Why should you buy handmade?

I make Artisan Jewelry.  Over 10 years ago, I started designing jewelry as a hobby but I have been actively pursuing it as a small business owner for the past eight years.  It is a passionate journey for me and I enjoy it.  Working with metal, gemstones, fibers and anything really to make my ideas come to life is a natural high.  Don't get me started on tools, I may have surpassed my husband years ago!

The ironic part is that most times, I don't even wear jewelry.  I have about 10 pieces that I wear religiously because they are a reflection of who I am or what I like. I also purchase from other artists because as part of an artist community we support each other and it is always inspiring to see another artist's vision.

I don't like to be pushy to my friends and neighbors about buying my jewelry.  Most friends and family are aware that I make and sell jewelry.  Some have bought from me in the past and I am very grateful. I put quite a bit of thought and detail into each piece I make and my hope is that someone will love the piece as much as I do.

I have a different outlook on why I wear jewelry.  I don't really look at wearing jewelry as just an accessory.  Jewelry is not disposable.  I would wear every single piece of jewelry that I make because I think wearing jewelry is like wearing a little piece of personal art.  I love it when someone picks up my jewelry and really looks at it. Taking in every detail because that means they understand and appreciate the work that went into each piece. I love when my jewelry is bought by someone who really loves the piece because it means something personal to them.

I use the best quality materials because I want my jewelry to stand out. I have no issue with people purchasing from companies like Lia Sophia, Sundance Catalog, or Silpada.  I actually really like Silpada because they use quality materials and Sundance is also great because they are sourced by jewelry artists.  I do not get offended if someone buys something from somewhere else because it is on sale or less expensive than what I sell.  My prices are derived from the amount of time, materials, and overhead costs it takes to make each piece.  Everything I make is handmade by me.  I don't outsource and because of that you are guaranteed a one of a kind piece of jewelry that if treated with some care, will last a lifetime.  I stand behind that.

Now don't get me wrong.  I do make lots of jewelry and some would not be considered "art" but there is still attention to detail and care when designing and making each piece.  I would encourage everyone to think about the process that was followed when creating a piece of handmade (not homemade, I don't make jam and jelly!) artisan jewelry.  Don't just look at the price tag and think "Oh, it's so expensive for just some beads and metal!" or my favorite comment, "I could make this."  If you could make "this", you would understand how much work went into "this" and realize just how reasonable the price for "this" is.

I belong to a couple groups of artists that design, create and sell their products.  Whether it be jewelry, clothing, beauty products, pet accessories, and even promotional materials, each of these artists put their passion and creativity into everything they create.  When you support them by purchasing from them, it means you appreciate their passion and creativity and validate their efforts.  So before you scoff at a price or decide to buy the "bargain" version, think about buying handmade and everything that goes with it.

Finding the Motivation

Click to see full size pix.

Unfinished project.,
originally uploaded by deliasdelight.

This is a picture of a project that has been waiting to be finished for about 2 months.

My workshop is a mess. I have too many projects ready to be made that I don't know where to start! I just can't find the time to start one of the many projects that I don't know where to start. Hey, isn't the new season of Homeland starting this weekend?

How many of you find yourself trying to force the motivation to be creative? I don't always have this problem but sometimes as life gets busy, I find myself making excuses to not do the thing that I love to do. Make jewelry!

How do you motivate yourself? Let me know!

Welcome to a New Year!

Well, it is 2010 and here's hoping for not only a better year but a busier one. I have made a promise to myself to create one thing a day. Whether it be a card, piece of jewelry, scrapbook layout or even adding to my previously defunct and abandoned blog. I need to be more creative this year. I have been priming myself for bigger and better things and now it is time to be more productive!

I refuse to call it a resolution as I don't want it to be about just this year. I want it to be about moving into the future. One new and fun change has been the addition of a business venture. I decided to jump into becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant.

A friend introduced me to their products and I just love their easy to follow layouts. I have been avoiding the whole scrapbooking scene since I have mostly felt intimidated. I have a friend/neighbor who is crazy creative when it comes to her page layouts. I mean she made a tiki hut out of strips of paper. She's amazing! While I don't think I could be that creative, I would like to start documenting some of my childrens' memories since I have a handful of pictures from my childhood. I think they might appreciate it when they have kids of their own.

So while I am able to take some "side trips" with scrapbooking, I can leave myself more open to my jewelry making. I am going into my fifth semester of Art Jewelry at MCC. I am pretty excited about the syllabus this semester. Right now I am playing with different enameling techniques. I already have a great idea for the "Series" project! My brain is buzzing with new ideas. I just wish that I could be taking the morning session with my very creative and inspiring friends. But I do get to catch up with my evening session friends who I haven't seen in awhile.

Next week I will be teaching a six week Jewelry class at River Art Studio and Gallery in Algonquin, Illinois. I have completed the first two "lesson plans" and need to document the next four. I am going to attempt to make some class kits tonight. I will try to finish that off this weekend.

Already I will be very busy. I just hope I can keep up with myself and my family!

I've been Blogged!

I am very excited! This is the first time I have been blogged! My jewelry creations are my passion.

Just over two years ago, I joined a little website called Etsy. It is one of the sites that I sell on but it is probably the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I have met some of the most wonderful artists and artisans. Etsy is not just an online mall. It is a community of handcrafted junkies like myself. The community aspect of Etsy is what keeps me going.

I belong to two street teams JewelryOnEtsy and Eclectic Jewelry Artisans. Both groups harbor the most giving, fun-loving and talented artists that I have been happy to have met. The purpose of a street team is to gather our efforts to promote ourselves, each other and share knowledge of our chosen artistic medium.

But there is also fun to be had! We are able to vent to each other about common issues, chat and laugh about silly things on Wednesday or Friday nights, but most importantly support each other in our business and even in our personal lives.

Like life nothing is perfect, Etsy is not perfect but it is the perfect place to meet and join up with like minded individuals.

Check out these two great Etsy Street Teams or find one that fits your interests.

EJA Mystical Moon Sale

Starting October 9, 2008 and lasting until Monday, Oct. 13th midnight, is your chance to save big on a wide variety of original, quality handcrafted jewelry from EJA members. It's our "Mystical Moon Sales Event"!

I am offering 20% off on all jewelry currently in stock! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://deliasdelight.etsy.com

In our team store, we are offering 15% off every item as well as free shipping! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com

But wait, there is more!
We have other members who are also offering sales in their individual stores! From 20% off to bogo-50, it's totally worth visiting all the shops. For a listing of participating members and what their sales offering is, just visit our main website at:
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com

The list will be posted on the front page but feel free to visit our member galleries and featured artists page. There's also some great jewelry related and business articles to check out. And don't forget to sign up for our mailing list which enters you into one of our jewelry and gift giveaways! You don't want to miss out on those because each gift bag is worth over $50!!!
If you are interested in joining EJA, please read the About page at our main site before applying.

Thanks and Happy Shopping!

Unfinished Projects - A Summer Proposal

Some people like to have New Year's Resolutions. I don't, well, I don't anymore. If I can't commit to something right away, I'm just not going to follow through on it on the day after I just ate a whole prime rib or have a hangover.

I know I'm not the only one that has a treasure trove of unfinished projects hidden away. I say hidden away because it is really quite embarrassing how many I have. I have a plastic container that has roughly about 30 projects that I started or at least separated specific beads, fibers, and other materials that are neatly packed into little plastic baggies. Some of the concepts are quite recognizable and I'm pretty sure I can pickup where I left off on about half of them. Then there are a few that cause me to pause and say out loud, "What was I thinking?!" Let's not forget those two or three projects that just scream, "Please, please destroy any evidence of me!"

But I am going to start a new Summer Proposal. I propose that I will either finish all of those unfinished projects or rejoin the sundries back to their happy families only to spawn new projects. I propose that I will finish projects that I start in the hopes that I can be rid of any further embarrassment. Please come join me on this magical journey! You can do it too!

DISCLAIMER: Summer is only three months long so if you don't get to all of the unfinished projects you can always say "Well, I just ran out of time!"

The Warm Winds of Spring!

OK so it isn't really that warm, 30 degrees but for those of us in Suburban Chicago, 30 is a heatwave!

The good news is that with Spring comes new growth! Not just the bursting of life outside but the growth that comes with new challenges and the things that pop up in everyday life that cause us to grow or change in some new way.

I have been taking this Art Jewelry class at McHenry County College and I just love it! The Ladies (and one Gentleman) are so supportive and willing to lend advice. I have even been asked a few times for help or advice which I am always happy to give! It is just a great nurturing environment and I know I was meant to take this class to grow as an artist.

Through this I have also found an opportunity to teach at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair that will be hosted at the college. One of my classmates referred me to the gal running it and it just worked out!

Best of all, my husband is finally done with my studio in the basement! I just got my torch hooked up and I am going to start teaching classes in my studio! I have a good feeling about this since I will be able to work around other's schedules and mine and not worry about child care.

I did get one of my tutorials published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry which I am very proud of. This was just the boost I needed to get motivated to do more tutorials and submit proposals for classes at some other Jewelry Fests in the near future.

While I have had some health and personal issues the past few weeks which seemed to bog me down a bit, it seems that all is well and good things are coming my way.

So I guess my advice or comment to all is just get through the day because there is always something brighter on the horizon. Be ready for those winds of change with a positive outlook!

EJA Collaboration Gift Giveaway and Special 2008 Sale

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Present:
A Special 2008 Sale and Gift Giveaway!!!!

Team EJA is doing it again, another fantastic giveaway of handcrafted jewelry and gifts that are valued at $50!! Here is what you need to do to enter the drawing:

1. Visit http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on “Collaboration” in the menu.
3. Choose your favorite item to vote for.
4. Cast your vote by filling out this form:
Voting Form and Signup
Note: One vote per person. Drawing will be held on Valentines Day, 08. Three people will win!

Onto the sale…
Team EJA is offering FREE SHIPPING and 10% off on any item in their shop over $20!!! To take advantage of this great sale, please purchase your item and then wait for an updated invoice from EJA. Prices in the shop do not reflect the discounts. This offer is valid until Feb. 19th, 08.
Our shop is located at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com

And feel free to visit our website for member listings, articles and more fantastic jewelry.

A Winter Wonderland Giveaway

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans present:
A Winter Wonderland Giveaway

Three lucky winners will get a prize package worth $50!
Drawing will be held on Dec. 14th, 07.

Two ways to enter:
Visit http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com and find the member's banner
with the red outline.
or
Visit http://teamEJA.etsy.com and name one person in the "Reflecting"
category.

Send in your answer by filling out this form:
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html

If you answer both questions, I'll give you 2 entries into the drawing.

Happy Holidays from the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans!!

Getting Ready for the Big Show!

Am I the only one that stays up until 3am the night(or morning) before an Art and Craft show that starts at 9am the next day?
Yeah, I'm one of those nervous nellies that waits until the last minute. That panic that sets in that makes you create more jewelry in fear you might run out (HAH, only in a perfect world). Or the organizing of your display materials so that you pack them in the order in which you will take them out and put your display together at the show. Or the making sure that every item is tagged properly, shined or in perfect display readiness. Then of course there is the bringing of extra pens, calculators, sales receipts, hand-stamped gift bags and boxes, tissue paper for wrapping, or office supplies for just in case emergencies. Yes, ladies and gents, the rabbit hole goes deep! And then when you get to the show you are amoung the first to arrive to make sure that you get every bit of that 6 foot table space you put your money down on weeks or months ahead of time. As you put out your display you watch as the disorganized crafters drag their rumpled cardboard boxes filled to the brim with tablecloths and hanging apparatus that use to be used for something entirely different. Oh those poor lost souls that probably got a good night's sleep the night before as you pondered and preened after every last detail. It's insanity I tell you! But after all is said and done, you sit back and sip your favorite house blend coffee that you brought from home in your togo cup that you bought in bulk at Costco, as you sit and watch the other vendors scramble to get their crafts perfectly displayed. Hee hahahaahaha, YEAH!

Vote for your Favorite and Win!

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisan Etsy Street Team is holding a designer's challenge and competition. Our theme is "Reflecting". When you vote, you will be entered into our free gift giveaway on October 26th!!

Here's what you need to do:
1. Visit the new Team EJA store at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on "Reflecting Competition" on the right-hand side menu to see all the entries.
3. Then click this link to cast your vote: http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html

If you are already an Etsy member, you may also vote by sending a convo.

Discounts: As part of the grand opening of the new Team EJA store, we are offering free shipping on all items through the month of October! In the note to seller just enter "Grand Opening" and we will send an updated invoice.