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Petal
31-08-2009, 07:07 AM
Morning all, :~:

Well, its my first big event today and feeling quite terrified! =:-O but glad the day has finally arrived. It will be my deciding event, as I'll know whether meeting and greeting people face to face with my jewellery is for me, (I get SOOOO nervous that I just go into panic mode) or whether I want to go for Web-based stuff, or take it to good quality shops to sell! uum lots ot think about. Been up since 6.30 to remake two necklaces I did yestgerday, as I'd made a cockup :(|

off for some breakfast and then packing, organising etc etc (am taking some rescue remedy to calm me down!).

Will let you know how I get on.

[]
Love
Jules x

bustagasket
31-08-2009, 07:35 AM
fingers crossed for you today hun, i am sure it will go fine,, and you will be a roaring success :D

kymbi
31-08-2009, 08:28 AM
Good luck for today Jules - I'm sure you will be fine once you get there and set up x

Emerald
31-08-2009, 09:19 AM
Good luck Jules you will be great 'once you get there the adenalin will set in and you will fly.:Y:

MuranoSilver
31-08-2009, 09:24 AM
Yep good luck Jules :)

Di Sandland
31-08-2009, 09:29 AM
Sending positive thoughts. I'm sure you'll be a great success.

mizgeorge
31-08-2009, 09:51 AM
Good luck from me too :)
I also hate face to face selling, and avoid it as much as possible, but it's always less awful once you're there and set up somehow.

AlexandraBuckle
31-08-2009, 10:13 AM
Ooh, hope it goes well. Let us know how you got on :)

lorraineflee
31-08-2009, 10:28 AM
Hope it goes really well - let us know!
Lorraine

CyberPaddy66
31-08-2009, 02:14 PM
Fingers Crossed, let us all know how you got on :D

Petal
31-08-2009, 08:11 PM
Hi All, :~:

Aw thanks guys for all your lovely kind wishes - big hugs and kisses to you all :X.

Well, it was all a bit of a panic when I got to my event, the marquee wasn't up, the wind was howling (I knew it would be a bit blowy, but not that much), my marquee was slowly lifting off the ground, as my fixer had forgotten the pegs! :-D I tell you guys, that was the closest I got to whipping out my rescue remedy, as I couldn't set up my stuff until the marquee was up and time was rapidly running out....!!! =:-O we had about 45mins before the start and people were already gathering, with me still putting my 'necks' on my stand. My OH was on hand to calm me down and keep me sane, by quipping jokes, as he does have a wicked sense of humour!

What did I learn from going to this event? If you want to do an event like this, get all your own stuff, or borrow before the event from someone reliable, so its down to you to get yourself prepared, rather than waiting on others to do it for you. I am glad I did it, but although I did make sales and a lot of people were very enthusiastic about my stuff, their hands were definitely in their pockets. I had some previous customers come back and that was a nice feeling and I know I've got some new local ones, so that's good.

All in all a positive feeling about the day and I think I was a tiny bit calmer than last time and took some wire wrapping to keep me happy on the day.... I'm hooked on wrapping now and can't wait to get my hands on a hammer and start hammering! and to think I thought I needed to go on a course!

I'll try and post some piccies of my stuff in the next few days and will back saying hello, now that I've returned to my usual eccentric band of (in)sanity!

lotsaluv and kisses and hugs

Jules x

ps I haven't forgotten about posting a piccie about that necklace that wouldn't work, so will get round to that too....

bustagasket
31-08-2009, 08:50 PM
So glad that you got that event under your belt and that you made some sales, I knew you would. Kick back now and relax and know that next time you have the experience of this one and know the pitfalls that might happen. The only way is up now :D Well done [[]]

Emerald
31-08-2009, 09:02 PM
de ja vu i was just kicked off the computer by my oh so i started playing around with wire wrapping something else i could get completely hooked on Doh#-o.

Sounds like you had a great day apart from the wind congratulations, whens your next one lol x

kymbi
31-08-2009, 09:47 PM
Well done Jules, that's the first one done and dusted and you've come out the other side :Y:

mizgeorge
31-08-2009, 10:23 PM
So glad you're back in one piece, and not sounding very frayed at all!

Well done - now you can have a well-earned rest for a little while. In my experience a very little while :)

AlexandraBuckle
01-09-2009, 08:56 AM
Yay! well done you :)

agent_44
01-09-2009, 09:35 AM
Sounds like you had a great time, reminds me of a time where I had to set up my stand in a gazebo on an airfield, and the gazebo promptly blew away! That was one stressful morning!

Di Sandland
01-09-2009, 01:14 PM
Well, if you can come out calmly on the otherside of an event where the gazebo near blew away you can come calmly out of anything.

I did think of you on the day and wonder how it was all going - glad it was a positive experience. Now go book the next one!

Petal
01-09-2009, 02:42 PM
Hi All,

OK guys, critique time here, please tell me, honestly, what you think of my three latest designs that I had on my stand yesterday.


186

187

188

189

I display the jewellery with scarves that I make around the necks, and you know what, I could have sold the scarves loads of times, but the necklaces - [-X not one buyer!

BTW, I had a HUGE amount of interest in my ladybirds! the actual beads and especially the boxes awwww - here's a piccie of one

190

I just LOVE those ladybirds and other people obviously do too.... I'm off to catch up on some of my chores for a while - back later on this afternoon :~:

Lotsaluv

Jules x

bustagasket
01-09-2009, 03:04 PM
well i really dont know why the jewellery wasnt selling it al looks great to me, but sounds like you need to do a side line in scarves never know, one might help the other. Ladybirds are terribly popular and i think they often attract people. They just need to get their hands in the pockets for all your other goodies too :D

Di Sandland
01-09-2009, 03:33 PM
You want honest, right?

Well, okay. I think the necklaces are a bit 'samey,' by that I mean they are all a variation on one theme, which is simple stringing. There's nothing there that makes me think 'wow!' Its well executed but a little boring.

I know that's going to hurt you, which is the last thing I want to do because I've been on the receiving end myself and know how it feels. However, I believe you meant it when you asked for honesty (or I hope you did =:-O).

Think about different ways you could display the beads - what about half stringing and half chain (or leather). Or how about a Y shaped necklace or a lariat?

Petal
01-09-2009, 05:55 PM
Oh Di, yes, of course I meant honest 'cos honest :feedback: is just what I need. :) Yes, when you look at it, it does look samey, doesn't it! Never noticed it until now.

I want to have much more wrapping and shapes in my jewellery, which is why I've asked about hammers elsewhere on the forum, so I can start hammering. So, you would mix semi-precious with leather/ or some other medium. I would never have used leather/rattail with semi-precious, as I thought it might cheapen the overall look. What do you think? As for chain, I've been dying to get into chain, but there are zillions in the Cooksons book and I just don't know where to start - any recommendations for a, not too heavy, sterling chain that I could use in a necklace and possibly with earrings too, or would you use different sizes for necks and ears (if you know what I mean).

I've seen some of George's rubber cord on her site, and also her hand dyed silk threads that she's used in the framed heart thread - they look very professional. George, how are they secured?

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=644

Di, thanks soooo much for your feedback - it means a lot []

Come on then everyone - don't be shy now, tell me what you think !!!!! .. I won't sob too much, he he ;)


Jules x

bustagasket
01-09-2009, 06:04 PM
I couldnt give you a proper opinion hun cos i am just not experienced enough so say whats right or wrong. I am looking at chains too but i want to make them :D

Emerald
01-09-2009, 06:12 PM
Hi Petal

I would use a heavier chain doesent have to be silver although i dont know what you charge for your necklaces, if you look at jewellery coming in this season it all has large beads at the front, say your bead green one and then attached to a chain or two to go round neck.

Di Sandland
01-09-2009, 08:20 PM
Hi Petal

I would use a heavier chain doesent have to be silver although i dont know what you charge for your necklaces, if you look at jewellery coming in this season it all has large beads at the front, say your bead green one and then attached to a chain or two to go round neck.

and you can do exactly the same with leather - so you have your beady bit at the front - either on stringing stuff or attached to a chain like a charm bracelet (but bulky if you know what I mean. Then attach that bit to leather thonging either side. Use good thong (Greek leather is best) and also consider using it double. The scanner's not working so I can't scan a picture in :( perhaps one of hte others could explain it better for me? And think in terms of coloured leather - olive green always looks quite classy I think, but you can get it in a whole host of colours.

Petal
01-09-2009, 08:49 PM
and you can do exactly the same with leather - so you have your beady bit at the front - either on stringing stuff or attached to a chain like a charm bracelet (but bulky if you know what I mean. Then attach that bit to leather thonging either side. Use good thong (Greek leather is best) and also consider using it double. The scanner's not working so I can't scan a picture in :( perhaps one of hte others could explain it better for me? And think in terms of coloured leather - olive green always looks quite classy I think, but you can get it in a whole host of colours.

Hiya,

The plain green obsidian necklace is £29 with 24ct rolled gold plating on sterling findings. So, just to check I am getting this right..... would you put semi-precious bead(s) with plated chain/findings? I think I get your meaning about the charm bracelet look... (now feeling a bit tired, as I've done a lot of chores and bit knackered from yesterday....) I'll log off now and have a think and get back to you guys tomorrow, when the brain is more engaged with those fingers of mine!

See ya later
Jules x

Di Sandland
01-09-2009, 08:53 PM
No I wouldn't used plated chain or findings, Jules.

mizgeorge
01-09-2009, 09:12 PM
No I wouldn't used plated chain or findings, Jules.

I agree with Di.

Plated are OK for mass produced glass beads, acrylics etc.

For gemstones, artisan lampwork, handmade polyclay etc, I'd stick with sterling, or copper if appropriate.

caroleallen
01-09-2009, 09:28 PM
I also agree. People expect silver findings for that sort of price. I think you're right to try some wire wrapping to add some interest.

kymbi
02-09-2009, 07:32 AM
I agree as well ~ I'd stick with silver, copper or gold-filled findings. Greek leather looks great with semi-precious especially if you make or use nice silver end-caps to finish it off.

Petal
02-09-2009, 08:38 AM
I agree with Di.

Plated are OK for mass produced glass beads, acrylics etc.

For gemstones, artisan lampwork, handmade polyclay etc, I'd stick with sterling, or copper if appropriate.



Hi George,

I've got some sterling and copper, so will def give that a go. Also, I've seen some of your rubber cord on your site, and also the hand dyed silk threads that youv'e used in the framed heart thread - they are really lovely and I'd like to have a go at making some jewellery with them. Apologies for asking such a silly question, but George, is the silk cord secured with cord ends, or by some other means?

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=644


thanks []

Jules

Emerald
02-09-2009, 08:40 AM
A mix of silver chain and some green leather or silks would look lovely with the green neclace and bring it 'bang up to date' as Gok would say:) I mix my materials up all the time, i have in the collection at the mo spider agate with tibetan beads and glasss pearls it keeps the costs of my items down and i sell them easily but than i have another range that i keep solely silver but then i have added swarvoski crystal.

mizgeorge
02-09-2009, 09:20 AM
Jules, there are lots of ways of finishing silk ribbon. Some people just knot the ends and leave it to the wearer to tie a bow, others put wrapover cord ends and a clasp on for a fixed length.

I like to make the length adjustable - pendants in particular are often best worn at different lengths according to the outfit and occasion, so I usually make a slider by threading a couple of lampwork beads onto both cords, then a smaller bead on the end of each one followed by a trimmed knot (which I usually dab with a bit of fraycheck to be sure!

They're a nice alternative - I like using a combination of silk ribbon and cord as well.

Petal
02-09-2009, 09:39 AM
Jules, there are lots of ways of finishing silk ribbon. Some people just knot the ends and leave it to the wearer to tie a bow, others put wrapover cord ends and a clasp on for a fixed length.

I like to make the length adjustable - pendants in particular are often best worn at different lengths according to the outfit and occasion, so I usually make a slider by threading a couple of lampwork beads onto both cords, then a smaller bead on the end of each one followed by a trimmed knot (which I usually dab with a bit of fraycheck to be sure!

They're a nice alternative - I like using a combination of silk ribbon and cord as well.

OOh thanks so much for that George...

I'm busy busy with chores and as we grow all our own veg, there's a glut of courgettes & toms at the mo. so busy making pizza toppings, quiches, etc

spk later
Love
Jules

Petal
09-09-2009, 08:02 PM
I agree with Di.

Plated are OK for mass produced glass beads, acrylics etc.

For gemstones, artisan lampwork, handmade polyclay etc, I'd stick with sterling, or copper if appropriate.


Hiya :~:

Apologies for replying to a slightly old thread, but, having done a lot of wire wrapping lately, I wanted to pose a question I have about wire wrapping and hammering.

I have some lovely semi-precious beads and I normally use gold-fill findings to compliment them. Can you hammer gold-fill, or would you use 9ct gold wire to wire wrap with, or copper? If it is copper, doesn't it tarnish? If yes, do you treat it in some way to stop it from tarnishing?

thanks in advance
Love
Jules x

kymbi
09-09-2009, 09:07 PM
I do a lot of wire-wrapping with gold-fill and I'm very happy with it - I don't hammer it too much but I've not had any problems. I've used vermeil in the as well, but I found that if I hammered or wrapped too tightly the silver started to show. Not a problem with GF as the core is usually brass.

Copper is good to use as well and I love the warm colour, but it does tarnish. I have a feeling there were comments recently about coating with some wax to prevent or slow down the tarnishing.

Lindyloo
09-09-2009, 10:26 PM
Yes, it was Renaissance Wax.