The Frugal Artisan

Adding a life event to add to my FB page; taking a selection of jewelry and cards to the small local museum store today. The museum director asked to sell my rings, sea glass jewelry, and collage cards. So of course I accepted!

This puts

Pretty Cheap Jewelry in 5 shops! Wow, now that adds up!

Each store has its own specialization, different customer type, and style. I am looking forward to tracking and comparing the sales between each over the next 12 months.

This location is pretty exciting because:

1. There is good opportunity in the future for selling other styles of rings I make. Rings stood out to the director because she presently has none in the shop. This means I can play around with making different types of rings and have an avenue to sell them.

2. The sea glass jewelry is sought after. The director also wants sea glass jewelry but at prices like I offer. She had a previous sea glass artisan, but the prices were exorbitant so she no longer carries it. This means I can continue to design and have fun with my stash and have a willing sales outlet. Here's a style I'm working on which fits the bill (sea glass jewelry at an inexpensive price)...


Cobalt Blue on Metal Leaf

Small pieces of natural sea glass are sewn on sheet metal leaf shapes. An interesting combination of man and nature. See more photos and price here

I should feel very satisfied, but still am frustrated!! Why? Attention to Pretty Cheap Jewelry on line has been slow. Ah well, patience patience patience.

Thx for the reads.

I love travelling, but with 2 teens it is no longer easy or cheap. We don't fit well into one smallish hotel room anymore. But I have some tricks to keep our costs down!

We are very loyal to Holiday Inn because...

1. The free breakfast is a major cost savings for a family of 4

2. We are rewarded nicely through their point program. Often we are able to upgrade from a single room to a larger room or even a suite at no extra cost.

I look forward to travelling just the 2 of us (!!) but for now I do still want to take our teen son along for the last couple year's he's around.

So we are planning a family summer trip to Hawaii (woo hoo!). We waited 2 years for the air fares to come down. We'll go to (the inexpensive) Waikiki area for the first week and then Maui the second week.

On Maui I wanted to look into a house/condo/apt rental so we can slow down, cook for ourselves, hang around the base area more, spend less. I took alot of time researching tripadvisor but didn't see what I really wanted at under $200/night.

Then I came across 2 sites that were good: airbnb and vrbo (vacation rental by owner). The first was on a FB post by my BIL who was asking if it was reliable (answer: yes, and I didn't realize how many of my relatives already knew about it). The latter was recommended here in the SA forums by DisneySteve so I knew it was good!

And the result? A dream come true! Found a rental in Hana, Maui. All the way on the island east tip, a complete throwback in time. Not commercialized area, beach house on black sand, environmental paradise.

Feeling very fortunate!!

One of the hardest jobs on vacation? Lazy sea glass hunting to make things like this:

Sea Glass Necklace


Simply black and white. A big piece of sea glass in a wire setting on black braided cord. Handmade and original design. See it at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry

Thanks for tweeting and reading!

the seconds or minutes left on the microwave! Silly, ok. But how about the matzoh from March? it is getting crumbled into soup, such as tomato and squash soup, and is great!!

Some other little saves? and I mean little!

- the paper tea bag wrap goes in recycling

- jazz up the dog food with the end of box cheese it crumbs (he liked it)

- into the compost for fruit and vege scrap

Not sure about you, but I have a habit of thinking about where I will dispose of the things I use.

Recycle? sure

Reuse? definitely

Reduce? Ah! This is the best choice of all. Make less waste to start with.

Check out the comparison pictures of --

What different families around the world eat in a week

A pick me upper a bit to see the smiling central american family.

What's your littlest save lately?

I've had so many Random Acts of Donation lately it showed up in my dream!

Setting- I was a mom living in a different town (it is a real town that I know of which has a much higher average income.)

Scene 1- I'm walking through a school and overhear the music department teacher saying to a parent, "When you bring in your composed piece..."

In my dream I am awestruck that music student parents have to donate original music they compose!! Knowing that as a typical parent I donate to bakesales, ewaste roundups, carwash events, etc. And I think to myself (still in my dream), 'I can't believe all the donations a parent has to make!'

Haha!

The bad news? This past weekend

Pretty Cheap Jewelry was in a gift fair at the local museum for a day. Sales were poor. Too many jewelry vendors, cold weather, and it just didn't click for me.

The good news? The museum store wants me! The director scoped out my things and asked me to bring in a stock of rings, earrings and collage cards.

Hand crafted, good quality rings are a smart product as I've mentioned before. Putting them out front at a boutique helps increase sales for me in general. People love to try them on and then stay to chat and look over the other things I make.

Here's one style of ring I will take in:

Sterling Silver Flourish Ring

Center sparkle of crystal next to hammered flourishes on adjustable sterling silver ring.

Can't wait to report on what develops with the museum!

My daughter had her first figure skate solo. A two minute solo, with mostly older moves she has mastered for months. Except one very important move, the axel, which is the game changer for skaters. It's like going from elementary to junior high. Or picture books to chapter books.

The axel is the stepping stone to those advanced jumps you see by the champions. She started trying about 18 months ago, and got the first landing about 4 weeks ago. (Some take 2 years to get it!). Then it takes more weeks to not trip, fall and land it consistently.

Her coach decided to put an axel in the program she skated for a spring recital show this weekend. So not only was she nervous to be out there and have THE WHOLE ICE TO HERSELF (hardly ever before), she was nervous about landing the axel. She did NOT fall!! I was so happy - this is a very big confidence boost.

Take a quick peek, she's whizzing by! Smiling! I'm up on the top row of the bleachers. The zoom on my phone camera destroys resolution, but I wanted a candid!!



My title refers to a different cost. The skaters have a regular dance class to help develop presentation and the dance class also does a number at the spring show. So we have to buy a costume for for the dance number, mostly brand new and custom sewn for each performer.

This time it was a pair of sparkly black leggings and a flimsy t-shirt (the kind that is ripped in strips on the back!). That cost was $60. Oh, then a pair of store bought suspenders and a plain black tie was added. For another $10. THEN!!! we had to come up with a pair of hot pink ankle socks at our own cost.

Argh. $70 for that?! I am so mad. It seems to me this teacher does not have ANY sense of money. NONE of that stuff is usable for anything else. This happens EVERY year for shows. She just does not seem to think far enough ahead to plan for reducing costs in costuming.

I am glad she uses garment designers making clothes in LA. But it's very discouraging putting up the money without being able to say anything.

The dance production is usually very good, the results are very impressive. It's so hard to keep an objective perspective of how to give your child this privilege and keep your logic financially as a parent.

Here's a peek at the dance number.



All will be well, I just need to rant.

Would you consider the donating of refreshments and supplies to an event a Random Act of Kindness? Not really. A RAK should be done person to person or a close fascimile. (Remember that word?!) Anyone want to give a definition of RAK? (comment below)

Today will be a Random Act of Donation kind of day. There is a Mother's Day tea party at our harbor art gallery this Sunday, open to visitors. It's the 3rd year and has been growing in attendence. Last year the visitors sipped drinks, little refreshments, mothers received a rose, and with their kids made a party hat from wrapping paper. And, yes, it boosted sales at our shop!

Naturally, the art gallery membership provides the supplies and volunteer time. Enter the donations!

I will be giving:

3 rolls of wrapping paper - we pick up at the after Christmas sales at a ridiculously low price (sometimes a quarter or two, maybe a dollar). My DH just got a little too much and I am happy to give some away!

2 plates fresh fruit picks - someone at work left a bag of oranges (backyard) and there are too many lingering. OK, I will slice them and fold onto tooth picks with an added farmer market strawberry. Cost of strawberries $5 for three baskets and I am only going to use 1 basket.

Flowers from the yard - last year I had some roses to donate, but this year the roses are not ready. Instead, I will make a few little bouquets with some snapdragon stalks, carnations, sages. Happy to clear out so I can plant summer things anyway!!

I'll be taking these gloves to the shop as part of my payback (hope they get purchased in coming weeks).

Updated Vintage White Gloves



And I will watch for the chance to do a RAK during a lunchtime walk. Stay tuned!

Besides declaring my 'vegenearlian' diet, the other new step in my life is doing regular random acts of kindness. The first one this month was at the 99 cent store where the (homeless type of) woman in front of me was getting a water, bag of cookies and something else for between $2 and $3. She had a handful of coins but was short. I made up the difference. Not surprised that she didn't really express appreciation, but I know it was probably inside and hard to say. It was good for me to help.

Then several weeks ago I was up in the top shelf of the pantry retrieving a container to be used for donating refreshments to a reception. Ah! I forgot! There was a Gingerbread Train Kit from last December that I stashed because we just had TOO MUCH last Christmas.

It was marked 'best use by May 8' and I figured that was enough time to make it of good use. I made a mental note to give the train kit to the next needy kid I found.

Days went by and I forgot here and there. I saw it a couple more times and decided to take it out last night. There is a very very objective and local charitable group right near work with a store front called the 'Unity Shoppe'. It is a consortium of faiths and I knew they would have a kid who could use the gingerbread fun immediately.

So Random Act of Kindness #2: Walked in and asked them to give it to the best kid they thought of. The two ladies at the checkout looked at each other and kind of winked and made a 'I know just who' nod to me.

Wish me good sales this Sunday at our first Sundays free at the local museum gift plaza! I'm taking some of these...

Hand Made Blank Booklets
20 pages for grabbing grad autographs, keeping Mom Day mementos, or a mini vacation record. A very inexpensive investment at $7.50 ea

Daisy Field


Vintage Moon

Giving up meat for the month of May, anyone want to join me? The local morning radio jock (a very typical dad) announced he wanted to go red meatless for better health. It was all I needed to jump on the bandwagon. Easy for me, hard I assume for him.

I'm already fairly meatless, but want to take the next step for environmental reasons. It is obvious that industrial farming has gone too far away from wholesome practice. Genetic voodoo, overfishing, water resource destruction, fuel and air impacts. Enough. I will do at least what one person can - stop using those things in my life.

The past 10 days have been a trial run. It's going to be easy to take out red meat. I have no desire for beef, pork. What came up?

................................................
No BBQ! ok, sad but will give up ribs, tri tip
No Greek Gyros! ok, but yes to the mousaka!!
................................................

Our house has a permanent supply of salami, sausage, and ham. Mostly because of my Italian descended husband. They are also good for getting some veges into my kids when made into a sub sandwich. However, I was not raised with those cured meats as much, and truthfully don't crave them EVER. Vege subs for me!!

Chicken is going to be hard to take out of my diet. It's not on the plan, but that is the way I'm going. Except for the occasional backyard bird (my neighbor raises) I'm not trying to be vegan, just almost vegetarian. Same for fish. Nothing except what we might catch on occasion or perhaps that is absolutely approved by the Monterey Bay SeaWatch list.

Maybe I need to coin a new word that means 99.9% vegetarian; how about

'vegepractically'
or
'vegenearlyian'

Thanks for checking in, here's a look at my latest work from

Pretty Cheap Jewelry -

Updated Vintage
Classic wrist length gloves spruced up with fresh florals and sparkling swarovski crystals.

Pink heirloom roses and dotted pink sparkles with an eyelet edge.


Yellow roses, tiny bows, and a scalloped edge with a swirl of diamond flash.

Silver prices hit a short term low day before yesterday. I've been watching and trying to pounce on the time to restock my sterling wire. It's been at least a couple years since I bought, and much as I wish and wait, those prices are never going to return.

Though I was lucky on other occasions to obtain some silver wire from super duper close outs, or hit a good deal at the LA jewelry mart and wholesale shows, the same opportunities haven't materialized lately.

And I'm running low on it.

So I took the plunge and got 10 feet from a well known jewelry supply that gives the best everyday price everyday (all the metalsmiths use them).

See, the price is not too many times more than what I paid some years ago:



Compare the last price ~ $23 / oz with two years before. About $23 / oz !!

Maybe I should have bought more?

Well, here's what I can do with 7"!

Simple Flourish Adjustable Ring


Center crystal is set between hammered flourishes on an adjustable sterling silver ring. (shown: champagne crystal)

Good for your health, good for the Earth, good for your bank account.

WHat is it? eating no red meat. I realized yesterday, Earth Day, that I already am slowly but gradually already giving up meat. This article, more of an opinion than news, nevertheless put my own thoughts into black and white:

What I learned from a month of going vegan

She writes it's hard, but not THAT hard. And that you better be able to cook for yourself most of the time. And, like any new diet, don't do it fad-style, do it gradually to be successful.

"Forcing yourself to think harder about what you’re eating and where it comes from is habit-forming. And that’s a very good thing."

and, like the author, I also have become more critical of where, how and what are the foods I do buy.

"Four out of four of us also realized we wanted to raise the bar for the animal products we did eat."

Now the local morning radio jock on KVTA AM1590 is going to go meatless in May. This is a down to earth, typical dad (who I've met many times). I said I'd join in!

I am not trying vegan, but just taking out land based meat and probably most of the seafood. I'll allow myself the occasional backyard chicken or turkey, or fish my husband catches himself. ALso, eggs and cheese are ok, especially LOCAL!!

But I'm doing it for environmental reasons. 'Diet for a Small Planet' was the first of many books about what impacts farming and livestock have on land and water resources. That was 30 or 40 years ago. Now you can fill a big bookcase with the issues in industrial farming. Overfished seas. Genetic altering. Etc.

Would you do it? What is your reason? I'll write about my progress here as time permits.

Thanks for reading, here's a little free spirited copper ring lately from Pretty Cheap Jewelry - a little messy, expect the next few to be a bit more refined.

saw on twitter that Starbucks house coffee is free Fri morn til noon (not widely advertised but true). Funny, I have a $5 starbucks card in my wallet that has yet to be used. I guess it will stay put!

Prompted by last post about recouping some lost income from a jewelry lesson I wrote for an adjustable ring, I went to the site and saw several recent feedbacks:

"I just made this ring in a matter of minutes. It was very easy to make. The instructions were clear and concise...Most important the ring is comfortable to wear. I have made several rings that were pretty but did not wear well. The fact that this ring is adjustable is a big plus."

The point about comfort is of interest, I'm glad the customer reminded me to raise that issue in future marketing!

Here are some other comfortable rings I have for sale -

Silver Pearl Eco Circle

Olive Flow


Now go get your Starbucks!

About a month ago I wrote a funny but foolish story how I missed out making a lot of money. It involved writing a 'how-to make an adjustable ring' on a jewelry lesson website. Normally those lessons are available for a small price, but there are a good number of free lessons. I had put that one on the website free sort of as a return favor and to pass on the good karma.

I didn't think about it much once it went public, except to enjoy watching the number of people who downloaded the lesson...100 then 200 then 450 then...you get the picture. It was up to about 1500 almost 2 years after the start when my daughter remarked casually, 'You should make that for pay'. OH!

*slap forehead* See above where it says -->I didn't think??!!

Of course, you are allowed to change the price (or the contents or the photos). It was just in my head that once the price was free, that was fixed. NOT!

So immediately I changed the price to a very nominal $2 (I get half).

Obviously some of the original audience took the lesson because it was free, and would never have paid anything regardless of price. But my guess is that somewhere between 1% and 10% would have paid the fee.

That means I realistically lost at least
1% x $1500 = 15

or as much as:
10% x $1500 = $150

It's been 2 months since the price change and I'm happily watching people BUY the lesson at a nice steady rate!

Month 1 earnings = $ 8
Month 2 earnings = $ 9

So I feel I'm recouping that lost opportunity! Phew!

In the meantime, take a look at the latest hand built box off the work bench from

Pretty Cheap Jewelry where obviously it's not all about just jewelry.

Victorian Friend - Flask Style Round Box
Edged with little white pompoms and covered with engraved look floral paper outside. Lid rim says 'Friend Friend Friend' all around. Top features a bouquet of artifical heirloom style pink roses, buds and leaves.



Thnks for looking and see me on twitter @PrettyCheap

About 2 weeks ago I wrote about a nearby bead supply store that lost its' lease and was going to close. This shop is on my lunchtime beat, I easily walk there and loved the convenience of getting small jewelry parts within a day of needing them. Their prices were not great, but the selection was different and sometimes better than the big craft stores.

Though it was sad to know they would be gone, I was excited about getting a load of supplies at major reduced prices. But alas! The markdowns were very modest the first two weeks, eg 20% and 30% at most. Some items went down 50% the third week, but not on the most desirable supplies. I was hoping to stock up on precious metal wire (sterling or gold filled) and special stone beads, such as gemstone or exotic types. Nope.

Their last day is Saturday and I will give it a last try on Friday. If big discounts are not going to happen then, I'll save my money!!

In the meantime, I've been busy with a new love!

What would you do with:

- empty corrugated cardboard boxes
- cartons from cereal, soda, shoes, and you name it
- fabric scraps
- little crafty supplies such as artificial flowers, ribbon

Well, I seem to have loads of those things. So at no cost but time, here's what I'm doing:

Hand Built Decorated Boxes
Using a pattern from a 'how to make fabric covered boxes' book, these boxes are built from reused packages. The book contains 20+ patterns, shown are a couple with lids and the diamond shape.

Purple Daisy Box


Purple and white dotted fabric outside, mint green satin inside (not shown). A field of white daisies is scattered on the front and lid. Tiny purple beaded trim edges the top and bottom. The lid pull is a ceramic bead.

Green Berry Box


Covered in a forest leaf themed fabric of gold, green and wine red outside. Wine red velvet inside. Wine red rope trim at the top and bottom edges, felt green stencil trim also at the top edge. Artificial berries and leaves decorate the lid, sage green ceramic lid pull.

To be honest, I am batting .500! Shown are the two boxes that came out great, there are two boxes that came out less nicely and I am going to give away.

The time involved is fairly lengthy, but the cost? NOTHING!!

Next up! Boxes decorated with paper. Stay tuned!

One of the all time top 10 toys is a big empty cardboard box. The kind copy paper comes in, or with stratospheric luck, the kind a new washing machine or refrigerator comes in!

For a birthday party with a dozen moms and 3 year olds a long time ago (my kids are now 15 or so), I once snagged a big tall box and made a puppet theater. The idea was to have the kids make a puppet out of a glove or sock and then put on a show. I cut out a window a little above where the kids' height was, attached a rod and a split piece of fabric to slide along for the curtain, and covered the outside with brick pattern contact paper. The contact paper was really the only expense.

It turned out nice enough that I donated to a preschool class after the party.

Well, I am still playing with boxes!

By sheer luck I picked up this book at the library sale shelf on making fabric covered boxes some months ago:

Making Fabric Covered Boxes

The original purpose was for giving as a birthday gift, with some supplies to a friend of my daughter. But we went another route, and I realized I WANTED THE BOOK.

Inside are patterns for many many box shapes and sizes. A brief read of the instructions and there was NOTHING terribly hard or unusual. It called for various kinds of cardboard, hot glue and a razor blade to make good cuts.

It seems I have an endless supply of cardboard! Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, soda cartons, corrugated boxes from house project hardware, and on and on - all FREE. AND I LOVE reusing and recycling!!

Also by sheer luck I have been loaded up with surplus beaded trims by a sewing friend and by my sister. (This is what happens when people know you make stuff, they give you lots of supplies!). The book is lush in decorating ideas, but I have plenty of ideas of my own!

A perfect use for the trims, the fabric scraps and my endless supply of cardboard. I would give box making a try.

So here's a teaser of a date with my scissors and glue over the weekend. This was a diamond shaped lidded box.





Come back and see it done tomorrow!

The middle school library turned down my offer to donate the books below. I have put them on

www.paperbackswap.com - request from me if you want them for your school or town library. They are hard-bound for library (reinforced and have clear cover); I got them from our city library sale shelf.

If you are not on paperbackswap but a blogger here on saving advice and I recognize your name, comment below and I will get with you over email to do a swap.

Stephen Hawking, A Life in Science
by Michael White, John Gribben
see it here on paperbackswap

LeMond, The Incredible Comeback of an American Hero
by Samuel Abt
see it here on Amazon
or
see it here on paperbackswap

Also this one which I did not offer the librarian, but a good middle school/high school level topic:

Beyond Earth Day: Fulfilling the Promise
Gaylord Nelson
see it here on paperbackswap

Thx for reading!

Actually, had a couple cheap dates. Alot of areas hold 'First Friday' open houses at local art businesses. Many are happy hour type gatherings with music, light refreshments, entertainment, and speakers. Most of the artistic shops in the area work together and make a 'map' of where to go, what to do. Check your town events, do you have one? You probably do!!

Like when the big stores have a grand opening and give away freebies and whatnot, a very high objective of First Fridays is simply to get you in the door. Why? Once you've visited, the place is on your mental map.

There is NO sales pressure!! The arts community is supremely happy to just increase attendence and attract new (hopefully future) customers.

It's FUN! I have no art education, and still went this past Friday. The first stop was to hear an artist talk about the show of her aerial photography. Nothing abstract or complicated, easy to understand! The gallery is a fairly formal setting, but the people very warm and interesting! The artist's spouse poured his home brew beer! How interesting is that!!

My guess is this artist was only a couple years out of college, and was very appreciative of the 20 or so in attendence. There was a simple raffle of one photo, $2 a ticket. Very nice to have won (but we didn't).

We walked to a second venue which was having a bike themed show. Easy subject again. We missed a video and a band but saw the art.

Happily ended the night at a little bistro near where we parked. Pulled out my (school fundraiser) discount card, and shared a 25% off ricotta/spinach pizza with my sweet guy and one glass of wine between us. There was an upbeat dance'able band and it was a delight to hang out for awhile.

Date #2 was with my sewing machine! I finally had a Sunday to get these mini silk bags done:

Daddy's Little Purse Strings
Made for the smart phone, by the smart and Frugal Artisan using fine retired silk men's ties.



A few of the variety of patterns and beaded enclosures. All with shoulder strap. Contact me to order, $15 ea. (plus shipping)

What did you do on your spring break? Four days 'off' work but not off family stuff! BORING READING ALERT: The past few days were the once a year time I take care of the kitchen/dining/den tile floor. Y'know we put that tile in ourselves!! Ok, ok, maybe it was 15 years ago, but I must have that picture in my mind of it brand new. Nah, it is the frugalista in me that appreciates BRAND NEW stuff and wants to keep it like that forever (almost). It's a cream color, but you guessed it, the grout is no longer cream. More like MUD COLORED, especially in the high traffic area. I don the junk clothes, and get the gallon of bleach and rubber gloves. AND it's nice and nearly cream colored again. At least for a week....


FUN READING ALERT: After another couple days of taking kid's to appointments, I MADE a block of time to devote to my small business. Each of these 3 things I wanted to work on needed a good block of 2~4 hours-

a. Hand bind books
b. Learn to make wire prong settings
c. Make fabric covered fancy keepsake boxes

I only had time for one. I knew the prong setting would take some weeks/months to get good at and I decided to let that one go for now. The boxes looked like great fun, but a pretty big time commitment.

So I picked 'a' because I had a box of high quality linen content paper that has been awaiting book making for a year or so. Also, I had gotten the "BookWorks" book from paperback swap a few weeks ago which has instructions for many kinds of journal binding.

Here is the step making the 'signatures' - those are folded sets that are sewn together, then stacked and sewed/glued at the spine to make a book. Just making the signatures took the couple hour block I had:


Signatures for bookmaking-there will be 8 books

Making and attaching the cover is a whole separate step which is reserved for another time block of hours!

Keeping the momentum, I decided to make booklets with the heavy scrapbook pages in my supplies that were originally bought for that purpose (over a year ago!).

Booklets are fast and easy, just using 1 'signature'. You sew the cover right along with the signature.

I also have been given lots of trims lately, not to mention the stock of accents I have already. So here's how I put them to work:

HAND SEWN BOOKLETS

Vintage Beauty
Features lace doily and velvet trim, beaded tail binding


Daisy Days
Features beaded tail binding and fiber flowers


Travel Pop
Features fabric wheels and sheer red ribbon spine


Inside View
All booklets are 6" x 6" with 20 unlined pages, 30% recycled content paper Forest Stewardship Certified (sustainable practice)


The booklets are destined for summer shows and shops, and retail for $10 ea.

Lots of other stories to come! Watch for 'How Do they STAY in Business?!' and other spring break sound bites from The Frugal Artisan.

Alert! A good jewelry supply store a few blocks from work is closing. I noticed a 'For Lease' sign in the bead store window a couple weeks ago and asked why. The shop clerk told me the building owner has family issues and may not renew with the current renters. Drat.

This place has been a great resource, easy for me to stop in once a week or so for many small things for my jewelry business. Good selection, luxury of time to find just the right thing, far superior than Michaels. I could get gold filled wire, special color crystals, many sizes of inexpensive pearls, etc. All of these things are at the trade shows, but it was so nice to walk there any day of the week instead of waiting for the twice/three time a year wholesale show. (And those wholesale shows are so much more a time crunch needing faster, less objective cash spending decisions.)

Of course this is a big opportunity for me to stock up on more expensive things at a big discount. So I am happy but a little worried! I will take about $50 of earnings and resist temptation to buy more (I hope!!)

But, just like garage sales, don't you think the treasure hunters are going to swoop in take the best things early in the game?

The close date is April 20. That's 4 weeks. I will stop in today to see what the starting point is for things that I'd like -

14 gold filled wire or chain
swarovski crystals, specialty color and shape
gemstone beads, especially pear and briolette or other high end shapes
16, 18 and 20 gauge jewelry making wire (heavier than usual types)
specialty earring hooks, such as leverbacks
extra large pearls
jewelry tools, such as a reamer

Those first 3 are going to go fastest. It's a gamble how long to wait!

I am torn between getting what I want most at the least discount early, or letting days and weeks go by and getting what's left at the most discount.

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Motto (def.): 1. a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.

2. a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.

My business has a motto, I mean motto's!



"The Frugal Artisan"

"designing and producing fine crafts at inexpensive prices"

"Quality Originals at Inexpensive Prices"

and last but not least:
"making things of great value from inexpensive materials"

Even the one on this blog is slightly different (see upper left sidebar). OK, time to update.

How to tie together these motto variations? I need to update my business cards and online graphics to have a consistent 'brand'. But should I do it myself? or spend $$ for a professional designer.

I have no difficulty staying true to all the mottos! Here's the latest proof:

Stamped Ceramic Pendant Necklaces

Three large ceramics were given to me as a birthday present. I decided to incorporate into artisan jewelry with handmade chains.


The above is a 3 strand necklace studded with stone in green and pink shades.


The above features a handmade turquoise nugget chain in gold color with handmade clasp.


This necklace has a handmade daisy and pearl chain featuring a handmade clasp and fringe of stone and crystal.

Almost the materials were already in my supplies, $7 was spent to make the 3 necklaces.

I love the results and have stayed true to (all) the mottos!

Many of the vintage books, or at least the general contents of, my neighbor decided to finally let go were familiar to me. These were cookbooklets and appliance booklets from the 1950s - 1970s. Kitchenaid mixer? check. Crafting sheets from Moskatels? check.

Here's one I put on my etsy site neverbefore heard of:

Nalleys Country CupBoard

and lo and behold!! Look what I saw right next to the whole grain Chef Boyardee Spaghettio's at the major supermarket today:



I am sure they have been there all along, just never noticed this before!

Nothing like a little reality check!

Remember those vintage cook and craft books I wrote about yesterday? They have been a fun diversion to sell in my Etsy shop (see sampler left side bar).

No sooner than I posted about comparing my prices to same items on Ebay, than someone swooped in and bought 5 of my books.

I thought maybe she would be making a better kind of Easter basket, say with a vintage craft or cookbook and some retro supplies or kitchen tools.

{ HEY ** that's a good idea! Thrift and antique mall supplies** }

In fact, she remarks "I love that all your vintage books were so affordable. No, they're not for Easter baskets. I'm excited to work on vintage stuff. It seems it's in style again, not that I care really about what's in style, I just think it will be fun to work on some new projects. "

Happy to reel in about $10 on the deal!

Some of you are ebay sellers, and rather than learn that venue, I have put a number of vintage craft and cookbooks on my etsy site since they allow supplies and vintage.

The books are from my neighbor's storage. At the end of a yard sale late last year, she was packing things up to donate to thrifts. I saw the box of booklets, all softcover midcentury (1940s through 1970s) types. Some were in fact, her own mother's and saved in her garage. Very good condition, none were damaged much at all.

I did a quick search on etsy for a couple titles and saw only a few listings. Perhaps books appeal specially to me (I love to hand bind journals!), but I hated to see them likely end up in the recycle bin. So I told her I would give it a try selling the best on line.

Yes, a time commitment, but not terribly alot. The hardest thing was taking and editing photos which I made a low priority to do after other commitments.

The pros and cons?
~ Cost $0 up front

~ Cost 20 cents every 3 or 4 months for the Etsy listing (another reason to forgo ebay!)

~ Earn $2 a sale (she didn't have expectations about what I gave her per sale and would take $1 ea)

~ and the most subtle but important? I KNEW these items would bring a whole new group of people into my etsy website that would not otherwise see me.

I planned to sell at a fire sale rate, instead of tinkering with price to find the optimum supply/demand spot. But just to be sure, I checked what the going rate for some of these books were on ebay. Interesting comparisons:

1950s Gold Medal Jubilee
Ebay = $16.50
Mine = $2.95 (sold)

1953 Meat for Thrifty Meals
Ebay = $7.99
Mine = $2.95 (sold)

Cock a Doodle Chicken Cookbook
Ebay = $0.99
Mine = $2.95 (sold)

Some appear to be more valuable, but I don't feel bad about selling too low. I do not have appraisal tools, and my objective was to sell quickly and make a little profit. And to *attract new visitors to Pretty Cheap Jewelry* !!

The vintage books have been selling and getting views steadily! The most amazing so far?

This one sent to Madrid, Spain last week! Not only amazing that someone there wants it, but they paid international shipping of about $24 for a little three dollar book. OK!!!????

1942 Betty Crocker All Purpose Baking
Ebay $range = 4.99 to $19.77
Sold by me = $2.95

This one went to Canada. Again they paid a significant $16+ for a measly three dollar book. Since this booklet was about a specific localized program, I have to presume the buyer knew about it personally.

Radio 9 CJVI Joe's Notebook
Ebay = $35.00
Mine = $2.95 (sold)

The pictures are charming, if this doesn't remind you of women's lib, nothing will. Still available:

1966 Pillsbury Bake Off Busy Lady Recipes
Ebay $ range = $0.99 to $17.50
Mine = $2.95




The results have been satisfactory!!

Last week I posted birthday wishes, want to see the outcomes?

Wish 1. Neatly made beds, neatly folded put away clean clothes.

Outcome 1. I didn't think this would happen and I was right! The objective was to give my teen kids an opportunity to do something for me that cost $0!!

Wish 2. Cozy sweatshirt.

Outcome 2. Nope. Oh well, my son gave me one he grew out of about a week early (at my request) already.

Wish 3. Wii Zumba 2 (used).

Outcome 3. DANG! I was sure this is why Dad and son went to the video game store a couple days before! But alas, nope! Anyway, I am still pretty happy with my Wii Zumba 1 and have a good few months of workouts to do with it.

Wish 4. Trip to downtown LA wholesale fabric area.

Outcome 4. We had to postpone because my daughter, who wanted to come along, has a major school assignment and could not afford to take a whole Sunday off from that. I have told her we will do the trip when the project is finished in hopes she will work faster/smarter on that project. (The subject of a whole different blog post!). So no birthday trip, but I will do this for my small biz later.

Wish 5. Good long bike or hike day trip.

Outcome 5. Yes, this was accomplished as wanted! It took the place of #4 above, and a good time was had by my wonderful husband and myself.

----------------------------------------

But the surprise?!

BAD NEWS! A bladder infection, UGH!!!

I am the type not to go to the doctor unless I REALLY have to. This was obvious, it came on suddenly and unmistakeably starting at about 3:30. Wahhhh!

GOOD NEWS! My HMO insurance has an evening urgent care practice in the same office as my regular doctor. Whew! I was much happier to go there than some out-of-plan or emergency (more expensive) place.

The whole thing was textbook, the doctor came right to the point and fixed me up! Just the way I like it!!!

And OMGosh, the whole thing - doctor and medicine - cost a big $32.18. YES you read that right THIRTY TWO DOLLARS and EIGHTEEN CENTS. Whee!!

Happy Monday!

Not one to let others waste money, I put a list up many days or weeks ahead of my birthday for gift requests. Ditto for other holidays. Nevermind if I am not surprised, smart spending is one of my pleasures. When my kids were little, I was sure to put on the list things they could buy with their teeny little savings that would make for happy giving.

Tomorrow is my birthday and what's on the list?

1. Neatly made beds. I don't really think this is going to happen.

2. Neatly folded clean clothes in drawers. Ditto.

3. Cozy hooded sweatshirt. I have stocked my son with half dozen or more of these over the past few years (must be a preteen fashion thing). Happily he gave me one that was too small for him last weekend when I made a passionate appeal.

4. Wii Zumba 2 (used). Aha! I think the teen boy actually went and obtained this for me!! Yippeee!

5. Trip to wholesale fabric district in LA. We were not able to make it though last weekend, just not enough free time. It won't happen for the birthday ocassion. Maybe in April just for regular small business needs (my teen daughter will accompany me).

6. Good Long Hike or Bike. Granted by my husband! The two of us went on a long bike day trip (instead of #5 above) last Sunday. A great way for fitness, a stop at a thrift store (for the exact display hook I needed for my jeweled eggs), and a Buy One Get One lunch sunday only restaurant.

My family is still very thoughtful and gives in other little ways.

A. My husband 'bought' a Target gift card from my son (who had gotten it for his bday and didn't really find anything there) and gave it to me! Sweet!

B. My daughter is going to be Cake Boss and do some elaborate cupcake decorating tonight (fondant ready!)

C. Maybe my folks will send me $$ ??

See you tomorrow with the report!

So does the little chinese food restaurant in your town give you a free dinner on your birthday? One here does, but it is an all you can eat style buffet that's a little pricey. We tried the birthday freebie once many years ago, but really couldn't make the total cost for the family worthwhile (even with 1 free person). I just don't overeat now anyway!!

It's funny how the birthday hook is used to get sales! This year's tally so far (birthday is Wed):

Use or not to Use?

1. Lunch from co-workers. Yay! This is one of a couple years I finally get reciprocated. After taking out others for (seems like lots and lots of) years, the boss already said they will do it for me on Wed.

Use? YES

2. $10 off JCPenney. But only when using their credit card. I love the other 'no strings attached' $10 coupons from them during the year (Mother's Day, Christmas), but not this one.

Use? NO

3. $10 off dinner at Spaghetti Restaurant. This came via a discount card I subscribe to for the year (lots of BOGO dinner, 10% and 15% off at stores around town, etc). The good thing? the spaghetti coupon can be redeemed anytime during the month! I took my kids there once on a BOGO because they would be fine with the menu! The bad thing? This is a kind of run down place, food ok, atmosphere horrible.

Use? NO

Other freebies I think are coming:

Starbuck free coffee on your birthday...Use? YES

What has come your way from birthday advertisers?

How many of you have raced through the streets to make it to a doctor appointment? school class? work? It's not good for your blood pressure, not to mention the risk of getting a ticket.

Running late isn't my style, which makes it all the harder to live with my maturing daughter. Unfortunately at a pretty young age, around 8 or 9 years old, I saw her developing the tendency to squeeze too much into the last minutes of a schedule. For example, trying to have breakfast in only the last 2 or 3 minutes before leaving for school (where at least 5 or 10 minutes was much more appropriate). Moms, you remember how stressful this could be?

Or making it to bed on time. If lights out was to be 9pm, getting pj's and brushing teeth would start too late at 8:50 and she wouldn't make it. Not to mention rushing was a great excuse to throw her clothes and stuff on the floor and leave any manner junk out to hurry into bed. This happened 95+% of the the time and has made for a very many unhappy bedtimes.

Oh through the years I've tried a variety of solutions: taking away fun things such as a girlscout event or meeting, $$ 'fines' or reduction of allowance, even the converse and giving a reward for getting it right. I figured those formative years were the time to instill good habits but she amazed me (secretly) and wouldn't be rushed, pushed, cajoled, punished, and even rewarded much. This character trait of doing things according to her own internal clock seems to have endured.

Oh, when it comes to homework, she is never late. It's just the 'little things' that are a problem and we have gone through the same scenario over and over and over again. The stress on me and the family has been pretty extensive.

So here we are at the teen years, and her personality is set. If anything, I give up more and more on the 'little things'. For example, though it is stupid and inconvenient, I just separate our schedules as much as possible.

But today is a test drive of a new program!

The Reality Show: Time is Money
(set up) teen wants to do 'X' event at a cost of '$'
Teen: I'd love to do the jump class before skate lesson on Wednesdays.
Mom: It is a tight schedule, the jump class is soon after you get home from school. Can you be on time?
Teen: Yes, of course!
Mom: Well you've missed some skate lessons by not starting soon enough on homework.
Teen: I'm never late with homework! I get all A's!!!!
Mom: Here's the deal, you pay for the class up front and each night you finish a class I will pay you back. You will earn the whole fee back in short order.
Teen: !! uh, ok

So there you have it. I don't have to pay for a class that is never attended, I don't have to push, nag, stress to get her there on time. And the lesson learned truly will be TIME is MONEY. I hope she will use her time wisely in getting ready for the class.

Now, apply this to any manner of other fee type situation and see how it works for you

oh I am such a dodo!!!! Call in the creative accountants. You know how the corporate big wigs twist things and show a loss for dollars not earned (um, a loss for dollars NEVER actually received)? Y'know, the same kind of logic in Washington lately about 'raising' funds by getting rid of tax breaks on the wealthy?

Well, a few years back I started putting jewelry making lessons on a website that sells the tutorials and keeps half the price. It is a fun niche site, I had found them and used some of the FREE lessons myself with pleasure. So I jumped on board and put up a few lessons of my own back starting in 2010.

About the 3rd lesson I posted was for an adjustable ring. An adjustable ring is a pretty desirable item, because it saves a crafter loads of time and trouble instead of making rings one by one by exact size.

Well, I was happy enough with my experience on the site and made the tutorial free. Fine. Not particularly due to being generous, just a good thing to do. It was great for my exposure and was fun to watch the number of downloads go up:

Oct 2011 - 402
Nov 2011 - 289
Dec 2011 - 223
Jan 2012 - 191
Feb 2012 - 150
Mar 2012 - 136
:
:
:
and you get the picture. There have been 1645 or so takers by now.

On Saturday I was hanging out with my 12 y.o. showing her something about that particular webpage, and she simply says, "Why don't you make it for pay?"

Whereupon I slapped my forehead (and then KICKED MYSELF in the b*tt for the next hour) realizing I should have changed it from free to pay a LONG time ago.

I just had it in my mind that you couldn't change it out of the free category. That once it was there, it was set in stone.

OH WRONG. DUMB. STOOPID.

How many of those 1,645 downloads do you think would have actually been paid? Certainly a lot of folks grabbed the lesson simply because it WAS free. But even it if 1 in 10 were dedicated crafters, that's $165 I'm poorer. Or even 1 in 20!!!! $80 fluuuush

*sigh* I never really had the money to start with, right?

So now the lesson is a measly $2 (of which I get half). I am VERY CURIOUS how many will buy.

Ah well, nevermind the dancing. How about them jeweled eggs?!
-------------------------------------
Mention this blog post at check out to receive $5 rebate via paypal on the purchase of either
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Jeweled Easter Eggs


Tuxedo Formal, tufted in red and sparkling swarovskii crystal, with silver scallops. See more

here


Violet Star, studded with glass flowers and a crowned tip. See more here

I am not going to be the same. After raising teens my very own personality is unavoidably changed. First, I have almost fully given up keeping their stuff tidy. Not in their rooms at least. Spillover into the common areas though is still the subject of my wrath.

How is that possible for a fanatically neat person?! Well, I don't go into their rooms much for anytime longer than 2 minutes. Just once a week they have to take off the sheets and I go put on new ones. The rest of the time I just stopped making their beds. Oh, they used to do it through grade school as part of earning an allowance. But the allowance program ended in high school for the oldest and then I just quit on the youngest. There is probably a good bed making habit inside them, it has just gone on haitus.

Ditto for keeping things tidy. Throughout the years when my kids were little I realized a good organizing system was the answer to staying neat. All it took was 'stuff control' and a few clear bins, a trip to donate at the thrift every few months. Fast forward 8 years. I do not want to organize or cull anyone's stuff anymore. If things get too bad, I simply park the 'taxi' and no-one goes where they are supposed to until 'X' is done.

And what about punctuality? I am the type 5 or 10 minutes early. Or was the type. My DD is the type to do things right before a deadline. Oh, she's never been late with a homework. But she is a PROFESSIONAL dawdler. For years I've worked on this trying to instill good habits. She can't be bribed, punished, cajoled or pushed into being more timely. No matter if it's delivering girl scout cookies, being on time to ice skate practice, doing school projects, going to an appointment. If it's not there now, I give up. I predict she is going to be late, very late, to her own wedding.

Now how do I fit my own schedule around this? Of course I have planned my daily routine in combination with the kid's things. Now I am hardly ever early. It's not a crisis, but y'know, I am going to extract myself from the issue more. I am going to walk the dog when I want to. Not in the rush between dance class drop off and dinner food shopping. Nope.

For example. I look forward all week to a Wed night zumba class. The teacher is fantastic and I get a gigantic work out. Here's yesterday:
3:40 Home from school & work. Looking forward to 6pm work out class
4:00 DD reading, myself laundry
4:30 Me leave to pick up DS
4:45 Home, remind DD to be ready by 5:45 for her ice skate class (and work out class for me)
5:30 Me working on jewelry, DD starts math homework
5:45 DD doing math, not changed for skate class
6:00 Me exasperated and give up on work out class, DD still doing math
6:05 me start Wii Zumba class and ignore DD protests
6:50 me finish home work out, DD misses skate class

Now I saved $6 class fee and had a decent home work out class. But it is too bad she missed her skate practice.

So there you have it, am I different? No more fanatical tidyness at least if it's not in my immediate living space, and nevermind being early.

One more thing ~ the first jeweled egg has arrived in my Etsy store! See?

Black and Red Tuxedo Egg - Faberge Style Jeweled Egg

So many projects, so little time!! If I were able to execute more crafts, I am sure sales would follow. But the reality of a day job, two kids and dog get in the way. Being a member of the 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going' set, I have concentrated on steadily whittling down the TO DO sticky on my jewelry bench. Top on the list report?

TO DO
1. Rings Rings Rings! After failing to take my own advice of putting some rings out front at selling events (because people love to try them on for fun and stay to chat and many times make other purchases), I needed to stock up on some original hand made ring designs!! So I buckled down. Now only ONE more to do. Here's a finished example:

Criss Cross Copper Adjustable Ring

A glossy white circular stone is set off with a lattice of fine copper lines on the front and wine red cut glass dots around the perimeter. Message me for more info.

2. Collage Cards. I expect a note any day now from the shop which carries my funny eco cards. They have been selling and I KNOW she is getting low on stock. Have about 4 more done, but I need a couple hours block to get 8 or 10 more made.

But the fun is at the bottom!!

Just yesterday I got a FREE lesson on making prong settings using wire. FREE because I add content to a jewelry site and used points earned for the contributions. LOVE FREE!!

I've always wanted to try this because no torch is involved. (The next step in jewelry making involves using fuel and it is common to have a 'fear of fire'. I admit I am a victim, but also would like to avoid nonrenewable fuel consumption for environmental reasons). Here's an example of wire prongs:



Now this person is an expert, mine will be far far simpler.

Can't wait to try this!! I have a nice stash of beach stone (collected and polished personally) that would be perfect.

Move over TO DO #3, #4 and #5? Send time!!

Like other days, I take mental notes of savings and spendings (not sure why but it's just my nature!). Today?

- Did not spend on early morning coffee or hot chocolate (it's an occasional treat awaiting the bus commute especially when it is around 45 degrees).

- Dinner leftover shortage! I leave early (~6am) on some Fridays and was uninspired to brown bag lunch except for 2 oranges (see my

post yesterday about excess on hand). Skimpy on desk contents too! No soup, or rice pouches. But made it through with a handful of peanuts, the oranges, and a hot green tea. Did not spend any $ on lunch.

So when was the last time YOU scored an orange?!



Oy. I am turning into my father! When I was under 10 years old, he would do this all the time. You have any recollection how sluggish and unnecessary this seemed to a kid? Nevermind, here I am repeating history.

- Resisted buying a sterling / cubic zircon ring at a walk about during lunch. There is a hole in the wall jeweler nearby, y'know the kind with mostly old styles, some estate and coin jewelry in the window. Well way down low is a tray of sterling silver /cz rings. All $20 ea. Pretty heavy kind of designs. The sterling alone is close to that price nowadays. I am sure they don't even care that they still have them. Well, being that I am sans a wedding ring (long story I do not want to repeat), I tried some on. Bah. Being I am a small, only a couple fit well out of about 25. Sizing one of these would cost as much as the ring itself. Last week I ran it by my husband who said, sure, get one if you want; no feelings tweaked. It flip flopped in my mind, but I went in today and took a little more time to try on and decide. Nah. The ones I liked just did not fit. So I will wait until another opportunity like that comes around such as at a consignment or collectible place.

- $$ for a ice skate lesson for DD

- $ for a bday gift to a teen boy who invited my son this weekend. Oh! This age is getting easier! All they want is cash, OK! I can do that.

- and now? off to add $$ to my bus pass.

Have a good weekend.