inspire her to make jewelry. I believe she is the maker of some of them:

I am working along with the students but doing something a bit different....I am developing the B'sue by 1928 cast findings line:

That line has been out with its beginning 30 pieces, since late December:

B'sue by 1928 Cast Pewter Findings

I hope by late spring to have it up to around 100 styles. Just this weekend we have been adding more, like this Steampunk Binoculars pendant:

Find 'em here:

https://www.bsueboutiques.com/old-silver-vintage-binoculars-0985-p/os0985.htm

The students posted 4-6 collages or photos that identified their theme feeling, like inspiration boards. Then on a final photo, the theme was revealed.

All of the photos are marked, and can be found at this Pinterest board. Believe me, you want to take time to have a look....no more long reading like we had in the blog hops! All visual!!! And they have knocked it out of the park....go over and look, just for the inspiration!

Revealing Our Themes, Round One, 2017 BALC Class

The final round will be the BIG reveal: the showing of the prototype lines made for this class. That's always so exciting! So be sure to check out the first round and come around again for the second! You get to see the BIG REVEAL by the end of the first week in April, 2017.

Save

Posted at 07:21 PM in Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business, Mixed Media Technique, Selling Your Work, Using Social Media to Promote Your Art | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 23, 2016

Build a Line Challenge Class Badge with Code....Will You Share It For Us?

Here is the code for the 2017 Build a Line Class Badge:

If anyone would like to join us in getting the word out about the class, which commences January 9, 2017......we would really be obliged! THANK YOU

There are still spots left in the class. DO NOT assume the class is filled, 'cuz it isn't, quite! YOU can still come and be a part of this most-excellent exercise. Doesn't matter how new you are to jewelry craft....learning to build cohesively is so important, and the earlier you learn in your journey, the better off you are.

For more information on the class, what to expect, what you'll need to participate and more....

2017 Master Class Challenge, Build a Line Syllabus (Class Plan)

and you may always write to me at [email protected] for more information on how you can be a part of this amazing group learning experience at Facebook.

Posted at 12:08 PM in Coupons and Contests, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Featuring Artists Whose Work I Admire, Jewelry Making, Managing Your Arts and Crafts-Related Business | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2016

The Meaning of WTW.....Work Table Wednesday

It's so HARD to get organized to get anything done! So many of us have piles of things we have ordered, or have begun to move around in our work space.

And alas, nothing is happening yet. That includes MY work space!

Work Table Wednesday is part true confessions, a bit of hey look what I got here!, and of course, new ideas/possibilities.

I think that just photographing the mess on your bench and sharing it, is a bit cathartic. It's also motivating! Once you have shown the world all the cool stuff you have to work with, you probably will organize the space into projects and start on something.

That often happens for our pals at the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group

And that is why, for the last couple of years now---at least!---every Wednesday is WORK TABLE WEDNESDAY at our group.

Here are some pix of some recent tables. Some are already organized into projects and some are just components everywhere with a loose idea or theme going on. Here is Shari Gardner's table. Shari always has bunches of new ideas!

And a table like Shari's is very typical for many of us, by the way.

Here is one of Allison Murray's. Another typical table, but I can promise you something wonderful came off that pile by the weekend. It almost always does.

Allison and Shari have both commented from time to time how WTW, as we call it, is a real help for organizing thoughts and plans.

Here's a table from Leila Belcher:

Wonderful things DID come from that table, and in short order, too. You can see the beginnings of this necklace on her WTW photo, off to the far right.

On the other hand.....

Some tables are spare and organized and you can get an idea of what is going to happen. This is very true of Joan Williams' table, below.

Also true of Chris Kemp's:

Everyone enjoys posting their WTW pictures on Wednesdays at the Creative Group As a rule we have 20-35 people play along on any given week. Any one who is a member of the Group, which is at Facebook, is welcome to post a photo of their table.

They may also be granted PINNING rights for their tables, as we have a special PINTEREST board, just for them:

B'sue Boutiques Creative Group Work Table Wednesday at Pinterest

There are a few requirements to be allowed to pin at the group board. As mentioned, you need to be a Group member. Then, you must have focal-type components from B'sue Boutiques featured somewhere on your table. You can also have your own things you have collected, on your board. Does NOT have to be all B'sue. Just SOME.

To have pinning rights at our Group Board at Pinterest for WTW, you need to be following me:

https://www.pinterest.com/bsueboutiques/

And then, I have to be following you! So please send me by private message at Facebook, your URL (internet address that appears in your browser bar when you go to your own Pinterest boards). That way I will go right ahead, follow you and then put you right on. Please remember to be following me first before you send me your info, as it makes it really fast to get you on that way.

After that, every Wednesday YOU may pin to the board. Please date your photos, as we get a count by the dates. It's also not a bad idea to watermark them if possible. If not, be SURE you put your name in the description so that I will know the photo is yours.

THEN: EVERY THURSDAY MORNING at the Creative Group, you will see a notice announced with this image:

When you see this image at the Group, 99.9% of the time it means one of our members has WON SOMETHING. Yes, every Thursday I count all the entries and use the random number generator at

https://www.random.org/ Someone's number comes up!

And then.....I pack up a very nice GIFTIE made from the goodies at http://www.bsueboutiques.com

B'sue Boutiques! No two gifties are ever the same and they are usually a good 50.00 worth of THE GOOD STUFF.... which is what we sell at our website.

So there you have it....THAT is what WTW is all about! Come and join us!

Thanks to Jann Tague, who made our WTW badge for us.

She is part of the B'sue Boutiques Project Development Team, whose members design our events and our bi-monthly challenges. Marcia Tuzzolino and Irene Hoffman along with Jann all work very hard to make our Group an encouraging, creative place!

September 08, 2016

The Next New Color Palette Challenge....With Ebony Black Brass

Time to introduce the next two-month challenge, troops!

The Ebony Black color palette is pure drama. Rich with several shades of cream, chocolate and taupe can be used on the base matte black color. We have a full selection of beautiful matte black brass and vintage jewelry findings and other vintage supplies at B'sue Boutiques from which to select your key focals for your designs! Get ready to create!

To participate and perhaps win the randomly-chosen giftie package chock-full of B'sue goodies, you will need to use at least two of the five colors against your selection of matte black brass. If you already have some matte black focals and pieces that would remain visible in your design that come from our place, go ahead and use them. If you need any, you'll find a nice selection at the website.

We need 30-50 B'sue Boutiques Creative Group members to participate in our challenge. Our color palette challenges last for TWO months.....so you have until October 31st to share your design at the Creative Group at Facebook and pin it to our Challenges Board

On November 1, the winner will be announced by Project Development Team member, Irene Hoffman of Heart's Dezire. And then, I will pull out some lovely goodies and ship 'em on out for ya!

I can't wait to begin working with that combination of colors, myself!

Here is something to inspire you for this challenge, made by Allison Murray of Bordeaux and Pearl:

You might wonder, what is the Project Development Team at B'sue Boutiques all about, anyway?

Isn't that something new?

Yes it is, a bit. Previously we had a DESIGN TEAM at B'sue Boutiques with many talented artists. But, with all the work of daily business here, I was having a bit of trouble co-ordinating projects and finding just the right thing for Design Team members to do. Marcia Tuzzolino, Jann Tague and Irene Hoffman have for some time been very key in assisting me with color ideas as well as filling in for me when I was away on a business trip, engaging the group and keeping all the creative balls in the air!

They also live close to one another and even meet on a regular basis to try new techniques and brainstorm ideas. Naturally it made sense to create the PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TEAM using the talents of these three jewelry artists who have great design backgrounds.

You can read more about them and The Friends of B'sue Boutiques at our website. Everyone on that page is someone who has been key to the evolution of the B'sue Boutiques website as well as the Creative Group on Facebook over the last 3-5 years. Each one is a blessing in their own way and I am grateful for the networking we do together.

Meantime.....we wrapped up the Choxie Color Challenge by announcing the winner Tuesday, September 6. The winner was Shari Gardner!

Here is what I made for the challenge:

I've already worn it a number of times!

Would you like to see what the others made?

Check out our challenges album at Pinterest!

And then come on over to the B'sue Boutiques Creative Group at Facebook and join us for the Ebony Matte Black Brass Challenge!

Posted at 02:29 PM in Coupons and Contests, Encouraging Your Artistic Journey, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media Technique, Style and Color | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 10, 2016

Setting Up a Photo Shoot Booth In My Workshop

I'm playing around here today at making a new photo station in my studio. I decided I would like to have one to photo jewelry that I have made, one that is permanently set up down there in the workshop. At the same time it has to be something that's not in my way, taking my creative space.

I have a nice mannequin, just a half body to the waist, that I picked up when a store went out of business. Fits on my counter just right, and it's fun to dress up. And it swivels, too!

Right down on that far end of my big central worktable....on the left, just out of the photo. She fits just fine. And she stays there.

Not in the way of our video set up, or my work stations!

I got the mannequin a pretty top that fits just right but won't compete with the jewelry. You can see it in the first photo. The white folding screen is just inexpensive foam board, a tri-fold I picked up at Walmart for maybe 5.00 or so.

When I am not doing a photo shoot, I can just take that down , fold it up and slide it into a clean, safe place under my big worktable. Out of the way and takes just a second!

I have these funky 'balloon' lights that can be twisted and positioned, and they are on a pole. Easily moved around, and they provide far more light than my photos here show:

They cost 19.99 at Home Depot . I can put them on a stool or a box to direct light down or up, and I can position them at will. When I am not using them, they go back against the wall out of my way. I have continuous electric strip around my L shaped workspace just behind me, so I can plug it in anywhere. Easy access to a plug with that strip!

Above, I have stepped the folding foam board screen down to a narrow table I recently purchased. It is narrow, and sits right in front of the table. It takes up very little room and doesn't interfere with anything.

So the photo gets made....

A little crop, a little adjusting in Photoshop....

Not terrible.

Here, on the mannequin:

Certainly there are any number of tricks I will learn as I play around with it.

One thing I already know is when I use the wooden table, I will be using white paper backgrounds or muted scrapbook sheets that enhance the jewelry and won't compete with it. I have a great start here, but the white paper will provide light and make the details of the piece much sharper and stand-out.

Photography buffs will be far fussier with their set up than I and will have a lot of advanced tricks to avoid shadows, etc. There are some amazing cameras and all sorts of equipment you can buy to make your photos band-box perfect. I envy those who know how to work that sort of equipment!

My problem is I don't have the money to buy that gear....and what's worse, I'm not tech-y. Having to sit and read and watch videos and work out all the bugs with new equipment saps my time and strength. I usually get pretty fussed up with those things. I want to make jewelry and be productive in my workshop, and spend minimal needed time on cameras and computers.

I'm more of a you-figure-it-out and then, you-show-me person!

In the long run, what a gal like me needs! is a photo that will work sufficiently to sell a product. Good, clear, all the details in view. Get the picture, load it to the computer, do a little adjusting with my simple Photoshop skills and voila!

Ready to go! This whole set up cost me:

1. 20.00 for the mannequin at the going out of biz sale at Fashion Bug

2. two of the balloon lights, about 40.00 total, and enough lightbulbs to fill them, about 10.00 from the Dollar Store

3. foam board at Walmart 5.00

4. top for the mannequin at Marshall's, 10.00

Then my little Nikon camera, and good to go!

The version of Photoshop that I have is rudimentary, but has all the tools I really need. And it was FREE! My tech team loaded it to my office computer when they set it up. Thank goodness, I didn't have to. They set it up for me, and Javi tweaked it.

If I want to do more photo editing, I will go to http://www.picmonkey.com and use the tools in my pnline account. That's fast and easy, too!

This will work out just fine, and I will find new tricks as I go along.