The Frugal Artisan

First I confess to be one of the last remaining persons to join Facebook. I remember when it was the communications-of-choice in the __?__ university shooting only a few years ago. (Anyone got that school name handy? not columbine high school, the college incident).

But my immediate siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, whom I have distant but (hopefully) strong ties to are all ALL active on Facebook. We don't call on the phone much but exchange an occasional letter.

However, just a couple months ago I learned my older sister is 'engaged' through a phone call to another family member who saw she posted that on Facebook!! SHEEEEESH. I need to know about this stuff!!

So I joined and all is good.

Obviously businesses can make a Facebook page. And probably every business in the modern world has done so. Ugh.

But I kept business stuff at an arm's length from my Facebook posts because I wanted to use it mostly for family and friends (real persons I have met).

Also the 'social commerce' advisors emphasize that Facebook is best used just as I mention. Very much for networking and very less for sales.

But it's free and fun. So I made a page for Pretty Cheap Jewelry and opened with the age old question:

Art or Craft - which am I?

I don't think I'll use the biz page heavily but what the heck. I'm sure it will be a case of 'another drop in the ocean'.

Go ahead and 'fan' me (see lower left column of this blog). I need as many drops as I can get!

And btw, my sister's 'engagement' is very casual, that's why she didn't call me!!!

One of my artistic New Year Resolution was to create something, small and original as well as suitable as an all purpose gift at an affordable price for future craft events.

Prediction? Wire weaving is the next big handmade jewelry thing.

Not sure if this is the final resolution answer, but I learned wire weaving and made this yesterday:


Cardinal Red Anniversary Ring ~
Five Swarovski Crystals Lined Up on a Feminine Band

It's a simple technique, and I'm swimming with ideas. For rings, the issue is using better wire (the above is gold colored craft wire). Sterling or gold filled, or possibly copper or stainless, is more practical (but more expensive) for rings.

That one above is actually up for sale on my website (click the blue 'prettycheap' left sidebar) at a frugal price (of course!).

If it weren't so bad, I'd laugh at my dog's artistic attempt yesterday --


These were the blinds in the living room. Look on the bright side, I never liked them anyway and now I get to either sew curtains or replace with non-mini blinds.

We had a thunderstorm and Sugar is terrorized by that kind of noise. We take him out of town on July 4.

The prior day he was out in the backyard, as usual, while we worked and schooled. Very little thundering, but he jumped the 6 ft wood fence and got out. It's been a few years since he's done that, and we have moved wood piles, composting and strengthened gates to prevent it.

Thankfully I had 4 messages when I got home that day from someone a few streets away who had snagged and returned him.

Therefore, I had left him inside the next day. My mistake.


That was the tea cart shelf with picture frames in the entrance. S'ok. Those were mostly frames from the $1 store.


A shredded potted silk plant. It was over 10 years old, gotten alot of mileage from use.

The first year we adopted him we crated him when this happened. He was SUPERDOG and bent the wires apart, bloodied himself, and punctured the F150 tire which was next to the crate (flat).

Our vet is not crazy about sedating him, neither are we.

So I took the day off due to thunderstorm prediction. Told the office think of it as a 'sick kid'.

He's doing much better today. So am I. I cleaned up everything, replaced the potted silk plant with a 40% off Michaels coupon and love the new one. (Not cheap, ie $45, but I expect it will be here for another 10 years).

Tomorrow off to the dollar store for a few replacement frames.

Just our little brand of earthquake around here.

What projects to focus on in 2010? and corollarily (new word!!), what to put money earned last year toward (bad english!)

PRIORITIES
1. Originality. I don't want to create the same kind of stuff already out there. Easier said than done. It takes some quiet thought, let the ideas come with time.

2. Price Point. Holiday shows at the end of last year illustrated to me that I need an item which would appeal to many as a small gift, say in a 2" or smaller box. At a $10-$20 price.

3. Materials. Very much wish to create something largely with the materials I already have such as: wire (pure metals and other), beads, ribbon, etc.

IDEAS
1. Medals. I love antique medals, don't you? Maybe create modern medals. I already have plenty of pinbacks and would love to experiment with ribbon, stones, and wire. Easy to tailor toward specific events, ie birthday, Mother's Day, teacher.

2. Pins. A classy pin makes a statement on a sweater, lapel or even a knapsack. It's possible to make even the sharp point by hand. The whole world is possible, just a matter of deciding what style / shape / material. Weaving beads around a shape, making a bar of fringe on a pin, you name it.

So I looked on Etsy for what is already out there. Not many medals of the type I envision (but after this posts to twitter, blech, who knows). Not alot of freehand wire pins as I am envisioning either! (ditto the twitter comment). Surprise!!

Guess what I am going to do? Just need free time...

Here's what I mean ~

A Kiss


Another atypical item, just my style.

Last night my husband reminisced when, a few years ago I said "I don't want a cell phone, pffft, why talk when you are walking around?". I distinctly remember saying that.

bleh, I mean oops.

He says if we were in the cave age, I would poo-poo the wheel and insist on carrying stuff around with my arms.

*sigh* he is probably right.

This past few months he has put up with me kvetching about his wanting a big screen TV. We had a 27" Sony Trinitron I bought in my pre-marraige days 20+ years ago. In my opinion, it wasn't broken, why replace it!? Nevermind the digital signal brouhaha, that one in/out jack was hopelessly unworkable, and that I blew the TV speakers in those younger days (can you say turn it up too loud??). He had wired the system through a stack of stereo components with a separate pair of speakers, CD player, tape player, etc. And the picture was fine, all was well.

Anyway, he had done his homework. Been watching the price go lower than he ever imagined, researched on the types, and was determined to get a return or open box to knock another $100 or so off the price.

I was never in favor. But agreed cautiously contingent upon a painting of the living room!!

Why? The Sony was in a 80s era entertainment center. Y'know, the kind with those 3 big cabinets, with glass doors, etc. It was still handsome, unfinished blond wood, but certainly a bit dated. But the big screen would NOT fit in the old TV opening and the cabinets would have to go.

We also had wall mounted VHS and CD racks. These would have to come down for the painting. And probably not go back up since we really were phasing out the VHS stuff.

I knew by removing them, the living room would sadly show the need for a fresh coat of paint after 15 years. I did not want a complete remodel of the living room and was OK with just using the same color.

So there was the plan. Over my 2-week 'vacation' EVERYTHING in the living room was to be packed, moved, and made ready for painting. We would do the work ourselves. I would do all the prep and brush work, DH would do the big rolling.

It was accomplished. Without too much pain, but alot of effort.

And in the process, yes, DH found exactly what he wanted at the big box electronics store. A Sony Bravia, open box, huge deal the week before Christmas. I think he paid only about the same as what I paid for the old Trinitron 20 years ago. So much for inflation.

It took another week and a couple phone calls wheeling and dealing with the provider to get the HD signal (and my DH is a pro at wheeling and dealing).

And guess what? I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

my mistake, I'll just shut up now

Expenses tallied, sales totalled. Without alot of study, it looks like Pretty Cheap Jewelry finished 2009 in the black about $1,000.

I accomplished my 2009 Resolution!

Success came mostly by working very hard doing a significantly increased number of in-person shows.

But success also came due to producing and selling a few selected high quality, high priced items.

For example, these rings have been selling well (14K gold filled pearl mix cocktail rings starting at $25) ~







Unusual yet beautiful designs have also attracted customers ~





But now is the time for contemplation. What direction to go in 2010?

Before spending a dime, I will form a big picture in my mind what sort of items to create. I would love to work toward developing a signature item or style, though something that leaves elbow room to try new things.

Probably ~ wire work in better quality metals (more gold filled and silver); more gemstone and less common bead types

But what sort of jewelry? Multi-strand necklaces? Specially wrapped stone pendants? Continue with the rings?

I don't want to do the same as what's out there. I want to have original ideas and items. It's not easy.


1. Be true to the name "Pretty Cheap Jewelry", make beautiful things and offer at a bargain price.

It will take another post to find out the rest of the priority list!

And the profits can get warm in the bank for awhile.

a pet for a year.

Perhaps you've noticed over the past weeks my gift giving opinion leans toward the active and educational. Especially to unplug kids from video games, movies, computers and cell phones. And encourage outdoor fun such as boarding, skating, biking as well as reading and hand projects.

All of this comes from personal experience of course. I have a tween son who would play computer games 24/7 if I let him. But goes through books like water and is a very practiced drawer because I make him.

We have a medium size adopted dog from the shelter who needed us more than we needed him, and while we are very glad to love him, he has not turned into a big huggable teddy bear for the kids.

My son used to have a guinea pig, also adopted from the shelter, who was alot of work for me, but was with us for only about a year or two. (My DD9 has a long lived guinea pig but that is a different story).

Everytime we visit a shelter or farm with smallish pups that my son hugs and plays with, he wishes he had a pet to cuddle.

So yesterday when we stopped in the store for cat litter (which I use in the guinea cage), he announced, "I'm getting a mouse."

Ok. He had enough gift cash to do it all, including the cage, animal, food and bedding.

We discussed it long enough, mostly that from now on on Saturdays he will change the cage and vacuum his bedroom floor.

So that is what he did with $37.04. Welcome Sasha, a little grey and white female. I completely approved of this choice. Not only is there no electronics involved, but the compassion and responsibility is built in.

She is happy, settled in, and he is walking around with her half the day.

WOOT, he is not even thinking about the computer this morning.

But yes, I confess, he got a cell phone for Christmas for a gift.

Good Things Come in Little Packages
Tiny Pearl Rimmed Hoop Earrings

Classic 1 1/4" hoops dressed up in gold and white. At a classic price.

Order Here

Last week my husband said 'I decided to spoil you' and told me not to poke around in the garage near where he parks his car.

I am not good with surprises, nor am in favor of big expenses which we have not long planned for. Therefore, I post a 'Wish List' this time of year to guide family members in choosing gifts for me.

After much brain exercising, I posted a few very useful and fun items which will help support my small jewelry and craft business. These were especially suitable for the kids to get me: good gel pens, nylon jawed pliers, rubber mallet, etc.

I could not think of ANYTHING major and wrote on the list specifically:

'NO $100 items. Please save the money for *replacement windows for our 2nd floor* *new front tires for my car* *backyard lounge chair (preferably used)* *antique armchairs for the weekend house*

When I was sweeping the garage though, I noticed one of our good blankets thrown about near one wall. Going over to retrieve it and clean it off, when, OOPS, I remembered my husbands warning.

DRAT. POOP. I backed away. But am perturbed over the blanket.

Which brings me to the title of this post. Wacky things he has given me in the past, usually falling under the category:

THINGS MY HUSBAND GAVE ME BUT REALLY WANTED FOR HIMSELF

1. A halogen floor lamp. Must've been when we were fairly new homeowners and needed light in the living room.

2. A bird feeder. Long ago he was an avid birder (dated a couple in college), and guess he missed it. Not what I would have picked out.

3. Slow Cooker. OK, this takes the cake. I could've killed him. If he wants to can, let him learn how to do it himself. Well I didn't say that, and in fact have used it to the max for years since. But it's the principle!!!!!!

Any other silly stories welcome. Thanks for perusing some better choices below.

Cream Puff Ring

Gem quality garnet, freshwater pearl, and 14K gold filled wire in an artistic mix. Special order only, contact me by PM.

Tuxedo Necklace

Black and white formality for New Year's Eve or any special event. Matte glass pearl, ebony and antiqued silver accents, and a waterfall of glass briolette made with sterling silver wire. Order

here

Classic Drop Earrings

Never goes out of style for evening, holiday, and summer events. Especially great for teens, at a price you won't beat! Order here

The morning bus commuter next to me today was reading 'The Geography of Bliss' while I embroidered a quote. She politely inquired on my work and I on her book.

She told me about this book swap site, free at this time, for anyone who wants to trade:

PaperBackSwap

It's not just for paperbacks, but hardbacks and audiobooks. It's great for kids books.

If you sign up 10 books you are willing to swap, you get 2 points to start. For each point, you get to request one book from someone. When you request a book, it is mailed to you (free of charge). In return, when someone requests one of your books, you mail it to them (you pay the postage). Mailing costs are pretty minimal, maybe a couple dollars a time.

She is a regular, and really recommends this group.

It's entirely possible to have fun buying on a budget. Consider shopping from my co-crafters on the Etsy Twitter Team (we are a group who belong to both Etsy and twitter).

$5 and Under Wonders


Sweet Handmade Polymer Clay Message for $4

here
This lady makes amazing miniatures at amazing prices. See cupcakes, oreo cookies and other charming little treasures at Frosted Treats


Chai Tea Spiced Soap $3.50 here
Handmade soap is such an affordable luxury!! Don't click unless you allow yourself to get addicted. This one is on sale and is PERFECT for a guy. Many many more at comparable savings from The Soap Seduction like Peppermint Chocolate Soap (don't eat it!) and Grandma Klump Denture Soap (hilarious!).


Loads for Less, 6 Circle Scrubs for $5 here
Not just for the bath, this all-cotton crocheted set look great on the patio as coasters. This lady is one hip grandma!! I wish was as good as Sandi at designing a blog like this and btw, she is a breast cancer survivor to boot.

$10 Tops Twinkling Treasures


Old world glamour at a new world price $8 and free shipping (to US and Canada) here
Pop these in a box with a new comb or hairbrush! Everything at Firebird House harks back to a vintage era.


Smart Females Only!
Original Art on 10 for $10 cards here
See more of this illustrator's distinctive style at A Cagey Bee

Jingles below a Jackson


Christmas is for kids, right? Grab a coloring book or just a drawing pad tuck this in the car pocket $12 Crayon Roll
Same price will get you a baby blanket or a tooth fairy pillow at Bellflower Textiles (not bad!).


Luxe for Less Venetian Glass and Sterling Silver Earrings here
Just one of the lower priced deluxe designs from BellaTu Jewelry


Precious Words on Precious Metal for $20 here
Personal priced right pieces from Punky Jane makes 'cents'.

Thanks for taking a minute to look over the hand work of these artisans!

All the little things. Like:

Leisure time. Work comes first at my job as well as at home (and here's to hoping my kids will grow up with this ethic!). But work is not the raison d'etre. How many times have the science studies proven that leisure time is a luxury for those that are able to make a decent living. This is how the arts flourish and where human relations improve throughout the world. When you're not stressed day to day, you are able to do good in any number of ways.

A warm, dry home. I am also reminded of this after too many news reports of the less fortunate and encounters with homeless on the corner.

Nutritious Food. We are able to choose from wholesome ingredients at a grocery. Cooking is a pleasure. And we have a thriving backyard garden of vegetables and fruit.

Yes, little things are good for you!

Little Blush Gold Ring

Classic combination of luster freshwater pearls in white, pale pink and gold with the added flash of Swarovski crystal. Set in 14K goldfilled wire. Boxed.
Size: SMALL (approx. 4)
Available by special order only at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Like a computer or a car, life is good when it's not broken and miserable when problems arise.

I'm talking about my health.

Costs little when things are fine, but can be a mess when things go wrong.

To large degree I have been lucky to inherit good genes, strong immunities and a high metabolism.

But some of my health is due to lifestyle choices. The TV is rarely on and I am hardly ever on the couch. The trail calls and walking is the first thing I squeeze in with free time (the dog loves that). Potato chips are never in the house and sweets are homemade - time permitting.

So I am thankful for:

~ getting up from bed without pain (um, unlike when both kids were born via Cesarian, yes I remember that!)

~ useful hands and legs

~ eyesight that can be corrected with plain ol' lenses

~ no bathroom problems (ok, we'll not go there...)

~ a good back, no headaches, few common colds or flus

Wishing these to pass on to my children, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.

Embroidered Thank You Card

Elegant handwork makes a fantastic impression when you need to say it with more than words.

Order here

Formal Thank You Cards 3 Pack

Use these after the holidays! Ruffled lace, satin bows and gorgeous lettering accent a center floral emblem. Order here

All my little Christmas shopping is done. Mostly stuff for my 2 kids, but a few for my siblings and parents, as well as for the in-law side of things, a teacher or two, a bus driver or so and the next door neighbor (where my daughter's best friend lives!).

Only a few of these did not include a discount, charitable aspect, or support a made in the USA small biz/crafter.

1. Books - bought during the fundraising drive for my son's middle school

2. Doll clothes - made by a crafter at a festival where I also was a seller

3. A couple on-line computer game cards

4. A small rolling suitcase (to double as a sports bag)

5. Watch - using a $10 off any purchase at the dept store

6. Table Ware - a hand made wine bottle jacket and an embroidered bread cover from fellow crafters at shows

7. Mosaic magnets - little artistic works from a fellow seller

8. Digital Camera - second hand from Craigs

9. Long Board Skate Board - second hand from the resale sports store

The last couple are not really 'little' but the costs were nominal.

The big expense are for the kids getting new bikes this year. The current ones are hopelessly outgrown. The trick will be to do it as a surprise. I'm leaving that shopping to my husband (who doesn't have the same brain functions as I do about spending/saving).

It's nice to be done. And wait!! There were spoils from the hunt!

Rewards:
$10 Toys R Us Card
$25 Justice Bucks (pre teen girls clothes)

I know there will be last minute persons to gift and that's a good use.

Now for something completely different. Math and geometry shapes!

Big Purple Diamond Wire Earrings

Intricate wrapped hand formed frames in silver and purple.

Cirle Square Wire Earrings

Lots of squares and more for smart ladies only.

Figure Eight Wire Earrings

Curves in red and copper with a flirty glass dangle.

All available for order on my website

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Two more weeks and the oven will be working overtime! (I always magically figure out how to get the turkey done while at the same time baking the sweet potatoes, extra stuffing, and whatever else I try that year).

Before the time zips by I want to share this thought. It's something I can't say at the table. But on my mind and important to take some time to reflect upon quietly.

I am thankful that my kids still think I'm infallible.

It is ok that over the next few years this will change. I want them to be strong, and independent, and shield them from harm. The same as all parents.

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

The important thing is so far I feel good about the job my husband and I have done in raising our two kids. They exhibit good judgement with respect to schoolwork, money, diet, friendship and basic kid responsibilities.

Slowly but surely, I am handing them freedoms. Just yesterday my son wanted to (yet again) spend time on computer games. Instead of giving him a 'yes' or 'no' answer, we reviewed how much time he had spent outside and/or active the prior day, as well as how much time he had already been on line that day. He made his own choice in answering 'What do you think is right?'.

More what I am thankful for upcoming! Let me give you a reason to be thankful! Take $5 off this item from my website

Pretty Cheap Jewelry -

Smoky Quartz Briolette Earrings


Lots of karats in gem quality stone briolette drops. Pure freshwater pearl links. 14K gold filled earwire. Deluxe and classic. Packed in glossy black box.

Order here

Ask for the $5 off at checkout. Refund via paypal.

It happened last week while lounging before bedtime with my 2 kids. We were all up on my bed (which is a treat when Dad is out of town) and my little 9yo girl was browsing the headboard shelves.

Amongst my old coin collection, heirloom jewelry, and magazines is a small shelf of books. One is a 'birthday record' with nice illustrations of cats given to me 20+ years ago. I have recorded many extended family member's birthdays in it and kept it for reference (yes, this is B*E*F*O*R*E microsoft reminders yadayadayada).

DD9 flipped through the cat pictures and asked me 'Why is this here in the back page?' pulling out some folded cash bills.

OMgosh. CASH. I glanced at a $100 and said 'Yikes, wha??' but then my jaw dropped. I picked up all the money and stared. There were SIX folded one-hundred dollar bills and two twenties.

WHAT??????????

I do not secretly hide stuff. I am not a sentimental person to a large degree. I do not hoard nor keep little tchochkees.

Then I said, 'We better call Dad to see if it's his' (wanting to catch him on his way to the airport for a trip to Italy before international rates set in).

But I knew in my heart it was mine. This book was something I had before marraige, and hadn't looked in much for about 10+ years. I probably hadn't looked in it from just about the time my daughter was born.

So I racked my brain why had I put that money there??!! Was is a gift someone or someone(s) had given for the kids starting out in life (I would have had a 2 year old and a new baby). But I don't think that much would have been gifted.

It definitely wasn't from my marriage, we used gifts for the honeymoon.

And almost impossible that I inherited it because those things had happened more recently.

My husband confirmed all this. 'ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND' were his exact words. 'STUFFING MONEY IN THE MATTRESS??' were some other choice comments. But he was laughing his head off too.

I couldn't sleep for a couple hours. (The kids went down no problem). What should I do??

-Save it?
-Invest in my home business?
-Get some dental work done (a filling had chipped)?
-Invest in some good work clothes (the tailored pants are wearing thin after 6 or 7 years)?
-Give some to my sister (the starving artist)?

Well I was able to sleep after a bit but called my husband one more time in the morning with a decision.

For the past couple years it became increasingly important to me that my daughter have some air travel experience. My son is in front of the curve on this point by going on a number of trips with just my husband when I stayed home when my daughter was a baby. My daughter also is less practical and, I fear, less streetwise in general and I wanted to give her a solid experience in life at this age. (Maybe I fear wrongly).

Anyway, it was decided.

I would take just her on a little trip to San Francisco. An on-line buddy had tipped me off that Southwest had a $25 special for flights within 380 miles (everywhere in the US) if booked by the end of October. Of course after fees and JUNK the fare was more like $50. But still fit my needs perfectly.

Great place for public transportation. We'd not need a car. And BINGO. The new world class science museum in Golden Gate park to visit!

There was a school holiday in January. OK. Booked. We would fly from LA (to Phoenix) to SF and back. Sheesh. So far so good for the air experience.

The next week I studied the AAA guides and internet for small hotels or B&Bs to stay. I wanted breakfast included, walking distance to BART, and an overall sense of the magic of the city etc. Easy peasy. A charming Victorian, near Union Square, kids discount, afternoon tea/wine, all for under $100 (before fees of course). With hundreds of positive reviews.

There's still enough cash left over for the museum fees, a teeny tiny shopping.

And oh yes, a nice check to my sister the starving artist.

Recap Tip 1| Plunder the resale sport store for outdoor equipment for kids! I visited one yesterday in search of a 'cruising' skateboard for my boy. Sheesh, they are expensive new (almost $200). Well, the reason I went there was to obtain a USED board.

VOILA! There was one, only one, available. They apparently are the hot thing, and go fast. The price was a moderate $70. I will go for it because of reasons previously put forth on this blog (more action, less electronics!) The employee was super helpful, urging me to bring in items from home to recapture some of the costs of the board. Also calling another source in search of a good used item for me. And giving me a coupon for a couple bucks off whatever I decided. Sweet.

Today Tip 2| Troll Craigslist for good used electronics. My girl is ready for a digital camera. She has a film camera and has taken good care of it. I am ready to stop developing film, even by mail.

A check of nearby digital camera offers yields a Kodak Easy Share C613 for $50. OK, first thing is to check it out on CNET for review of the equipment and new prices.

Good camera, especially fit for the young photographer and priced fairly (half the new price).

Next step is to really find out the condition and what is not being disclosed by the seller. I politely ask via email how old it is, how much used, and particularly what is NOT being included.

The seller explains this camera was used for about 10 pictures and the little disc is not included (memory card). Period. I agree to meet and have a look.

VOILA! I offer $45 which is accepted. Need to get a memory card and a couple rechargeable batteries.

If you need more gift saving tips, look no further! Here's what under $10 can get from

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

AUTUMN STONE EARRINGS

Smooth serpentine bar, vintage glass, and quartz chip in subdued classy tones.
Order here

RECIPE JOURNAL

Exquisite cover features a colonial embroidered home complete with the picket fence. Slim blank pages ready for family heirlooms, mementos and snapshots.
Order here

PEARLY WHITE GUITAR PICK EARRINGS

Fun and pretty in white, blue and sterling silver. Great for teens.
Order here

Have my list, checking it twice.

My kids are pre-teen and approaching the age of electronics (er, more so than already??).

But I always prefer active, educational gifts at birthdays and holidays. So that leaves out movies, music, video games, and mindless whatnot.

Chapter 1 - The Boy

1. He asked for a 'cruising' skateboard. His current skateboard is for tricks and is admittedly getting rather banged up. Been racking my brain how to come up with a good solution without spending a small fortune. BINGO!! I called the resale sports store and YES they have them. OK, hopefully their selection has a model that is good, great or passable but I'm jazzed that I'll be able to put one under the tree.

2. It's time. Or rather, he needs a watch. Easy peasy with a trip to Target or a coupon to Penneys.

3. And a cell phone. So fortunately our plan is really inexpensive to add a line, something like $10/mo. No internet, texting or junk of course. Husband wants to give the boy mine and give me a new one. Whatever, ok.

4. Little (educational, active) stuff. Books, puzzles, chewing gum, pajamas. Ok, the last stuff isn't educational, fine.

Chapter 2 - The Girl
(coming soon)

And a few ideas for YOUR unspendy gifts.

DOLPHIN, MOON, & STAR EARRINGS
Cute dolphin charms leap under abalone moon and sparkling swarovski crystal stars. A rainbow of pastel colors; lavendar, mint, cocoa, powder blue (not shown), butter (not shown). Only $5.99 ea.
Order at:

Pretty Cheap Jewelry





Thanks for the time to peek!

and a little time. That's just about all it took to make these distinctive cards:

(ok, flower, paper, scissors. Not rock, but you get the idea).

GARDEN POT

Full planter of sunny yellow, warm peach and harvest reds on a blank notecard. This card features sunflower and bougainveilla.

BIG ROUND VASE

Ancient style vessel contains a spray of wine reds on a blank notecard. This card features bougainveilla.

BLUE 'GLASS' VASE

Modern footed vase contains a bouquet of wine reds on a blank notecard. This card features bougainveilla.

I make all of these designs with genuine flower petals and stems harvested from my yard and environs. It is a slow but easy craft pressing and drying the plants. A true link to the past as well.

Then using a scrap of specialty paper, I free hand cut the containers. Pots, vases, urns, let your imagination have fun. How about a window sill, curtains with or a table top? Plain black paper works fine, or a scrap of felt or fabric.

All of these cards are available for $3.25 ea at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry. An inexpensive way to show your good taste this holiday season. Great for thank you, party invite, get well and birthday.

WATCH FOR NEW DISTINCTIVE CARDS COMING SOON!

Guess the cost of the outfit below (no peeking at the end of this post!)

No matter what your size, your style, your age or budget, thrift stores are worth some time.

Get over walking past the lady with the flaming orange hair, avoid the rapid fire Spanish speaking mom with the baby stroller full of junque (the 'baby' is pulling out stuffed animal after stuffed animal), suppress your amazement at the goth young person pierced in the cheek.

Those folks are everywhere anyway. (And if I've offended anyone, please know I fit right in that motley group!!)

I love shopping at the thrift because I always find my size!! That is; short legs, long torso. Instead of hours of exasperation in the mall where the clothes are made for the 'typical' size (meaning taller and larger than me), it's a relief to have a relatively huge amount of choice.

So here's the outfit:



(1) Green Sage Ribbed Cardigan. Buttons are big woven leather look. 100% cotton

(2) Cinammon Turtleneck. 100% cotton

(3) Off White Trousers. Bill Blass (a good petite designer), stretch cotton. I think I hemmed these a couple years ago.

I accessorize with my own jewelry designs (are you kidding!!). Notice the red and white Y style chain, with a small Buddha stone pendant.

Have you guessed how much? For the top 3 pieces $8.50.

Not shown? My classic navy square 2-sided nylon bag (thrift store price $4) and milk chocolate kid leather lace up boots (WHOA $60-70 from Nordstrom 25 years ago, resoled twice).

The Buddha necklace? what would you pay?

My fellow bloggers on Saving Advice have unknowingly brought out my competitive side.

I used to be SUPERMOM, with cleaning/cooking/teaching/crafting/organizing and girl scout leader hats.

OK, I gave up the girl scout leader hat.

So now I just have -

the cleaning hat (if you DON'T do laundry every day *raise* your hand),and sayonara to 2 pesky mice visiting our pantry (thank you traps), one more to go we're sure;

the cooking hat (scalloped potatoes last night and for lunch today, tonight it's homemade applesauce [previously canned from our tree's fruit] and frozen chicken nuggets WOOT convenience foods)

the teaching hat (only needed on occasions for math and geography homework lately, phew)

the crafting hat (home biz anyone? am 'test-driving' a rich colored pearl bracelet to work today, one of 5 boxed beauties made yesterday for holiday events next couple months)

the organizing hat (the thrift store donation bag in the garage almost full, then off it goes next time I pass by with the car)

thassenuff

So what are you going to be for Halloween?

Get out the 'sewing' hat...

For over a year, my mailing list for Pretty Cheap Jewelry was inside a Google Group. The concept was good:

~ free service (no cost) to me
~ unlimited number of members allowed
~ easy to add people who signed up during craft events
~ easy for people to add themselves via the web
~ nice appearing newsletter, I could compose text and images
~ unlimited amount of messages I could send
~ very secure and private for members

Only one problem. The Google Group system is more buggy than a bee hive. I thought such a trusted brand would be the best way to go.

Almost from the beginning I had problems with my webpages NOT being saved. After composing a great offer, beautifully laying out text, photos, etc. and sending it out to the members, it would disappear and they would receive a blank email.

Bleh.

Google administration did not step up. Their help desk (overwhelmed as might be the case) did not respond to repeated requests from me or others with similar experiences.

So I quit! Many small biz shops (on Etsy) recommended MailChimp. So there I went as of today. The only drawback?

~ free to me for up to 500 members

Sheesh. If I get over 500 members I'd gladly pay a small fee to send out newsletters!

So don't you all stampede to the mid-left sidebar and sign up (see the purple box?).

Thanks and Here comes the happy holiday newsletters!

'Time is money' so the saying goes. When I had an unexpected day off early this week with a sick kid at home, the time was spent wisely producing future savings and income!

~ Canned 7 quarts of tomato sauce for pasta, pizza and the like (using 2 giant cans of puree as a base costing $4.98)

~ Crafted 5 confection pearl rings for upcoming holiday events.

Here are a few peeks at the work. All are freshwater pearl, with 14K gold filled wire. Sizes vary. Come gift wrapped in a bow box.

PINK CRYSTAL CREAM


DEEP SEA GREENS


CRISS CROSS BLUES


PICKED FRESH BERRY


Visit my shop for a closer look at one listed for sale, or comment below if you have any questions. Thank you for the clicks.

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Today is my 15th wedding anniversary. We have a date planned for Saturday night:

~attend a reception for a portrait artist (whom I know) at my art assoc gallery. I happen to have a piece on display there as well as of Tuesday - YAY. We will likely sip some wine, courtesy of the reception.

~try an unusual, inexpensive restaurant immediately next door. It is all vegan, and some raw food menu. My hubby is interested.

~catch the improv comedy show downtown. These are so funny!!! I am such a geek and love watching these folks think on their feet. The shows are extremely low cost since they are no names ($10 entrance). There is alot of audience participation too (ie they ask you to call out a 'lunch box item' or some such silly thing.)

~the biggest expense is the baby sitter and this is probably the last time we will need one. (We quizzed our oldest what to do under a variety of emergencies and were not completely satisfied with his answers, so will give it another 6-10 months before he is in charge!).

These little plans make me feel valuable, more than the actual expense will be.

And I've been creating valuable little things lately. Size or cost is not the point here:

Picked for You Card

Detailed sprig decorated with tiny green and pink beads below a clever pun. Offered at $3.25 plus shipping

Golden Heart Key and Lock Charm Earrings

Sweet assymetrical accessories feature fun 1 inch charms, rich gold freshwater pearl and 14K GP french wires. Cost: $5.00 (yes you read that right)

Click on the blue 'prettycheap' upper left sidebar for more detail and information.

Didn't they know summer is over?

Of course not. This is just today's pickings.

More pickings from the summer inventory of

Pretty Cheap Jewelry. Everything made by me with care, sold for fun.

All items shown will be offered at $5 plus shipping at the website above.

FLAME JOURNAL
Great for the geek. Slim blank journal filled with graph paper. About 25 pp.


DREAM JOURNAL
Write down your musings, subconscious or not. About 100 pp. vellum.


EWE ARE MINE JOURNAL
Cute and clever. Give it to the newlyweds. About 50 pp. vellum.


DOG DAYS JOURNAL
Funny little guy makes light of your troubles. Small enough for the purse, beagle lovers only. About 20 pp. vellum.

Once upon a time there were 3 crafting entreprenuers.

Forward Fashion Number One concentrated on just two kinds of products and (probably unconsciously) made them to follow the style of the moment.

Sweet Thing Number Two had an abundance of good intentions but never built her dream.

Practical Personality Number Three sweated the slow days, rejoiced in the occasional big day, and kept on keeping on.

All three had success, albeit in varying degree. Which was I?

WOW! I did some summer accounting to help me decide how much to spend at this weekend's Gem and Mineral Wholesale show.

May-Aug Expenses
Fees for 10 Sat Farmer Market Booths ~ $115
Fee for annual Art Assoc membership ~ $130
State Sales Tax ~ $80
Fee for annual City Biz License ~$55
TOTAL Summer Fees ~ $380

May-Aug Income
New Consignment/Wholesale Order ~ $75
Art Assoc Earnings ~ $ 115
Farmer Market Sales ~ $275
Special Weekend Market (new one) ~ $75
TOTAL Summer Earnings ~ $540

I am amazed I had such great income over the summer!! A couple of the sources are not necessarily going to repeat next summer. But I guess I am committed to hard work and finding something to take their place!

and naturally, the best part is skipping off to the gem show with about $100 in my pocket.

Watch here for what will be some gorgeous new designs after Sept 7th like these!

IOLITE and PERIDOT TASSEL EARRINGS

Mini chip peridot strands anchored by sparkling onion cut iolite briolette. Sterling posts.

Oh and for those of you that got this far...here's a coupon for BOGO Ben&Jerry's sundae good 8/31/09 only

http://benjerry.com/scoop-shops/feature/sundaes-on-mondays/

Worried about spending too much! The wholesale gem and mineral show is coming to town in a week and is on my schedule.

This is a somewhat infrequent occurrence, a couple times a year or less, at least within convenient driving distance. There are larger and more more varied events, but they are regional and cost more in time and lodging.

Much of my needed supplies are best suited to buying at such a show. Why?

#1: Not for your eyes only.
Handling and feeling the stone (or glass or pearl) items in person is vastly superior to ordering on the internet. How many times have you made a purchase on the net only to receive the item and it is smaller, less weighty, off color or different than your expectations? It's no surprise a photo shows only the very best qualities of a product, (and not the flaws).

#2: The Bargain Hunt
Prices can be lower in person and shipping is non existent. I'm not above bargaining at a wholesale show and have been successful in receiving multiple item discounts, cash discounts, and more.

#3: Chasing the Elusive
Hard to find and specialty items are available. Such as tools for the hobby jeweler. The local hardware store does not carry nylon pliers. And you must hold them before buying to check the fit/comfort in your hand. Have you ever bought a chef's knife before holding it? Didn't think so.

...Pause for a message from your friendly frugal artisan...

LIMITED TIME OFFER - FREE JEWELRY BOX
Red brocade, new, compartmented jewelry box with purchase of any featured item (click on the link below).

Pretty Cheap Jewelry


Just ask for it at check out. Hurry, only 1 left.


Sooooooooo....
What strategies do you advise in controlling spending?

A: Staying Black.
How about determining mid-year profit and investing the cash to prepare for holiday stock? After the month's end I will compute summer sales vs. summer expenses. Drat those big fees in July! My city business license, state sales tax, and farmer's market booth fees added up! My intuition senses I have broke even from June-Aug.

B: Getting Red.
Every weekend in Nov is booked with holiday fairs, and a much larger opportunity is in the works to have merchandise in the city shopping mall. A couple new additional events might also be added to my schedule. Based on last several years earnings, a modest income can be forecast.

C: The grocery philosophy.
Make a list, stick to it and shop the perimeter? Well, making a list is very crucial. Nothing like walking into the store, getting dazzled with the entryway displays and forgetting what you came for, right? There are certain things I really must get now, like gold filled wire or sterling chain. These are staples and I'll regret if I don't have on hand in the next 6 months.

Thanks for any help you offer below!

Thank heaven for a frugal hobby! Spending my last week of freedom making something out of almost nothing (school starts next week and I go back to work during the day).

Low Cost Stone Pendants
Collect rocks for polishing, especially if they are in a Rock Hounding guide and known to shine well. We went on a road trip for summer vacation and made a point of stopping at rock collecting sites which we knew were nearby!

Give the tumbler a whirl. OK, I happen to have one, including a supply of grit. This part of the hobby is not without cost but is fairly reasonable. Naturally I plan to polish stones for a number of years.

Let time pass. Check stone conditions and change grits as needed. These took a few weeks total.

Now for the hard part. Experiment with wire wrapping into pendants. It takes practice but wire is cheap!

Alternatively, glue fold-over bails on the flatter ones. If you get really ambitious, make your own bails and glue on smaller pieces. (I'll do this for some pairs that might make good earrings).

Voila!

Fan Fare

Shell pattern in midnight blue wire over bluesy-green agate. Hung on double blue-black string accented with sodalite and silvertone beads.

Upward Spiral

Marble-look agate in tan, greys and white held in double spiralled wire.

Copper Cage

Zig Zags everywhere over red agate. Copper wire and black leather strand.

Hands Across the Rocker

Free form fun in simple silvertone wire around black speckled agate.

Your feedback welcome (especially on that wild copper one!)

Why do you suppose these are frugal?
In preparation of festivals every weekend in November, as well as a possible holiday storefront for the Art Assoc in my full-time town, I'm using as much of the summer vacation to create jewelry and build inventory. Only 2 more weeks free time until kids go back to school, and I go back to the day job. My hands are getting tired...

Anyway, these are made using the last few garnet gems, cubic zirconia briolettes, and choice odds and ends in the box. NEVER say never to a bead. So glad to have found them a place in the cosmos. So it's definitely a frugal use on my end.

DREAM PUFF RING

Pearl, ruby red garnet, and more in 14K GF wire.

BLUESY GREEN BRACELET

Casual mix of stone, glass, and metal. Unlock a heart with the charms.

ICE CREAM DELICIOUS EARRINGS

Ruby red garnets like a cherry on top of a scoop of whipped cream white freshwater pearls. 14K GF

VOYAGER RING

For the adventurous in colors of the far flung seas, lands, and skies. 14K GF wire.

GRAPE CLUSTER EARRINGS

Concord colored bunches of pearls, cz, and stone. 14K GF

Chim chimminy, chim chimminy, chim chim cheree. OK, nevermind Dick Van Dyke - Don't you love those chalk art thingy's?

This weekend is a Chalk on the Walk event and guess who is coming?

Lorelle Miller. Think Sistine Chapel, Boticelli, flowing robes.

For the first time a Marketplace is going to be held and I jumped at the chance to have a booth. The event management was so practical!! "We're not going to charge vendors since we would feel bad if no one made any sales being this is the first year!" WELL. Another first!

Here's a few pieces I'm taking out for the first time too:

GRAPE BUNCH EARRINGS


RECYCLED GUITAE STRING BANGLE-PEACH PEARL


BUTTERFLY NECKLACE

Should have written this down, but it's such a pervasive goal I couldn't forget it anyway.

Most merchandising profit comes at the winter holiday season, right? Obvious. Happily, I've had the pleasure of my books at least breaking even after the end of the year.

After several years of busting my b*tt breaking even, it would be nice to make a little profit. While staying true to the raison d'etre, 'Great Quality @ Inexpensive Prices'.

Subliminally I knew I wanted to increase sales during 'off season' times of the year. Especially summer.

For the 2nd year, the local citizen group had an art/crafts area at the Farmer's Market. I participated in about 1/2 the available Saturdays last year to get exposure for me and the event. I signed up for 2/3 of the Saturdays this year.

The books aren't done, but it's going fine. I expect to have a small profit. Nothing large, but worth the time and effort.

Don't count me just lucky. Yes, it was fortune that the persons who organized the event knew me and asked me to come in on the ground floor. But I am smart and savvy enough to be out there NETWORKING so that I am known!! Yes, it was a relief that the management charged a fair fee, a percent of sales or a very nominal flat rate so the sellers would not be in the red. But it's hard work to pack/plan/transport and display, make sales, break down/store and do it all again in a week.

OK, count me lucky, because I enjoy it.

Now have a peek at the Spin Necklace!