Crazy paper thing - StumbleUpon

Crazy paper thing - StumbleUpon

This video takes a piece of paper, cuts it up, tapes it back together and then does the most amazing things!

18 Pairs of New Earrings by Hratch Babikian

Eighteen pairs of new earrings inspired by the Mediterranean and Sea Urchins by Hratch Babikian.

hratchbabikian2.html from artjewelryonline.com - StumbleUpon

Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore

I just love Gayle Friedman's jewelry made from re-purposed mink. All the luxury with none of the guilt!

On Tuesday May 4, 2010 I am the featured speaker at the Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore. The topic is how to market your work for someone that is a hobbyist trying to transition into selling their work. If you live in the Baltimore area I would love to see you!

The Gem Cutters Guild Meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month (except January, July and August) at our workshop which is located at: Meadow Mill at Woodberry 3600 Clipper Mill Road Suite 116 Baltimore MD 21211

Win a $200 Shopping Spree

ANNUAL MOTHERS DAY PRIVATE SHOW AND SALE SAVE 20%-50%!

Receive password to private sale by joining my www.ArtJewelryOnline,com mailing list. Then return to the home page and click on the link at the top of the page to gain entry into the Private Sale. Save 20-50%. In addition, by joining our mailing list you enter to win a $200 shopping spree. We will announce the winner on May 1.

Pictured top to bottom:

• White Caribbean Ring: Reg Price $570 Sale Price $265
• Risplendent Necklac by Amy Faust: Reg Price $195 Sale Price $100
  
• Multiple Sapphire Ring by Kelly Kerkes: Reg Price $1900 Sale Price $1520
• Fine Silver Cloisonne Pendant by Sheila Beatty Reg Price $370 Sale Price $222
• Bay Queen Earrings by Hratch Babikian: Reg Price $500 Sale Price $300

Keeping the Bubbles out of Resin

Pictured above is one of my favorite Lulu Smith resin pieces, Hobnob Pendant.

I met a gentleman that works at Corning and he had a lot of experience with resin. I asked him how do they keep out the bubbles and he said to pour it on a downhill grade. I don't know if that will work for smaller items but I'll give it a try. Some of the things that I have tried that help are:

• slightly warming the mold before I pour.
• blow gently over the surface to break the surface tension allowing bubbles to escape.
• Taking bubbles out with a stick pin (this is so not fun)!
• place the mold on a vibrating surface to break the surface tension.
• pour in thin layers so that it is easier for the bubbles to surface.
• last but no least I always say a prayer cause there is never any guarantee when it comes to resin and bubbles!
  

American Craft Council

This was my first year doing the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore. The wholesale show for most vendors and myself was a waste of time however, the retail show proved to be a much better venue. Jewelry artists that seemed to do well were those that worked with gold, newer artists and those that had a price point under $300. Many of the artists that I spoke with that had done the show for 10-20 years felt that it was their worst show ever. However, in putting their comments into perspective they shared with me that when they first started doing the show it was common for artists to have a sign on their booth saying thank you Baltimore because they were entirely sold out on wholesale and/or retail. Oh, those were the good old days!

As a new artist I found the 6 day schedule grueling both physically and mentally. The biggest surprise for me was not the $2000 booth fee but all of the other associated costs. Additional fees include, electricity, piping, display cases (if needed), drapes (if needed), carpeting (if needed), parking, food, and advertising. If you elected to have an ad in the brochure the cost was a whopping $1400.

Although I had my best show ever I still felt that I would have done better if I had made more bangles. I did not bring them in until Saturday and they turned out to be my top seller. I hate doing bangles because they usually require 2-3 hours of sanding and retouching however since I had success selling them at the higher price point I will consider doing more in the future. The cost of goods sold on this item is nominal, but it takes a minimum of 16 hours to prepare and finish five bangles. Given that most of that time is used to sand and retouch the work to say that this drives me crazy is an understatement.

Most artists myself included felt that if selected they would do the show again next year. Given the cost and physical/emotional demands of the show that seems to be a great endorsement.