I am starting to get really angry at myself right now. Let me just fill you in on a few things that have changed in my life. I was in a relationship for 3 years. That relationship ended about a week ago. Because I could already sense that this was going to happen, a week before it actually happened, I have been in this really weird state. I keep telling myself that I'm fine, I don't want to dwell on it, I'm over it, I'll move on. But I don't think I'm being really honest with myself. I haven't really eaten much of anything in the past two weeks, which I know isn't healthy and is definitely the cause of my lack of energy. Anyways, moving on....
I am now a single mother who just wants to enjoy life and catch up on the life that I feel like I've missed out on for the past 3 years. I want feel free, not depressed. I want to be inspired by life around me, not confused. I know that jewelry is my passion and I have a chance to live and breath this jewelry obsession and enjoy this time in my life. But I found my self being very uninspired. I haven't made any new jewelry in the past 2 weeks since this whole relationship issue surfaced. I'm trying to get back on track but I just want to sit around and think about how wonderful life is going to be, from this day forward. I guess this is my way of dealing with this new change and trying to adjust to my new life as a single mom.
Everyone keeps asking about my jewelry, how am I going to spread the word to more people, am I going to sell my jewelry in bulk to other stores, am I going to open up my own boutique, where can they buy jewelry online. These questions are so overwhelming and I don't know how to begin to address these questions with an honest answer. I want to do all of these things, but I'm still lost and confused as to where to start! All I know is that I love making jewelry. I love taking different pieces and putting them together to create something new that is original and can't be found anywhere else. I love the feeling that I get when I sit down to start a piece, rip it apart, put it back together, and come up with something amazing! That is why I love jewelry. You never know what will come out of your mis-matched creation, but the end result is always spectacular. I love expressing myself through my jewelry, and I refuse to give up, just because of one little bump (or two) in the road. Please stay tuned, I will bring more one-of-a-kind creations your way. Thanks for supporting me thus far, and please continue to follow me on this jewelry journey.
New Necklaces!!!!
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So I was up until 3 am trying to make some jewelry that I was really proud to say was my own creation. I made 1 custom necklace, and 3 necklaces that I felt were perfect for this season.
These are the big, chunky, orange, crackle glass bead necklaces that I absolutely love! They just scream summer time, but the beautiful orange beads can easily be worn during the Fall as well.
This is the custom blue "Cha Cha" necklace that I made. I wasn't really expecting these to get as popular as they did. I made one in red, purple, pink, and now blue! I'm thinking of making another one for myself because I sold the red one that I was in love with.
This necklace isn't really a seasonal piece. This necklace is really elegant and not too over the top. I think it is the perfect mate for a little black dress. No matter what color you put this necklace against, it is always going to stand out because of the strand of pearls and the sparkling pendant. I think every lady should have a pearl necklace. I didn't make this one age specific but I did want it to be fun and whimsical, but also make a lady feel elegant at the same time.
I am so excited to have a day off from my day job because I'm going on a road trip! Not very far though. I'm only going to be driving for about an hour. I've been hearing a lot of crafters mention Hobby Lobby, but I didn't think one existed anywhere near where I live. I just recently found out that there's one in Florence, South Carolina, which isn't too far from here (Myrtle Beach). I've pretty much seen all that Michael's has to offer, but its the only craft store that I know of. Maybe I need to do some more hunting for my crafts. I still think the best place to get jewelry supplies is online, but I'm not a very patient person. I like instant gratification! Well I'm going to pause my jewelry journey at this point. Keep a look out for me on youtube! More jewelry videos to come. Thanks for tuning into my Jewelry Journey =)
These are the big, chunky, orange, crackle glass bead necklaces that I absolutely love! They just scream summer time, but the beautiful orange beads can easily be worn during the Fall as well.
This is the custom blue "Cha Cha" necklace that I made. I wasn't really expecting these to get as popular as they did. I made one in red, purple, pink, and now blue! I'm thinking of making another one for myself because I sold the red one that I was in love with.
This necklace isn't really a seasonal piece. This necklace is really elegant and not too over the top. I think it is the perfect mate for a little black dress. No matter what color you put this necklace against, it is always going to stand out because of the strand of pearls and the sparkling pendant. I think every lady should have a pearl necklace. I didn't make this one age specific but I did want it to be fun and whimsical, but also make a lady feel elegant at the same time.
I am so excited to have a day off from my day job because I'm going on a road trip! Not very far though. I'm only going to be driving for about an hour. I've been hearing a lot of crafters mention Hobby Lobby, but I didn't think one existed anywhere near where I live. I just recently found out that there's one in Florence, South Carolina, which isn't too far from here (Myrtle Beach). I've pretty much seen all that Michael's has to offer, but its the only craft store that I know of. Maybe I need to do some more hunting for my crafts. I still think the best place to get jewelry supplies is online, but I'm not a very patient person. I like instant gratification! Well I'm going to pause my jewelry journey at this point. Keep a look out for me on youtube! More jewelry videos to come. Thanks for tuning into my Jewelry Journey =)
I Almost Gave Up!
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I haven't been blogging as much lately because I didn't think anyone was truly interested in what I have to say. I thought I was wasting my time with all of these posts and pictures and ideas. Well, let me go back in time and explain what almost caused me to give up.
I had made up my mind about a month ago. I was going to make about 100 pieces of jewelry and sell every last one at the flea market, here, in Conway, SC. Turns out, not many people actually shop at flea markets. Not the kind of people who would be interested in my jewelry anyway. So I decided to go to a more popular flea market. I called the manager and got all of the information I needed, and once I was ready to go down to the flea market to rent a table, she told me that they were over crowded with hand made jewelry and she wasn't accepting any more at this time. I was heart broken. I felt like it was finally my moment to prove to everyone that this wasn't just some pointless hobby. I wanted to prove to everyone that I can be successful. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was right and they were wrong. But that moment didn't happen when I thought it would.
So I stopped making jewelry for a few weeks. Everyone that I told about the flea market plan was going to come out and support me but that wasn't good enough for me. A part of me really wanted to meet new people who were willing to take a chance on me and believe in the product that I was presenting to them. I didn't want all of my friends to show up and support me, only because they felt sorry for me. I wanted to feel like people were genuinely excited for me to succeed. Now that I look back on the situation, I realize how selfish that sounds. I should have been excited that the people who know me wanted to be there to support me, but at the time I didn't see it that way. I was ready to give up.
But then I realized that I started making jewelry as a hobby. It made me feel good to know that I had jewelry that made me feel pretty. Jewelry that no one else had. Jewelry that other people actually admired and wanted. I didn't need the approval of anyone else. I was in love with every piece of jewelry that I made, and if no one ever bought one piece, I was okay with that.
At that moment, when I decided to stop worrying about what other people thought of me, something amazing happened. When I started wearing my jewelry with confidence, people took notice. When I was comfortable putting a price on my product, people began to pay attention. And little by little, people started buying my jewelry! I would wear a necklace to work, and by the end of the day, someone wanted to buy it from my neck! I couldn't believe that people were attracted to my jewelry, and I didn't even have to try! Once I became confident in my pieces, other people saw the beauty in my jewelry that I saw.
Now, I thank God every day for this wonderful gift. The gift he has given me is worth more than all of the money in the world. I have been given the gift of creativity! I wake up every morning with a thought in my head, which I am then able to translate into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. I am proud of every piece of jewelry that I make. It gives me pleasure to know that I created a piece that another woman is wearing. Not because she felt sorry for me, but because she felt like something I had created was worth having at that very moment. For that I am forever grateful. If a successful business comes out of this hobby, that is great. If it doesn't, that is great too. I just want to show my children that you can do whatever you want to do in life, as long as it makes you happy, and you never give up. I just want to say thank you to my subscribers for actually taking time to listen to my story, and show interest in my hobby. Thank you =)
I had made up my mind about a month ago. I was going to make about 100 pieces of jewelry and sell every last one at the flea market, here, in Conway, SC. Turns out, not many people actually shop at flea markets. Not the kind of people who would be interested in my jewelry anyway. So I decided to go to a more popular flea market. I called the manager and got all of the information I needed, and once I was ready to go down to the flea market to rent a table, she told me that they were over crowded with hand made jewelry and she wasn't accepting any more at this time. I was heart broken. I felt like it was finally my moment to prove to everyone that this wasn't just some pointless hobby. I wanted to prove to everyone that I can be successful. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was right and they were wrong. But that moment didn't happen when I thought it would.
So I stopped making jewelry for a few weeks. Everyone that I told about the flea market plan was going to come out and support me but that wasn't good enough for me. A part of me really wanted to meet new people who were willing to take a chance on me and believe in the product that I was presenting to them. I didn't want all of my friends to show up and support me, only because they felt sorry for me. I wanted to feel like people were genuinely excited for me to succeed. Now that I look back on the situation, I realize how selfish that sounds. I should have been excited that the people who know me wanted to be there to support me, but at the time I didn't see it that way. I was ready to give up.
But then I realized that I started making jewelry as a hobby. It made me feel good to know that I had jewelry that made me feel pretty. Jewelry that no one else had. Jewelry that other people actually admired and wanted. I didn't need the approval of anyone else. I was in love with every piece of jewelry that I made, and if no one ever bought one piece, I was okay with that.
At that moment, when I decided to stop worrying about what other people thought of me, something amazing happened. When I started wearing my jewelry with confidence, people took notice. When I was comfortable putting a price on my product, people began to pay attention. And little by little, people started buying my jewelry! I would wear a necklace to work, and by the end of the day, someone wanted to buy it from my neck! I couldn't believe that people were attracted to my jewelry, and I didn't even have to try! Once I became confident in my pieces, other people saw the beauty in my jewelry that I saw.
Now, I thank God every day for this wonderful gift. The gift he has given me is worth more than all of the money in the world. I have been given the gift of creativity! I wake up every morning with a thought in my head, which I am then able to translate into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. I am proud of every piece of jewelry that I make. It gives me pleasure to know that I created a piece that another woman is wearing. Not because she felt sorry for me, but because she felt like something I had created was worth having at that very moment. For that I am forever grateful. If a successful business comes out of this hobby, that is great. If it doesn't, that is great too. I just want to show my children that you can do whatever you want to do in life, as long as it makes you happy, and you never give up. I just want to say thank you to my subscribers for actually taking time to listen to my story, and show interest in my hobby. Thank you =)
What to do.....What to do?....
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I'm having a little trouble figuring some things out. I know what I want to be (when I grow up :)), but I'm feeling really anxious about getting things done. I know that right now at this time in my life, I want to focus on my jewelry and getting it noticed by the rest of the world. I know where I want to start and where the next step is. I know what kind of jewelry I want to create, and I know what other business ventures are in store for me. I'm just having a hard time balancing everything. Being a girlfriend, being a mom, working full-time, deciding if I want to go back to school, fitting in a social life, and making time for my family. It just seems like there is so much to do and there's no way to accomplish everything. I don't want to limit myself on the amount of time that I spend on my jewelry because when a good idea hits me, I just have to run with it. On the other hand, I feel like I'm neglecting my children by spending so much time at work and then spending so much time on my jewelry when I'm at home. I just don't know how to balance everything. Any suggestions???
I Made My First Sale Today!
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Well, technically, I made my first sale yesterday because it is now 2:42 am. Anyway. I made my first sale. I sold one of my resin rings and I also sold this really cute chunky, resin bracelet. I sold both pieces while I was at work, and the girl that bought the ring wants to buy another one for her sister. I was so excited to exchange the ring for actual money. It wasn't so much about the money as it was about the fact that someone like my jewelry enough to actually by it, and wear it! That was an amazing feeling. Even if I never sell another piece of jewelry, I can go through the rest of my life knowing that I created something so beautiful that someone else in this world felt as if she had to have it. I will never forget this day, or the piece of jewelry that made a real jewelry artist. It would be great to sell more jewelry but I am just going to enjoy the moment of knowing that I accomplished exactly what I set out to do. I am currently working on a custom order. Yeah, I have a few of those too! I am making a pair of earrings for another girl that I work with. If feels good to be wanted by other people. Not me physically, but my jewelry. I am really exhausted from making jewelry for a few hours, after I'd just gotten off of work. Its okay because I enjoy making jewelry, and I love seeing the look on someone's face when they fall in love with a piece of jewelry that I created. Well I'm going to bed now because I have to finish up a pair of earrings in the morning. Here's a picture of the bracelet that I sold today. Enjoy it and stay tuned for more!
Hard Candy, Anyone?
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I was so anxious to wake up this morning! I was like a little kid waiting for Christmas! All I could think of was, "Are my rings going to turn out okay, or did I waste my time for the past two days?" Luckily, all the the time spent was worth it. My rings turned out terrific. I am so excited to make some more but I have to purchase some more ring bands. I want to do a whole series in animal print. I think that would be kind of cool. So the rings are done, complete, and advertised in many different places. Now all I have to do is wait and watch the orders trickle in. I love the way these rings look like pieces of candy. I'm also debating on coming up with a different name for my resin jewelry business, since I do plan on wholesaling. I'll think about it when the time comes.
Now my anxiety has shifted to something else. Resin bracelets! I have some sitting on the counter to dry, but I won't know how they turn out until tomorrow. So for the rest of the day I'll be making more jewelry, posting more pictures on facebook, and thinking up new ideas.
I'm debating on whether or not I want to start a facebook page just for my jewelry business. I think its a good idea because it would be more professional. Some of my friends on facebook say really inappropriate things most of the time and that would be bad for the image of the business. Its time to really get serious and make this work. Don't worry. I've got everything in control. All things take time. Stay Tuned. More to come.
Work In Progress......
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I am getting really serious about making my jewelry business a success. I have a few people already that want to have custom pieces made, and a few that are waiting to payday to purchase some jewelry that I already have made. I was at work all day and all I could think about the whole time was getting home to make some more jewelry. I have a really long list of resin jewelry pieces that I want to sell regularly and for wholesale. I began today by making 10 resin rings with various patterns layered inside the resin. I also made a bunch of resin cubes that I plan to make bracelets out of. I am so excited that I never gave up on jewelery. It's so much fun, it looks pretty, and it makes all women feel very girlie. I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about how wonderful it is going to be to start making sales! I already know my success lies within the universe already, but its up to me to call if forth. I know that I have to want it bad enough in order for it to happen. I am ready for my success, I am ready to make more jewelry, and I am ready for people to take notice of what I am trying to accomplish and help me live out my dream.
Well its really late and I need some sleep. I have a bunch of resin pieces sitting on the counter to dry and I am very anxious to see how they will turn out. I really took my time with these pieces. Hopefully everything will turn out okay and I can take some pictures for my blog and also post them on facebook. I thought more people would come across this blog than my facebook page but that's not the case. Anyway, I love to read and I love to write so I refuse to give up on my blog. I don't need 1 million followers on my blog. I just need to keep a record of my success for the day that I decide to write a book about my jewelry journey. Those who wish to read along and support me are very welcome to do so. If not, just stayed tuned for when the book hits the best sellers list! Goodnight.
Well its really late and I need some sleep. I have a bunch of resin pieces sitting on the counter to dry and I am very anxious to see how they will turn out. I really took my time with these pieces. Hopefully everything will turn out okay and I can take some pictures for my blog and also post them on facebook. I thought more people would come across this blog than my facebook page but that's not the case. Anyway, I love to read and I love to write so I refuse to give up on my blog. I don't need 1 million followers on my blog. I just need to keep a record of my success for the day that I decide to write a book about my jewelry journey. Those who wish to read along and support me are very welcome to do so. If not, just stayed tuned for when the book hits the best sellers list! Goodnight.
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