Simple Hangtags for your Handmade Jewelry!

When I started my business, homemade tags off of my computer were a great option. They were fast, custom and economical. It also gave me time to decipher what my tag needs were and which shapes and sizes would work best with my displays and jewelry pieces.

As my business evolved, I found that I wanted something a little more professional that would take less of my time…leaving more time to make jewelry!

I began to research custom tag companies on the internet, but being a small business, I found most minimum purchases and prices too high. Plus, I don’t know about you, but when I was starting out, it seemed like every time I actually put something “in print” it changed! Phone number, web address, mailing address, favorite display photo, business description, etc…

I was determined to find a flexible, affordable option.

I had been ordering my business cards from an online company for years, and was very happy with the value and quality of their products. I started cutting up my business cards and trying out different ways to hang and attach them to my jewelry…BINGO!

Problems solved:
1. Extremely economical…so if information changed it was no problem re-ordering
2. Professional…heavier cardstock than I could fit through my computer and really clear, sharp full color printing
3. Smart…eliminated wear and tear on my printer…not to mention the cost savings on color printer cartridges
4. Easy, time saving… I could design my cards, in the privacy of my home, on my time, in my pajamas, while my son was asleep!
5. Good marketing…I could create a “look” for my printed material so that items coordinated.
6. Gave me lots of options…I could choose from hundreds …maybe thousands of their stock backgrounds and graphic designs…making it really simple when I didn’t want to think.
7. Cut down on “back stock”…small boxes and quantities of 250

I began designing my tags right on their website. It was very user friendly and the best part was that I could upload full color photos! (and at the time, I didn’t even know what “uploading” was)

Some examples of how I used regular business cards for my tags…

I would print my information multiple times on the card and then cut them while watching TV or during a slow point at a show…(see below)

1. For necklace, bracelet and earring hang tags I printed my material “4-up” on a horizontal card…cutting length-wise and width-wise to create 4 small rectangle tags from each full business card. I would attach with pretty string, (used for needlepoint), ribbon or plastic “lock-ties” (from the office supply store)

2. For necklace hang tags I printed my material “2-up” on a horizontal card…cutting it length-wise, for two long, skinny tags from each card. I would attach with pretty string, (used for needlepoint), ribbon or plastic “lock-ties” (from the office supply store)

3. For smaller earring cards I printed my material “ 2-up” on a horizontal card…cutting it up and down to create two square tags that I could attach a self adhesive, plastic hanger to the back of. I would poke two tiny holes for the ear wires to fit through with a straight pin.

4. For larger earring cards I printed my material “ 1-up” on a vertical card…that I could attach a self adhesive, plastic hanger to the back of. I would poke two tiny holes for the ear wires to fit through with a straight pin. These fit perfectly in 3” x 4” baggies for storage and display.

5. I created a gift enclosure or gift tag with my information to coordinate with my holiday wrap. I kept the design neutral so they could be used all year.

6. In a pinch, I have printed a vertical business card…keeping the printed information to the lower half of the card so that I could fold it in half and use it to hang it on my wire displays.

Good luck!

P

Introducing...Naked Puppet Displays for Jewelry and Other Things!

I am so excited to be able to share (with other jewelry designers and artists) something that has really worked for me!

When searching for creative, versatile, affordable displays for my own jewelry shows and fairs, I became very frustrated!

I wanted something cool and interesting to display my handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets,that wouldn’t draw attention away from the jewelry…but instead would highlight it…and I didn’t want something mass produced that everyone else would have.

When I didn’t find what I wanted, I decided to design and handcraft something on my own.Being a jewelry designer myself and doing quite a bit of shows and fairs I am intimately aware of the special concerns regarding space and versatility.

In my experience, at every show I’ve done…table surface (no matter how much they provide) is never enough! Maximizing your visibility is important and going vertical is a huge space saver.

THE BIRTH OF A NAKED PUPPET:
Each with their own personality, these funny little handcrafted soft sculptures are not “just another jewelry display”! Sure to be a conversation starter, they can integrate seamlessly with your current and future displays.

Time tested by me, they have become an effortless, economical and whimsical way to show of my handmade jewelry.

OVERALL:
My goal was to keep the design earthy and organic looking…definitely handmade. I knew I wanted something that would be versatile and would work with a wide range of styles… romantic, country, vintage, contemporary, urban, etc…

As you can see in the photo of my jewelry display (from one of my shows)…I chose to leave my wood bare and in it’s natural state. I like how the displays just disappear.

Requests for specific silhouettes or sizes are welcome.The Naked Puppets are removable so the combinations are endless and as personal as you.They could also be used to display scarves, baby items,etc...

FEATURES:
The pieces are interchangeable…all the holes and posts are the same size making it possible to add on to your set with a variety of shapes, heights and colors so your display can change and evolve along with your inventory and the seasons.

If desired, the posts and bases can be customized and embellished (by you) with paint, decoupage or stain to suit your creations.

The padded fabric protects your jewelry while still making it easily accessible to your customers.

Being able to secure your items with the included U pins can help deter theft.The naked puppets can display single or multiple necklaces and coordinating bracelets and earrings by using the U pins.

Naked Puppet sets are light in weight and easy to transport…in fact some bases can even house the jewelry item/s that will be displayed on the puppets at your show…making “set up” easy and organized.

* Custom puppet size and combination requests are invited

You can purchase them in my shop...and remember they are handmade,
so if you see one you like grab it!
http://creativepotential.etsy.com

Before & After in Jamestown, Rhode Island

After I’ve painted something it’s usually pretty difficult for me to remember what it looked like before I got my hands on it.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a mural, decorative finish or piece of painted furniture…
Once it’s had it’s adornment or reincarnation…
that new version becomes it’s reality in the present.

Knowing that, I always try to take before and after photos of my artwork.
They are fun to look at and can be pretty dramatic.
I think it helps me see some of the value in my work.

For example, with this job that I just finished, I was really happy with how it came out but when I looked at the finished painting compared to the before pictures I realized how my art transformed a space…giving it some light and life.

That’s when I’m happy to be an artist.
You can click on the photos to see more detail...

Be back soon,
p

New Places to Find Me!!

I am so excited to announce some new accounts for my
"Family Jewels Collection" of fingerprint charms

They have been slowly working their way around the country...and now even into Canada.

It makes me very happy to be able to create a one-of-a-kind family heirloom for so many people.

In case you live near any of these or know anyone that does...

Pala Casino Spa Resort
Offering a selection of Family Jewels fingerprint charms

35008 Pala Temecula Road
PMB 40
Pala, California 92059

Fairmont Orchid, Island Sunsations
Offering a selection of Family Jewels fingerprint charms

One North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743

Fairmont Kea Lani
Offering a selection of Family Jewels fingerprint charms

4100 Wailea
Wailea, Hawaii 96753

C.S. Post & Co.
Offering a selection of Family Jewels fingerprint charms

117 W. 11th Street
Hays, Kansas 67601785-628-3000

RESOURCE: The Birth of a Business Card

I always have a battle with the part of me that says “more is better”…especially when it comes to designing my business cards!

It’s funny because when I see other people’s cards that are clean and sparse…I love them. Then when it comes time for me to reorder or update mine, I run out of room trying to fit tons of info on “just in case”.

I made quick cards when I opened my shop on Etsy but they didn’t have my blog address and I didn’t really love them. The good news is I did use them all up.

I ordered Moo cards (http://www.moo.com/) which I just received and LOVE! So cool…but a bit expensive to hand out in stacks.

So a new card…hmm…my goal was to
* stay simple
* use less words
* use more images of my work

Above was the planning of the design and below is the finished product…
I think it shows growth for a “word addict”!

Be back soon,

P

RESOURCE: A Peek Inside My Studio

Being organized has never come easy to me. Not in my work or my personal life.

Over the years I have begun to develop an evolving system of storage and a functional workspace that fill my needs.

It has always interested me how and where other artists worked and I think I used to compare myself with them and sometimes feel badly that I didn’t have a “cool, funky, artsy” workspace. Like that made my art less creative somehow.

Now, being older and hopefully a bit wiser, I focus on myself and have begun to embrace and love how and where I create.

I know now that art is no less important if you are creating at your kitchen table instead of a fancy studio.

Below are some tips and suggestions that have worked for me…it is ever changing and I am very open to other ideas on ways to tweak my process and surroundings.

One area I have a constant struggle with is functionality vs. aesthetics. Sometimes I tend to be very black and white…all function…leaving no room for visual inspiration.

So now I buy things that make me smile. Things that are functional and pretty. At times that means re-purposing items and getting a little creative…but it’s totally worth it!

Be back soon!

P

1. I had a constant issue with my tool storage…I fly quickly between tools and needed a simple way to access and store them in a small space.
I purchased this mesh box (I love mesh) at an office supply store and it has worked perfectly! All of my tools hang on the sides and I placed a glass in the center to hold pens, brushes, skinny tools, etc…

It also works great for me to hang earrings on that are in progress.
I put it on top of a folded placemat which keeps it from moving. Also the dark color of the mat shows any dropped findings.
By raising the tools up (they used to lie flat) I can see them better and it gave me the perfect spot in front for easy access to my steel block.

2. Plastic drawer units have been great for all kinds of storage in my studio. Here is an example of my baggie storage…it is quick and easy for me to find just the right size and keeps everything neat. I purchased a small label maker from an office supply store and love having neat storage signs. It makes me feel good to have everything so clear. I also use these drawer units to store beads and other supplies.

3. A great decision…which was actually a happy accident…was for me to use compact, student computer desks for my work. Now these probably wouldn’t be great if you do heavy duty wire and metal work…but for my purposes, they have been wonderful.
I purchased both of them at an office supply store and they cost between $45-$66 I believe.

I like them because they are compact and space saving. Also, I love the shelf that is supposed to be for a computer monitor. It keeps supplies at eye level but off of my work area. The drawer that is meant for the keyboard is also useful for small, frequently used findings and supplies.

I have used two trays and reused small boxes and those round, stacking, screw on, clear plastic containers…separating the lids and bottoms. It was sort of like a puzzle but once I got them to fit (using a variety of shapes and sizes) it has functioned perfectly…and I think it looks cool.

I purchased a twin sized velour blanket at a discount department store and cut a work mat for the desk. I also cut a piece for under the trays on the pull out shelf to keep them from sliding around. The light color velour is a great work surface. It protects stones and it keeps small beads from rolling away. Plus I have plenty left over to line drawers that hold delicate supplies and to refresh my work mat when it gets dirty from metals and vintage items.

4. When I work I like to keep everything that I use on a regular basis within arms reach. I have found that for the safety and care of my back and neck it is very important to be thoughtful in my work area planning. I try not to have to reach too far and like to be able to keep my arms in close to my body when I work.

5. This is my desk for my metal clay (PMC) work.

I love this set up!

Because the desk is small and compact, I am able to leave my materials out all the time which saves me time and effort when I need to work.

It fits in a tiny corner of my studio…right next to a window and everything I need is close at hand.

The monitor shelf is useful here because it supplies additional storage underneath. The pull out keyboard drawer is the perfect spot for items I need nearby but don’t use often. Most of what I use for my PMC work is small and fits in little bins or baskets.

This area was one of the first where I began buying pretty items for storage. I had some fun trips to a very popular discount department store where I found decorative ceramic trays to hold small containers and cutters, plates to hold my frequently used tools and bowls to hold a variety of other items as well as a basket that was supposed to be used for utensils but now separates and organizes my baggies, tags, hole punches, ribbon and cards.
When I sit down to work here it makes me happy to have real, everyday items that I find attractive and fuels my creative spirit. I think it makes it easier to stay organized too when you like where you work!

GIVING BACK: The Generous Spirit of Etsy Artists

When asked (by a stranger) for a donation to help a small, non-profit Montessori school in tiny Rhode Island…many fellow Etsy artists stepped up and decided to help!

I am so grateful for Etsy - not only for the open venue it provides for artists to express themselves but also for the sense of community it offers, to a generally solitary profession.

With great thanks I would like to introduce you to the first set of Etsy shops that donated for our upcoming silent auction…there will be more to come

Please visit their shops and see the wonderful handi work they all do.

http://www.indigorainpottery.etsy.com
beautiful hand thrown pottery

http://www.jacjewelry.etsy.com
One of a kind handmade jewelry

http://www.dzfantasy.etsy.com
An amazing fiber artist

http://www.littlepinkplum.etsy.com
Delightful hand made jewelry

http://www.whimsicaldragonfly.etsy.com
Cute, trendy and original accessories for little ones

http://www.cganz.etsy.com
Makes wonderful totes by recycling industrial fabric materials