The Frugal Artisan

When I showed off a recent collection of hammered freehand formed sea life pendants I made to my BIL, he quipped something like 'What were they drinking'. Yes, silly boy humor.

But seriously, I am proud of the new work and am planning a small line of pendants, bracelets and earrings in similar shapes.

Copper hammered links of ocean sweetheart are accented with glass beads.



Copper hammered starfish outline is enhanced with bits of red coral, dark freshwater pearl, and sparkling glass beads. Satin ribbon.
Also planned: starfish motif earrings



Copper hammered seahorse is enhanced with bits of red coral, dark freshwater pearl, and glass beads.

Not shown: Copper dolphin pendant. This is already in a shop priced at $24

Thanks for looking!

A mere 6 hr drive landed us in King's Canyon National Park, just east of Fresno, California.

Being that my better half was a world away for a month working overseas, I had decided to take my kids for a fairly easy short trip to Grant Grove. Visiting the Sequoia's is always a treat and I had heard many years ago the rustic cabins are great.

Fortunately we could travel mid-week which means there were openings for the days I wanted (I reserved only a month ahead) because the camp and cabin weekends usually reserve almost a year ahead for anything Sequoia/Yosemite/Yellowstone related.

What a deal! We used the least costly cabin (about $70/night) for two double beds, sheets and blankets and towels. Showers and flush toilets were in an uncroweded common bath house 50 steps away, used only by the other rustic cabin renters. No electricity but propane/gas stoves allowed (like Coleman).

The verdict?
Highly satisfied! There were enough trails, programs, and time to relax for all of us. The memories and experience were many times worth the budget cost.

Highlights?
Walks to Sequoia trees still amaze. There was a guided walk everyday which we actually missed.



I splurged on a 2-hr horseback ride for my daughter. Also worth every penny!

Casual photo class by a young ranger, my kids were interested.



I planned to bring some meals, and buy a couple. Not able to find my husband's high tech camp stove, I pulled out my OLD Bleuet propane canister backpack burner. It hadn't been used for 10 years and I didn't think I could even get a canister easily but Big 5 Sport right in town had 2 and I snagged them on the way!

Boiled water for morning coffee, tea and soup. Guess what else it was good for?



Oh, and there was a full blown restaurant, market and pizza room another 50 steps away. Easy! We had one dinner and one pizza, the first kinda pricey but we all had kid's meals and the latter reasonably priced and GOOD! The pizza room ran a video movie every night. We saw 'The Last Mimsy' (ever heard of it? good kid's movie).

Thinking the nights would be cold and the linens unsatisfactory, I packed extra sleeping bags, pillows and towels. We never used them.

So THAT'S WHY I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA!' (*slaps head*) oh yea...

baby eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, zuchinni, and a big long red stem weird lettuce kind of thing are all surplus in our garden. We gave away a basket full at a birthday party yesterday, and my kid had a good idea to have a 'Fresh Farm Produce' stand on the corner in another week. OK, yes!!

It's August, and there really is only one more full month before the Oct/Nov/Dec art and craft shows are a reality. So I am making new stock in ernest!

I've 5 new styles.

Double scroll Earrings (see previous post)
Scrolled heart earrings (see previous post)

Fleur de Lis Earrings


French royalty symbol crafted in navy blue copper core wire dress up any lady. Two fancy curled links swing freely and include a variety of pretty drops (shown top to bottom: white formal elongated faux ivory pearl teardrop, red sparkling glass ball). All w/12K gf earwires.

SPECIAL $5 SALE in my webstore! I'm clearing out older inventory and getting lots of views on this one-

Asian Jadeite Fan Earrings


Classic shape in white-apple green stone, with a subtle shine. Faceted both sides. 14K GP hooks.
Order

here

Does your young kid, much to your chagrin, cut the doll's hair, the cat's whiskers, or raid your closet to dress up?

OK, try this. Your sanity will be saved, not to mention your dollars, with this thrift store / yardsale tip:

Most of the stuffed animals in our local thrifts are $1 or less. Go pick out a really long haired one and let your little future groomer give it a hair cut. We've done this twice and it is FUN and REWARDING. You wouldn't believe how different the critter will look afterwards. My kid even did a 'poodle' style on one, ie puffy feet, poofy tail end. HA!

Anyone try this trick out with a long haired thrift doll for future salon owners?

Treat your princess with a really fancy ~ real wedding ~ gown. Yes, thrifts sell formals! And the cost is a teeny price for the glamour. Cut the bottom off to shorten (squeeze your eyes closed and just CUT!). Pin the back or straps to make it smaller.

........................................

Making inventory for end of the year boutiques!
Here's another new original.

Scroll Heart Earrings


Simple sweet hearts in pure copper. Peach pearl and teal crystal drop. Also in sterling silver. Contact me for special order.

Double Scroll Earrings


Fancy scrolls linked together with a little garnet flirt. 12K gf hooks.

Available by special order.

Are we having fun yet? Summer vacation is probably about half way through - some of it has been fun and carefree, some of it has been a major obstacle.

The good news is we made a second trip to the library and enjoyed many hours searching and browsing for great stories and activities. Thank goodness for the library. Other good finds include a very low cost high quality tennis league for one of my kids. And a week of horseback camp for the other was to die for naturally.

The bad news is that one of the summer activities didn't work out as well as hoped. It was a very difficult but popular kid's beach lifeguarding program. Hard and serious fun. But two of three weeks were enough for one of mine. No more worries and tense mornings about what had to be overcome that day thank you.

For me? Steadily checking off things to be done with the time off work. Including designing and making new chain and wire work.

Here is a test of new links for a necklace.

Partial Links for Necklace Chain

Try to imagine it with a few sparkling drops in strategic places such as between the links or off the scrolls.

Using much self discipline to continue home updates on a shoestring. It would be easy to just lay around and put off improvements, but I try to take advantage of free time. Yard sales yesterday were a bonus moment! The big empty space on top of the TV cabinet now contains a wide 6-candle holder, with candles, next to the new floral arrangement I did earlier this summer.

Will someone tell the yard to stop growing? It takes a few days to tend the backyard, mowing, trimming and harvesting. Picked potatoes and apples, and made cobbler. Impossible to do it all at once, I'd drop dead.

The outdoor upstairs patio is scrubbed, also a once/year thing. My kids did it, they get soaked, but I motivate them with a salary!

We all made our entries to the fair, now that's a treat! My jewelry case is themed 'Wraps, Weaves and Links' contains some of these:

Upward Spiral

Your very own little piece of California Real Estate! Beach agate, polished to a shine, wrapped in silver and blues.

A Different Kind of Web

Abstract wrapped agate in two tone green and gold.

Copper and Pink Turquoise Links


Cream Puff

Sparkling garnet and pearl in 14K gold filled wrapped ring.

Thanks for reading!

About 2 years ago I stopped in a 'surplus-come-art-and-teacher-supply' place called

Art From Scrap. A fun and crazy place, with stuff donated from almost every source you can imagine. (More of these centers are starting up here and there.)

Restraining myself, I came out with only a stack of about 100 2" x 4" specimen envelopes for about a buck. The thought was they were just the right size for packaging jewelry.

Well I still have most of the envelopes awaiting a higher purpose.

AHA! Last week the perfect use came to mind. I love making cards and have a small stash of nice odds and ends, ie ribbon, fancy paper, buttons, beads, trim. And these little $1 punches at Michaels are a hoot. I got one, in the shape of a swirl.

So I made mini cards, fancy ones little collage style ones.

Here's an example or two or three...

Mini Cards



Lots of details in these 2" x 4" minis, notice the strings of beads, butterfly and leave charms, tiny pictures (from a glossy past calendar featuring incredible scenes in China), words clipped from scrap book paper, and more.

Lots more and priced for the budget sender at $1.50 ea.

When do you get something for nothing? Working backwards from yesterday the summer vacation free score is a winner...

...we asked the neighbor 2 doors down if they wanted to sell their driveway basketball hoop to us. It was used by them for many years by their now teen son who has outgrown it. Perfect now for my pre-teen son. They not only agreed but offered it FREE. These are good neighbors, we've had many a BBQ between us. Their teen wheeled it 2 doors down to our place and I gave him $10 for his trouble. (PS Craig's list didn't have ANY, so we lucked out!)

Quick aside, please take a peek at a summer jewel from my 'Oyster' collection.

Oyster Necklace (Gold)


How does it feel to open a shell and find a pearl? Here's how with a tahitian colored freshwater pearl cemented into a natural shell. Handmade gold filled bail, 18" fine link gold plated chain.


Oyster Earrings (Gold)



Mussels from the sandy beach of California made into a rare treasure. I collect the shells, sterilize and cement a freshwater pearl inside. Then handmake the bails and hang on 14K g.p. hooks.

Both available now at the Harbor Village Gallery (Ventura) or contact me here to order.

...on the first unscheduled vacation day I smartly had an outing with the kids to the library. We haven't been for awhile since both are older and do most of their school assignments from home materials. It was a treat! A good time was had by all. Near the hand binding book references (my choice) were were How to Draw Animals and Collage and Wire Crafting and Card Making books. The kids just stopped and dropped and were consumed for 20 minutes on the spot. Then up in the children's area my girl got excited about revisiting a couple books on tape (now disc) which we used to do 5 years ago when she was little. She wanted to regress a little! Happily so and other good reading was taken out for both!

...the first week of vacation we went to Washington DC (it was hot but not as hot as now!) and shared a room with my husband who already was there for a business trip. I suppose though we paid for extra people in the room, the experience was priceless. My favorite off-the-beaten-path place? The National Geographic Society exhibits on their first floor. FREE. At this time it was an in depth look at Leonardo Da Vinci. Including a full study of the Mona Lisa restoration of original colors and portions that have disappeared (due to the oil paint fading). Kids loved it, they know that picture! Also some hands on replicas of his inventions, ie wood gears, balancing machines, etc (you were supposed to try out). We chose to buy each of their best friends (who were babysitting the pet mouse and pet fish) a thank you gift here.

...You already know all the big museums are free in Washington DC. And we did the biggies, ie the Natural History Museum, the Air Space Museum and the National Archives. But one other FREE lesser known attraction worthy of note in Washington are the walking tours by

DC on Foot. A very knowledgeable and fun guide took our ad hoc group (whoever met at the designated corner) from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and a couple dozen points between. The fellow was a previous teacher, long time resident, and gave us hilarious details, fun quizzes and swore us en masse in using the Presidential Oath of Office. They take no fee, tips only (we did $10 for our group of 3).

Next post!!! Sprucing Up on a Shoestring! Stay tuned.

Kids have 1/2 day school tomorrow, I get to take the whole day off. So goodbye bus commute. But my workday is increasing next school year so I will not be able to take the bus (until both kids are in a longer school day). Drat.

Anyway I have a sweet fun idea to kick start their summer vacation and it's free. Of course! But first, the nasty details.

First few days of vacation are consumed with expenseless tasks;

...get down and completely wash, rinse and dry the tile floors (hoping to bleach out a few grout stains too). This is going to take one whole day (partial). But fun allowed after the work, perhaps a trip to pick out paint colors for the kitchen (see below).

...move all the furniture and polish the wood floors with a bit of cleaner and perhaps something to buff (like muscle powered rags dampened with Pledge). Ummm, dontcha hate it when down there how you notice the dirty baseboards???? A Mr. Clean Magic Sponge will be right next to me the whole time.

Two days shot already.

...Insert a family trip to Wash DC for a week. Yippee! We will take a DC by Foot (free) tour, as well as many free museums. I splurged on tix for the new Spy Museum but got free gallery seats in the Capitol Building from my congressman. We'll also visit the Library of Congress, and who knows!

...Next is a craft booth at our town's July 4 party (it's huge) and sell lots of stuff! Here are a few of the better items I may take;

Agate Cameo

Personally collected on the sandy beach and tumbled to a gloss polish, this stone is held by 14K GK wire weave.

Agate Pod

Sterling Silver weave accented with a pink sparkling swarovski crystal enhance a polished oval beach stone.

...Paint the kitchen. Yes. It's been 15 years and still has the original when we bought the place. It's not alot of walls, but you know what happens when you take everything off the counters, curtains down, etc. UGHHHH. It's so dirty. So at least a whole day to clean and prep the place.

A couple weeks into summer vacation by now.

...reupholster the dining room seats and the futon cover. I did this myself about 10 years ago and they are due for a change. You wouldn't believe how much material it takes for just 6 dining room chair seats. This one is going to cost some bucks. And I'd love to obtain enough of the same material to make a new full size futon cover because the dining and den are next to each other.

Three or four weeks used now, and a hundred bucks (2 if the futon thing works out).

...various kid's camps and activities on the calendar, such as chess club, ice skate lessons, jr lifeguards.

I'll stop there, but here's the first fun thing I promised to divulge - we're going to the Humane Society and hang out with the cats and dogs for a couple hours. We are hoping to foster a dog this summer (as a pal for my DS) and get a cat in the not too distant future. The only thing in the way is my current dog's temperament, high strung. He has to accept whomever we adopt. Wish us luck!

What are these numbers? Starting from the top, the last was a bigger than expected check received from the art association for last month's sales. WOOT! I keep a written inventory of things in the gallery and add things up in my head when I stop in every couple weeks and notice what's sold, but I didn't think THAT much had sold this past month. Gotta go in and replace!

The second to last number? The retail price of a 'Planted' Frame I am designing and producing, part of the Pretty Cheap collection of home accessories. See one here...



(anyone have a better name for this new line?)

The $1 refers to the raw materials for the frame, not bad!! Although about another $1 of hard varnish finish is used.

And for free? Near the end of 2008 or 2009 the dollar store gives away their surplus calendars free. I picked up a few and have saved them awaiting a good use.

VOILA! One of the calendars was pictures of sharpei dogs. Just perfect for showing in the new frames.

Am pleased to show my latest finished work. Watches are a timeless gift, suitable for all occasion. And as you should suspect, these are great quality though priced very affordably. I remain true to my name ...

Warm red and peach tones are an eye catching attraction on a fancy bracelet band. Oval abalone accented with two-tone stripes, large faceted rondelles, coral and sparkling glass dress up a day just enough.


Understated simplicity, rich style. Classic design of 3 strands pale mint colored flourite stone bands with antique silvertone accents throughout.


Modern and casual. Serpentine stone bars separated with matte glass pearl and a single rich mauve colored glass bead on each band.


Formal black and white fashion perfect for evening and special occasion. Polished black stone edged with sparkling crystals, silvertone accents throughout.

All watches size medium, feature toggle clasps. Battery included.

DAYBREAK SPECIAL - DAYBREAK SPECIAL - DAYBREAK SPECIAL
...................................................
Order any of the above items and get a second watch free (shown below). All watches gift boxed. All watches priced $25.00 (shipping not included). OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 5 DAYBREAK.


Free Watch features earthtones in stone and glass around an antiqued silvertone face. Fancy numbers, detailed rim and toggle clasp.

Contact me at prettycheapjewelry@gmail.com to order.

A twitter follower asked for a good homemade dog biscuit recipe and I have three (will send her the link to this post).

Meat Lovers
Dogs are carnivores face it, and can't resist the flavor. You should never pour the bacon fat, beef trimmings or chicken drippings away again.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 C powdered milk
6 Tbsp meat drippings
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 C ice water

Steps:
1. Lightly oil cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour, powdered milk, salt, garlic powder and sugar in a large bowl.
3. Cut in meat drippings.
4. Mix in egg.
5. Add enough ice water so mixture forms a ball.
6. Pat dough to 1/2" thick.
7. Cut with cookie cutter (I have a dog bone shape!).
8. Bake 25-30 min @350 deg F.
9. Cool. Store in refrig.

Cheese Lovers
If you have cut way back on the red meat but still want to make irresistable treats, this one's for you.

Ingredients:
4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C vegetable oil
3 tsp garlic powder
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/4 C shredded cheese
1 1/4 C milk

Steps:
1. Lightly oil cookie sheet.
2. Combine flour and garlic powder in a large bowl.
3. Gradually stir in oil, cheese, egg and milk.
4. Blend well.
5. Roll out dough gently. (Don't worry about making a tender flaky dough, the dog will eat it anyway!)
6. Cut with cookie cutter.
7. Bake 25 min @400 deg F. Time may vary due to thickness.
8. Cool. Store in refrig.

Peanut Butter Dog Cookies for the Vegetarian Homes
Yes, you can please just about anyone!

Ingredients:
2 1/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C white flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 C peanut butter
1 C milk

Steps:
1. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
2. Combine flours and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Combine milk and peanut butter in a separate bowl and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually stir peanut butter mixture into flour mixture.
5. Knead by hand and roll out on a floured surface. (Don't worry about making a tender flaky dough, the dog will eat it anyway!)
6. Cut with cookie cutter.
7. Bake 15 min @400 deg F. Time may vary due to thickness.
8. Cool. Store in refrig.

My dog loves all three.
TIP: GREAT easy fun for kids to do by themselves. Yes, the dog will eat them no matter what!!

TIP: GREAT for gifts at winter holidays (NO ICING). Fill cello bags and tie with happy dog bone tags.

Thanks and happy dog cookie days.

Watch faces arrived and they are very nice quality. Heavy construction, stainless steel back, fresh battery. I designed and crafted the watchbands, and am giving away the first one!

Silver and earthtones | Stone and Crystal


Size, Large (8" length total)

NOTE: Slight imperfection numbers 2 and 3 are faded.

First customer at

http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com gets it with any $25 purchase.

Thanks.

Not dessert (though I do save that for last). The last piece of sterling silver wire in stock was exactly enough to produce 3 magical rings. Pictures of two:

Turquoise Spellbinder


Flowing curves accented with turquoise and swarovski crystal. Adjustable, sterling, $20.00

Dream Heart


A stunner with absolute flashing swarovski crystal heart and moonstone (a manmade material of almost black color filled with tiny silver inflections). Adjustable, sterling, $20.

Order by special request only, both going to a shop by June 5.

For the last year (I hope) there will be a decorated 'Take your chance on Fun' box in the summer vacation kitchen.

It contains slips of paper, about half with fun things to do, and about half with chore-type (but not too serious) things to do.

When the big B(oredom) strikes either of my school age kids this summer, they can pick a slip. The catch? The person MUST MUST MUST do what is written on the slip. Therefore, the kid might think twice and go get busy without further problem instead of picking a chore. Or if they are really stuck, they take their chances.

Of course, if any slip involves adult help, (me), I am obligated to play along.

OK. Here are a few of the very low cost, high yield things going on slips...

(after I show off new work)

SWIRL PEARL GRADUATION SET


Delicate curves resemble a symphonic clef in matching necklace and earring sizes. Tahitian style pearl accented with a bit of swarovski sparkle adds class and timelessness. 12K GF hooks, 18" GP chain. Boxed.

Fun
1 hour squirt gun war
1 hour water balloon game
bake cookies
make ice cream sundaes
go to movie rental store
play cards 1 hour
trip to the library
trip to the beach
bus ride somewhere in the city

Chore
walk the dog 1/2 ~ 1 hour
trim the lawn
sweep the 1st floor and stairs
sweep the backyard patio and driveway
wash windows
trim backyard bushes / trees

The more I hang out around my local art association members, the more I am amazed! What a pleasure to be part of great creativity, which undoubtedly rubs off and helps my own right brain think up stuff.

Quick examples -- I'm working on a new collection of science themed gifts (boxed and perfect for graduations) like these:

Seismograph Earrings


Oscillating gold tone wire resemble the earthquake recording!

Celestial Silver


Pure heaven in sterling, stone, and swarovski crystal. Adjustable ring conveys sparkling affection.

Pleasant Surprises
Last weekend a young, single fellow who is a part time artist (with a day job in contracting) had a 'house party' for friends and locals. The attraction was to paint a rock with a 'magic' theme, prizes for the best entries, and a gratis magic show.

I went with my 4th grader who is not yet altogether self-conscious about what/where she does and who also likes to make stuff.

Historic Home
Upon arriving, the first amazement was that this fellow rents a BIG HUGE BEAUTIFUL historic 110 year house on fourteen acres. Omgosh, what a treat. It's pretty bare (he's a bachelor c'mon), but wonderful. I would've never known this place existed.

Painting and Participating
We both got busy, there were dozens of other kids and adults painting from a selection of big and small rocks. There were at least a couple hundred little paint pots to choose from. It was funny how SERIOUS most folks were.

I am not a painter. All I did was try to make a shoe like Dorothy wore from the Wizard of Oz. (how hard would it be to make a red shoe and 'foot', there even was red glitter). My kid though did a very respectable unicorn!

First Magic Show
In keeping with the theme, my friend had a semi-professional magician give a very nice show! My child's first experience! We loved it, he was good enough to fool the adults and tell jokes the whole time for the kids.

Happy Ending
We didn't win a prize, but am amazed at some of the great ideas other's painted. The winning entry depicted two hands gripping the stone on each side, with a magic ball floating in between. COOL!

The day after we went to pick up our entries, and my friend who threw the party was so kind and gave out coffee mugs which have his paintings screened on them (he has them made for promotional uses) for participating. Very welcome gift!!

Post Note
You can see more about this person at

Galaxy Gallery Art and click on the Art Magic Events (left sidebar)

and furthermore, I went to the library and got a couple kid's magic books this week. My little one is studying and practicing!!

Early planning makes for savings. A couple years ago I had a home ice cream maker. The reason was to prepare wholesome dessert, instead of the chemical weird stuff in commercial ice cream. (My husband thinks a day without ice cream is a day without sunshine. Thank goodness I like chocolate more than ice cream and don't care if it is in the freezer).

Along the way, I could hardly bring myself to add the loads of pure cream that was needed. (I once even mistakenly looked for the 'carbohydrate' content on the cream carton. HA! Cream is pure fat. NO carbohydrates of course. WHAT WAS I THINKING??)

So little by little I tweaked the home recipes to include more milk and less cream. The result was a harder, denser, dessert. And my DH didn't like it!!

Fast forward a couple years. My sister wanted to make more wholesome foods for her little one and family. So I went on Craigs and found her one for a mere $15 (plus shipping cause she is out of town).

Ummmm, we just HAD to try it out before mailing. Hoo boy, did my husband and kids love it again. So much that he asked for another machine for Father's day!!

Back to ebay to find an inexpensive, good used one. Nada. A quick search on Craigs and there is another very good one for a mere $15! (must be my lucky $ number).

It's a bit of a drive, 30+ min, but I will go and have a look this weekend and wrap it up.

Sweet. Here's a great sentiment for your next gift giving-

Beaded Needlework Greeting Card


Clever quip on the front of blank card above beautifully detailed branch in pinks, greens and brown. Order here

How's that for a Mother's Day? Let me clarify!

My DH gave me a yummy big Hershey's bar with a fancy wrapper and stamped in chocolate on the front that said 'Happy Valentine's Day'. I LOVE IT! Undoubtedly obtained at a huge discount just moments after February 14.

And the diamonds? Am 'this close' to investing a small part of an inheritance in no-conflict diamond companies. Sorry, this is as close to the real thing as I want right now!! A few shares of stock are intended to be held for my daughter until I am gone. Something I've always wanted to do, and have been researching and reading forum info for awhile. I discussed thoroughly with my husband and we agree.

Hope this gave you a laugh and leaves you with a smile!

Something more good to see - Frugal and Beautiful

Sky Blue Triple Hoop Sparkling Earrings


sterling silver and sparkling swarovski crystal, light as a feather, big as the sky

contact me to order at:

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Working on a new style of earrings this past week, the first came out just as I pictured. But then - ARGHHH - I realized I would run out of beads for a second earring.

Before I cut the wire and took it apart, thought I'd check a local indie bead shop in the small chance similar beads were in stock.

Here's the results, can you tell the difference?

Three Loop Sage Green Earrings


Planning to make a collection of these in silver/reds, gold/pinks and silver/blues

Last weekend was a big city-wide art event and I have a booth in a garden marketplace of a sculpting studio.

We had good attendance, about the same as previous years, bouyed through the recession because the host does a really nice job of providing great food, music and good ambiance.

I had good sales. Not great - but modest (the story of my small business life!!) Very happy though, and here are some of the secrets to my success...

Grab their Interest
I embroider quotes on cards. The cards are not expensive, and have become a popular item. At this event mine were three quarters sold out. Why? Visitors stop to read several, and stay to browse my jewelry

Here's one on my website - The Future by Einstein


(see it

here)

Another interest grabbing item seems to be my pearl confection rings. These are small, different, and colorful. For example - Mystery Concoction


(see more details here)

Even though a customer is not really thinking to buy one, it is easy and fun to try on. Gives me a wonderful opening to chat and let them browse further.

Secret #1: Have an interest-grabbing item up front and center.

Sales
All of my cards were 'Buy 3 get 1 Free'. Small frequent signs were placed on my table near the different baskets of cards.

Although a sale in and of itself does not necessarily boost sales, there were plenty of times a group of friends were browsing and I suggested they pool together to take advantage of the special. A very low pressure, but effective, technique.

Secret #2: Suggest customers purchase together to receive a discount.

Also some older work that was too good to give away went for 1/2 off. This seemed to be the right price point for customers. For example, when one particular customer noticed a nice stone necklace & earring set was 1/2 off, he snatched up 3 other pieces.

Secret #3: Deeply discount old inventory.

Give Aways
For signing up on my low-key email list, I gave away a goody bag. Inside were older, but nice jewelry I had made that didn't sell but (like stone rings), as well as fun stuff like stickers, stampers, kid stuff, craft stuff.

A couple of folks came back for a purchase after opening their goody bags. They were thrilled with the treasures in their goody bags!

Secret #4: Make attractive sample bags to give out for doing a no-charge requirement, such as joining a mailing list.

I also had a bracelet rack with a sign 'Free with Any $10 Purchase. These were a collection of recycled guitar string bracelets which were inexpensive, and made for fun to use some of my old supplies. I was surprised how many folks read that sign.

I was pointing out some large fancy pressed flower cards next to those bracelets to one lady (probably the grandma) who had with her a little girl. And offered to give the girl a bracelet with purchase of the card. It worked.

Also near the end of the 2-day event if a person was lingering near the bracelet sign, I offered a bracelet free. FREE. No purchase. I really didn't need these bracelets, and had at least one fellow insist to buy some instead of taking them free!

Here's what I'm talking about, some of the better Recycled Guitar String Bracelets in my website-

Teal and Plum, Set of 3


(order here)

Secret #5: Give away things you really don't need. FREE. To build good rapport with visitors.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and happy festivals to all.

What started as a chain project finished as a lustrous, deluxe and one of a kind artful necklace.

I am self-learning chain making styles, and wanted to try this 'S' style. It is an easy technique, versatile, and classic. Not only that, doesn't it look like a playground swing chain? Happy memories.

Instead of many plain links, I dressed up the look with a number of vintage glass pearls. These are from an old necklace of my mother's, come apart. They are not perfectly round, nor perfectly white. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. To accentuate the pearls, I added filigree caps, a fancy little detail.

Although the chain is wonderful in itself, a necklace needs a focal point. And it needed to be something a notch even more distinct. Not an easy bill to fill.

I had collected agate from a Northern California beach a couple years ago. This location is known to rock collectors for good polishing specimens, and I had done just that in a home tumbler. I have a small batch of these smooth colored stones in my supply box.

The stone in this pendant is from that supply, it has a warm caramel color - golden with a blush of red.

To hang the stone, I designed a three part wire wrap. One part is an outer band and contains the hanging loops. A second part includes a wire weave along one side to provide depth to hold the stone. Three sparkling caramel swarovski crystals are woven into part of the weave for added assymetrical interest. Thirdly, a thinner wire is used inside the band to hold the stone firmly in place.

The only problem? I am going to have a hard time parting with this work. Thanks for your time.

Sticking to my New Year's Resolution!

The question was what can I make that will fit into a little box, be appealing to many, and be priced very affordably?

I found the boxes some weeks ago (stumbling upon them in the wedding section of Michaels while looking for suitable ring boxes instead). A dozen boxes are now decorated, some with pressed flowers, historic stamps, bits of shell and other small stashes of supplies that were too good to throw out.

Inside is a small treasure, for example:

Fancy Chevron Pearl Pendant Necklace



Cafe Clover Pearl Pendant Necklace



Other designs not shown, such as boxed spiral pendant necklace, and boxed clover earrings.

The design meets a need I have for holiday fairs, simple and universally appealing, good quality at an inexpensive price ($10-$15 ea).

What do you think?

Watching the odometer climb and climb and climb last month even though all I do (?) is drive around town for errands and kid's after school events....

Late month check in and I was surely the top mileage guzzler...

Well, phew, the bottom line looks OK!

830.0 Monthly total
-347.0 Commutes
------
483.0 Mileage for the Challenge

WOW that is WAY better than I thought I would do. I was approaching 1,000 mi on the car, a very typical national average. Thinking, though at least I might come in below the national average for us car-culture Californians.

And couldn't think of ways to reduce my driving much further, ie I already combine trips very very much and particularly waited to make 10 mi trips to the art gallery shop (where I have jewelry for sale) until I had other reasons to go out.

Just for posterity, if I didn't take the bus to work (a 70 mil RT) it would have added about 1200 mi to my odometer. Amazing.

BTW I don't see the call up for all taking the challenge to post their numbers, and I'll be away for the next 4 days over the long weekend, so in case I miss checking in the official post, please call out my numbers.

Thanks!

Most of the stories by others here are straightforward saving money or getting out of debt anecdotes. But I've found my joy in saving more by way of reducing spending, and thrifty spending so to speak.

Lots of ways to do this, including, buying used (books, furniture, clothes) and doing it yourself (meals from scratch, home improvements, backyard gardening).

It's an ingrained pleasure and daily way of life, and like a healthy diet, takes off 'weight' a little at a time over the long run.

Thanks for stopping in, and for your time, take one free pair of these with any purchase at

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making something of value using supplies costing almost nothing.

One of my goal's this year is to make an item for holiday shows which will fit into a little box, be appealing to many, and be priced very affordably.

A couple weeks ago I obtained the boxes; little 2" or so white fold up favor boxes from the wedding section of Michael's. The boxes were priced just as I wanted (in a pack of 50 and using a 40% coupon) and I was ready to make them into little treasures.

Now for the fun! I have a nice stash of supplies, too good to throw out, some leftover from other projects, that were waiting patiently for just this moment!

1. Old stamps. The philately society at the County Fair last summer gave visitors a small bag of old stamps. Very colorful, international, historic and others. I had about 20.

2. Scraps of very nice specialty paper. After mounting photos, I have some pieces left of a variety of scrapbook papers from Michaels.

3. Lone beads, buttons and silk flowers. Extra pretty or interesting little things.

4. Stampers and stickers. Leftover from valentines, little party favors my kids have received, and even some stickers that come in the mail.

I glued and arranged and let dry. Here are a few, what do you think? (pics not great, sorry)

If these faces don't make you smile, must be your first name is Ebenezer?



These are air dry clay (lightweight) dolls made by my sister, a full time artist,

ZoltenWoodDesign

Not intended as a toy, nor to stick a pin in if it resembles your boss!! A hanging hook embedded for display.



She calls them 'chicas' ; I don't know what to call them! Except funny and definitely full of personality.

I have about a dozen to take to summer and winter shows. Whee!

Later this year a slew of winter holiday craft fairs are on the schedule. Last year I took notice of what was selling, and what I needed to improve my inventory. So on the 2010 resolution list was to come up with the perfect thing for the shows that:

1. Fits into a small (2" or less) box
2. Priced about $10-$15
3. Widely appealing to everyone as a gift item

Well, hmmmm. OK, I found the box for starters!

I've been scouring wholesale, in person, and internet sites for hinged ring boxes lately and hadn't found the right one.

However, at Michael's yesterday I wandered into the wedding section hoping to find large white envelopes (because the paper section was out of them).

Instead there was a pack of 100 fold up 2" boxes. Sweet. For a great price including my 40% off coupon. Just about what I wanted for the ring boxes. Just about the right number in the pack.

And oh yea! Just right for the *thing* I was going to make for the holiday shows.

In fact, I remember seeing a crafter last December with exquisite little decorated matchbooks. She glued little sparkles, old photos and whatnot on them. They were only a couple dollars each and she was selling out of them. I loved this idea, but wanted to come up with something original.

Later in the afternoon, I brainstormed some ideas for the boxes with my kid. Stamp little scenes on them? Glue little floral bouquets? Beautify with fancy ribbon? Modge podge old stamps? I have loads of little craft supplies just waiting to be used.

OK, that solved! I can't wait to get started.

And now the other half of the puzzle, what to put inside...

I have an idea brewing, stay tuned.

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Last week one of our bloggers showed how she homesteads: homemade (very nice) soap, etc.

Omgosh. Aside from building our weekend home from scratch (a little house on the prairie), I am the quintessential urban homesteader!!

Come inside my DH's greenhouse ....


It is a small portable type, on a second floor patio. He says it has a couple great advantages: very consistent growth (ie spinach leaves are all nice and uniformly tall), and a perfect absence of bugs (especially snails which decimate baby plants).


We already have about half the (small) backyard full of vegetable beds and fruit trees. And DH was dying to try to grow winter tomatoes. Ahem, this expense was my Christmas gift to him and thank goodness it has been a success.

Warm yourself in the house:


We run the central heat for about 1.5 hours in the morning from wake up to school/work departures. That's it.

But wait! Where do we get that fuel?


Um, that's my glove down there. We find wood throughout the year here and there. As well as clear the land at our weekend property (very important for fire suppression). However, I do not like power tools and saw by hand into bite size pieces. Yes, I am nuts, but it is good exercise. But time consuming.

OK, ok, all work makes Jack a dull boy. Other garden benefits?


I've made sure to plant freesias, calla lilies (shown below), sunflowers, roses, and as many other good flowers and greens to cut as will fit. (I don't like buying them.)

And you?

About 2 years ago (maybe 3?!) I made a set of party invitations for a 'typography' craft challenge.



(outside: Come to my Party | inside: or Else)

The style is something I did years ago as a single person once when I helped throw a bash for a co-worker's party.

I didn't win the challenge but left the above invites in my webstore for sale all this time. They have been wildly viewed and picked as favorites by some 50+ visitors (but not sold, hmmm.)

Still, they attract attention and just last week an eclectic groom-to-be asked me to make a set of 'Ransom Thank You' cards for his future groomsmen.

Here's how they came out.

Outside: Thank You


Inside: You Made My Day




Not my usual type of craft, but fun and the money was great!

For the past 3 years as a member of the local art association I contributed the norm, maybe a little more, including the required volunteer hours and membership fees.

The return on the time and money investment has been good, and I received a regular modest check from sales of jewelry in the gallery retail area.

As is probably the case with anyone starting a new endeavor, once I got to know the players and the game, I upped the stakes. Why? Partly for selfish reasons, ie the more I put into improving the group and its resources, the more I could receive in sales from my own work being a member. However, alot of the reasoning behind upping the stakes is indirect and less conscious.

For example, I feel good helping the organization succeed. Whether I personally steer new customers to an individual artist, or promote the group to the community at large in a more general way, it keeps the association strong and long lived.

So this year I volunteered as chairman of the retail shop which is resulting in an increase of hours and dollars on my end.

For one, I am responsible for display aesthetics, (a couple other members join me in this effort). The good news is I get to move things around by placing things more (or less) prominently on shelving and in display cases. In other words, play interior decorator! The bad news is I have a strong desire to make the place look great and end up spending my own money on props and helpful tools. Being of a thrifty nature, I am trying to create great displays on a shoestring but it is exhausting! This past weekend I made the first big changes to the 'shop' like this:

1. Used one of my never used vintage white lace tablecloth in a glass case to increase light reflection and as a backdrop for jewelry work. COST: $0

2. Purchased red/black/white felt squares for geometric backgrounds of other jewelry work in the glass case and surrounding shelves. COST: $5

3. Purchased under the counter lights for inside the glass case (it is an old case and desperately needs better lighting). COST: $30

4. Purchased artificial flowers and greens for accenting displays in a simple and classic manner. Scoured the craft store for great deals and cut the florals apart to stretch their use. COST: $20

Whew. That's enough out of pocket for now.

Then on Saturday I spent 5 hours putting up the new look. It's an improvement, but minor changes will be needed every month or so to keep the displays fresh and attractive. However, there's enough breathing room now to to think up and obtain no-cost items (such as baskets) before the next change.

And, yes, I have placed a few of my own (more expensive) items very prominently in the shop. I deserve it.

Thanks for reading!

Almond Candy Earrings

New work in 14K GF and natural stone. The shape and color of these classic earrings remind me of the wedding favors candy - Jordan Almonds. Available at the Harbor Village Gallery (Ventura) or as a custom order.

Once upon a time, in a far away place.... I took up cross country skiing enjoying the outdoor setting, feeling good about the aerobic benefits physically, also intentionally participating in a less environmentally resource intense sport. (Not to mention the costs were a mere FRACTION of downhill skiing).

I even purchased inexpensive equipment those many years ago and was able to use them after marraige with my new husband who also had done a bit of cross country skiing. But alas, such diversions are secondary after kids, right?

Fast forward 10 years. In 2009 our little family of four took a mini vacation to the Eastern Sierras for a day of cross country skiing. I wanted very much to introduce (and hopefully hook) my kids to the experience.

It was fairly low budget, including such discounts as:

1. First night stay at our weekend house (which is part way to our destination).

2. One free night hotel at the Holiday Inn Express in Bishop, CA (due to points accumulated by my husband who is a frequent club member).

3. Half day ski trail pass purchase only, instead of full day pass. This would be the first time skiing for the kids and I knew they would not be able to go more than a couple hours. (It turned out I watched the time and we were on the trail for 1.5 hours in 2009).

Exposing the kids to a new experience was a success, the kids enjoyed and learned and I was happy to reconnect with the low-impact natural sport I'd loved a long time ago.

Income permitting, we wanted to have an annual mini trip. So this year we spent a little more on the hotel (no free nights), but purchased only 'Twilight' trail passes for the last 2 hours the resort was open.

I splurged on better winter clothing for the kids such as high tech thermal underwear (the Patagonia outlet is in my town and they have deep deep discounts on supremely good gear).

Both trips we rented our skis, boots, poles.

Happily home, I moaned quietly to my husband wishing I had not gotten rid of the gear I'd purchased many years ago.

Whereupon he pointed to the long ski bag atop the highest garage shelf, "You mean those skis?"

Oooooopoooop. Two years of renting for naught.

Ah well, free ski trails, here I come!!

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