2010 in Review & Moving into 2011

Looking on 2010 has mixed feelings. Sales did not go extremely well at the fall and winter fairs I attended. Sales at the Etsy cooperative store were non-existent. However, that is OK. I am moving forward with positive energy and will trust that 2011 will bring better results.

First, I will be highly selective in what local fairs I attend this year. I want to review prior year attendances and possibly obtain feedback from prior vendors to get a feel for how many hand-crafted jewelers are already established before I sign up. That is a big issue, at least here in CT. Fairs I attended this year did not seem to limit the number of jewelers and therefore the fairs were saturated with too many of the same "like" items. I find this is too overwhelming for consumers resulting in very little sales unless there are repeat customers visiting who already know you, or you obtain sales only if you have the "cheapest" prices, nixing your quality and craftsmanship. I cannot stoop to lowering my prices. I purchase good quality material, have been told by others that I have excellent craftsmanship, and do not want to "cheapen" my work. I will also not attend "baby" fairs - fairs that are only in existance for a few years or less, or just starting out. I made that mistake and will not repeat it. I want to participate in well-attended fairs that limit the number of "like" vendors. That is one goal for local sales.

Second goal for local sales, I also want to approach the consignment area and see how I fair in that type of environment.

Finally, broadening my horizons past the local area, and trying to step out more on my own - I have started my own Etsy shop (http://www.reneesjewelrydesigns.etsy.com/). I only have 2 items up as of this post, however will be working hard on getting more things up on a regular basis. My desire is to get this shop out there and hope for the best. Exciting already! - I only put these items up late last night. Etsy has this option where other people either signed up to purchase and/or sell can "Favorite" items or shops. I already have someone from Wisconsin who has favorited my shop!! I logged in this morning and was very pleased to see that type of exposure already!

So, on to 2011 with hopes to prosper as my God has promised me plans for prosperity, not gloom and doom.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!!!
Blessings to all...

Good News!!

I just found out that I won third place in the bead challenge I was in!! Awesome! My necklace and earrings will be on display at the store for another month. Exciting news! Of course, this is the set I did not get any photographs of before I took it in, so I will post a picture when I am able...

Update to New Activities Post

I did not get accepted for the Door Auction. There were not enough sponsors this year. I also attribute it to the fact that there are many returning artisans who would get first preference. Which is quite ok. I am otherwise busy this summer anyway. Maybe I will try again next year. Nothing lost with trying.

The sales at Platt Tech High School were not good. Our location on the grounds was not the best. Being the first year for the event, I am sure it will pick up in the future. There are always many jewelry vendors at these type of events which also makes it a challenge to get optimum sales. Try, try again. Never give up hope that there will be the really good one!

Voting is still happening with the Spring Challenge pieces at Manifest Beads.

New Activities

I submitted an application this month to another artistic endeavor - The Open Doors Exhibit of Milford. This event is held annually in Milford, CT, by the Downtown Milford Business Association. I will find out if I have been accepted this week. The recycled doors with an artistic flair are exhibited in local sponsoring businesses August 20 through September 12, and then auctioned off September 19, with proceeds split between the designated charity (45%), the DMBA (10%), and back to the artist (45%). Ribbons are also awarded the week of September 12 in four categories - People's Choice, Milford Chamber of Commerce Choice, Downtown Milford Business Association Choice & Milford Fine Arts Council Choice.

Today I also submitted my necklace and earrings for the Manifest Beads Spring Beading Challenge. I did not take pictures prior to dropping it off due to time constraints, so will have to do that after I get them back.

I will be selling my jewelry on Saturday, May 22 at Platt Tech High School in Milford. The Manifest Beading Buddies table has ten artisans, inclusive of myself, participating. So, over the next week I will be preparing for that sale.

The Beaded Queen Auction Night

Well, I must say that tonight was exciting! Adrenaline pumping, on fire, exciting!! The Beaded Queen, worked on by three other women and myself was the "hottest" chair of the evening at Pilgrim Furntiure City's first "Chair Affair" auction event. CT artisans were asked only to find a recycled chair, and then do what we wanted to it for an auction to be held this evening. Monies go to the local United Way offices to benefit charities in need of funding for their operation. The chair we chose was one that one of the members found in an attic in her first apartment building, sitting all alone in a corner. The chair has traveled with her since and when she heard of this event, knew that this was where the chair belonged. So, rescued from an attic, she was brought to life by four women who took the care to give her new recycled fabric which has been beaded and reupholstered to the frame. The chair was found to be from the 1860 to 1880 timeframe and is made of black walnut wood. Her new crown is made from an amethyst stone and mounted with care on the top. From servant to royalty, abused and forgotten to saved and observed, this chair has found her new home and will be well taken care of...a survivor! With the highest bid of the evening at $550, she is extravagant.

Val and her work on the back of the chair. She also beaded the crown piece.

Spring...

It is Spring already and I have not posted anything since January 1. I have been busy working on jewelry for an upcoming event being held at our church on April 24, and on a joint project with friends since mid-February that has a deadline of no less than two weeks. Yikes. I have quite a bit to go on that project though feel that I shall finish on time. I work well under pressure!?! LOL

These pictures are progress at end of February / beginning of March.







My camera is still out of commission so these pictures are from my cell phone.

At any rate, I must get back to work...have a wonderful day!

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a Happy 2010! Looking forward to the new year myself as I continue to work on my jewelry and seek God's direction in expanding the business, small as it is at the moment. Humble beginnings...

Sale at our local church planned for April. Gateway Christian Fellowship, in West Haven, CT will be hosting a Beth Moore event and members have an opportunity to sell their items. I will be one of those partaking in that venue! Thinking up some new designs with that in mind.

Thinking also of starting out with some local consignment opportunitires for the new year...Manifest Beads in Milford (local bead shop where I purchase many of my supplies), Cinderella's Attic in Guilford, My Sister's Place in Ansonia (proceeds benefit domestic violence). Looking into those things in the near future.