As of today my blog can be found here:
Simple Design Jewelry
Please check that site out for my latest posts. I am working on the new site and will eventually have a store there.
Thanks!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Simple Design Jewelry--The Brand
The time has come, I need to devise a branding strategy. I have been using a half decent picture of a stack of rings for my logo, but I don't feel it conveys the image I want to present. The name Simple Design is exactly what I want to provide. I am not personally fond of "fussy" designs, which, I suppose, is why the stacking rings appeal to me. I would like my logo to show:
- The simplicity of my designs.
- My love of color.
- The beauty of my jewelry.
- Of course, the logo must also be attractive, meaning pleasing to the eye and able to attract attention.
I don't have the money to hire someone to create this logo for me, so I am trying to come up with something myself, but I don't really know how to "design a logo".
Yesterday I heard through one of my Facebook groups that Vistaprint was having a 50% off sale, so I decided to have a look. I chose one of their stock images and ordered 500 business cards for $12.50. Heck of a deal! This is what I chose, and I really like it.
This will work wonderfully until I find someone to help me design a custom logo.
I have been busy with sales lately. January was my best month ever on Etsy, but February is looking to be even better! I even had a sale on ArtFire! I have also been getting some wonderful feedback from my buyers. Their kind words make me feel good about my design and fabrication skills and my skill improvement.
I'm finally getting into a rhythm with working full time and still creating jewelry. It's kind of funny because at work all I can think of is what I want to do when I get home, but when I get home I'm usually so tired from work that I don't do anything. I have decided to work at least one night a week, even if it is just finishing something up or cleaning my workbench. On weekends I get all my orders completed and try to work on something new.
Now I just need to take the time to photograph and list the new items I have! Here's an example:
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| Sterling Silver Bulls-eye Earrings |
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| Green Agate Pendant on Sterling Silver Chain |
Sorry for the small pictures, but they were taken with my cell phone and get really fuzzy if I enlarge them.
I''m trying to set a week night to work on the blog as well, since it has been woefully neglected, but I'm not making any promises.
Until next time...
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Pinterest - The New Way to Find Information
The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post on the same topic on odd months and on even months we take on a Pinterest Challenge where we each take inspiration from a Pinterest picture, creating something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then posting about it. You can read more about the Artists Synchroblog here.
This month's topic: December Pinterest Challenge
For this month's synchroblog each blogger is to find an item from Pinterest, try it and blog the results. Well, I have tried a few Pinterest recipes and such, but I didn't take pictures or notes, so, I had to come up with something else. I spoke in a previous post about Pinterest providing a lot of inspiration for my jewelry, but it also provides a lot of links to information and instruction.
I love finding charts showing lengths to cut ring shanks for specific sizes, comparison sizing in millimeters, so I can get an idea of a stones size, drill bit sizing, saw blade sizing, etc. All of those things come in very handy. I use at least one of them every time I'm at the bench.
From this first chart, I can tell that the stones in these rings are a little bit larger than a pencil eraser.
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| 17mm Amethyst Ring |
And, this stone is approximately the size of a dime.
The second chart shows the length your ring stock needs to be cut for specific sizes.
It is always amazing to me the amount of information available on the web, and the ways that Pinterest has enabled that information to be more easily found.
Finally, there is this pin, showing my sentiments to all of you!
Please visit the other bloggers this month to see their Synchroblog posts:
Friday, November 15, 2013
November Synchroblog: My Studio
The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post on the same topic on odd months and on even months we take on a Pinterest Challenge where we each take inspiration from a Pinterest picture, creating something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then posting about it. You can read more about the Artists Synchroblog here.
This month's topic: Studio/Home Tour
Ha. It's not really a "studio", it's actually a corner in a bedroom. The desk was my grandmother's and I really like using something of hers. She was a fan of well made jewelry and I hope my designs would be something she liked.
This month's topic: Studio/Home Tour
Ha. It's not really a "studio", it's actually a corner in a bedroom. The desk was my grandmother's and I really like using something of hers. She was a fan of well made jewelry and I hope my designs would be something she liked.
I placed a piece of plywood on top of the desk to protect the surface a bit and to provide a place to clamp my bench pin and flax shaft hanger. I am considering adding height by making a frame of 1x6's and a smaller piece of plywood on top of that. Doing so would allow me to put my bench pin directly in front of me, but I don't think it would let me use my saw.
Please visit the other bloggers this month to see their studio spaces:
Sunday, September 15, 2013
September Synchroblog -- Inspiration
The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post on the same topic on odd months and on even months we take on a Pinterest Challenge where we each take inspiration from a Pinterest picture, creating something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then posting about it. You can read more about the Artists Synchroblog here.
This month's topic:September
INSPIRATION/INFLUENCES
“My inspiration comes from…”
This is a much tougher question for me than it probably should be. As I have stated before, I never considered myself artistic. The part of metalsmithing that I enjoy the most is the construction, design is the part that I am trying to learn.
At this point, I guess most of my inspiration comes from other jewelry. I have been making simple stacking rings and wire earrings. There really isn't any design in these pieces, I just put them together.
This month's topic:September
INSPIRATION/INFLUENCES
“My inspiration comes from…”
This is a much tougher question for me than it probably should be. As I have stated before, I never considered myself artistic. The part of metalsmithing that I enjoy the most is the construction, design is the part that I am trying to learn.
At this point, I guess most of my inspiration comes from other jewelry. I have been making simple stacking rings and wire earrings. There really isn't any design in these pieces, I just put them together.
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I actually have a Pinterest board of Jewelry to Inspire that contains the designs of others that I like. As you can probably tell from the name of my business, I prefer designs that are simple rather than fussy. I am learning to draw and using those designs as a starting point. Fortunately, I have associated myself with some amazing designers to get inspiration from. Be sure to check out their blogs to find what inspires them.
As a follow up from my last post regarding ArtFire, I have had more views in ArtFire than Etsy for the same period, however, no favorites or purchases. I'll keep going and see what happens.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Giving ArtFire a shot
With all the changes Etsy has been making, I have decided to give ArtFire a trial. I have not closed my Etsy shop.
It's not that I don't like Etsy. Quite the opposite, actually. Overall I think they do a great job for the independent artist. I do have concerns, however, with the constant "testing" the site is doing and with their attitude that every engineer employed there can implement a test at any time. I'm afraid the constant change will have a negative effect on customers as well as my shop's ability to be found. Then there is the constant Etsy problem with re-sellers.
Let me know what you think. Simple Design Jewelry
Monday, July 15, 2013
July Artists Synchroblog - Morning Bird or Night Owl?
The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post on the same topic on odd months and on even months we take on a Pinterest Challenge where we each take inspiration from a Pinterest picture, creating something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then posting about it. You can read more about the Artists Synchroblog here.
This month's topic:
Which are you - a Morning Bird or a Night Owl?
Do you roll out of bed in the morning rip roaring and ready to go? Or do you stumble eyes shut to the coffee pot growling at anyone in your way?
This is a tougher question than one might think. I tend to be a night owl, if given the chance, but when I am working a regular job, I definitely get more done in the morning. Strange.
As far as jewelry goes, I can really only work in the afternoons or at night. I live with other people and have to be considerate of their schedules. Also, I am on the 2nd floor of the house so I can't bang around too much.
So, I guess the answer is: Yes! I am a Morning Bird and a Night Owl.
Here is what I have been working on (in the afternoons and at night):
These rings are larger than my normal stacking rings and I hope they attract more attention. They are really substantial and I like them even better.
Be sure to read these other Synchrobloggers.
http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com
http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/
www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.comhttp://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog
http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry
http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/
http://marikach.blogspot.com/
http://design.kcjewelbox.com
www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
This month's topic:
Which are you - a Morning Bird or a Night Owl?
Do you roll out of bed in the morning rip roaring and ready to go? Or do you stumble eyes shut to the coffee pot growling at anyone in your way?
or
Are you in bed before the sun goes down? Or do you burn the midnight oil?
As far as jewelry goes, I can really only work in the afternoons or at night. I live with other people and have to be considerate of their schedules. Also, I am on the 2nd floor of the house so I can't bang around too much.
So, I guess the answer is: Yes! I am a Morning Bird and a Night Owl.
Here is what I have been working on (in the afternoons and at night):
Be sure to read these other Synchrobloggers.
http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com
http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/
www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.comhttp://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog
http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry
http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/
http://marikach.blogspot.com/
http://design.kcjewelbox.com
www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
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