Well, since I last posted I have changed a few things- I raised my prices- didn't seem to matter to the stores that carry my jewellery- they are selling just as well at the higher price.
I decided to stop doing consignment sales (I still have two shops that work on consignment- I am kind of trapped with them- but in a way its not too bad- they pay me 60% rather than the wholesale rate of 50% that the non consignment stores buy the stuff at.) I find the book keeping much easier when they buy the jewellery up front.
I am exploring two shops outside my province- one in Ottawa and one in Vancouver- looks like those may work out.

I retire from my Real Estate job on Thursday- full time jewellery after that!
So thank you to all for the great advice.
I will either starve or not starve- the die is cast!