Red, Red, Red, Part II

As in my previous post, I made a necklace set for a customer who wanted to give a present to her sister.  I felt good that she wanted to give one my pieces.  I delivered the necklace set and she loved it.  I was very happy.  I informed her that I had some beads left over and I could make her a bracelet.  My pictures did not turn out the way I wanted(I need a new camera).  I took pictures at different angles.  The bracelet was made with memory wire(my favorite way to make bracelet these days).  It wraps around the wrist at least 5 times to give that cuff effect.   Here goes.

One view



You can see the spirals and each bead that was used.



I think it turned out alright

Red, Red, Red

I stated in my previous post that I had some red beads in which to make a necklace for a customer I had met at my show.  She requested a red necklace for her sister.  I had a few beads at home and I brought the rest.   For a history lesson this is what I started with.   You can see all the beads in my new catchall. with
  



A mixture of different shades of red.  Oh, la, la

Here is the end results.   A single strand leading to 3 strands, in a mixture of reds. 
I also made matching earrings.  I hope her sister likes it. 
  I will be attaching the fish hooks upon delivery. As you can see I photographed the piece in different angles for a complete look.


 



Completed necklace and matching earrings. 



Showing

This past Friday, I did a jewelry show at the UNI(University of Northern Iowa) Maucker Union.  Despite the table being small(6ft) and the price of the table, I enjoy this arena.  I meet a lot of people, some old customers, some new. I sit in an area where people have to pass me to get to other areas of the union.  The Maucker is a hang out for the college kids.  They meet, greet, and eat.   They also have on site bank and meeting rooms.  Perfect setup.   I did well.  I even have some orders I have to fill for new clients. Turned out to be a nice day.

Prior to this I had an uneasy feeling.  Maybe I was not prepared, or maybe I did not have enough merchandise.  I just wasn't feeling it.   Days before the show, I could not find my fliers, I lost my pliers and my thoughts was not on jewelry.  Nothing was coming to mind about what to make.  I had a block.  Adding insult to injury, my work schedule had changed and I would have to work until 8:00 the night before the show.    I had talked with one of my friends who changed her schedule,  she suggested I do the same.   It took me a while to go and talk with my lead teacher, but she gave me the OK to work another day.  

 My mind started churning and I felt that old familiar tingle.  Ideas was popping in my head and I started to think about jewelry again.  This was Tuesday afternoon.   Once I arrived home, I started getting things prepared, prepackaging.  I had planned to make jewelry all day Thursday.  Wednesday night, I packed my bags with bags, receipt books, jewelry stands and all my other "stuff".  I also had a fail safe.  I can cancel the show with one days notice without being charged. 

OK,  things did not go as planned.  I did not get started until 12:00 and I was up until 2:30 that morning, still making jewelry.  Some doubts started creeping up.  Do I have enough merchandise to cover the table,  my time and materials.  At this point I had no choice but to go ahead with the show. I couldn't cancel.   I finished making making jewelry and started to pack my jewelry for transport.   My merchandise looked pretty low.   You do what you gotta do.

If you don't know, there is a GOD.   While unpacking, some how I had packed a bag of earring necklaces and bracelets that I had made some time ago.  Thank you GOD.   My outlook felt better and better.   What started as apprehension, turned out to be a pretty good day.  As with all my shows, I take pictures.   


For some reason, I love making memory wire bracelets.

  My customers love it too

 





This piece I created after 12:00am.  

  I love orange for fall or summer.

I made the set with glass seed beads.




I had enough beads left over to make some very
 long, light weight and chic earrings. 
 You can see other merchandise on my table.

 Aren't the cute? 



Here is the complete set. 

 I love it.  I won't tell you if I sold it or not.  Next time.


I promise to make a set for one of the ladies who works there.   She wants a red necklace for her sister. 

These are all the red beads Ihave left.
  She wants different shades of red and silver.




The finished project on the next post.   See ya.














Tool Time

I have created some new jewelry for some shows that I want to attend.  Unfortunately, both of my shows were cancelled.  I will revel the reason behind the decision in a later post.  Also, the jewelry that I created will be shown at a later date as well.  I have another show coming up and most of my concentration is centered on that show and two future shows.   I have been using the time to reorganize my tools, beads and most of my craft materials.   I miss having all my stuff at my finger tips, but when you are trying to more, less is more and I have a lot of stuff.  

My first reorganization was my tools.   I make is sound like I have this arsenal of tools to make jewelry with, but I have 3 tools that I rely on to make the fantastic jewelry that you see or have seen.  Without them I would be lost.  They fit my hand perfectly and we go together like PB&J.    I was given some other tools by a very dear friend of mine, but when I want to get serious, I get the big 3.  I keep them in a red velvet lined purse I found.  I carry this purse with me to all my shows, parties and events where I might have to adjust or remarks some piece I am displaying.    Let me show what I am talking about.





For some reason , the purse looks pink.

 

This is one side and below is another.  Still looking pink.  What to do?

 

The other side is plain.  I can put some of my findings inside to repair or restyle a piece.

These are the basic tools I use.  Needle nose,  wire cutters, flat nose pliers and just added to my tool kit, crimpers for my crimp beads.



I have been working with the same tools for over 10 years.  They have served me well.  Want to see a jewelry lady go crazy.   Lose or misplace my tools.   Oh, Oh, I can feel the tension building up at the very thought of my tools.  Let me go and check to make sure they are all right.   TaTa y'all.