more pics and descriptions added

In article ,
Deirdre S. wrote:

That's a major dilemma for me in my Michaels gig. They have *nothing
else*. If this small group continues to come to my classes as a group,
I think I'll suggest they go in on a co-op buy from Monsterslayer or
some other good supplier.

Deirdre

Be VERY careful... Michaels will probably fire you if they hear word of
that! But then, I think you should advertise your own, independent
classes anyway.

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

I just wanted to add that a very good reason to know your materials well
before you sell is that although you may be just getting started, a
person who finds your website and wants to order doesn't know that. Just
as you assumed that anything they sell at the store must be "good", an
uninformed buyer at your site will assume that if you're selling it, it
must be "good". Sure, it is good... but good is relative.

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

In article ,
Deirdre S. wrote:

Me, too. Pewter and copper are both reasons why I disagree with the
notion that only precious metals are 'good enough' for jewelry
components.

I've made my own S-clasps using G/F wire, SS wire, brass wire and
copper wire. *They function about the same*, IME.

There's a vast middle-ground between precious metals and base metal.
Base metal and pot metal is usually iron or zinc, which are nutritious
but brittle! Brass, copper, and pewter are good for findings. (zinc,
btw, is non-ferrous and won't stick to a magnet; nor will brass or
copper. There are lots of silver or nickel-plated brass and copper
findings out there.)

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

Ok - can I raise the price of your necklace after the fact??

Kathy K
"Kalera Stratton" wrote in message
...
In article ,
uppies (Dr. Sooz) wrote:

Also -- this next is bizarre, but true -- people are usually (if not
always)
more willing to pay for the pricier items of jewelry. It seems they are
suspicious of jewelry that's too inexpensive -- it seems too cheap to be
worth
buying, I guess (can you say "Junk"?). Weird but TRUE customer
psychology....
~~
Sooz

I can address this. I save my money to spend on pieces I truly like, and
feel are worth the investment. These pieces are NOT disposable to me...
I foresee wearing them for a long time. If an artisan has put their
knowlwdge and skill into a piece, as well as their time and material
expenses, I expect it to cost a fair amount. If it doesn't, I expect a
corner has been cut somewhere, possibly only in their confidence, but
still *somewhere*.

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

In article , "KDK"
wrote:

Ok - can I raise the price of your necklace after the fact??

Kathy K

Tooo late! *cackle*

I really love it, though, and I think you can sell for more... if
selling is a direction you want to head in. You have an excellent eye
for design. There are a few details to polish up, but overall I think
your work is ready.

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

Cool! Thanks - and yes I am working my way to selling.
Open to tips and suggestions.

Kathy K

"Kalera Stratton" wrote in message
...
In article , "KDK"
wrote:

Ok - can I raise the price of your necklace after the fact??

Kathy K

Tooo late! *cackle*

I really love it, though, and I think you can sell for more... if
selling is a direction you want to head in. You have an excellent eye
for design. There are a few details to polish up, but overall I think
your work is ready.

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

In article , "KDK"
wrote:

Cool! Thanks - and yes I am working my way to selling.
Open to tips and suggestions.

Kathy K

Ok, I really only have two suggestions, and they're both very small
details; one is to snip your wire end flush with the crimp (nail cutters
are good for that) and the other is to invest in a good wire-wrapping
video or book so you can get perfect loops on your earrings.

Mind you, I am completely happy with my set and I feel I got it for a
great price! Your design skills and stringing technique are immaculate;
the beads are tight, there's no slack, your materials are high-quality,
and the dragonfly is a classy and whimsical touch. (Which my friend Sara
is desperately jealous of; she loves butterflies!)

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

And I agree with both 100%. Thanks for the tip on the nail cutters- I
wouldn't have thought of that! I even got some of the flush cutters, but
can never seems to get it "flush" enough. I prefer to run the line back
through a few beads - but some are too small for that.

And I need to practice my loops more. I'm using the technique I learned in
class- but the results are not always consistent. And a video/book would
also show more "looks" I think.

Thanks Kalera!

Kathy K
"Kalera Stratton" wrote in message
...
In article , "KDK"
wrote:

Cool! Thanks - and yes I am working my way to selling.
Open to tips and suggestions.

Kathy K

Ok, I really only have two suggestions, and they're both very small
details; one is to snip your wire end flush with the crimp (nail cutters
are good for that) and the other is to invest in a good wire-wrapping
video or book so you can get perfect loops on your earrings.

Mind you, I am completely happy with my set and I feel I got it for a
great price! Your design skills and stringing technique are immaculate;
the beads are tight, there's no slack, your materials are high-quality,
and the dragonfly is a classy and whimsical touch. (Which my friend Sara
is desperately jealous of; she loves butterflies!)

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe

In article , "KDK"
wrote:

And I agree with both 100%. Thanks for the tip on the nail cutters- I
wouldn't have thought of that! I even got some of the flush cutters, but
can never seems to get it "flush" enough. I prefer to run the line back
through a few beads - but some are too small for that.

And I need to practice my loops more. I'm using the technique I learned in
class- but the results are not always consistent. And a video/book would
also show more "looks" I think.

Thanks Kalera!

Kathy K

You're welcome... and thank you! I got MORE compliments on my necklace
and earrings today!

--
-Kalera

---------

http://www.beadwife.com
auctions at http://www.snurl.com/1sfe