The Frugal Artisan

Being a somewhat new craft fair vendor, I'll never visit a craft fair the same!

This weekend

Pretty Cheap Jewelry was in a 2-day craft fair. The table fee was reasonable and the reputation of the event is sterling.

The Good News: I didn't post a loss! I wish I could report oodles of profit, but I made a little, enough to cover the cafe au lait a scone in the wee morning hours of the second day. So basically I broke even.

The Bad News: Attendence was light and there is some recent political scuffling between the city and the fair sponsor. This fair is held by the local high school as a fundraiser for the music department. It has been held monthly for 20 years! Normally it is inside and outside. But just this year, the city merchants are complaining that the fair is an unwelcome competition! So the fair has not been allowed to put up signs or have outdoor vendors (a BIG attraction for customers). The result was pretty light attendence. The fair managment is determined to work it out and make this a success.

The Important News: It was plenty fun and well worth my time in meeting customers and promoting myself in person.

Here's a look at a new item in the shop taken with greatly improved photo techniques I have learned.

Star Light and Moon Shadow Earrings $5
Feature an antiqued sterling plated moon charm and moonstone beads. Moonstone is a cousin of the more familiar goldstone (which is tawny and filled with gold flecks). Both are manmade and moonstone is a very deep navy blue (almost black) and filled with silver sparkle. Swarovski crystal complete the look. Wonderfully bargain priced.

What one thing would you use to do all of these?
1. Loosen stubborn zippers.
2. Untangle jewelry chains.
3. Remove stains from stainless steel sinks.
4. Remove dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
5. Keep ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
6. Remove tomato stains from clothing.
7. Keep glass shower doors free of water spots.
8. Camouflage scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
9. Keep scissors working smoothly.
10. Remove black scuffmarks from the kitchen floor!
11. Give a children's play gym slide a super fast slide.

And more?

Still accepting entries for the free $20 Starbucks card. SO easy and doesn't cost you a nickel (or a penny).

1. Go to

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

2. Contact me (click 'contact' in the right margin). If you are not a member of Etsy it will ask you to register with a username and password. Etsy is an internet marketplace for handmade items.

3. Send me your e mail address to receive an infrequent newsletter.

I will pick a winner from all the sign ups on July 4.

Don't worry, I don't send pesky e mails. In fact, I haven't sent ANY e mails yet. The newsletter will start this summer and will be monthly at best. It will be a fun, trivia and story filled, and at most 1 page.

Thanks!

EEP! Two more days until mayhem!

My 1st and 3rd grader have 8 weeks of freedom, mom - here - has the ultimate plans!

1. Free passes to the Getty Museum in LA (given to the 1st grade class this year).

2. Free passes to the Santa Barbara Art Museum (given to the 3rd grade class this year). To be expanded to a full day trip riding the 25cent electric shuttle to the pier, going to the (elaborate wooden) playground, etc.

3. Free kids passes to Magic Mountain (earned by reading 6 hours in school).

4. Swim Lessons for 2 weeks in July (already registered).

5. Trampoline Class later in August (once a week, for 4 weeks)

6. Ocassional $3 movie.

7. Many trips to the beach to collect sea glass, the latest kids obsession (we are fortunate to live near the Pacific Ocean).

8. Sleep overs with friends at our place and theirs.

And the rest of the time for bickering and nitpicking with each other! Whee! Can't wait!

In the mail was a $2 off coupon for Shell gas with the purchase of 10 gallons. Our family holds a Shell credit card because they reduce the price by 5.5% if you use it to charge gas. Which is what we use this card exclusively.

On Sunday, in preparation for the coming work week, I filled the tank and received cash of $2 (according to the attendent it was easier to give me the cash instead of reducing the charge amount).

Why do they bother though? It is nearly impossible to reduce gas consumption anyway -- I have to get to work and the kids to school. There is little to no discretionary driving already. Is this supposed to entice me to go to Shell instead of some other brand? How in the world is $2 going to make a difference to them? What marketing guru dreamed this ridiculous scheme up?

Nevertheless, you are probably wondering how I was taken to dinner for $2. Also receieved in the mail was a coupon for a free burrito from Chipotles. This is one of the nice 'gourmet' mexican counter service restaurants. In the same vein as La Salsa, Baja Fresh, Sharkeys (if you aren't familiar with these, too bad, they're yummy). Chipotle charges $5+ for a burrito, way alot for mexican fare. (Except they are mixed up too. This restaurant plays jazz and old swing tunes, has Rat Pack trivia on their cups and such. Now whose marketing guru's sister or brother got in on this one?? Idiots! But that's the subject of another blog entry...)

So off I went with the $2, free burrito coupon and bought a soda for $1.34.

I guess Shell Oil actually paid me to go to dinner.

My favorite kind of store - going out of business!

Everything is 20% or more off. Except 'The Planet Earth' DVD set (5 discs). The one thing my husband wants! ARGGGGHH!

I completely splurged getting it for Father's Day (you don't want to know how much it costs...). He is an earth science teacher, so it is far and away the right thing to get him.

The store hands out a coupon for one free 'Planet Earth' DVD with every Discovery Channel online purchase.

Also purchased a human anatomy model for our best friend's daughter's birthday next weekend (the one where the lungs, intestines, bones, etc are inside a clear plastic person). At about $18 it was a very good choice for a 7-year old with an 8-y-o sister. The parents are both teachers. I always want to give kids educational stuff, and have given them books in the past.

One more going out of business store also today!

It was a gift type shop with a number of jewelry racks for sale. I picked up 3 velvet blocks for $1 ea. GREAT for the June, July, Aug, and Sept craft shows I am in with Pretty Cheap Jewelry!

*Signifying shoppers who love my store.

I'm giving away a $20 Starbucks Card as THANKS!

To enter, join the mailing list by July 4.

1. Go to the website (click on the shop name in this blog left column)

2. Click on 'contact PrettyCheap' in the shop right margin.

(It will ask you to register with a username and password, just like you do here and on Amazon. Give yourself a jazzy avatar!)

3. In your 'contact' send me your e mail address.

That's all! I will let my 7-y-o girl pick the winner out of a hat at the end of the contest. You can talk with her about who wins!

BTW, I don't send annoying e mails, in fact I don't ANY e mails until I learn how to make up a decent newsletter. It might be a monthly issue when up and running smoothly.

THANKS for your time and GOOD LUCK!

My son has been carefully and diligently saving allowance and chore money for a Game Boy this summer.

(I am not crazy about his choice of product, but after almost 2 years of negotiating this issue, it's time has come)

Today he exchanged a $2 bill, several golden Presidential dollars and at least 1 silver dollar for a $20 bill with me.

What to do with these fun and unusual items?

One Sunday a month I volunteer as a host at the Art Association Gallery. It is located at a marina, a moderate sized tourist attraction with restaurants, souvenir shops, and a National Park site within.

The gallery sees some foot traffic, but not as much as we'd like. The gallery atmosphere is on the spartan side. It is quiet (with low volume jazz or soft rock playing), uncluttered, with wares for young adults on up. Framed items, glass works, textiles and jewelry are displayed among other things.

Is this not enough in the age of clever media marketing?

Do people need to be bombarded with tempting signs, sales, and all the frills so common nowadays?

On the other hand, what about those shops that contain maybe 5 (stratospherically priced) purses or shoes? There's practically NOTHING in the store, yet they stay in business?

Ha! ha! Any thoughts welcome :->

This band speaks to me even as an oldster and I am truly heartened that they are using their video for positive

Nickelback If Everyone Cared

I am going to buy the record.

On the way from work to pick up kids at school, I needed a drink. Although the fountain drink cost is low, I do not support the 7-11. They are smarmy, all 7-11's are a magnet for crime.

And rarely do I use a drive through, it's against my environmental conscience. But there I went, to McDonald's where a big sign said -

42oz for 69c

Whereupon I got out the coins rattling around in my change purse. Didn't even break a 1 dollar bill.

It was enough for all three of us (mom and 2 kids) on the way home from school.

Now just to remember to bring a 6-pack of drinks to the office refridge and this wouldn't happen anymore!

To boost sales in my internet shop I have an idea for an aggressive promotion. It will probably run in the hot dog days of summer something like this:
--------------------------------------
Want to Win a Pitcher of Iced Coffee?
GET A CHANCE TO WIN A $20 STARBUCKS CARD
FOR EVERY PURCHASE YOU MAKE FROM NOW UNTIL _(date)___ YOU'RE ENTERED TO WIN

THE MORE PURCHASES YOU MAKE, THE MORE CHANCES YOU GET!

As little as $5 gets you in at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry where nothing is cheap except the price! Spruce up your summer wardrobe for $8 or less ~ send a one-of-a-kind note to friends over the summer with a handmade card ~ and many more items to choose from. GOOD LUCK and have fun!

Winner will be notified by __(date)___. Thanks for playing!
---------------------------------------
A special group of past customers will get a note that the contest is beginning and if time/postage is reasonable, an intermediate note will be sent as well.

Any tweaks, suggestions welcome (you all are sort of my test group!).

While you're musing it over, have a look at my latest design.

Silk Trade Winds Necklace and Earring Set
Long and slim as a strand of silk, exotic as spice carried on the trade winds, this set features handmade links of copper pearls sandwiched between sparkling mint swarovski crystals and filigree balls. The long 28" necklace is composed of fine link goldplated chain. Matching earrings complete the set.

Instead of taking my kids and a friend to the cheap movies ($3/person) over the long weekend, I had the brilliant idea to rent a movie and have popcorn night at home--

$12.00 NOT
$3.51 DONE

We saw 'Happy Feet' which we had not seen in the movies the first go around. The kids did not get the overfishing message

As for the pun, here is a totally fun item I put in my internet shop

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

You Rock (ing) Horse Cross Stitch Notecards - Pack of 3 for $6

There is a trivia contest in my shop at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry to attract visitors and have some fun. The correct answerer wins a free prize, no strings attached.

This was a successful method of getting traffic when I started the business about a year ago. But I was stumped on how to capitalize on helping the visitors to make a purchase.

AHA! The moment has come *!*

In fact, I had forgotten I have a record of the winner's snail mail addresses (where their prize was sent). Previously I had not kept this list because the contest was truly for goodwill and fun (ok I am not just a noodlehead, but an idiotic business manager).

The addresses are stored in my 'convos' at the shop website. Normally you are not allowed to use these 'convos' to solicit sales and I agree (the folks at Etsy would be overwhelmed with spam).

But I CAN use the snail mail addresses. There are almost 20 past winners. And they will get lots of fun mail from me this year with special offers to come back! Coupons, Freebies, who knows!!

Why didn't I think of this before? OK, I am a slow learner? Here is a new piece in my shop for you to ooh and aahh over and make me feel better--

It's a boy or it's a girl Enamel Baby Shoe Charm Necklace $12

Why do I give out all my secrets???

I have found two more newish but decent free advertising venues on the internet. Yours for the taking advantage of:

yourhub.com

TuningIn.com

the first is linked with my (and probably your) local newspaper ; the second is a startup something like craig's list. wait and see if the latter gets snarky or if the moderator stays on top of things.

Ciao! And be sure to check in at Pretty Cheap Jewelry for a Father's Day gift that will knock his socks off for $5! (Male Sex Symbol Fossilized Shark Tooth Pin) don't worry, it's g-rated...

What is special about the state of Maine?
CATEGORY: Semantics

(Note from Pretty Cheap Jewelry: There are probably a number of special things about the state of Maine, but the answer I am looking for has to do with the category)

The ABC news had a short story on a new website/host offer at

weebly.

The beauty is it's highly user-friendly to put together a website, ie 'drop and drag' design set up.

Worth a trial run for a few weeks instead of paying even $10/month. Includes photos, blog and more. I haven't looked if there are charges for increased memory size, etc.

BTW I posted this in the Freebie/Computer forum but becomes too invisible due to the many subcategories in freebies.

This item is in my internet shop (click on Pretty Cheap Jewelry on the left)

and 'thumbnails' of any item are really important. A person needs to be attracted enough to that photo to click on the item to learn more.

I hope the liquid is not too shiny/glarey. But the shape of the bottle is very seductive IMO.

Feedback?
Japanese Bloom Oval Milliefiore Glass Earrings $5
Tiny floral pattern within the beads remind me of a japanese garden or bonsai, so much beauty in so little space. These earrings also feature brandy and gold colored accents on two links which dangle nicely. Goldplated french wires.

Pretty Cheap Jewelry is coming to Texas!

Many of my beautiful, fun and affordable items will be sold starting in May at Texas Art Spot (http://www.texasartspot.com). So next time you are on Route 45 south of Dallas, stop in Corsicana (about 50 miles south of Dallas between Dallas and Houston) and have a little fun in the shop.

Thank you Lone Star State!

End of the week fun-

Name one item invented by a woman on the subject of:

(1) automotive parts

(2) household appliances

Post here and I'll put up answers later today!

My artist sister's husband is a musician and has a plethora of guitar picks, guitar strings, etc.

She designed these beauties, delightful!

They are available in my shop (click on Pretty Cheap Jewelry at the left column).

Thanks for viewing!

What happens if a female ferret cannot mate when in heat?

Great Day at the neighborhood yard sale!

My garage is happy!

Out went the above ground 12' diameter pool, the vintage tabletop hockey game, the 9 year old 4x4 stroller, and the aeronautically correct kite!!

My kids made about $10 each, I made about $50 additional! Woo Hoo!

Here's the funny part:

A drive by asking for old vinyl records (what's up with that?). I didn't haul mine out, though I have many in the bookcase (the ol' turntable still works)

A middle age type asking for old stamp sets and trains Out came the binder full of stamps the kids never really got involved with. Out came the old iron train (not a collector's item by any stretch of the imagination, just a 10 lb dust catcher)

A quick pic of the scene below

My 9-y-o son's friend sent him to

miniclips for lots and lots of free computer games.

He didn't need any encouragement

Take a look, you won't believe the variety, and they're all free. I don't see any 'strings'.

After arriving a couple hours early and a successful check in at the airport a couple days ago, I settled down to do some cross stitching until my flight would board.

Happily working away with my scissors in my lap. When it struck me...

Oops, sharp objects not allowed. I kept working a little while more showing no alarm. Then slipped them inside the book of patterns and packed up my tote bag.

Hoped the scissors would not be taken away, as it was the only pair I brought. I wondered if even the actual needles would be taken away

What about the return trip?

Just about finished with my spinach salad last night, when, 7 year old daughter shrieked "
THERE'S A SNAIL IN THE SALAD!

Let me See Let me See *Everyone running around the table*

"Was that the spinach I picked?," asked DH.

"Yup," says Mom

Just another day in the backyard organic farming at Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

Son groans UUUGGGHHH - Daughter sasses No Spinach for ME!

*Dad takes remaining salad to the compost bin*

Thank goodness I didn't look

Taking a flight tonight and thinking ahead :P

Packing a few dry snacks in my flight bag
Save about $5 by bringing snacks instead of purchasing, drinks must buy

Bringing radio/movie earphone jacks purchased on previous flight
It may not be compatible between airlines, but doesn't hurt to try (husband says some airlines give these out free now too)

Saving of the green $$

Want to get away without spending anything? If you don't mind making up your own bed, take a vacation in your own backyard, so to speak.

Vacations are for ...seeing new places... shopping new stores...meeting new people...relaxing...

1. See New Places
Take a hike! Have you ever explored trails nearby? Check the local

Sierra Club chapter activity listing for free guided hikes in your area. You don't have to join the Club to try a hike (ask to be a guest). Or just get an idea of where good walks exist. The Club hosts a huge variety of outdoor walks; short to long; easy to expert.

2. See More New Places
Go Birdwatching! OK, sound sissy? If you dare to try beware of having fun! Audubon Society is a wonderful organization full of folks ready to swoop down and fill you with knowledge. It becomes a challenge and contest filling your journal of sightings. Borrow binoculars from a friend or Audubon host.

3. See New Shops
Instead of buying the week's groceries at the same old place, try a different store. A new store's displays and selection are a breath of fresh air. For the really ambitious, shop someplace completely different like the specialty sushi market(!), tea and coffee shops, and organic groceries.

4. Meet New People
Is there a community college in your area? Or a local art association? Listen to a lecture! Attend an art show opening! It doesn't have to be something you know about, go to open your own horizons. Ask others about the topic, people are more than willing to talk about themselves.

5. Meet More New People
Go Stargazing! Look up the nearest astronomical society and go to a meeting. A fantastic experience, it might change your outlook no matter where you vacation in the future. Usually the club sets up some pretty nice equipment and allows all guests to peer out to space. These telescopes are high tech and are unlikely ever to be owned by the average joe.

6. RELAX
No hot tub, spa, pool at home? Fill up the tub and take a long hot bubble bath. (It might feel silly at home, but don't knock it till you try it). Light some candles, use shampoo or liquid hand soap for loads of bubbles, and send the kids away with spouse or the neighbor. Turn on something different on the radio. If you never tried the classical music station, DO IT NOW. Or tune to country if you usually listen to pop. Or jazz if you usually listen to country.

Start planning your next 'Trip' now!

Every heard of flickr.com? A free place to put your photos to share with family or the world. It's very popular, fun, and creative. There's groups, forums, the whole 9 yards.

Your photos can be privatized (for only family to see) or open to the public.

Want to see some great items from Pretty Cheap Jewelry? I opened an account yesterday

here. Put comments if you wish ;-)

ARGHHH Does everyone else have such difficulties getting their computer upgraded?!

We are still having trouble with getting two home PCs running smoothly with a new DSL service and a wireless router.

1. After taking back a less expensive router about a week ago, the system worked better with a Netgear wireless (it goes transmits well between a top and bottom floor in the house).

2. Then the stupid system still was spotty, couldn't get to my EMAIL!!!!!!! Really a pain.

3. Patient husband wizard spoke to Netzero (our provider) who helped him lower a number in the DSL set up which made the 'packets' of information smaller that go over the line. (I'd like to send HIM a packet). Actually the number wasn't good enough, and husband took a guess at an even lower number which worked better.

4. Now the upstairs computer, which sits NEXT TO THE WIRELESS works okay, not great but at least I can get to my email. The downstairs computer is still SNAFU

I give UP!

It is as bad as your car breaking down. However, after the initial shock of a few days, you get used to NOT USING YOUR COMPUTER as much.

Breathe, breathe, I took yoga 3 years and need to go BACK! WHERE ARE MY FROWNING SMILEYS!!!????

The only good thing is trying to shift energy toward making wonderful crafts for my business with all the open time.

YES-added a beautiful mini-journal to the store as shown below. And the bouquet props are from my yard, so sweet.