What is "Lampwork"?.....

Some of my work contains my handmade lampwork beads. Lampworking (flameworking) is the art of melting and manipulating glass in a flame. The glass rods that are used are different types of glass ranging from “soft“ to “hard” glass. 

The glass is wound as it melts around a steel wire welding rod (called a mandrel) that has been coated with a clay based material called “bead release”. This prevents the glass from sticking to the metal rod. After laying down my initial layer of glass, I shape my bead by using gravity. At this point I can decorate the bead by rolling it in frit (crushed glass), adding dots of glass, or laying down strings of a different color glass.

When I have finished shaping and decorating my bead, I then place it into a kiln (small oven) that is turned on and set to the annealing temperature for the type of glass I was using.  The kiln slowly brings the temperature of the bead down so it does not crack.

When the bead is at room temperature, I remove it from the mandrel and clean the clay out of the inside of the hole. I usually break off the bead release first over a garbage can and then soak them in water. Once clean the beads are ready to use in my jewelry design. Lampwork beads are one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

Sometimes it’s exhausting….

I’m learning that it takes a lot of time and energy to have frequent sales on Etsy.
Success on Etsy does not just happen. Keep in mind that you're not just acting in a creative and production role, you're now taking on the roles of business owner, marketing rep & sales person, photographer and order fulfillment. In addition you have to learn the ins and outs of the internet and become savvy about internet shopping. If that seems like a lot, it is. Welcome to the world of the small business owner. :)  Fortunately my sales are picking up a bit and it gives me additional motivation and drive to create new items for the shop.  Take a peek at my bookmarks…

Savannah, GA... a weekend adventure...

  Ahhhh.... Savannah, one of the prettiest cities in the South. My Husband and I spent the weekend there and toured the many sites and attractions.  We ate fresh seafood and sipped chilled cocktails on one of the many verandas available to just sit and watch the world go by.
  Thinking I might be able to find some interesting beads in a new location; I struck out with my map in hand to find the "Beadstro" bead shop. After an hour of searching the street it was suppose to be on, I gave up and headed back to the Inn to check the shop's web page.  I called their phone number and was connected to a shoe shop.  Thinking I had the wrong number I called 411, got the same phone number as the shoe shop.  To make a long story short I never found the bead shop, evidently it had closed and they never bothered to delete or update their web page. I was disappointed and had wasted some valuable vacation time searching for a ghost.  So, I did the next best thing...I went shoe shopping!  When one door closes another one opens, sometimes it's filled with wonderful shoes. :)

Trends in Jewelry.....

We all know how important it is to keep up with jewelry trends if you're in the handmade jewelry business. It certainly would not be in your best interest to be selling bright, colorful neon designs in a year when the trend screams black and white! Not that you want to completely alter your jewelry line based on trends; BUT, it is important to be aware of jewelry trends so that you can make subtle changes to your line based on demand.

Right now long chain necklaces with some embellishments are popular, also multi strand necklaces and bracelets are selling. Fashion magazines and trend watch publications are very helpfully when adjusting your shop to draw attention to the latest style. One good source of jewelry trend information for jewelry makers is Bead Style Magazine. Each month they have a trend watch section.

Take a peek at two of my current trend designs:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/44701432/handmade-lampwork-bead-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45148143/ultra-long-amethyst-and-chain-link

I’d love to quit my day job….

…But it’s not time yet.  My day job allows me to purchase quality supplies and fund my internet connectivity which is essential for my success. I could have taken out a small business loan, but with no loan payments to be made, I’m able to perfect my designs, my packaging and my business identity at my own pace.  Today the income from my day job (Project Manager for a Fortune 100 company) allows me to take money earned and put it back into the business by buying supplies in bulk, upgrading packaging and participating in shows. Sales on Etsy have helped us through the lean times when my husband was out of work and allowed us to go camping when a break was needed. In this troubled economy, I am thankful daily for the chance Etsy has given me to grow my small business. And yes, someday, maybe I will be able to quit my day job. But for now, keeping my day job while Lori’s Glassworks grows is the right choice for me.

Helping families one bead at a time....

Are you familiar with Kazuri Beads?  Lady Sarah Wood and two African women began making the colorful beads twenty-five years ago on the lawn of Isak Dinesen's Kenyan coffee plantation. Today, this bead business offers employment and income for about 100 Kenyan women living near the foothills of Mt. Kenya, who are often the sole providers for their children and families. The women are given fair wages and child care to help them out of poverty. Each bead is shaped by hand from clay - fired, painted, fired and glazed, and then fired again in an electric kiln. Up to five different colors may be used on one bead to create the pattern, and no two beads are exactly alike. Kazuri Beads is a member of the FAIR TRADE Federation. Below are examples of Jewelry made using Kazuri Beads.....

This necklace is from my own shop it's
called: "Sand Dunes"

This lovely necklace is from another Etsy seller it's called: "Seafoam Kazuri" http://www.etsy.com/listing/41073070/seafoam-kazuri

This pretty bracelet is from another Etsy seller: http://www.etsy.com/listing/22671224/burgundy-kazuri-sterling-silver-bracelet.

You can purchase Kazuri beads from many sources here in the US, this is the the source I use: Turtle Neck Jewelry.  They can be found online at: http://www.turtleneckjewelry.com

In the Studio...

Take a peek at my latest earring designs...I will post these in my Etsy shop later today.  Still working on the pricing and item descriptions. 

Creative Blocks.......

   I realized today that I’m in a rut, my shop sales are slow and I haven’t been motivated to create any new product.  I’ve spent many hours each day working on my marketing; tweeting, posting on facebook, reading blogs, chatting in forums, etc….

  A wise, very successful Etsy seller advised that I should keep updating my jewelry during the quiet period. “Most importantly, keep renewing and improving your craft; oftentimes we  handmade sellers take so much of our time marketing our items, we forget to look for new and interesting ways to create. This will keep people coming back to your shop and will make your marketing job a little easier!”  

  So, today I got out of the house for a hair appointment and a look around for inspiration. While waiting at the salon I was thumbing through a fashion magazine and noticed the bold, chunky, and natural materials being used for the designer jewelry.  On the wall of the salon was a painting with an incredible color pallet, my stylist had on a beautiful long rope necklace and the shop across the street had a window display bursting with spring colors. Creative inspiration was all around me I just needed to look up from my ‘marketing’ to see it.  I have a renewed focus…I’m off to the studio to create my next sale!

Happy Easter...

Just finished a cute bracelet to wear with my Easter outfit today.....

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  It’s Easter time again, and I’m reminiscing about how much my sister Jennifer and I looked forward to our new Easter outfits each year. Of course, I always planned to dazzle the folks at our small church in Merrillville, Indiana and later at our grandparent’s house for the big family dinner.

  We headed off to the Village Shopping Center in Gary, IN to choose our outfits at JC Penney’s. It was the big store in our area at the time. Easter finery included hats, gloves, and shiny new patent leather shoes. I confess my love affair with hats started then, and continues today.  I just loved all the hats in church on Easter Sunday.

  Today my Easter Sunday has become a much more casual event, hats and gloves and all the other finery have gone by the wayside. Easter has a deeper meaning, it’s more about being thankful for his gifts and grace. But, I do miss the hats!  Maybe I’ll wear one next year to church on Easter Sunday and start a trend back to all the fine clothes.

Make Me International....

I had my first International sale in my Etsy shop this week! Fabulous!

Making your shop friendly for international buyers opens the door to a lot of new business.   The US dollar is not very strong right now and our global neighbors can get quite a good deal on purchasing American goods. 

Several things you can do are:

• Offer international shipping. This seems silly, but I've seen many forum posts from frustrated international customers who WOULD have bought from a store, but sadly, the seller did not offer international shipping.
• Accurately calculate shipping costs. Shipping is not as expensive as you might think, and doing your research will really help prevent you from scaring off international customers with exorbitant shipping rates.  The same bracelet I shipped in the US for $2.98 shipped to the United Kingdom for $6.68.  Really not that much more.
• Use metric measurements. Be sure that you give measurements in centimeters as well as inches, as most the rest of the world uses the metric system of measurement.
• Offer discounted shipping to international customers. I've often seen many shops do 'free shipping' sales, but only to domestic customers. This can be very frustrating to international customers who may feel as though they are being treated as second class citizens.

Using some of these tips, as well as having a well structured shop with great pictures, clear descriptions and good products, will certainly help you succeed on internationally on Etsy.

 

Step away from the computer.....

Establishing a new and steady stream of shoppers to your business is a challenge, I have been looking beyond the online world in order to attain the success that I desire.  A great way to do this is to start exploring traditional networking venues. I strongly believe that effective networking is as much about quality as quantity.  Make sure the room is filled with potential clients and watch your networking time pay-off!  Many of these events are scheduled in the early morning or at lunch time, so even if you have a day job, you can probably work an event or two into your schedule.

Here are some tips for finding networking events that are a good match for your creative business: 

• What local city is known for harboring artists?  Make sure you attend the Chamber events there. 
•  Google “art clubs” or “craft clubs” and then the name of your city or county and see what comes up and when they meet. 
• Tip Clubs can even be helpful: they are filled with independent business people who come into contact with tons of individuals.
• Attend events put on by your local galleries.
• Network at local craft fairs and shows.

Networking with people face to face is much scarier for a shy person like me than networking online, but I’m giving it a try. I’m sure you too will be surprised by how much you can grow your sales locally.  Who knows, we may even meet a gallery or boutique owner!  

Mother Nature’s Creation…..

I had another purchase in my Etsy shop this weekend; take a peek at the design….

This delicately colored Agate Geode slice was mounted and encased in a silver halo coating with a silver plated bail.   The gray, gold, bronze, and white tones that swirl through the Geode are proof of Mother Natures' unique talents as an artist - not too hurried, but outstanding workmanship. Like a lot of us artists, we never seem to make more than one of a kind - neither does she! This striking pendant is sure to attract attention and speaks of the unlimited and unmatched beauties to be found on our planet. The center of the Geode is lined with sparkling tiny druzy crystals.  Druzy is formed by water droplets collecting and calcifying on the host gemstone. The result is a collection of tiny glistening crystals that reflect the light beautifully.  I'm always searching for additional Agate Geode Slices, I think they are stunning.

The Handmade Revolution......

The fact that sites such as ArtFire and Etsy are doing so well proves that the handmade revolution is very much upon us, but just in case you are not convinced, here are my do’s and dont’s of giving the gift of handmade.

Do take pride in your work. Never give something you wouldn’t be pleased to receive yourself.

Don’t give anything but your best work as a gift – Practice runs & less than perfect examples are fine to give away to friends ‘just because’, but otherwise, keep them for yourself.

Do put some effort into your presentation. A pretty gift box or a chic frame can make all the difference to the overall feel of your piece. Imagine you bought it in a swanky boutique – dress it up & make it special!

Don’t put yourself down. Never hand over a handmade gift saying ‘sorry, it’s homemade…’ – if you don’t love what you’re making, why should anyone else?

Do promote yourself – put your web address discretely on the back of a card, or slip a business card inside a gift box. That said,

Don’t overdo it – it’s a present, not a promo-pack!

Do put some thought into each gift you create and make it somehow unique and personal to the recipient.

Don’t make a dozen pairs of earrings in the same design and give them to every girl you know at Christmas!

Do embellish – perhaps team your handmade gift with a small box of chocolates or a bottle of wine, but…

Don’t make the handmade part of the gift look like an afterthought!

And of course, if making your own gifts really isn’t an option, why not buy handmade instead?

All the goodness of giving someone something personal and unique – and you get a free warm fuzzy glow from knowing you’re helping to support an aspiring artist!

So next time a friend or relative’s birthday is looming – don’t head straight to the mall - consider giving the gift of handmade.

I feel like a Rock Star…

Yesterday one of my necklaces was featured on the Front Page of Etsy. This is a big deal in Etsy Land!

First, I was featured in a lovely Treasury list by Nancy of Newnanc Design. The Treasury is an ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery of handpicked items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or just whatever they like. The Treasury is not intended for self-promotion, but instead to acknowledge and share the many cool things for sale on Etsy. I was honored to be picked by Nancy for her list featured below….

Second, I noticed that there was an unusually high amount of traffic in my Etsy Shop. Visitor numbers were off the charts! I also had numerous emails (“convos”) about one necklace in particular. That’s when I realized that something BIG had happened that morning. At 7:00am on March 20th , my “Natures Treasures” was on the front page (current FP) of the Etsy website. Wahoo! I was an Etsy rock star for a few hours.

Finally, after the dust had settled later in the day, I reviewed the numbers. Over 500 buyers had viewed my FP necklace. Nineteen of those gave my shop a heart as one of their favorites. Twelve new hearts were given to other items in my shop and one buyer has requested a custom necklace similar to the FP necklace. WOW! Getting on the front page has really boosted my motivation and renewed my sense of pride in my work.

THANKS NANCY!

Yippee! It's officially the weekend

The 5:00 pm whistle just blew here on the east coast.  It's officially the weekend!  I think I'll enjoy a glass of wine out on the terrace.  Spring is in the air.  Have a great weekend my friends.

"I love it, but why so expensive....."

Recently I’ve had a comment from a friend about the prices in my Etsy Shop. I realized that my friend and hopefully potential buyer had been comparing my prices to mass produced items available at local retailers. She did not realize the time, effort, craftsmanship, and love that went into every piece I make. After our conversation I believe she had a better understanding of the significance of handmade items.I took a look at my shop. Did it immediately let the customer know that I’m a handmade artisan as opposed to a reseller? No really…..
Here are some tips to help establish the value of your craft:
- Does your profile state information about your process, standards and quality?
- Are you letting them know how your products are superior (I hope they are) to the commercially available products?
- Is your geographic location specific for those who want to shop local?
- Do you ever refer to yourself by name to establish a more personal connection?
- Do you encourage conversations?
Hopefully my work speaks for its self, but by adding a more personal feel to my profile and descriptions I hope that I’m establishing my shop as a place for quality handmade items.

Happy Saint Patrick Day!

According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green or orange-colored clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.  I've got my lucky Shamrock pendant on for protection.

The Secret...

It turns out the secret to selling on Etsy is the same as selling anywhere: hard work and good products.

Ok, maybe that’s not the most helpful answer. So allow me to elaborate with a list of tips....

Take better photos.
No matter how long you’ve spent on your photos, they’re not good enough. Mine sure aren’t. You need to do more than just snap an exact picture of the product. You need to sell it. I’ve seen a lot of Etsy sellers complain that they shouldn’t have to be photographers. I don’t agree, you’re a salesman, and your photos are the biggest part of your sales pitch. If you aren’t willing to put serious and continuous effort into them then you’re not serious about selling online.

Make something people want.
Do market research. Browse the sold items. What’s selling? Read blogs related to what you’re making. What are they featuring? Does your product fit in with that? Or are you still making macaroni necklaces? Stop. Look at not just styles but also at what people are selling.

Make something other people aren’t.
I hate to break it to you, but if you’re making soap out of vanilla you’re already at a disadvantage. Why? Because there are already 100 other people selling vanilla soap. It’s like putting a Starbucks up on every corner and then wondering why you’re only getting 1/4 of the foot traffic.

Do an Etsy search for your product. If you make soap, search for “soap.” How many of the search results are the same as what you make? What makes yours different? It’s going to have to be something. Better photos, better prices, better selection, and different scent, whatever. But it’s got to be something or you’ll just be lost with the other 20,000 search results.

Build a cohesive line.
Lets say you make potholders. Rectangular potholders out of pretty fabrics. Great. So now you’re “that girl who makes potholders.” It’s nondescript, and when I search for “potholder” on Etsy I’m going to get a ton of other people’s stuff, which I might like better.

Pick a common theme and run with it. Make potholders in different shapes. Now you’re “that girl who makes triangle potholders,” and that already sets you apart from other people. Or maybe all of your fabric features skulls on it. Or flowers. Or math equations. Or your potholders all come with thermal resistant liners. Transform yourself from “that person who makes generic” to “that person who makes specific.” You’ll stick in customers’ minds better, be easier to find, and sell more.

Walk Away.
The flip side of building a line and putting all this effort into your products is you have to be able to let it go. If it’s not working out, you may just need to move on to something else. Not all of your ideas are going to be million dollar sell outs. That’s OK. If you really want to sell, at some point you have to evaluate what you’re doing and change if it’s not working.

Take better photos.
No really, it’s important. And yours still aren’t good enough.

But it all comes back to your products. You can blog, twitter, and photograph all you want but it isn’t going to do any good if you’re not selling an interesting product at the right price. So get off the computer and take a hard look at your products. Then fix them if necessary and try again.

The Pout...

Why do so many jewelry ads feature a pouty-faced model who looks, well, pouty? If she's wearing a gorgeous, expensive piece of jewelry, why does she look so unhappy? You may be thinking "Why does this matter"? When it comes to marketing jewelry, I believe women want to know - what does wearing this jewelry communicate about me?

Every piece of jewelry tells a story. Ask any woman about a piece of jewelry she’s wearing and you’ll hear a tale of romance, travel, adventure, friendship, celebration or personal epiphany.

“This charm is an angel’s wings. My sister gave it to me before she moved to the west coast to let me know she’d always be looking out for me.”

“My parents got this for me as a graduation gift. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.”

“I bought this for myself the day I found out I was promoted.”

“I found this in a tiny little shop in Nantucket and thought it was the most beautiful shade of blue I’d ever seen. Every time I touch it, it reminds me of walking along the shore and staring out into that beautiful sea.”

Jewelry is about relationships; relationships with our spouses, our new loves, our family, our friends, and ourselves. The jewelry we wear speaks volumes about who we are. Women love talking about their jewelry. But I would argue that it’s less about bragging and more about communicating; communicating something about who they are and what’s important to them. Yes, sometimes what they’re communicating is “He spent a lot of money on me,” But there’s so much more to it than that.

So, please, enough with these ads showing fashion models with pouty looks on their faces, show a happy moment or memory of a special event.

Choosing the right earrings for the shape of your face...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you could change the shape of your face? Using jewelry to create the illusion of a slimmer face, a wider one, of sharper features or softer features is easier than you might think. All you need are the right earrings.

To soften too sharp features, go for earring designs with curves or rounded. Hoop earrings work very well as would earrings with round beads or with circles in the design, or even waves.

 




To Sharpen flat features, wear triangular, square, or star shaped earrings. Shapes that are pointed or have sharp lines work well.

For a round or square face, you want the illusion of length. A dangling pendant or a cascade of beads that draw the attention along vertical lines would visually slim and lengthen your face. Shoulder dusters are your best friend, as are drop earrings and chandelier earrings.