Computer Consternation

Well, I still don't have access to a web browser on my Macbook. I have a new screen and another hard drive, but we haven't been able to get in touch with the guy who is going to do the fixing. Luckily (ha!) I have a Toshiba labtop I can use to surf the web. PC's suck. But as far as uploading photos and copying files, well everything that I could possibly need is on the Mac. I'd like to start my Etsy Store (yes, finally decided that I should do this), but I have no access to my banners, product photos or pricing information. I'll need my Mac for the show this weekend (see previous post), so it can't really go away this week anyway. As long as it's fixed before we leave for Grenada.

So I'm concentrating on getting ready for this weekend's show, and packing for Grenada, of course. Wouldn't you know it... I finally got word about the Christmas craft show in Grenada and it's Dec. 11. We arrive Dec. 6. I really hate that kind of pressure, but I think I will sign up for it anyway. That is if I have any inventory left! I was complaining to my neighbour Clifton about the possibility of a small inventory. He says, "heck, you just tell dem dat you sold evryting"! Yes, he's an island man and has a totally different perspective on life than us uptight Canadians.

Here's my "to do" list" for the show:
- make some more stretchy bangle style bracelets
- paint  3 photo clip stand bases black to match colour theme ( I will use these to hang the few earrings that I have this weekend and to use at the Market in Grenada where I sell souvenir-type jewelry)
- print sign for crystal ring prices and place in plastic photo frame
- nag Jason to print large sign with my name to put on the front of my table
- figure out how sign will hang from front of table - velcro? - magnets?
- get consignment items from Yoga place to put in show

And just because I think it's sacrilege to have a blog entry without a photo:

These are "S" scrolls. When we get to Grenada, I'll be pulling out the wire working tools and making some "S" scrolls. Yes, I'm branding myself. This "S" will stand for Selinger (and stupendous, super, self-aggrandizing...) and I will add little charms like these to my work as my signature. With these, I won't need to buy a  hand stamp to make tags because I can make them myself! I really wanted to use an "F", but the stupid little cross-bar wouldn't co-operate. Effin' thing.

The Wearable Art Sale

I'm looking forward to being a part of this show. I'm worried that it might be too "posh" for regular 'ol me, but it looks like a great venue to showcase my own designs.

See information about each artist on their blog:
The Wearable Art Show Blog

Please come!

New Place to Shop - as if I needed more...

Indie Spotting

Computer Day

I spent today on the computer, catching up on the electronic portions of my business. First, I entered recent supply acquisitions into my inventory software, Bead Manager Pro. This is very easy to use and makes pricing almost (almost!) enjoyable. Unfortunately, it took a while. My computer has always been slow and I don't know what to do to fix it. I've been reading Clive Cussler's "The Kingdom" during the hang times!

I tried on Sunday to enter some new items into my Facebook store. The app, called Payvment, can be very frustrating. If you try to edit any store preferences while entering the product, you lose all the information that you just typed in. And if you think you did something wrong and try it again? It does exactly the same thing! Today's attempt was more successful. Click on my Facebook link on the right to get to my business page, then click on "Shop Now" in the left hand menu.

Now available are the cat's eye Cube Trio Ring (at a new price!) and a new bracelet style that I'm calling "City Lights". It's made using square stitch, 3.4mm drops and 6/0 seed beads.

I was inspired by "In the Fast Lane" by Doris Coghill as published in Beadwork magazine June/July 2011. I sold one the first day I wore it for it's "test drive". Nice, eh?

8th Annual Tailgate/Giant Yard Sale

Today, Jason and I will be at the Kiwanis Seniors Community Center on Riverside Dr. for their annual sale. We're selling "Moving to Grenada" stuff and my jewelry. Help us get our home ready for renters!

FranMade Sale!

Get 10% off during my "ArtFire Studio Closing" Sale. ArtFire will no longer be offering a free selling feature, so it's asta la vista baby. Their only other option is paying a monthly fee, whether I sell anything or not. So, I'll keep adding items to my (free) Facebook store and am continuing to consider Etsy as an online selling point.

10% off!

Pricing Handmade Jewelry

I thought I would share with you an excellent article by Jodi Bombardier about several aspects of pricing handmade jewelry. It is a process that I'm sure every jewelry maker struggles with.

Article

I have a large project list that I want to get to, but first I want to make a photo book of some of my past work. I usually have a slide show going on my laptop at shows, but with my next show, I won't have access to a power plug. I looked at Snapfish and some with downloadable software that I nixed right away, but will be going with Costco. I find them very efficient and pick up is easy.