The Frugal Artisan

I don't follow trends, am always behind on the latest in pop culture and will be completely lost when the Academy Awards roll around this year (as always!). Who are those people? What movie? I recognize a few but no matter. I don't much care about fashion especially in clothing, will stick to basics in even in fitness like simply walking and hiking (my dog is very happy about this), and even cook from scratch as much as time permits using backyard produce, nevermind the food truck rage.

Like the

'Story of Stuff' video explained; I see right through that perceived obsolescence marketing. In other words, those shoes ... computer ... ___fill in___ ... are perfectly fine and there's no reason to replace them unless you want to throw away your money obeying psychological advertisers who persuade you your things are out of date.

So perhaps this is why I've never played Bunko. Never invited to a group until this month. Who of you have played? It's been around years, right?

I guess it involves some dice, about $5 and hanging out with some friends. It's not about the money I hear, it's about the fun and friendship. OK. Do the players put in the cash and someone win the pot? I'm all for the girl time, and if I win some $$ so much the better!

Maybe I'll wear one of these new Romantic Heart Necklaces I've made recently. Available by special request only (ask me for more information in a comment below).



Dotted Oval Romantic Heart Necklace


Feminine and modern continuous oval has little inside circles and is closed with a sparkling crystal. Detailed with sparkling garnet red glass dots all around. Softly striped smooth stone heart charm at the bottom. 18" Sheer white ribbon.

Graceful Wandering Romantic Heart Necklace


Gentle curves and turns of gold wire are decorated with sparkling red dots and bright swarovski crystals. Softly striped smooth stone heart charm at the bottom. 18" antique gold satin cord.

Double Double Loop Romantic Heart Necklace


Natural almost nautilus shaped pendant with double curls each end and sparkling garnet red glass dots wire on the outside. Softly striped smooth stone heart charm at the bottom. 18" narrow wine red satin ribbon.

Thanks for your time and more Heart Necklaces to come Spring 2012.

While you're munching the chips and guacamole on Sunday, and quaffing the 'tastes great, less filling' stuff, you might need a bit of amethyst. Why? The name AMETHYST comes from the Ancient Greek ἀ a- ("not") and μέθυστος methustos ("intoxicated"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. The ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Amethyst is also the February birthstone, and while I don't really play along with those seemingly random timeline attributes (like the Chinese 'Year-of' designation or zodiac signs), put yourself on the receiving end. When you're given a birthday present that is a tiny more personal because it was picked out to fit your circumstances, doesn't it actually make a slightly better impression on you?

With all the above in mind, consider wearing or giving something like this --

Amethyst 14K Gold Filled Adjustable Ring


True original and one of a kind, genuine faceted amethyst is secured with a wave of heavy 14K gold filled wire. Little sparkling cut (zircon) stones in shades of purple add color repetition (also fastened with 14K gold filled wire). Handsome enough for a guy, perfect for the girls as well. Adjustable size, recommend from about 6 1/2 to 9. Click

here for views every side and more detail. Gift boxed (not shown).

So get out the guacamole, the beer and this amethyst ring!

...SPECIAL FOR BLOG READERS...SPECIAL FOR BLOG READERS...

Get 10% off with the code SWEETTWEET at checkout

Thanks as always for reading and tweeting with me!

We are finally beyond the grade school Valentine Day parties where you make 30 little cards with a treat and pass out to the whole class. Yay!! We all remember those fondly from our childhood, so don't think I wish them away. I'm just glad to resign from that particular craziness.

Seems I still have a sugar rush, because I plan to give my kids a little happy surprise perhaps that morning before school. Oh, not sugary anything, but warm and fuzzy something.

A few weeks back at JCPenneys I saw lots of those fuzzy slipper shoes on sale left over from Christmas. Lots of colors, lots of furry types, lots that I would love to lounge around in. But I passed them up that day. Not on the WE NEED list.

But I looked them up on-line in case there any left for giving my kids on Vday. As I suspected, lots left and now they are practically giving them away!

These are $6 and no charge if I pick up at the store:


There are also a $5 pair like this:


OK, how easy is that?

Now it is a matter of saying 'I love you' to my sentimental, surprise loving husband. I am so practical and am surprising him with a travel umbrella from REI. He wants one that will stand up to winds, and REI is very good about standing behind their equipment for many years. I better pull out some slinky thing to wear with that when I give it to him!

Let me leave you with a special offer...

FREE Amethyst Ring with purchase of any 3 things from

Pretty Cheap Jewelry (shown below). Faceted amethyst on adjustable sterling silver band. Don't forget it is the February birthstone!



Thoughtful greeting cards ($3.50 ea), glamourous hand beaded gloves (kids and adults) and many other original designs to choose from. THANK YOU for patronizing a small MADE IN THE USA business.

This Sunday I'll have a table outside the door of our local art gallery in the harbor. As a member of the art association, this is a benefit and costs me nothing. The fiscal return on the time is not much (sometimes not anything!) but having my handmade original jewelry and cards for sale more often in front of real live people is one of my small business goals this year.

Two more collage cards are now online at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry. Surprise! The citrus card is getting way more attention than the rhinestone nose!

You Are Beautiful Brunette Hair

Send an uplifting message to your beau on Valentine's Day!

You Are Beautiful Blond Hair

Anonymous face and a diamond watch, what else do you need?

More free fun and one of a kind wares if you add yourself to my email list (left sidebar) for freebies and special offers. Thanks to all!

One of these days I'm going to have a grown up party where each guest gets a sharp scissors, glossy used magazine, and bottle of rubber cement.

They will be seated around a big table, h'ors douerve and drink in hand with the goal to CUT AND PASTE UP. Perhaps the party will have a theme such as someone we know's impending wedding. Or get well to a common friend's illness.

And let the hilarity follow. Look what you can do with an old magazine, a blank card and some imagination!

BARK WOOF EXACTLY

Attentive pup tells it like it is. I cut this little terrier from the latest issue of Oprah's magazine folks!

ORANGE YOU GLAD I DIDN'T SAY ...

Shy smile under a diamond studded star will get you results on Valentines day!

LAUGH SERIOUSLY

Can you believe this shoe?! (Also from 'O'). Bold but never rude.

Some of these now on my website if you can't resist for $3.50 ea. See them

HERE

Cost? Almost nothing. I use a pack of commercial blank buff cards and envelopes (about $5 for 25 from Michaels). A special glue (not water based) gives the best results such as rubber cement.

Can you imagine what I might do with a Consumer Reports magazine? Sierra (Club magazine)? or Discover? Check back cause I'm still at it!

What do you have in your mailbox? Get your scissors out and have fun!

A great tip to save money? Leave the less critical shopping at the bottom of the To Do list. Obvious, but maybe a good habit to internalize.

For example? On the extra day off I had on my To Do list:

--Buy milk and school lunch provisions
--Special trip to the health food store
--Unpack and try out brand new slow cooker
--Make cards with dried flowers readied long ago
--Finish treasure chest necklace
--Stop in the local art store (check my jewelry stock)
--Trip to outlet mall for yoga pants

Now a day off is one of the scheduling rarities good for wading through an outlet mall! And I really have put off purchasing but would LOVE some long lasting black stretch pants (the pairs I have are 5 and 10 years old). But instead of rushing around trying to do it all, and undoubtedly shortchanging my kids necessary attention and time, I prioritized the list like this:

1. Finish treasure chest necklace. All that was left was adding leather cording to complete the piece. I'd bought the leather earlier on a trip to JoAnns with a coupon when my daughter was in ice skate lesson. Finishing the necklace was a short project.

Magical Imaginative Treasure Chest Necklace


A little charming treasure chest (lid opens) hangs from a doodle chain dotted with sparkling crystals. Pure fun. Special order only.

2. Buy milk and school lunch provisions AND 2a. Special trip to the organic food store Since I wanted to proceed with #3 below, and hoped to make healthy trail mix for lunches, I combined the two tasks. Our health food store is not open Sundays so I rarely get there (once a year!?). But for once I made a leisurely, if quick trip to get dried papaya which my girl LOVES in trail mix (not easily available at a good price except at the Farmer's market) as well as date nuggets (also hard to find).

3. Unpack and try out brand new slow cooker I requested and received it from my family this past year, and decided to start with something big! Lasagne! It's a recipe that you don't have to cook the noodles. I made it once before in my old 1970s era model and it came out great.

4. Make cards with dried flowers prepared long ago It's best to devote a block of a several hours when making cards. Maybe I prefer a long session because I am fanatically neat and don't have room to leave the project out anyway. Soooooo, everything came out onto the table: flowers, glue, cardstock, and BIG books to press them overnight. Results? (wish the photos were brighter! They are much nicer in person)

BEAUTIFUL

A goblet holding ferns, white yarrow blooms and rosemary sends a beautiful message for any special accomplishment. Give it on graduation or engagement. I free hand cut the vase from scrap paper, and use plants and flowers from my yard.

SURPRISE

A vase of white yarrow blooms and rosemary sends a fun message. Great for a birthday or 'thinking of you'.

THANKS

Say thanks eloquently with a dried flower bouquet in a 'cut crystal vase'. I free hand cut the vase from a nostalgic rose pattern scrap paper. Plenty of detail with ruby geranium, tiny pink wildflower stalks, and rosemary sprigs. Order

HERE

That's as far as I got with the To Do list. So what's missing?

Stop in the local art store (to check my jewelry stock)

Trip to outlet mall for yoga pants

I'll just have to squeeze a few more weeks or months out of the clothes I have. Or wait for another day off and a new To Do list!

Thanks for your reads Tweets and time ...

Wednesday nights are for ice skate lessons, and have been for the last 3 years. Being a diehard creature of habit, I do as always and hang out in the rink for what has become a 2 hour commitment wearing a winter coat, gloves and scarves. Think: being in a refrigerator for a couple hours.

Some parents read, some bring laptops (the rink has WiFi!), some make jewelry or sew (guess who??).

About a year ago a fitness club opened in one of the empty storefronts in the rink center. A few months later parking in the lot seemed to be getting tighter at the time of our ice lesson.

By the end of 2011, it was certain. Parking at the time our ice lesson was full because of a ZUMBA class over at the club. I watched once in the window, about 100 people were dancing away, Brazilian music and spanish lyrics blaring.

One of the moms (who's kid was also at ice lessons), in fact was going to the Zumba. I didn't really think about it much until a second mom remarked to me that it would be such an easy time to get in a work out for her.

OK !! That's all it took to plant the idea in my head. I WANTED to get a little more active beyond walks at work during lunch and an occasional weekend trail hike or bike ride.

BINGO !! They let me take 1 class free to try. NICE. Then the cost for the class turned out to be extremely acceptable. This club offers a punch card for 10 classes/$60. EASY! No sign up fee, no monthly fee.

There I am now on Wednesdays. 3 classes down, 7 to go. And renew?! I plan to for a couple more punch cards.

And maybe then a used Wii Zumba game??
Anyone out there with one and how is it?

Thx, The Frugal Artisan

Valentine Scroll Heart Earrings

Delicate gold shapes with a lustrous pearl drop now on sale for $5 only from Pretty Cheap Jewelry

here

With the knowledge of about a 6.5 to 7 on a scale of 10, I track the visitors to my website with respect to time of day, item clicks and especially search terms used to find me.

It's RIDICULOUS how many ways folks (badly) spell jewelry by the way. 'Jewlry' 'Joolery' 'Jewlery' and more. Fortunately, they still find me.

Besides the key term 'cheap' (which is NOT what they actually WANT in jewelry, it's low price for good quality but which is the way folks will search and which is why I named myself PRETTY CHEAP JEWELRY), the next most frequent way I get found is by the key words:

GUITAR STRING BRACELET

-and-

KNIT GLOVES

Hmmm. I've noticed the first over the past couple years and have sold out of my stock just recently. It took me a while to develop the design, and my guitar string bracelet style is maybe the only feminine type out there. I use a fringe of mixed beads and charms wired onto the band. The beauty of the design is that any color scheme can be chosen, rich or casual look depending on the materials, and I am very very happy to be able to use any small quantity of beads left from previous projects (NO WASTE!)

Here is one in blues--
GUITAR STRING BRACELET


The second frequent search term landing visitors at my website is more of a surprise. Seems so general, and that there would be SOOOOO many others out there. Yet my knit gloves are different, hand beaded antique style, yet brand new. Or fun and happy kid styles, like these:

Kids Flower Power

Sparkling cuffs and bright yellow flowers hand sewn on pure white lightweight knit gloves. Happy hands for kids! See

here for more info.

So!
I plan to make more guitar string bracelets in 2012.
And watch here for new glove designs.
Thanks for the read, tweets and your time ~
The Frugal Artisan

Time to clear inventory in my jewelry and crafting stock. My goals include to design and produce fewer higher end pieces in 2012, though still some fun jewelry that sold well in 2011.

The discontinued stock includes many original designs at 1/2 price (see below). What do you think?

THREE FEATHER BARRETTES - BIG BEAUTIFUL HAIR ACCESSORIES



Each of these barrettes is made from completely humane, naturally shed feathers that I've collected in the environment. Not only are they much longer lasting than hair crimp feathers, the style is BOLD ORIGINAL and UNIQUE. No one else has anything like it, everyone else will ask where you got it!

PRICED HALF OFF $4.25 ea

See

bottom 3 items here for more detail and to order.

**ASK ME FOR A SHIPPING REFUND ON A SINGLE ORDER FOR ALL 3**

More sales coming, check back soon!

As Saturday of last weekend approached we had our usual busy afternoon of dance and figure skating lesson schedules. But wait!! It was the last night of the year!

My husband was away at his mother's for the night ... 100 miles away. It was just me and 2 kids.

What to do? My younger child lives in a fairy tale. She is crushed (or at least highly disappointed) if the Christmas tree isn't up by a certain date, if the Hannukah candles aren't lit all the nights, and if WE DON'T STAY UP TILL MIDNIGHT NEW YEAR'S EVE.

Oy.

I looked at local offerings, only one was available for kids. Although it was a reasonable deal ($15 tix for a live comedy show where we have been before and enjoyed) it was extremely likely already sold out. And I really wasn't keen on going out so late. With kids.

So we improvised. And had a most satisfying FRUGAL'est party ever. HIP HIP HOORAY!!

See the party details below, but please allow me the privilege of showing some of what's on CLEARANCE at

Pretty Cheap Jewelry so far (more to come):

Rosette Earrings Dramatic Blue and Red

Inspired by a county fair ribbon, I've handmade wire rosettes in navy blue wire. The color is set off by blood red wire on a black glass drop, and a cut red glass bead above. CLEARANCE $5. Order here or click to see more details.

Kid's Gloves Silver Heart on Black

Little hands will love the sequin silver hearts. Cute row of green buttons add playfulness. Fits about 5 year to 10 year old. Half off at $7. Order here or click to see more detail.

Gold ZigZag Earrings

Striking gold wire lightning shapes end in milky white cut stone briolettes on these modern, natural earrings. 12K gold filled flattened french hooks. Half off at $7.50. Order here or click to see more detail.

Gold Abstract Flower Earrings

Whimsical lines and curves in gold wire remind me of spring. A bit of peach coral, white glass, mint green wire, and clear crystal add to the design. Big handformed hammered 14K gold filled french hooks. Order here or click to see more detail.

And now the party scoop!
First: Invited one of her ice skate friends over who also did not have a special thing planned. These two were perfect match for a midnight soiree together!
Cost: $0

Second: Stopped at the video rental store with them both for a little entertainment. We miss SO MANY movies over the year it's easy to pick something. If you think I am stuck in the past, FINE!! YES I go to a LOCAL INDEPENDENT video store IN PERSON!! And just to add fuel to the fire, this place has a "Rent one/Get one Free". We picked out "Rio" and "Mr. Bean's Holiday". Both very easy watching and I approve wholeheartedly.
Cost: $5.

Third:Order pizza delivery. So you think this isn't special? We order pizza maybe twice a year. MAYBE TWICE A YEAR. How about you? Our homemade pizza is SO MUCH BETTER and we regularly make gourmet style with exotic cheese and toppings. Not to mention I bristle at the cost and less healthy aspects of the delivered stuff. Needless to say, it was FUN and convenient and added a festive party feel. I had a coupon for buy one/get one free from another LOCAL INDEPENDENT business NATURALLY!!
Cost: $23 for two pizzas

The end? I snoozed starting about 10pm, my older went under the covers shortly thereafter, and the two girls whispered and giggled keeping each other up until ten minutes before midnight. They awoke me, my son joined us (he set his watch alarm!) and we all WHOOPED IT UP for about 30 minutes with Dick Clark and little champagne flutes of Martinelli!

YAY for pleasing kids and greeting 2012 with a positive safe outlook!

When my kids were little we splurged more on Christmas gifts to fill their dreams and create some magic. And of course, giving bicycles and rocking horses was more expensive anyway! But as time has passed, we have gotten more practical and spent less. Or so I assume.

The smart advice is to make a gift budget and stick to it. I like to think I've done so for years, but not written formally, e.g. in my head. Today is the last day I need to buy gifts and this year curiousity got the better of me so I decided to add up the total costs of gifts.

Included: What I spent on husband, kids, my parents, his parents. And the few incidentals: a couple of the kids' friends, my office gift exchange, a coach, and a bus driver.

Not Included: What my husband spent on me, his office mates, what my kids will spend on their dad

NOTE: I didn't send any gifts this year to my adult siblings and their kids. Everyone is too grown up now. I've already made some small cash donations and gifts to charity also not shown.

11.00 Books
45.00 Pet Mouse
15.00 Lamp
25.00 Wood kits
11.00 Dry erase board
15.00 Umbrella
130.00 Panniers
45.00 Gourmet Foods
15.00 Purse
10.00 Subway Gift Card
7.00 Friend #1
12.00 Friend #2
6.00 Scarf/Gloves
20.00 Scarf
40.00 Boxed Wine Set
14.00 Gloves
100.00 video games
------
547.00 TOTAL

So for a family of four, how does that sound? Probably lower than the US average? Generous compared to so many that are without this year? News yesterday reported half of the US population is 2.0 times poverty level or lower right now

Thanks for reading. No matter what you are able to do this year, help others. That will enrich your holiday I guarantee. And I promise to do the same.

Wow! Pretty Cheap Jewelry had great sales last weekend at the figure skate show! It's a highly entertaining production, puts everyone's Christmas spirit in overdrive. It was the final live selling event for the year and the handbeaded gloves were a hit! Kids and adults designs both sold, and requests for boy's styles were requested. (Hmmm, a challenge!)

Sequin Hearts and Pearls


Fancy sequin hearts around the wrist of dark dark navy lightweight knit adult size gloves. Backs studded with faux pearl and crystal. Original and handmade. See

HERE for more details and to order.

A number of nicer, modestly priced, jewelry pieces also sold to shoppers with great taste. A couple of knotted pearl bracelets, and a sterling wire weave pendant (sort of like the one in 14K gold filled wire below) went home with new owners.

14K GF Weave Agate Pendant



Beach stone from Northern California, polished to a gloss, is displayed within 14K gold filled wire wrap. Hung on sheer cocoa ribbon. Contact me for a quote.

My analysis? Success partly due to interesting goods, and partly due to Pretty Cheap Jewelry becoming more known to the visitors (it's my 4th year selling at the show).

A well deserved rest coming soon after a good number of new things are added to Pretty Cheap Jewelry the next few days, and last minute rock bottom specials to my email list.

Get on the email list (sign up left sidebar) to see what I mean!

Bye and thanks for taking a few minutes to read.
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twitter: PrettyCheap

Midway this year I evaluated the progress and future goals of Pretty Cheap Jewelry. Sales have always been modestly successful, an admirable achievement in the very competitive jewelry market I admit. The ledger is in the black, and has not been in the red for the 6 years of my small business. That is a result of balancing expenses with income, as well as a great deal of hours on-line promoting and nurturing customers, not to mention hard work in vending as many in-person shows as could possibly fit around my day job and family obligations. Whew.

But my future goals were to have enough increase in sales to show a bit more profit. Enough to let me feel less pressure about obtaining higher end supplies and perhaps design more upscaled refined styles.

The good news? Sales this fall have been up. Just yesterday two things were bought on my Etsy page

HERE including this pair of amethyst earrings:



The bad news is it's hard to dissect why sales are up.

How does a retailer reach goals to increase sales? Normally the strategies are pretty easy:

1. Increase the number of things for sale.
Over the past years I produced a variety of non-jewelry work, ie handmade books, dried flower cards, embroidered cards and picture frames. In fact I have a line of Winter 2011 beaded gloves right now (see below). The sidelines were fun, but I want to streamline and reduce the variety of things I make in interest of focus and concentrating on more complex jewelry.

Answer 1: Sales of the gloves made a big difference! HOWEVER! I think gloves are a temporary fashion hit and will fade away in a year or so. Sales were modest in my other non-jewelry categories. I think I will continue with the types of things that sold better and that I enjoy to make, such as the gloves and flower cards and drop the types of things that got less attention, such as the books and embroidered cards.

Hand Beaded Sparkling Heart Gloves


A modern take on an antique look. I've taken brand new knit gloves and sewn an original design of sequin hearts, pearl and crystals to make a sophisticated style. See more details HERE

2. Increase the price of each thing.
I definitely wait much longer between a sale when prices are higher and see more attention and sales when prices are decreased. It's a tough call. After figuring the cost for materials and commissions fees I try to allow compensation for my time and design skill in the price. If an item languishes too long, I reduce the price and see if that makes a difference.

Answer 2: Lately I ask myself if an item were to sell will I have a positive or negative feeling. For example, if the price is too low, "Do I regret selling at this price?" or if it is too high "Do I want to keep this piece around another year, another two years, etc.?" No better answer unfortunately right now.

3. Increase the places the items are available.
Right now Pretty Cheap Jewelry is sold on-line and in 2 shops, as well as a number of live events over any given year (average once a month). Having jewelry in shops is the ideal but the hardest technique. It is a big investment to get a store to sell your things, you must be professional in marketing and providing your goods. A good alternative is to sell at live events, which is dependent on your personal time but is more flexible.

Answer 3: I have an idea to try next year which will increase the my number of live events without greatly impacting my free time or family time. Being a member of my local art association, I can have a 'demo' table on the weekends whenever I choose. People usually are interested in jewelry making and I will have a table of things for sale. Two Sundays a month are probably do'able for 2012 and I'll try it out.

Thanks for reading, pass this info on to other crafters by clicking the tweet button or liking on FB.

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Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Clause! I wear glasses and until late last year, didn't wear a pair of sunglasses regularly. Oh, I've tried those prescription ones, but am too put off by having to carry an extra pair and switch them often (not to mention they are expensive). I once tried the kind that are made with your prescription pair and magnetically stick together, but I lost them within a month cause they are light and small.

For some reason I finally slipped a fashion pair right over my prescription pair from a street vendor in Las Vegas when on a weekend getaway with my husband. OH! They worked fine! They were inexpensive, and I never looked back! (see below, in the photo op in the M&M store, I call them my Lady Gaga look)


You can't even see my regular glasses underneath!

Last Friday I stopped at a new thrift store to make a donation: one mouse cage, pair of men's leather boots, and a toy rake. Their hardback books were buy 3 for $3 and I took a long time trying to find that many for a family I know who might need some help giving gifts to their boys.

And...slipped my sunglasses in my sweatshirt pocket instead of safely in my purse as I searched for books.

Ah, guess what. The sunglasses didn't make it home.

I called Sat and Sun to see if they found them. No answer all day. I stopped back in after work Monday and WHEW! They were on the rack for sale!!!

Doesn't take much money to make a difference in everyday life!!

And that could be said for these little beauties. Not much $$ to make a difference to someone this holiday. Perhaps you know a girl who would love?

Amethyst Gold Spray Earrings $12


Rich look of stone with a glass tassel below. Amethyst is the March birthstone. A great value for original design. See more detail

HERE

Red Anniversary Band


Say 'I love you' with 5 sparkling swarovski crystals lined up on a gold weave adjustable ring. It's spending hangover proof at only $12. See more detail HERE

As a consumer and money conscious reader, you probably think special orders are heaven sent for a retailer. What could be easier than income for work not yet made?

HOLD ON THERE! Certainly if the request is a simply duplicated idea, the seller will have it easy. But special orders are made usually because the request is NOT easily replicated. Why else would it be necessary to make a special request?!

In the case of jewelry (or accessory or clothing design, for example), I found these steps to be very important in taking special orders:

1. LISTEN WITH YOUR FEELINGS. Listen to what the customer describes, not only the item desired, but WHY they are requesting the item. Different feelings are imparted to an order if it is for a simple birthday gift versus if it is for a milestone event. More interaction with the customer might be worthwhile for the emotional orders!

2. FINAL PRICE AND DEPOSIT. I am elated when I get a special order!! So happy that I want to rush out and just MAKE IT! But I have learned it is stressful and anxious for a seller to take an order, purchase the supplies, and produce the items just to have the customer back out or make changes to the request in progress. SO name your price to the customer for the order and take a deposit before starting.

Which brings up the next important step:

2. Pictures tell a thousand words! After making notes and agreeing on an order, send photos to the customer with the ideas portrayed in photos. Not the finished work, but the materials shown including alternatives and colors.

THEN:

3. Send more pictures. Send pictures of the work in progress, especially at points where the customer can make minor changes without a cost to the seller. These progress photos also give the customer confidence that the order will be done on time and according to the agreement. Not to mention giving the seller confidence that all is approved!!

Below is an example of an order I received over the weekend. The customer saw a pair of earrings in a salon where I have a case, and wanted a second pair but somewhat different. The first pair are gold and square shape (chandelier style) with a garnet dot in the upper loop.

She wants the second pair in silver (chandelier style) with a garnet dot in the upper loop. But there are no square silver chandelier frames anymore. I suggested rain shaped silver chandeliers with 5 loops below (not sterling) or 3 loops below (sterling). She is not certain what she wants on the lower loops, nor even if she wants a 5 loop frame or a 3 loop frame.

So I sent her photos like these...


Silver frame with white (clear) glass drops.


Silver frame with black glass drops.


Silver frame with suggested crystal colors for the loops.

This is not a terribly expensive order and I happen to have the supplies on hand. In fact, I am suggesting these designs specifically because I already have the materials and therefore I will pass the savings to her and keep the price VERY AFFORDABLE!

Of course that's why I am The Frugal Artisan!

Thanks for reading and Have a Good Monday!

That's what aptly describes my work! Why didn't I think of that?! It is the title of an Etsy treasury that includes one of my rings. A treasury is a grouping of 16 items from Etsy that a person shows off. The person can pick any items, usually there is a theme (such as color, type of thing, occasion, anything [and people get very clever]).

Here it is, click on the link below to see it bigger (I'm bottom row left):

BIGGER VIEW HERE

Treasuries are wildly popular and fun to make. Here's one I made a few days ago...

Catch me if you can, said the Gingerbread Man

Soooo, that title is my new motto for awhile!!

I have been determined not bring another lava lamp into this world! For some unexplainable reason (at least unexplainable to me), they are popular with the school kids the past couple years. I've seen them in Kohl's Dept store, Target and who knows where they'll pop up next.

Instead of buying new, I 'ran' to my nearest ebay. A lava lamp seems to me to be the quintessential ebay item. Old, way ugly, out of style, brings back not the best memories (likely due to altered states of consciousness when they were first around), etc.

Surprise that the prices of even used lava lamps were above $10! DRAT

There was one for auction at $0.99 but of course with $12.50 shipping. Ridiculous ; see right through that scam. Well, I threw in my 99 cents worth cause it meets my criteria of NOT BUYING NEW and the price was still a bit below any others. And low and behold -- NO ONE ELSE WANTED IT. Hee hee. Not surprised. May I gloat that at least half of that price is really shipping anyway.

So I don't really mind winning and my kid will be tickled.

In other news? Since (cyber) Monday, a definite uptick in visitors to

Pretty Cheap Jewelry looking at inexpensive, nice quality jewelry. These especially have been noticed:

Buy One Get One Free Adjustable Copper and Crystal Rings



Classic style, lots of bling! Choose from five colors (shown t to b: honey, tangerine, teal). Perfect for showing a bit of love and under $10. See all HERE

Dolphin Moon Earrings



For the mammal and nature lover! Another great offer, buy 2 get 1 free. Choose from 5 colors (shown: mint). Easy to give at $5.99 / pair. See all HERE

In past posts you read at The Frugal Artisan how to save on good gifts, especially for the hard-to-please folks such as teens and grandparents. (Links to those stories are given below).

Right about now is the time I always have to take my kids to shop secretly for the dad, my very own DH. Even though we have a tradition of posting wish lists, my husband fills his with TOOLS (big bucks), OUTDOOR GEAR (bigger bucks) and SCIENTIFIC items (biggest bucks) like weather stations and telescopes.

So it's not the taking of the kids shopping, it's the figuring out what will please dad on a kid budget. Like $10 or less.

He is not a great deal of help when I ask either.

Well! Here are my secrets and they might be helpful to you...

1. Special organic foods. We have gradually changed to a more organic diet, emphasizing backyard produce and local foods. The health food stores are expensive, yes! But this is the opportunity to find things we would like to try and give as a gift. Nothing perishable, of course, but there are many choices, eg snack bars, dried goods, even drinks.

2. High Quality, No Chemical Toothpaste. Lately I've seen reports of the detrimental issues with cheap toothpaste. And sorry, I just don't want to make my own (at least yet). Tom's of Maine toothpaste is one of the highly rated products, however, safe and effective. And expensive!! I think it runs around $5 a tube! Yikes. It's thick and hard, you don't use as much. My husband has come home with it a couple times in the past, and this is another good candidate for a kid to buy for him.

3. High quality pure castile soap. Dr. Bronner's soap has been around for 100 years practically. I used it years ago and love it. It is a treat, tingly and hugely refreshing in smell. It is easily available at the drug store. Perfect for dad.

Hope this inspires you! Give it a tweet (left side bar) and pass on the help if you want. Thanks!

Past Posts fyi:

No Kittens This Year aka

Panniers and other off the Wall Gifs

Sanity Saving Ingenuity aka Before You Go Shop

Feathers are In! aka
How to Make a Feather Barrette

How do you stay compassionate while at the same time economically sound. If I could do it all the list of charities I favor would be ridiculous:

Sierra Club - definitely one of the top on my list, the environment is my raison d'etre. And the river groups I've volunteered with also need my membership

Friends of the Santa Clara River and Friends of the Los Angeles River {where btw I met my husband!!}
....
Public Radio - smart news, wholesome educational programming, and since I am a consumer, yes, I should contribute
....
Local Arts - I sell and participate actively in my association. It is incredibly dependent on volunteers and donations. This year the gallery roof needs replacing and next year it needs termite treatment.
....
Humane Society - I have a soft spot for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Every year I want to help less fortunate families or children or animals in November and December. This year we have a family in our rental house, which to our chagrin, is having difficulty paying the rent.

Ooh boy. Not a good situation. It's a dad with 4 boys (one grown, one teen, and 2 younger). Mom is not present. This guy has all the right values. Honest, does not waste money, doing everything in his power to raise his kids well. But not regularly employed at this time.

I suspect this family is not going to have a big holiday. So instead of the rivers, instead of the dogs and cats, I am going to give to them. It's not going to be easy, anything unusual will be looked upon as charity and may be hard to receive graciously.

It will be: a big turkey to cook, a bigger batch of cookies (many dozens, especially with all those kids!), a couple gingerbread house kits for fun, and maybe a basketball or some sort of board game.

Any other ideas?

At this time of year I always wish to find a very needy person and give a little happiness. Oh, more than the usual charitable things we always do. Sure we already:

- Donate canned food to the local pantry. Our schools and even the US post office have food drives which I contribute regularly.

- Participate in events which proceeds are donated. All of my craft show fees and commissions are given to non profits including; a non-denominational women's group {who is providing education for a chosen group of African kids}, the local 4-H chapter, the figure skate club, and two local art associations. All of these groups operate completely on donation and volunteers.

- Give to the thrift stores. I don't hold yard sales. I give nearly everything we don't use anymore: books, household items, clothes, furniture, electronics and you name it to the thrift stores. And naturally I shop the thrifts every month or so for my own wardrobe and small needs.

So how can you do something especially personal. It is not easy. Would you invite a down and out stranger to your house for a Thanksgiving meal? Probably not, the system is now to go to the centers and help serve. How do you find a family that wouldn't otherwise have a christmas tree or gifts and give such? Perhaps a church could recommend a family, but I am not a church goer. Sometimes the local paper reports on a very needy organization, but it is hit and miss if I see the article.

The past few years I have given to a really good family crisis shelter that does small miracles with kids, young adults and their relatives. They were the recipient of proceeds from one of my past craft shows and had a speaker once who was a girl who went through their system. Inspiring is the understatement of the century.

They ask people to fill wishes from the giving tree each year. So even though I don't get to give to a kid personally, I pick at least one big wish to fill and take it in.

Here is what I'm giving this year...

Wardrobe and Doll









Sewing up our own little project runway!
(shown top to bottom):
Fancy Party Dress
Purple Pantsuit
Gold Skirt
Shortsleeved Dress

(not shown: 2 pairs shoes, and Miss Doll herself!)

Thanks for reading and warm Thanksgiving wishes!

Past columns from The Frugal Artisan tipped you off on how to save when gift shopping, especially for some hard to please categories such as:

1. Teen boys-get them outside and off the electronics with equipment from the used sporting goods store. Free weights? tennis racket? skateboarding? You will be surprised at the huge variety of possibilities in these stores. If there is not one near you, look at Craig's list.

2. Grandma (who doesn't need anything)-patronize a pop up craft boutique for handmade soap, recycled wool sweater felted gloves or any number of fantastically clever ideas that you would never see elsewhere.

While I think hard before every purchase about buying handmade or from locally owned businesses, sometimes it just isn't possible!!

For example, take my husband (no Henny Youngman jokes please). In our family we post a 'WISH LIST' for gifts to avoid wasteful spending. Since he is bike riding to the grocery more and more, my husband wants panniers to more easily carry a good size load from the store. OK! I am definitely supportive. Great exercise, good for the environment, excellent example to our kids and neighbors.

Panniers are those saddlebags that straddle the front or back tire of a bike. They are not inexpensive. But we belong to REI, the outdoor gear coop, and get 15% back from every purchase annually. Great timing because there is a new branch opening near where I work and that specific item is reduced 25% for the opening. So, not handmade and imported and not exactly locally owned, but here I go today!

So what do little girls really want? A kitten. Well, my little 11 y.o. girl is not going to get a kitten with the high strung dog we have in the house. She is easy to shop for though I try to stay practical and give her things she needs. Still not at the age to want clothes, though last year she wanted fuzzy UGG type boots.

I can solve the kitten problem pretty well and give here a mouse. We have had one for 2 years and it is extremely easy to care for, no smell, inexpensive. I am happy! It is my son's and little Ms. Mousie is geriatric and isn't going to be around much longer. My daughter would love to have one next.

Next time: Charity Giving ~ Gifts for Needy Youth
(shown below, shoes we are making for a doll and wardrobe to be given a very special family halfway house).



Satin slippers with back polka dot laces



Silver thread and Periwinkle stripe doll houseshoes

Gangbusters! That is the way November has been for my small biz. A second big special order was placed yesterday. It will take until after the New Year for me to fulfill.

A couple weeks ago an inquiry came to my Etsy shop for 2 dozen identical pairs of gold star sequin gloves in a short turn around time like these:



However I was a little taken aback because that is a large quantity to ask from a one-of-a-kind designer. I politely declined at the time.

A pair of the gloves were purchased this past week in my Etsy shop and yep, it was by the same person who inquired about the multiple pairs.

So I opened the discussion with an apology and an offer to work together. I did a little homework, noticing the person's email signature indicated 'Director' of what sounded to be a youth organization.

Bingo. The customer was very flexible with the design, the timing. I wanted to show support for her work and was flexible with the pricing. Everyone is happy!!

Today another beautiful moment...a customer in England purchased this guitar string bracelet.



Seems I am on a roll!!

"It's about making connections, finding out about other craft shows, networking" ~ that's what I remember repeating the first few years of having a small home-based jewelry business.

Now it's more about the sales. After picking and choosing where to put effort as far as events and groups, it's time to SHOW ME THE MONEY! Ha ha.

By the way, a few days ago I mentioned I had a huge order for Ransom Party Invitations. You can see them

here. It turned out the customer was having a moving party, IN SWEDEN! OK, what a surprise!

Last week I also got another order from exactly where I target my market!! I browse the Wall Street Journal online regularly and make comments and posts as I see fit.

Voila! A well-written, smart, professional woman came over to Pretty Cheap Jewelry and made a purchase because:

"the urge to have the best for less still drives my shopping persona"

and

"Who wudda thought a WSJ writer also would be a talented artist producing beautiful low-cost jewelry?? The perfect storm, from my perspective!"

This past weekend was the 2nd of 3 special events I am scheduled to sell holiday gifts. It was a small, local arts group in the charming town near me. The fees were nothing but 20% of sales and set up time. As expected, I will get a check for a very modest $20 or so. But I am satisfied with that cause it all adds up.

Oh, I am on a roll! Got another order on Sunday for a pair of the new hand beaded gloves I designed this year. They had attracted some attention, probably because there is not much out there like them! Fortunately I have a couple similar pairs and put them on line as well...

Gold Star Winners



Sparkling knit gloves makes everyone a star. I have embellished lightweight knit gloves with my original design. On the back of each hand are sewn 3 sequin stars. On the wrists are sewn lots of gold glass tube beads. Great for the skating rink, driving, walking the dog, or at school. An all around winner gift which is easy on your budget!

Choose either royal blue (shown: above) or pecan brown (shown: below)

Order HERE



Thanks for reading!!
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Second gift boutique of the season set up today! It's a small venue and a cold rainy weekend. Sales expectations are modest (haven't I said this before?!) but there is no table fee, just a small commission percent. The small return is worth the time I will put in.

Hope these attract some attention! Pure copper adjustable rings in a variety of fun crystal colors.

Also available on-line, in fact, specially priced and BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

Adjustable Copper Ring with Line of Sparkling Crystals




Choose from (front to back) teal, tangerine, honey gold, sky blue, forest green. Available

here



A sweet little gift for a girl! Thanks for looking!

Although I went to this online site for details about a vampire electricity reducing device, I ended up reading this article instead. It will strike your thrifty fancy but hits very near and dear to my environmental heart.

Electronics to take over Holiday Purchase

Summary?
1. Projections reported from a respectable source. The Consumer Electronics Association is cited from the beginning. I don't know how transparent they are, but my intuition is they are honest enough even if basically a trade and industry group.

2. One-Third of all gift purchases may be electronics yet there is almost no thought of how to retire and dispose of the eventual e-waste. Hundreds of thousands of tablets, cell phones, cameras, and ereaders are going to be sold. Where are they going to end up.

3. Price is the overriding reason where/what/how the items are bought. No surprise here. Isn't it time to add the cost of recycling, reusing, disposing of the item into the purchase price.

I don't want to repeat here a few other passages in the article though they are eye openers!!

So are you going to buy a computing device this year? What will you do with it down the line?

Just saw a link from a frugal blog writer out of upstate New York that UPS is now hiring for seasonal jobs. Not sure how to apply, but

here is the map of where the jobs are located (lots and lots across the US).

Hope this is useful to someone!

Didn't this ring photo beautifully? No special set up, just placed on a white paper in outdoor shade. Then adjusted the background with photoshop. That's all. Wish I could replicate this every time!!


14K Gold Filled Adjustable Ring - Anniversary Band

Simple classic band in gold and pure crystal. Adjustable; will fit perfectly. Exceptionally strong and provide a generation of satisfaction. Unheard of value in 14K gold filled jewelry. Only from The Frugal Artisan. See more here.

It happened again. Just yesterday I pondered how to increase sales in holiday venues for my artful jewelry and crafts. Display more? Adjust prices? In particular I pointed out a pair of earrings that were personal favorites, but which did not seem to attract attention in person. I wondered if the price was a bit high, but hesitate to have at least a small compensation for time and design talent and certainly cannot sell at a loss.

Surprise! One of the pairs in question was just purchased today by a first time visitor to

Pretty Cheap Jewelry.


Double scroll links with a garnet dot accent, on 12K gold filled hooks.

One pair left, available by special order only.

It has happened before that I nearly give something away just to be pleasantly surprised with it being sold in the next day or two.

So with this experience I summon more patience in showing and promoting the (what I think are really great) naturally shed feather barrettes like these:


Sweeping peacock feather, large gull wing and royal blue metallic bow are mounted on a clip hair barrette. Feathers are hot this year, and this barrette lasts longer and costs much less than the crimp styles. More photos here


Two gull wing feathers topped by a large sheer copper bow are mounted on a clip hair barrette. More photos here

THANKS for giving me a bit of your time!
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And they're off! Holiday special art and craft events are officially underway. This past weekend was one of the big (well attended) shows I am fortunate to be part of. For one 6' table, after a very affordable $35 fee (plus 15% commission), I cleared about $100.

Funny that some of my less favorite things were popular (such as two pair of peach stone and coral earrings) and some of my personal favorites languished. For example, these two earrings were priced at $10 (though the first is priced lower online, click the links to see). And they were not paid much attention. Why?

Scroll Heart Earrings

I've hand formed gold wire into delicate heart shapes and added a freshwater pearl dangle for movement and color. See more

here.

Double Scroll Earrings

Beautifully styled ornate links of open scrolls are fancy enough for special occasion, affordable enough for every day. I formed the links by hand from gold colored wire. A wine red garnet dot dangles at the bottom to increase the richness of the materials. See more here.

Sales for me have not changed much in the past couple years. Someone shake me and say that is FINE!! Especially in the recession economy.

In reality, I would very much like to increase my sales. How to accomplish? The opportunities might be:

1. Display More. Increasing the number of things displayed might result in more sales. At this time I have 35 earrings on two types of racks, 6 rings in a ring tray, 15 bracelets on bar, and various boxed items.

2. Adjust Prices. Finding the market price is an iterative process, sometimes trial and error. I have to cover my expenses but after that, it's a tough call.

Any advice?

The light at the end of the tunnel is shining. It's been 6 years since the first time my handmade jewelry went up for sale to the public. A couple years of heavy internet marketing followed and probably a dozen local stores carrying my work have come and gone. Add countless special events under my belt. And now I'm thinking of shrinking the business.

What brings this on?

I've given away more things recently than ever than at the beginning of this career. I seem to be using backwards business practices. Maybe it's just a confidence in my work {Here, have these gloves, they are great quality and suit you well} or maybe the struggle to keep things on a shelf out in stores is getting tiring. My local arts group is decluttering the displays, good for the long run to elevate quality, but the potential for jewelry sales will decrease.

If my customer for special order cards comes through this month, this will go to her free...

14K Gold Filled Amethyst 3/4 Ring


In the beginning it was a pleasant surprise to reap income to cover the expenses of the work. Modest increases in price have brought in a little tiny profit, but not so much to decrease customers' interest.

Maybe I want to devote time again to fitness and my family. It takes half a Sat or Sunday to go on a hike in the local hills. And there's only a half dozen years at best till my kids are likely to move out. Not to mention my hyper dog who would love a 30-60 minute walk every day if I could spare the time.

So seriously, after the next 6 weeks is over, a bunch of things may go into

Pretty Cheap Jewelry online. And I go into semi-retirement!

I'm always disappointed with the small businesses that (used to) fill the little corner shopping centers in our area. I dream of fun little boutiques filled with delightful house decor, fashionable accessories and clever paper goods. Why not mobiles of clouds floating above, and great hair clips? Instead, it's a big deflating blah sub sandwich place, or another fitness joint.

So I have an idea for a small biz. It's different. It's needed. And I don't have time to make it happen. Oh how I wish I weren't already in a moderately technical career!!

For the past few years we have been involved with figure skating. There are regular competitions and events, as well as an end of the year holiday show.

The culture of this sport is high end: that private coaching is essential, that original choreography is necessary, and costs are not to be spared in the details. This is unlike other sports such as cross country track, for example, which the only really really important equipment is in the shoes.

So for every event we have to buy an outfit. And almost always are the outfits brand new, original design, and custom made to measurement. Now, on occasion the same costume can be worn for a skate number repeated (such as in more than one competition). But the life of a costume is about a year. Then it goes in the closet, outgrown, and looked upon with fond memories.

This is the kind of thing I am talking about...



Even the winter holiday show, there are group numbers that 10 or 15 matching costumes are made. The whole set of costumes are never used again.

So! Wouldn't it be great to have a depot of used costumes?! A solo skater could choose from a wide range of styles. Perhaps even group numbers could be designed to fit around a set of costumes already available.

What a relief in cost to the families to be able to purchase outfits at a greatly lower price than custom made. And to sell on consignment outfits that would otherwise never be used again. Good for the earth of course too.

Should I drop everything and open a teeny storefront? Or start with a spare room in the home if I had one!!

Now one note: there is a woman who has a small private used skate business associated with our rink. She has a selection of used outfits, but her big expertise is in fitting skates. The costume part of her business seems to me to be halfhearted. It could be much much wider and bigger. Remember, this rink goes through hundreds of costumes a year.

Hollywood wardrobe business anyone?