Friday, September 19, 2014

Good Deeds



This is EnVogue.  One of the baddest girl groups that ever was.  Considering that every man wanted them, women really couldn't get mad because the girls can blow.  Plus they had one of the sexiest brothers in their video, Djimon Hounsou.  This is fine to the 10th degree.  Is it getting hot in here?


Djimon Hounsou Pictures & Photos


Today was one of my first shows of 2014.   I was back at Maucker Union at UNI College.    Ive been making jewelry since being off from my job, trying to stay ahead of the game.  I have always been down to the wire, preparations.   A  full time job will do that for you.  I had my game tight and ready.  I set up, paid my money and waited for the crowds to appear.  It was homecoming week and I was sure that money was to be had(I like to thank all of the customers who stopped my table).  A few students who have brought from me in the past stopped by.  Glad to see old familiar faces, but the sales were not there.   My new earring cards worked perfectly.  I just couldn't stand up(another post).  I was by the door(which I like) and the wind coming in kept knocking thing down.   I did manage to sell some earring, a couple of bracelets , two necklace sets and pass out some cards.  One young man wants me to help with a fun raising project for his group.

It just was not clicking.   The vibe was all wrong.   Since the booth rental has gone up, I had to adjust my prices accordingly.  Nothing too drastic. 50 cents here, 2 dollars there.   It just wasn't my day. Especially when I did not make my booth rental back.  For a small business like mine(small as in only - me),every penny counts.

Now I have had setbacks before.   I can remember a show where I only made 75 cents.   I cried like a baby that day and the next.  Would have continued to cry and give up, but something my mother told me stopped my pity party.   She asked me a question. " Do you think McDonald s makes the same amount every day?.   Bless her heart.  My mother comparing my teeny, tiny business to a corporate giant as McDonald s. I kissed her on her forehead and said thanks mom,   She always has my back.     But her theory was right.   Some days are up and some days are down.  If I am going to be honest with myself, the down days, make the up days.  Whether it was you, your items or whatever, you go back to the drawing board and come up with other means at your next show.  Maybe more of this and less of that.   The down days keep you in fighting spirit.   You come out leaner and meaner, ready to take on the world.

And no, I didn't cry this time.  I just listened to the voice inside my head.   Thanks Mom.  Today McDonald s, next the world.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Eric Benet,thank you.




I love just love this entire CD by the beautiful Eric Benet.  I think it is some of his best work, to date. This is one of my favorites. I sometimes will pick the song based on what I am blogging about. Today, I just want to hear the soulful tunes of the one and only Eric Benet.



I have been making, making, and more making.   When one is in a business, the business never stops.  Now I more time to complete projects and make sure that I am up to speed when it comes to business.   


With a room full of craft supplies here is the latest card display. One might ask why am I making so many.  First,  I like the diy approach.  I like to be different.  Second, it is better to get it ready,then all I have to do is attach the jewelry. Third, also the pieces I pick up I might not be able to get again.  That is the part I like the best, the unexpected.  I am the person who like shabby chic, tarnished metal, torn pieces. Those pieces have character. Anyone can make a straight line. But it take a special mind to make a crooked line and call it art. I have that kind of mind. Thank God. 

I found these at a garage sale already cut out.   Thank you to the person for cutting these and making my day.  You are my hero.


This was after I had spent several hours doing these.


Using my flower punch.  My wrist was hurting after that.
 I almost couldn't grip the remote. 
 Now that would have been a disaster. 

Next time I am going to need something stronger
 than coffee to attempt this again.

I had a use for this piece that was leftover.  Another time,another post.


Getting back to my garage sale find, I decided to make thank you cards.
  Just to show my appreciation
for purchasing a piece from Jets Jewelry

My thank you stamp.
I used a lot of  different inks.    

 
 
I think they turned out very nice.  I will show you how I attached them at a later time.  Right now Eric is calling.  Bye , bye,