tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37305704099499240142024-03-13T11:17:23.545-07:00Handmade Jewelry by AlyxAndrea DesignFollow me during my daily trials and experimentations as I try to survive 40+ hours of over-the-top stress working with people who are homeless while balancing home life and now trying to make it in the jewelry making business. Yikes!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-83685970075579949242013-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:002013-12-13T10:48:37.215-08:00Kid-ding AroundI'm nearing the end of a very long first semester of graduate school. I just submitted my final assignment which was a policy analysis of Public Housing...yawn. So I can get back to focusing a little bit of attention on AlyxAndrea Design again.<br />
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My daughter, who is now officially a teenager<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPV6aMJFNwOWTajBJ75E-rAaMK7Fy1zyM0pTrKE0WmeQONIx3CwJ0QyxY3jAHAzcAkJbQyNEDNiP-XbcHVMFFJ9NwHA4eCFJy9erJSFIX4dle1mrA6a1UQmlR3u1f4SG22Q7vwrzrajE/s1600/10.11.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPV6aMJFNwOWTajBJ75E-rAaMK7Fy1zyM0pTrKE0WmeQONIx3CwJ0QyxY3jAHAzcAkJbQyNEDNiP-XbcHVMFFJ9NwHA4eCFJy9erJSFIX4dle1mrA6a1UQmlR3u1f4SG22Q7vwrzrajE/s1600/10.11.13.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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created a TON of kids jewelry over the summer and I am finally getting a chance to take pictures of them and get them listed on Etsy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_an7ALZjiFNF7Kkm8XEwUD1ti7IaJtKYhVThwerfqxkeI81JC5vilqgb03eDzDTp4XcoZGhevp93DYh876qAxYuYp_WKLNzxGLREo_ynFCRyOTNEpsHm7uz6165u4hdFfPtCk0q8NUE/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_an7ALZjiFNF7Kkm8XEwUD1ti7IaJtKYhVThwerfqxkeI81JC5vilqgb03eDzDTp4XcoZGhevp93DYh876qAxYuYp_WKLNzxGLREo_ynFCRyOTNEpsHm7uz6165u4hdFfPtCk0q8NUE/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172685685/kids-letter-a-bracelet-green-ribbon#">https://www.etsy.com/listing/172685685/kids-letter-a-bracelet-green-ribbon#</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172682621/kids-necklace-purple-flower-turquoise">https://www.etsy.com/listing/172682621/kids-necklace-purple-flower-turquoise</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172684085/kids-giraffe-necklace-pink-and-purple">https://www.etsy.com/listing/172684085/kids-giraffe-necklace-pink-and-purple</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-78577544273341350512013-10-14T09:10:00.000-07:002013-10-14T09:10:07.092-07:0013 Year Old Girls and Pintrest!! What?!So I've been hitting the books...HARD...for the first time since finishing my undergrad 14 years ago. I just started a fast paced graduate program in Social Work that meets every Saturday for the next 4 years. It's been rough but I'm doing ok so far. My first class is especially accelerated because it's only 8 weeks so in 5 weeks I've already written a paper and had a midterm yesterday which also corresponded with my only child's 13th birthday. So, after a test and another 4 hours of class, I went home to clean the house, threw the child a skating party then had a house full of teens for a sleep over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHgIN9HkMeS77UDrABN0MpLw4wzRGNwM-bQbSgN1Tsvp-RWxODzKNeBJbMm4xv-3llgkenn8uqeBKDSd2nJRvK6h700jJ5lA_x9CXhlJgGRfST-EjB5ezQM4crGNhyphenhyphenEWv-eW1uzuR0TE/s1600/1380833_880781836098_919705580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHgIN9HkMeS77UDrABN0MpLw4wzRGNwM-bQbSgN1Tsvp-RWxODzKNeBJbMm4xv-3llgkenn8uqeBKDSd2nJRvK6h700jJ5lA_x9CXhlJgGRfST-EjB5ezQM4crGNhyphenhyphenEWv-eW1uzuR0TE/s320/1380833_880781836098_919705580_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ugh...I'm glad that's over. So proud of my sweet baby girl who is becoming an amazing young woman though.<br />
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Needless to say, I have not at all been active in creating, promoting or selling any jewelry...what so ever. I even missed promoting the RAW Artist of the Year voting which happened earlier this month.<br />
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I'm hoping to get some things going before the holidays though. I've been using a mini-mall on Pintrest to post some of my items and do a little searching for my own shopping needs. Never used Pintrest to shop before but I'm really liking this board.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/renaechristine/pinterest-mini-mall-viral-board/">http://www.pinterest.com/renaechristine/pinterest-mini-mall-viral-board/</a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-36303710943837224842013-10-04T17:52:00.000-07:002013-10-04T17:52:11.255-07:00CraftsybleJust wanted to pop in and share that I was featured in today's Craftsyble blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.craftsyble.com/in-the-spotlight-alyxandrea-design/">http://www.craftsyble.com/in-the-spotlight-alyxandrea-design/</a><br />
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I think it turned out really nice.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122544390/large-loops-pink-and-grey-ribbon-and?">https://www.etsy.com/listing/122544390/large-loops-pink-and-grey-ribbon-and?</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-12819740086086797482013-09-15T09:25:00.000-07:002013-09-15T09:25:22.826-07:00GBK 2013 Primetime Emmy's - just around the corner!My business cards have been sent, received and packed into this amazing gift bags for the GBK Primetime Emmy's gift lounge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2ZCmnqIjdV7juKf6dUJWjVHJ4POHmLG2680l4AiR1QKT2xcMk0iOJzDCosObmtU5N0duk-gdVmI3a1j5K8pPWrtYX8MT-PlqghYrNGBn9mZ6zDmQ4Ht7ftGgOaWOw3dB_HNUmBfCblc/s1600/emmy's+gift+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2ZCmnqIjdV7juKf6dUJWjVHJ4POHmLG2680l4AiR1QKT2xcMk0iOJzDCosObmtU5N0duk-gdVmI3a1j5K8pPWrtYX8MT-PlqghYrNGBn9mZ6zDmQ4Ht7ftGgOaWOw3dB_HNUmBfCblc/s320/emmy's+gift+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My name is also included in the enclosed gift guide:<br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/theartisangroup/docs/2013primetimeemmys">http://issuu.com/theartisangroup/docs/2013primetimeemmys</a><br />
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Such an amazing opportunity and I'm so grateful to The Artisan Group for making this possible!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-17916195899282806892013-09-08T11:04:00.001-07:002013-09-08T11:04:05.406-07:00My show season is finally over and guess what I have learned.AlyxAndrea Design is nearing it's first anniversary in a few months and it has been one hell of a ride. Tents blowing away, failing miserably at product photography and wasting hours and hours learning how to properly use social media. But I also got to know a TON of new people. I have seen an amazing amount of talent at art and craft fairs and have a new on-line family at Etsy - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team">https://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team</a><br />
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This last weekend was my last show of the season and I wish I could say I'm sorry to see it end. I'm unable to continue through the winter because I was excepted into this amazing graduate program at UW-Madison. I will be attending classes every Saturday for the next FOUR YEARS!! I won't have full summers off but rather a few weeks and since I spent so much time and money preparing for shows this year I should really probably keep doing a few shows a year. If for nothing else but to maybe make the cost of my tent back.</div>
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Today I'd like to share a little of what I have learned in the hopes that I can help someone else avoid some of my misfortunes.</div>
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First and definitely most important....buy a good tent!!! I was unsure if my fibromyalgia would allow me to do shows so I didn't want to spend a ton of money in case I wasn't able to do it. BAD idea! Although the wind gave all of the vendors trouble and the fair ended up being cancelled due to wind my tent was the only one the lay broken in a heap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwaBy9RJdEaRubqepjM4ZNSrwcR7XbeJP10qxV2s0A15gX18aLnnhu8UwFlo5Oy6YscLaPcgH5A1APGie3akQ5tYYWguMJYdEzN9Fql59U7NjrobT3K8DnIGbib9RVo700IBn9kd85wc/s1600/cute+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwaBy9RJdEaRubqepjM4ZNSrwcR7XbeJP10qxV2s0A15gX18aLnnhu8UwFlo5Oy6YscLaPcgH5A1APGie3akQ5tYYWguMJYdEzN9Fql59U7NjrobT3K8DnIGbib9RVo700IBn9kd85wc/s1600/cute+sad.jpg" /></a></div>
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Second, create displays that are easy to store and transport. I thought I was being all creative by finding some fun treasures at a thrift store but they turned out to be a big pain in the bottom. </div>
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DO...Chose a display stand that is sturdy <br />
DON'T...Use fun little decorative candle holders that blow over</div>
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DO...Get as much display space out of as little weight and space possible <br />
DON'T...Use Bulk wooden easels that are heavy and don't store easily</div>
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DO...Have plenty of vertical display space <br />
DON'T...Fill all of your table space with flimsy candle holders and bulky easels </div>
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DO...Devise a good plan for storing your product <br />
DON'T...Put each item in little baggies and expect that you will not eventually get sick of putting 70 items in 70 bags and instead throwing them all into a big pile that later turns into a big tangly mess</div>
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DO...Make sure everything is secure on your displa <br />
DON'T...Use pretty little ornament hooks and twist them onto your display and expect that they will hold anything.....at all....</div>
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DO...Make sure you have enough space so that the customer's eyes can focus on individual pieces<br />
DON'T...Squish everything together and expect people to see anything but a big pile of color</div>
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DO..Have different price ranges that are easily identifiable <br />
DON'T...Mix everything together so that when someone picks up your best piece and looks at the price tag they don't quickly run out of your booth</div>
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So yes...I have some work to do if I'm going to do more shows. I haven't yet decided what I'm going to do for next year's display but I know what will be in my garage sale next year.</div>
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I also learned a little about how to pick shows that best fit your product. If you sell $5 items that were made in China you will probably do well no matter where you go and certainly take away from the people who labor over handmade products and pay themselves $2 an hour to try and compete with your prices. But if you put labor and love into a product that was made in the backyards of you customers there are a few things you should consider when looking for shows.</div>
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1.<b> Pick shows that do not allow commercial products.</b> (However, the show I did this last weekend said they didn't allow commercial products but there were several booths that did. I'm assuming they have a few things that they make themselves then the rest is all made in Thailand. However, I'm not sure how the packaged dips vendors made it in. Doesn't matter....not going back to this one next year anyway.)</div>
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2. <b>Try to find juried shows.</b> These shows are less likely to have commercial products and more likely to have vendors with similar price points as yours.</div>
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3. <b>Avoid themed festivals.</b> If 100,000 people are going to a festival which is featuring the local harvest - cranberries, corn, pumpkins etc. that doesn't mean there will be 100,000 people looking for a nice handmade product to tote with them through carnival rides and games. </div>
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4. <b>Don't think your saving a buck by focusing on shows that have low booth fees. </b> Higher fees means more advertising and a history of having a good turnout filled with people ready to spend money on local, handmade goodness.</div>
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5. <b> Figure out if you are an "art" or a "craft" vendor.</b> If you are a crafter, go to "craft fairs." Have a ton of each item you sell and price them to move. The woman selling $2 kids hair ties must have sold a million of them on one of the slowest shows I went to. The only customers where families with small children. Moms were all too willing to shell out 2 bucks to make their kids happy because they got to buy something. However, I can only imagine how little the vendor actually makes per hour when you factor in the labor time. I also got to know a woman who sells painted gourd bird houses pretty well. She needs to keep her cost down to compete and people still complain that they are too expensive. The products you see in big box stores are cheap because they are made in 3rd world countries where labor costs are in the cents not dollars. You can't expect a person with American bills to pay to live off of a few cents per hour. But this women creates because she enjoys it and goes to shows because she loves talking to new people all day. </div>
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My husband spoke to a vendor who makes gorgeous and very good quality metal yard art. She had this intricate garden bench that was VERY reasonably priced considering how very long it must have taken to make. I customer asked her the price then quickly replied "F*** you, that's way too expensive." This handmade metal bench that would last a lifetime was less than $200. I can not image getting something similar from a retail store for anything less and who knows where it was made or how long it will last.</div>
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If you are an "artist" go to "art fairs." Customers are expecting to pay for art which inherently is more expensive but also more labor intensive and hopefully of good quality. Kids hair ties and $3 trinkets will not likely be at these shows. </div>
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6. <b>Talk to your neighbors. </b> It is inevitable that you will go to shows that don't fit well with what you are trying to sell. Talk to the other vendors and find out what shows work for them and why. </div>
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7. <b>Don't give up and don't get discouraged. </b> If you have made it as far in your trade that you are considering showcasing your work you are probably doing something right. You're not going to do everything right at first. Your prices may need adjusting, you signage my be lacking or your display might not be working right but all you can do is learn and make improvements. Like any small business it is common for people to lose big bucks the first year. Learn from you mistakes and try not to look at the customer that just keeps walking as a sign that your product isn't good enough. You just need to find the right venue and have a display that works well for you. All of that takes time and practice. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-23479993713903572932013-08-14T07:31:00.001-07:002013-08-14T07:31:13.775-07:00RAW Artists Showcase Part III realize I should have written this a LONG time ago since the showcase was more than 2 months ago but it's better late than never. If you've been keeping track you would have seen that I was excited and a little nervous about this showcase which featured a ton of amazing artists and I was worried I would look like a newbie putz but I did just fine.<br />
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There was hoop dancing, rapping, popping, pun rock and little ole me at the RAW Artists Showcase in Madison WI on June 20th - <a href="http://www.rawartists.org/madison">http://www.rawartists.org/madison</a> I picked a spot for my display near the stage so that I would be sure to see all of the amazing stage performers and I was glad I did. Some of my favorite artists included:<br />
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Mr Popper: <a href="http://www.rawartists.org/http-www-youtube-com-user-84batson">http://www.rawartists.org/http-www-youtube-com-user-84batson</a><br />
Pincushion Doll: <a href="http://www.rawartists.org/pincushiondoll">http://www.rawartists.org/pincushiondoll</a><br />
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Dana Perry: <a href="http://www.rawartists.org/musicbydana">http://www.rawartists.org/musicbydana</a><br />
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It was kind of fun to get all dressed up in cocktail attire.<br />
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I made a fun set of jewelry to match my dress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSPXx70z0v0plK_Rct0ruxA3Aqv7Z31UTeIZ-FO9tP1sIfnwC6Jock7UfrMpE9_qeOgLmkooE5hcyk6Xkcw9ZiuJi6HvSf99pYeRoj3B77iKL1welnl222mWL0SsuKg2frwxK76aRtDA/s1600/il_570xN.467608195_ia6m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSPXx70z0v0plK_Rct0ruxA3Aqv7Z31UTeIZ-FO9tP1sIfnwC6Jock7UfrMpE9_qeOgLmkooE5hcyk6Xkcw9ZiuJi6HvSf99pYeRoj3B77iKL1welnl222mWL0SsuKg2frwxK76aRtDA/s320/il_570xN.467608195_ia6m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153493413/peacock-jewelry-set-beaded-ribbon?">https://www.etsy.com/listing/153493413</a></div>
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Then had a crazy day of setting up, doing a film interview and having my picture taken before the show started at 6 pm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCet3I-7WzVFNJ0nqT7WkLsny-xdMpTRO4RnNls-nyFXbVhPsRCP6E-jxQM8lLWOvpXyUBLWNsHX4AO_tIbga3brY7rEWgBFsxUu9rut3aXltD6EL4IOebKWPt03XZNgVAu4W9BCdImv4/s1600/421794_837052390258_671996905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCet3I-7WzVFNJ0nqT7WkLsny-xdMpTRO4RnNls-nyFXbVhPsRCP6E-jxQM8lLWOvpXyUBLWNsHX4AO_tIbga3brY7rEWgBFsxUu9rut3aXltD6EL4IOebKWPt03XZNgVAu4W9BCdImv4/s320/421794_837052390258_671996905_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2C8FBfv5enPYSRnO8IHI4V5Yivp6TZU2BEbZftWxdzAEaeXxW7wmNrnIv_tJIPYndwGWXAuTP26NU8Wz_hnanHps20csT8CzYVNpK6izqEo4Sx485hGfHzvrIh2JmrUPioFYSwIg4gM/s1600/1006117_837040828428_527134819_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2C8FBfv5enPYSRnO8IHI4V5Yivp6TZU2BEbZftWxdzAEaeXxW7wmNrnIv_tJIPYndwGWXAuTP26NU8Wz_hnanHps20csT8CzYVNpK6izqEo4Sx485hGfHzvrIh2JmrUPioFYSwIg4gM/s320/1006117_837040828428_527134819_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">Here is the link to the video:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlVPGRo0L9E&list=PLpIUe_p9ff5My1HX8_wm8zcKUJrNwVUgL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlVPGRo0L9E&list=PLpIUe_p9ff5My1HX8_wm8zcKUJrNwVUgL</span></a><br />
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Watching the performance artists and meeting a ton of people was a blast but when the show ended at midnight I was exhausted!<br />
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I packed up as fast as possible then went to a friends house for the night. The show was in Madison and I work in Madison but live 45 minutes away. We were having a team building day at a ropes course the next day so I didn't want to take the day off so I stayed with a friend in Madison so I wouldn't have to drive. <br />
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The next day I got up to POURING rain. I went to the ropes course and we played a few team building games but weren't able to climb the ropes course because of thunder and lightning. So I went home and slept the afternoon away instead.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-37885179781107631492013-08-06T19:51:00.000-07:002013-08-07T10:02:59.490-07:00Sweet Corn!!! & My So Called Life :) <h1>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">It sure has been a LONG summer! I think I over booked myself just a tad. Full-time job has gotten too stressful for words and then I started a part-time job facilitating groups for men on probation and parole. It's something I've done before and REALLY enjoy it. However, 12 hour days just aren't for me. </span></h1>
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Got some great news though, I got into graduate school so I'm actually going down to part-time at the one job and switching from working with women who are homeless to families who are homeless The families are not yet in the shelter because we have a long waiting list. I'm sure no one really thinks to get put on a waiting list before they become homeless! So, it will be nice to go down to part-time but I'm not looking forward to seeing kids who are sleeping in cars or on the floors of other people's homes. But working with single women gets difficult too because there is so much mental illness that makes everything so difficult. NO ONE would deny a person housing solely because they have cancer or heart disease but a person with severe mental health issues really struggles to obtain and maintain housing sometimes. It bothers me tremendously that people seem to think that mental illness is some sort of choice or a consequence for poor choices or something. Mental illness is biological and develops by no fault of the person. </div>
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Check out blogs from this insightful and amazing woman who was homeless if you want to learn more: <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences">http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences</a><br />
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I really do have a passion for helping people with mental illness and I could probably go on all day about the injustices but I am BURNT OUT. I very much plan to return to mental health related work but if I don't take a break I may end up quitting forever. So, I'm going to work with families for awhile and see how it goes.</div>
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As far as AlyxAndrea Design goes you may have noticed that I've been a little absent. I've been doing a few art fairs but my on-line presence has been nearly non-existent. Just too busy but as I switch to part-time soon I'm hoping I will be back in full force. I also only have one more craft fair of the season which is the: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sun Prairie WI</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBp2be_bqdEPV1UnlK8cD9Yv8rX5jxcp7uOka6kCww1OxcVJf3JCtZ7Ef4RIahol9wEO34wFjq1yXX8ftXMck2OCBhV5tgcYHwm8P8qK_yT1Gr1pYKLqPij96UsXQ_dPuHGjpNo_OcEg/s1600/RTEmagicC_2013_cfest_logo_color_01.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBp2be_bqdEPV1UnlK8cD9Yv8rX5jxcp7uOka6kCww1OxcVJf3JCtZ7Ef4RIahol9wEO34wFjq1yXX8ftXMck2OCBhV5tgcYHwm8P8qK_yT1Gr1pYKLqPij96UsXQ_dPuHGjpNo_OcEg/s1600/RTEmagicC_2013_cfest_logo_color_01.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/Sweet-Corn-Festival.68.0.html">http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/Sweet-Corn-Festival.68.0.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be my first 2 day show and I'm a little nervous that my fibromyalgia body won't be able to handle it. But, I am excited because it is a really large festival and I'm hoping for some good traffic. Many of the other fairs I did this summer have been really slow. But since this was my first year I'm treating it as a learning experience. I rather expensive learning experience but I'm hoping I will do better to choose shows that will work for me next year.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming soon....I need to finally share my experience at the RAW Artists Showcase. I need to tweek a few things and get that up because it has been 2 months. I'm excited to share how it went but just haven't had time to write it all down.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish had some new products to share today but I haven't made much time for creating. The only thing I've been doing is getting products for a $10 and $5 table for craft fairs. My daughter made a ton of kids jewelry to be sold at $5 and I made some really simple adult jewelry for $10. I'm not planning to put any of the kids jewelry on Etsy but maybe whatever is left of the adult stuff after my last fair.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've listed this one sad pair of earrings recently:</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtPUpYZfYmUxYx8GILpJp1C5Gv2hKcso9E74WT7jiqn_NGM7Vy4RW9jUwAAwlHyjXykZ0mIxyAmJOQ0vax1VJ-N9vai2gb7b8z4rFujF3-fz3xXbi13v8-DDZJSQzt-CWYM_9FFyL8r8/s1600/il_570xN.485744768_7tnk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtPUpYZfYmUxYx8GILpJp1C5Gv2hKcso9E74WT7jiqn_NGM7Vy4RW9jUwAAwlHyjXykZ0mIxyAmJOQ0vax1VJ-N9vai2gb7b8z4rFujF3-fz3xXbi13v8-DDZJSQzt-CWYM_9FFyL8r8/s320/il_570xN.485744768_7tnk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 17.98611068725586px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158362036/cream-ribbon-and-glass-pearl-dangle?">https://www.etsy.com/listing/158362036</a></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-21306781266012747832013-06-16T16:37:00.002-07:002013-06-17T07:52:53.964-07:00VAMPIRE DIARIES!?!?I have mentioned The Promotional Frenzie Team on Etsy a few times but want to give another GIANT shout out to this amazing team. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team">https://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team</a><br />
<br />
I started creating and selling my jewelry in October 2012 and quickly realized that it is EXTREMELY difficult to sell jewelry on-line. Mostly because everyone and their mother is trying to do it. I was lost and looking for direction and I came across this team. I actually had to beg and plead to be let in because I didn't have enough "followers" to meet the criteria. Mona aka Sewing Grannie <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/sewinggranny">https://www.etsy.com/people/sewinggranny</a> allowed me to join and became my mentor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSUz03OxUkqhyphenhyphen_Xb8IlfG1BJcIVOFgDqL5-GhLl7GHxMUIfhvVQ2tgyHxrjF3v7wjfEqi2gPq5CA3dUsz3hPHLvi26BU7LHNOhLZLK0kN0-Lprazhs_425Agpym_5rUJSsGNHaur8mC0/s1600/il_570xN.360731773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSUz03OxUkqhyphenhyphen_Xb8IlfG1BJcIVOFgDqL5-GhLl7GHxMUIfhvVQ2tgyHxrjF3v7wjfEqi2gPq5CA3dUsz3hPHLvi26BU7LHNOhLZLK0kN0-Lprazhs_425Agpym_5rUJSsGNHaur8mC0/s200/il_570xN.360731773.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG6E2SUKRBAchr7m7H6TORRumGv9NdzPs-DXCacGWQp-2obfBOc0kmdq3wpqibN7VoSxAjKcplyZzfF7It1ZxViTxtBPqIOlGZExVKbVayG6zqkgsEfjLkZBUjfRkLzhd42t_jThah4k/s1600/il_570xN.448414280_giik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG6E2SUKRBAchr7m7H6TORRumGv9NdzPs-DXCacGWQp-2obfBOc0kmdq3wpqibN7VoSxAjKcplyZzfF7It1ZxViTxtBPqIOlGZExVKbVayG6zqkgsEfjLkZBUjfRkLzhd42t_jThah4k/s200/il_570xN.448414280_giik.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The team has helped my shop in so many ways and I have also had the opportunity to develop on-line friendships with people from around the world.<br />
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One of the many opportunities that have arisen because of this team is the opportunity to join<br />
The Artisan Group<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BiaCoDjpPvMqByz-GEN2FE1WUPHW1n3AKZruRSbEIbdX5m-RCjRoJxHOVxTudSHzRd_usmBG7voeIi-DBoX-Hz0Jpyd6Qk9S1Oh0HkgUyRCjs93vpGorXYHadCK55jNMEybYs4jAl5w/s1600/tag_member-badge_smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BiaCoDjpPvMqByz-GEN2FE1WUPHW1n3AKZruRSbEIbdX5m-RCjRoJxHOVxTudSHzRd_usmBG7voeIi-DBoX-Hz0Jpyd6Qk9S1Oh0HkgUyRCjs93vpGorXYHadCK55jNMEybYs4jAl5w/s200/tag_member-badge_smaller.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theartisangroup.org/">http://www.theartisangroup.org/</a> </div>
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Janet Galla of Trinkets N Whatnots <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrinketsNWhatnots?ref=search_shop_redirect">www.TrinketsNWhatnots</a>.etsy.com is a member and let PFT know that they were excepting applications so I applied and was accepted.<br />
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I had to have one of Janet's rings!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_lZbrNd8-Z5wuFmp88TNnljyVa1b_y4j-LMiKypX7IurSIDApQDQXttbHjAaTYTMuBpUT-O7oZiH2MTnsuUn6ie5evvRAkLHbD-BJuZL4A4L-HmU9aRF8tGcJDtupbYxvXGEnnQsd2g/s1600/il_570xN.297477212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_lZbrNd8-Z5wuFmp88TNnljyVa1b_y4j-LMiKypX7IurSIDApQDQXttbHjAaTYTMuBpUT-O7oZiH2MTnsuUn6ie5evvRAkLHbD-BJuZL4A4L-HmU9aRF8tGcJDtupbYxvXGEnnQsd2g/s200/il_570xN.297477212.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/89059280/swarovski-red-magma-button-ring-baguette?ref=shop_home_active">https://www.etsy.com/listing/89059280/swarovski-red-magma-button-ring-baguette</a></div>
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So, The Artisan Group (TAG) is basically a small group of artisans who provides hand made gifts to celebrities, members of the press and other entertainment industry leaders. Major award gift events include The Emmy's, The Oscars and The Golden Globes.<br />
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These large events involve sending in 100 pieces of art to be given out at the "Celebrity Gift Lounge" before the event. TAG representatives at the event then make sure to get at least one picture of a celebrity with each participant's piece of art.<br />
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Making 100 pieces to be gifted is a little bit above what I am capable of right now. Janet Galla of Trinkets N Whatnots gifted her rings to the last Acadamy Awards. I decided to start out small and 100 of my business cards are being included in the celebrity gift bags at the 2013 Prime<br />
Time Emmy's. My husband is working on adding some pictures of my products to my business cards for this event.<br />
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TAG is also occasionally contacted by stylists for different TV shows and movies. I watch very little TV but a guilty pleasure of mine is The Vampire Diaries. The stylist for The Vampire Diaries has asked TAG to provide 25 samples of jewelry to possibly be used on next season's episodes. They did the same thing last year and chose 13 of the 25 pieces that were worn on the show.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn84No_Dgo7cZs5gnSBKqJT5UPRrEXTCwjiuWVGocqx1u8Cm01dU73xZma8FTyJ8X7upU8Z5JI_yqcPaJaptO2dmn-beH1fNKlqTwq_-IMw9VpxItsuUmCGRdgGqDWSkjV5Y2qIKUFmU/s1600/_Kristin+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn84No_Dgo7cZs5gnSBKqJT5UPRrEXTCwjiuWVGocqx1u8Cm01dU73xZma8FTyJ8X7upU8Z5JI_yqcPaJaptO2dmn-beH1fNKlqTwq_-IMw9VpxItsuUmCGRdgGqDWSkjV5Y2qIKUFmU/s200/_Kristin+(1).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Every time I watch The Vampire Diaries I watch the jewelry and dream about how exciting it would be if someone was wearing a beaded ribbon necklace. I am sure that my designs would grow in popularity if it could just be seen on this show which seems to fit perfectly with my style. I never could have imagined that it may actually be one of MY necklaces on the show!<br />
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So, needless to say I was extremely excited when TAG announced this opportunity. I was in the middle of meeting with a client at work when registration began so I was sure that I wouldn't get a spot but I did. I was so incredibly excited. I really hope the stylist is open to trying something new and different.<br />
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I'm still contemplating exactly what I am going to send but it has to be something I can easily reproduce. I'm thinking I may do paper beads so that I can continually sell the same design in my shop but I can still say that they are one-of-a-kind because no two beads will be identical. I may do a necklace similar to one of these but probably with red paper and black ribbon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnhRRz-yK1P3Z8KZ_gSbqY1QNqVNIRtY7FK8II9mbjN78KE6ZO2jiWn_URpcvpsZ6bVXWu9QlhRMV6zUYiT3uFqjl0PBrz6rnggVSLMashg8v6AEy8vnMUTYYpC_wQieF2P8W7fLWkxc/s1600/2013-03-23+10.36.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnhRRz-yK1P3Z8KZ_gSbqY1QNqVNIRtY7FK8II9mbjN78KE6ZO2jiWn_URpcvpsZ6bVXWu9QlhRMV6zUYiT3uFqjl0PBrz6rnggVSLMashg8v6AEy8vnMUTYYpC_wQieF2P8W7fLWkxc/s1600/2013-03-23+10.36.49.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz124FK_ymksCgbsVjlGamMO0pR0_VfScKF9nLuhEBuAUdQtxBB7UVkrY5Pt9oLOHH3YxBKxCUNn-Xu65kE6dI6dcnf2h56gJHgFGE6SG1zoWjJhzlC1SHO_ExOFCehWABD3Ohr8yvnO8/s1600/2013-03-26+19.33.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz124FK_ymksCgbsVjlGamMO0pR0_VfScKF9nLuhEBuAUdQtxBB7UVkrY5Pt9oLOHH3YxBKxCUNn-Xu65kE6dI6dcnf2h56gJHgFGE6SG1zoWjJhzlC1SHO_ExOFCehWABD3Ohr8yvnO8/s1600/2013-03-26+19.33.23.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127652987/paper-bead-necklace-black-and-purple?">https://www.etsy.com/listing/127652987/paper-bead-necklace-black-and-purple</a></div>
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I have two big events this week so I will hopefully be able to start working on something next week. I will make sure to share a picture when I am done. Any suggestions are welcome of course :)</div>
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Watch out for my next blog which will be the follow up to The RAW Artists Showcase which takes place this Thursday, June 20th. I had promised that I was going to share pictures of the dress I found and the jewelry I made. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-45019329615264407232013-05-21T20:02:00.002-07:002013-05-21T20:02:57.887-07:00RAW Artists ShowcaseSometimes I feel like this whole jewelry business thing is moving a little too quickly for my little brain. I've had so many amazing opportunities in such a short amount of time. It's hard to believe I just came up with my design 7 months ago!<br />
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So here I am with yet another first. I added a profile onto the RAW Artists website and expected it to sit and die there. Less than a month later I was asked to participate in Madison's biggest showcase yet.<br />
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<img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid4qeGt5tlYD6eYu6pZ8JpLHgpgNCvtuWeXvc9sSEGpdceo4AWvaobwr8GyXR4NsiBG5p_OBSItXWJIicx0LfVAEArdafeJ2S1QxeF2cNIucY-o0gw2io8WRMzoH8ePt_2lEZNDK3Wa4/s640/kaleidoscope_citybanner.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.rawartists.org/madison/kaleidoscope">http://www.rawartists.org/madison/kaleidoscope</a></div>
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Check out the website and you will see why I might be a tad bit scared out of my mind. First of all there are REAL artists attending, people who have been performing and creating art their entire lives. I feel like a total amateur. <br />
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It is a HUGE opportunity though and I am thrilled. Part of the event is to have professional photography of my display and products as well as a video interview at the event. All for me to keep for future promotion. From what I've heard it is also a great place to network and make connections in the local art scene.</div>
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I am a little worried about the whole "cocktail attire" thing. I work at a homeless shelter and wear jeans to work. I've never worn a cocktail dress in my life! Hopefully I can find something nice at a thrift store. But again, the excitement outweighs the scary stuff. I may be a tad neurotic and full of self doubt at times but I'm sure I will do just fine and will probably have a lot of fun. I hope I will be in a good spot to watch the music and fashion shows.<br />
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If you are in the Madison WI area and would like to attend please chose "AlyxAndrea Design" as the artist you would like to support when purchasing your ticket. A mere $10 gets you 5 hours of entertainment and visual art displays. There are a total of 30 artists being featured at the event so there is sure to be something for everyone.<br />
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Check back to see the dress I find and the jewelry I design to go with it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com17Madison, WI, USA43.0730517 -89.40123019999998642.8864992 -89.725326699999982 43.2596042 -89.07713369999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-81477456945371923002013-05-15T16:45:00.001-07:002013-05-21T19:48:14.107-07:00At Both Ends: Featured Artist - Andrea Mitchell, AlyxAndreaDesig...My shop was featured today in this wonderful blog by Dorene of Dlites by Dorene!<br />
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<a href="http://dlitesbydorene.blogspot.com/2013/05/featured-artist-andrea-mitchell.html?spref=bl">At Both Ends: Featured Artist - Andrea Mitchell, AlyxAndreaDesig...</a>: I'm so pleased to introduce you to Andrea Mitchell, of AlyxAndreaDesign . Her jewelry is so intuitive, it leaves you thinking "why ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-36995014277326405552013-05-02T14:09:00.001-07:002013-05-02T14:09:04.456-07:00<strong>AlyxAndrea Design will be at the 2013 Fresh Air Craft Fair </strong><br />
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Date: May 11th 2013, 10am – 3pm Rain or Shine</div>
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Location: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Boulevard, Madison, WI 53719 </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq0tXnx3C2T4u6jPtbPQrjPYmQu89Mdcu8_OD6PiYBVo16vUdQ3VQoKLxDvf2Rls9Mu7buIKCFK1kEpnVWe9mLukOTlPRr52bccHKzXV2ms7obVOurYXR_Vc42YQeJjk0Z78lpOldpnU/s1600/thCA1R8N0X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq0tXnx3C2T4u6jPtbPQrjPYmQu89Mdcu8_OD6PiYBVo16vUdQ3VQoKLxDvf2Rls9Mu7buIKCFK1kEpnVWe9mLukOTlPRr52bccHKzXV2ms7obVOurYXR_Vc42YQeJjk0Z78lpOldpnU/s1600/thCA1R8N0X.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>What is the Madison Parks Fresh Air Craft Fair? </strong></div>
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Madison Parks is pleased to host the Fresh Air Craft Fair on May 11th, from 10am-3pm. Local artists and craft vendors will be showcasing and selling their original works including jewelry, pottery, paper goods, glass works, and other handmade items. </div>
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<strong>Activities</strong></div>
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<strong>Kids: </strong>There will be plenty of activities for kids including spring themed kid’s crafts. The Wisconsin Kiter’s Club will be flying kites for demonstration, as well as hosting a kite making workshop, so kids can bring home their own kite creation. Also, Madison Parks hayrides will be available for $2 per person around Elver Park. </div>
<strong>Food: </strong>Attendees will be able to purchase snacks from Curt’s Gourmet Popcorn and Jim’s Kettle Corn. The Santa Fe Food Cart will be serving burritos, tacos, and other southwest classics. <br />
<strong>Music: </strong>Local folk/pop musician Adam Rostad will be performing from 12pm-3pm. This versatile artist creates original songs and unique covers in many different styles and genres. Don’t miss this up-and-coming artist! <br />
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<strong>Vendor List</strong></div>
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<li>Jenny Blasen Pottery: Handmade stoneware pottery, coffee mugs, yarn bowls, ceramic plates, and soap dishes.</li>
<li>Copper Heart Designs: Handmade jewelry created using a variety of metalsmithing techniques including etching, enameling, soldering and wirework.</li>
<li>Makers Guild: Paper and Fiber Arts with a focus on eco crafts - felted crowns, whimsical up-cycled fiber critters, felted wool balls and blocks, pin cushions, journals and stationary </li>
<li>Meredith Dillman: Watercolor fantasy art</li>
<li>Danidorem: Handmade Eco-Friendly Jewelry</li>
<li>JS Designs Studio: Custom children and infant clothing and accessories with comfort in mind</li>
<li>Three Fates Design: Beaded art work</li>
<li>Twisted Planet: Upcycled jewelry and crocheted stuffed animals</li>
<li>Hazy Daze Glass: Unique handmade glass items</li>
<li>One Thirty Jewelry: Handmade jewelry: Rough cut stones. Wood. Metalwork. Vintage chain. Organic. Asymmetrical. One of a kind.</li>
<li>One Thirty Jewelry: Jewelry that combines metal techniques with traditional materials, including wood, semi-precious stones and vintage beads </li>
<li>Shari Wittman: Paper creations including envelopes and note cards, as well as origami items</li>
<li>Deirdre Adele Thompson: Beaded jewelry</li>
<li>The Gourd Lady: Painted bird house gourds, butterfly houses, wood bird houses, and suet feeders, as well as solar garden art </li>
<li>Mrs. Bow Wowz: Handmade dog treats</li>
<li>Akarim African Enterprise: Hand woven baskets</li>
<li>reVINYLized: Repurposed records created into fashionable jewelry, clocks, and other items.</li>
<li>Randee’s Rock Gardens: Container gardens</li>
<li>Aych: T-Shirt Design, Screen Printing, and Drawing</li>
<li>N*Studio: Functional pottery/ceramics with a touch of color and whimsy. Textile goods, including handbags, quilts, and home accessories. </li>
<li>ECE’s Candle’s: All-natural 100% Soy Candles </li>
<li>Valora Vintage: Vintage rings and earrings, as well as hand blown glass ware</li>
<li>Ashley Schultz: Handmade polymer clay sculpture and hand beaded glass/stone jewelry</li>
<li>Selina De Haan: Beaded jewelry – Bracelets, earrings, and necklaces</li>
<li>Bibi’s Arts: Handmade sterling silver, copper and brass jewelry </li>
<li>AlyxAndrea Design: Beaded ribbon jewelry and accessories </li>
</ul>
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<strong>Admission </strong></div>
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Free</div>
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<strong>Parking</strong></div>
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Parking will be available at Elver Park in parking lot adjacent to the Craft Fair as well as in the additional lot at Elver Park. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Boulevard, Madison, WI 53719, USA43.0366329 -89.50374479999999343.0250269 -89.523914799999986 43.0482389 -89.4835748tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-66230625332540530472013-04-30T19:47:00.001-07:002013-04-30T19:47:40.907-07:00Ladies Rock CampI recently participated in the most amazing activity ever invented...Ladies Rock Camp. <a href="http://grcmadison.wordpress.com/ladies-rock-camp/">grcmadison.wordpress.com/ladies-rock-camp/</a><br />
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When I arrived at camp on Friday morning along with 30 or so other women I had no idea how to play guitar and had definitely never been in a band before. We started with some silly activities to help us get to know each other. Among the diverse group of equally amazing women included a school psychologist, a physician, a project manager and a couple of women who were retired and this was on their "bucket lists." I came with a good friend of mine from work but many of the women had never met anyone else in the group before. <br />
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We met our coaches who are all professional musicians:<br />
Beth Kille - <a href="http://www.bethkille.com/">www.bethkille.com/</a><br />
Shawnie Marks - <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/shawndellmarks">http://www.reverbnation.com/shawndellmarks</a><br />
Anna Vogelzang - <a href="http://theanna.com/">theanna.com/</a><br />
Emily Hurd - <a href="http://www.emilyhurd.com/">http://www.emilyhurd.com/</a><br />
**One of the songs she sang for us made me cry like a baby**<br />
Henrieta Tornyai - <a href="http://www.henrietatornyai.com/">http://www.henrietatornyai.com/</a><br />
Marlo Dobrient<br />
Julia McConahay - <a href="http://www.juliamcconahay.com/juliamcconahay.com/Welcome.html">www.juliamcconahay.com</a><br />
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Then all the women who wanted to play drums took a spot around the room and the rest of us wandered around and joined a drummer until there were 5 bands. <br />
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My band from left to right is Karen (drums), Char (keyboards),Lynn (vocals), Pepper (bass), Nicole (lead guitar), Me (guitar).<br />
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For three days we learned our instruments, learned how to write music and worked with our band coach to bring it all together. With the help of Beth Kille and Shawni Marks we wrote our song called "Don't You Wish You Were Me" and "Free Byrdz" were born.<br />
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On Sunday night at 7 pm we performed our song at The Brink Lounge in Madison WI.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=817606674628&set=vb.211702434&type=2&theater">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=817606674628&set=vb.211702434&type=2&theater</a><br />
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I have never smiled so much, laughed so hard, felt so elated since maybe my daughter was born and possibly on my wedding day. Threw that in for Dale, my awesome husband who also recorded the video above.<br />
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I wore this AlyxAndrea Design original to help me feel like a rockstar :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128743718/punk-spikes-beaded-ribbon-necklace-lilac" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/listing/128743718/punk-spikes-beaded-ribbon-necklace-lilac</a></div>
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I can't wait to go back next year!!!!! I think the blisters on my fingers have finally turned to calluses so I can start playing again and hopefully learn a little more before then. A few of us even talked about continuing to play and start our own band.</div>
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It was a truly remarkable experience. You wouldn't know to meet me now but I was always terribly shy. I barely spoke until I was in middle school and would have panic attacks when giving speeches even in college. Making phone calls, talking to strangers, asking for assistance in a store, the list went on and on of situations that caused extreme anxiety for me for most of my life. I got over my fears by doing what I feared over and over again until it didn't bother me anymore. Every time I go to a training or seminar I make sure to ask a question a least once as a way to practice speaking up. I took a job as a hospital switch board operator several years ago to get used to making and receiving phone calls. I do group facilitation and volunteer to lead trainings, classes and meetings as much as possible in my career in social services. I haven't completely cured my social anxiety but I work on it every single day.<br />
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So getting up in front of a bar full of people to play an instrument I had just learned was a huge deal for me. I admit I was a little, ok a LOT nervous, but once I was on stage I felt exhilarated and just had fun. I REALLY had fun.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-81920322951289335052013-04-24T16:38:00.001-07:002013-04-24T16:45:02.682-07:00Gift and Plant Fair<br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">Please join me!</span><br />
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Saturday, April 27, 2013<br />
9:00 am – 2:00 pm<br />
St Ann’s Gym<br />
324 N Harrison St<br />
Stoughton, WI<br />
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Over 30 vendors will be available with gift items <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_1pP83gDrgKaPbq4NQERb9iXjwpQH1GsA-OUZcPGaazhs-dEU3hJYMw23N59hrTF8oK_BrED5_FnbipUVBtBP7MGgZs19Yydc-JmIawgY8YOp_PIjR8KyV54ZHnQKCfc9PeQi12zoU/s1600/il_570xN.430993478_9jo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_1pP83gDrgKaPbq4NQERb9iXjwpQH1GsA-OUZcPGaazhs-dEU3hJYMw23N59hrTF8oK_BrED5_FnbipUVBtBP7MGgZs19Yydc-JmIawgY8YOp_PIjR8KyV54ZHnQKCfc9PeQi12zoU/s200/il_570xN.430993478_9jo2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,<br />
Graduations, Weddings,<br />
Spring & Summer Birthdays, etc.<br />
Perennials & Baskets of Annuals will be available.<br />
Other annual flowers can be ordered.<br />
Proceeds benefit Journey of the Heart<br />
Mission Trip to Indianapolis in July 2013<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRTtszA_QxzKmtdFM_I23eomwfJzGVU568ZzhhlSHHnyvStesKrgeoaJKMiOeAytBMOz3D9f77quUQLjLjuNbBGSYrf9ZAP-ovWj8oapvxFCbeOBcMuE7VGhuJECHNRNu7ZMxzgXhUPI/s1600/il_170x135.422098558_e0o9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRTtszA_QxzKmtdFM_I23eomwfJzGVU568ZzhhlSHHnyvStesKrgeoaJKMiOeAytBMOz3D9f77quUQLjLjuNbBGSYrf9ZAP-ovWj8oapvxFCbeOBcMuE7VGhuJECHNRNu7ZMxzgXhUPI/s1600/il_170x135.422098558_e0o9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-43537791521852363602013-03-26T19:43:00.001-07:002013-03-26T19:43:15.033-07:00Paper bead class and tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You guessed it...another first is my jewelry making adventure. The owner of the store that displays some of my jewelry (Art Market in Edgerton WI) asked me if I wanted to teach a class on any craft I wish. I thought for several weeks and came up with paper beads.</div>
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I was a little anxious the day before but not too bad. Growing up I was soooo painfully shy. I would have panic attacks when called on in elementary school. I got a little bit better as I got older but even in college I put off speech class until my very last semester and shook like a leaf in front of the class. Since then I have done a lot of group counseling sessions, most recently a cognitive intervention group for men on probation and parole for the WI Department of Corrections. I also teach a class on renting for my clients who are staying at the women's homeless shelter. So I've come a very long way in my ability to speak in front of others. I would still consider myself a introvert but I no longer have anxiety attacks when I am expected to speak with people I don't know. I'm still not terribly comfortable giving actual speeches at a podium in front of others. I prefer to be interactive with people who are participating in a class or group. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nsp79dZHxSLQLVY5OxU-RuEs3-MasHuJFR9KExCHTXqazEVnW8KBH4c4wTZRL9LQWfLEDZenRQznFjNmJ7thIoF4Erm2Qq5EVmeho5Ehn6dD8F165CrUYvj8PdTrnGh8YovYCoZqPxI/s1600/2013-03-23+12.26.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nsp79dZHxSLQLVY5OxU-RuEs3-MasHuJFR9KExCHTXqazEVnW8KBH4c4wTZRL9LQWfLEDZenRQznFjNmJ7thIoF4Erm2Qq5EVmeho5Ehn6dD8F165CrUYvj8PdTrnGh8YovYCoZqPxI/s320/2013-03-23+12.26.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhmdWxgulZpzGnk1Z9SZ3J6mE-IzYlgQwku_0k9GaUd-w_1KAwGCPo0pOdBrv1i-0hBOfg_bwWY4w3KJ3q6wbFzsnTvDqWPPMrxxpn-KZ7F31Acmcw7uyqN3brzsZWw-U-Ov2Jnex84I/s1600/579501_807707567518_1198970898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhmdWxgulZpzGnk1Z9SZ3J6mE-IzYlgQwku_0k9GaUd-w_1KAwGCPo0pOdBrv1i-0hBOfg_bwWY4w3KJ3q6wbFzsnTvDqWPPMrxxpn-KZ7F31Acmcw7uyqN3brzsZWw-U-Ov2Jnex84I/s320/579501_807707567518_1198970898_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the first time I've taught a crafting class though so I had to be a little nervous. I over purchased supplies and checked and re-checked that I had everything I needed. I had difficulty sleeping but I didn't have dreams about arriving at the class with no clothes on which was good.</div>
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11 people showed up which was 3 more than had registered. This was a perfect size, any larger and there would not have been room to move.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLwz-HdZNVh7OCr3Bkp4cFH-ejYMqwk2cZ0ZSSudRJCYPHs6_i7jih8vjpS1N0LjpB3OlMUh_ggd4TQCce-4_2FlV12krgjty1Vv_LtVS3QTBO25QBFgbjv0zUX_kNAxkuUosjQRNjAI/s1600/488007_807707587478_1183455838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLwz-HdZNVh7OCr3Bkp4cFH-ejYMqwk2cZ0ZSSudRJCYPHs6_i7jih8vjpS1N0LjpB3OlMUh_ggd4TQCce-4_2FlV12krgjty1Vv_LtVS3QTBO25QBFgbjv0zUX_kNAxkuUosjQRNjAI/s320/488007_807707587478_1183455838_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBQ_U92uRIHIExrzqVd5ZjsylzgN4W1sbawdrIkvHSvTONm0OX-FtWN0iBaqT1UPzrPZhfSbIkcd3XtVAz7g1qssd9H_3zK_onTWZm6-Xyjng33Y6AXFkchh8GVpkDps-lgP7WJUtJSc/s1600/299160_807707742168_1546711306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBQ_U92uRIHIExrzqVd5ZjsylzgN4W1sbawdrIkvHSvTONm0OX-FtWN0iBaqT1UPzrPZhfSbIkcd3XtVAz7g1qssd9H_3zK_onTWZm6-Xyjng33Y6AXFkchh8GVpkDps-lgP7WJUtJSc/s320/299160_807707742168_1546711306_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBQ_U92uRIHIExrzqVd5ZjsylzgN4W1sbawdrIkvHSvTONm0OX-FtWN0iBaqT1UPzrPZhfSbIkcd3XtVAz7g1qssd9H_3zK_onTWZm6-Xyjng33Y6AXFkchh8GVpkDps-lgP7WJUtJSc/s1600/299160_807707742168_1546711306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHoUoNmrIJWd_9PGOMgILM63Rjpehe3IZRilJNTk0iNv4dipiaSjZQCYwqwN4eggmzYP8jOB_oImeU315PgLWAH8VO8fAh4WqQbDoSp4ujVUtCtL5yFMePM6Fcu-DnPn7Ga8dZXQgKCA/s1600/2013-03-23+12.28.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHoUoNmrIJWd_9PGOMgILM63Rjpehe3IZRilJNTk0iNv4dipiaSjZQCYwqwN4eggmzYP8jOB_oImeU315PgLWAH8VO8fAh4WqQbDoSp4ujVUtCtL5yFMePM6Fcu-DnPn7Ga8dZXQgKCA/s320/2013-03-23+12.28.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel it went incredibly well. The only real problem was that the fumes from the nail polish got to be a little overwhelming. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the class and everyone was able to create some really pretty beads.</div>
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<img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cosTeN3N5ZquKjmOANyhPK5llIvfzjrGDDdZUNBvXDva8IAzRHoUDCCju-27XqsGfpCpTpgYruuQefoqx1nDb-nzoWNJmsY3X6uAKxDgQ3Z6V0NQIo4UokUPLC1VEPPywyX8MBcLwR8/s320/2013-03-26+19.33.23.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I wore this necklace while I was teaching and it is now available for purchase at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127652987/paper-bead-necklace-black-and-purple?" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/listing/127652987</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Below are the pieces of jewelry I made using my paper beads and they are now being displayed at Art Market. </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Market-Edgerton" style="text-align: left;">www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Market-Edgerton</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hFfJNkx1YFJuf83HaYfElMViYv-Nc5fZLrzLSEbXpZW1-PNh5rLWZ7bYHnswqG1xLbPm_W7iUZioxyrRJbSXHqm54kUmgini9qvB2Re0BnmHqJEwz2psg9HraG-W0q7jjodchbWcdCs/s1600/2013-03-23+10.33.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hFfJNkx1YFJuf83HaYfElMViYv-Nc5fZLrzLSEbXpZW1-PNh5rLWZ7bYHnswqG1xLbPm_W7iUZioxyrRJbSXHqm54kUmgini9qvB2Re0BnmHqJEwz2psg9HraG-W0q7jjodchbWcdCs/s320/2013-03-23+10.33.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoWN5-nJEXaSdq9qOYK6FrquERMOgCpdLqk7MGxlclBpmzi7AJd377F8bQQTH6wA9ZHU5LFX98_AZI_eXW_RJwKpamZQkkD_gzDbCuXxqN1SzqNP680Ll0jV9mjF6QogzgOH3h7sacmc/s1600/2013-03-23+10.33.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoWN5-nJEXaSdq9qOYK6FrquERMOgCpdLqk7MGxlclBpmzi7AJd377F8bQQTH6wA9ZHU5LFX98_AZI_eXW_RJwKpamZQkkD_gzDbCuXxqN1SzqNP680Ll0jV9mjF6QogzgOH3h7sacmc/s320/2013-03-23+10.33.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These beads are made from magazine pages and are sealed with clear nail polish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_rPeHRKSUCEH0oD0qhgXYOjwdArtQ_vEBxwuvnmcCpi8GOBlVtd5Sz2fWs4kH1b9Mhu3c0VXzAeuhra2EP-3mDwJhXcGPUPtW8oVrTjHvSEh-ydlf_wx9PqMIEoL5KZbecMRUjubFV0/s1600/2013-03-23+10.35.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_rPeHRKSUCEH0oD0qhgXYOjwdArtQ_vEBxwuvnmcCpi8GOBlVtd5Sz2fWs4kH1b9Mhu3c0VXzAeuhra2EP-3mDwJhXcGPUPtW8oVrTjHvSEh-ydlf_wx9PqMIEoL5KZbecMRUjubFV0/s320/2013-03-23+10.35.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These beads are made from book pages and are sealed with pink glitter nail polish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_54-QrccZm6Nz1Y1VGA8S0PZ22wH5hfJUTr2abLl1IsEVaVJNgILHfepzu8ftKnTlazVqaROWEByMuKiH_eKemxB44TehSeBKm91QB8S1GxQgxdNqkCyTyHVnP7PQVehzIftrP3xICe8/s1600/2013-03-23+10.36.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_54-QrccZm6Nz1Y1VGA8S0PZ22wH5hfJUTr2abLl1IsEVaVJNgILHfepzu8ftKnTlazVqaROWEByMuKiH_eKemxB44TehSeBKm91QB8S1GxQgxdNqkCyTyHVnP7PQVehzIftrP3xICe8/s320/2013-03-23+10.36.40.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIVnT8CKA6655T4LDce7XVdnCd0khIjOvfF_0ge7Of4OSfW9ipVItmPhZRaDYEBmZmEuf_PWndn2-wWUNcZwnjIGBJJCPt6G7MpN0KDPM54sXtFI07QmyKpudpSPtZodg0HzUPX9H2as/s1600/2013-03-23+10.36.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIVnT8CKA6655T4LDce7XVdnCd0khIjOvfF_0ge7Of4OSfW9ipVItmPhZRaDYEBmZmEuf_PWndn2-wWUNcZwnjIGBJJCPt6G7MpN0KDPM54sXtFI07QmyKpudpSPtZodg0HzUPX9H2as/s320/2013-03-23+10.36.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5HiUpdu-CXwdZxp2SFSindUw-nW85JWjkF2vZPO3p6giDzGBpZARzKjJK3-WaRWK6XLp8D7KuEYonKEqEXtbQirhXbWER6WkHh_sDq0LqgyWSZmcSCaZUFNwZQF6fSOz4x_abtH4_D4/s1600/2013-03-23+10.36.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5HiUpdu-CXwdZxp2SFSindUw-nW85JWjkF2vZPO3p6giDzGBpZARzKjJK3-WaRWK6XLp8D7KuEYonKEqEXtbQirhXbWER6WkHh_sDq0LqgyWSZmcSCaZUFNwZQF6fSOz4x_abtH4_D4/s320/2013-03-23+10.36.51.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
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This matching necklace and earring set are both new designs for me and I used book pages to make the beads and they are sealed with pink sparkly nail polish.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #4c1130;">Make Your Own Paper Beads!!!</span></u></b></div>
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Paper beads are super easy to make and you probably already have all of the necessary materials.<br />
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You need:<br />
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Paper, magazine pages or book pages etc<br />
Glue sticks<br />
Exacto knife or scissors<br />
Cutting mat or cardboard to protect your table<br />
Round tooth picks<br />
Nail Polish<br />
Styrofoam<br />
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Step One: Cut your paper into strips. You can cut straight across or make triangles using cuts similar to a backgammon board. Or just experiment in different designs.<br />
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Step Two: Fold the first 1 cm or so of paper over toothpick.<br />
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Step Three: Start rolling the paper onto the toothpick making sure that the paper is very tight against the toothpick and also straight<br />
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Step Four: Add about an inch of glue onto the paper and roll until there is about an inch left then add more glue.<br />
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At this point the bead should be rolled tight and glued well enough so that it does not unravel. The bead should feel hard. If it can be squished that means the paper was not rolled tight enough. <br />
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Step Five: Push the bead up towards the tip of the toothpick. This ensures that any glue that got between the paper an bead does not have a chance to set your bead in place forever. The bead is also then less likely to get stuck to the toothpick after applying nail polish.<br />
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Step Six: Use nail polish to seal the bead. Paint a thin layer onto the bead by brushing with the grain. One coat is good enough but you can add more coats for more shine. The nail polish will make the beads water resistant but not water proof.<br />
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Step Seven: Stick the toothpick into the Styrofoam so the bead can dry.<br />
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Easy peasy. Experiment and have fun.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com124 East Fulton Street, Edgerton, WI 53534, USA42.8334276 -89.0693251999999842.8333821 -89.069403699999981 42.8334731 -89.069246699999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-56569542180594270562013-02-16T07:29:00.001-08:002013-02-17T20:34:01.595-08:00Bye Gonzolyn :(<br />
Gonzolyn was the best cat that ever lived. A little ball of fur perpetually on my lap. A presence 100 times as big as her mere 4 pounds and a heart even bigger. She was named after Speedy Gonzalez because she was mostly just a blur when she was little and I know she's back to chasing all things shiny in kitty heaven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQ-VRWuKRlLSEG3a6zq_kYEcy7UduL5fODgT29caiFwW0LvtoBo96KPXxLvOBFESXBt-pOC_2fuFfTttgWL8QCsYtOC7KsCmxrpZq2LidAB5rrtTOkJB4OAzpPgk8c341-GLcIYra4A/s1600/2010-04-29+11.39.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQ-VRWuKRlLSEG3a6zq_kYEcy7UduL5fODgT29caiFwW0LvtoBo96KPXxLvOBFESXBt-pOC_2fuFfTttgWL8QCsYtOC7KsCmxrpZq2LidAB5rrtTOkJB4OAzpPgk8c341-GLcIYra4A/s320/2010-04-29+11.39.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-47698672105596985962013-02-10T16:27:00.001-08:002013-02-10T16:32:19.386-08:00I survived!!Yes, my anxiety had me a little neurotic this last month or so waiting for my first craft fair. I started making my unique jewelry designs less than 4 months ago and even though I have not sold much it has been a whirlwind. I started a website, a shop on Etsy and I'm trying to master the world of on-line sales (much more complicated than I could have ever imagined). I was able to get my jewelry displayed in a store and I am involved with the group that is working on establishing a community market in the small town I live. Then I was in a craft fair for the first time.<br />
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The fair was in a gorgeous new building in down town Madison WI. The parking was very limited and apparently the organizers did very little advertising. The only advertising anyone knew about was ads in the student newspapers. We all know that college students are not known for having a lot of money. So, the turnout was very low. I have some mixed feelings about this. If it had been really busy I would have been really anxious and may have felt really overwhelmed and unprepared. BUT, as it turned out I just barely sold enough to cover my booth fee and I did not cover the cost of transportation and food for the day. <br />
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I was able to meet a lot of the other vendors and enjoyed getting to know some really remarkable artists. I still have to go through the business cards I collected and I will make sure to give a shout out to them.<br />
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I am fairly happy with my display and got a few positive comments. I few people really liked the business cards, tags and banners my amazing husband designed for me.<br />
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Overall, I loved the set up, the other vendors and how my display turned out but I definitely would have liked a better turn out. I'm signed up for another fair in March for a fundraiser craft fair and fashion show. So, we will see how that goes. I'm still debating whether or not I want to apply for any more for this year. If I do I also need to make sure the times are shorter. Seven hours in a chair I am not used to is too hard for my Fibromyalgia. I am still very sore today so I probably shouldn't put my body through that again.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-8639514697008213582013-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:002013-02-08T09:37:19.603-08:00Yikes!Tomorrow is the big day...My first every craft fair.<br />
<a href="http://artfromtheheartfair.blogspot.com/2013/02/art-from-heart-this-saturday.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">Art from the Heart</a> at Memorial South in Madison WI<br />
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I'm so nervous! What if no one likes it? What if no one buys anything? What if my fibro pain is too much to bare? <br />
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I took 2 days off of work so I can make sure I am ready to go first thing in the morning. My amazing hubby also created new business cards for me and a banner to hang.<br />
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I should just title every blog "Another First" because I keep delving into new adventures. Yesterday I met with a group of people who are interested in doing a farm market in my little town of Edgerton WI. Some people tried last year but it flopped. This year we are hoping to be a little more organized. My hubby wants to do social media and other marketing and I'm going to have a stand for my jewelry. I can't think of anything more lovely than sitting outside on Saturday mornings, talking to my neighbors and possibly selling a few items. I can also bring my supplies and create while I'm out there. <br />
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I am also working on some new designs which have become really popular. Some really loopy necklaces and headbands which I don't have any pictures for yet.<br />
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This first one sold within a few hours of listing it at <a href="http://www.alyxandreadesign.etsy.com/">www.AlyxAndreaDesign.etsy.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122575866/pale-green-beads-dark-brown-ribbon">https://www.etsy.com/listing/122575866/pale-green-beads-dark-brown-ribbon</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122544390/large-loops-pink-and-grey-ribbon-and">https://www.etsy.com/listing/122544390/large-loops-pink-and-grey-ribbon-and</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-30307325331880466642013-01-21T17:40:00.001-08:002013-01-21T17:40:34.351-08:00Etsy Teams and Another First It's been about 3 months since I first opened a shop on Etsy. I took a picture of a necklace I made using my phone, uploaded the pic to my store and added a price. Absolutely nothing happened because the picture was terrible and the description was worse.<br />
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Then I discovered teams. Teams are little forums with groups of people with common interests. There are teams for asking questions or posting new items or for just about anything you can think of. I found a lot of good information and even got a full shop review from the "Helpful Relevancy Team." <br />
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The best team a person could ever find is the "Promotional Frenzy Team." You need to have 500 people following your shop in order to join which I had to work really hard to get to. But once you are welcomed into this amazing group of people that are becoming friends the rewards are limitless. I have gotten a ton of advice on how to improve my pics, descriptions and other aspects of selling on Etsy. My views have skyrocketed because everyone on the team must participate in activities which involve promoting each others items on Etsy and with social media.<br />
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I can also thank these incredible people at "PromoFrenzy" for helping me get my first sale. It happened less than a week after I was allowed to join.<br />
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I spend a lot of time on this forum both chatting with team members and promoting their items. It's fun and extremely helpful. If I'm feeling discouraged I get encouragement, if I'm having difficulties with my photos I get advice, if something positive happens I get applause.<br />
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I've actually withdrew myself from most of the teams I joined initially because they were basically just post and run teams. Meaning you post a link to your item and it just sits there and no one does anything with it. Basically a huge waste of time.<br />
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One other fairly helpful team has been the "Wisconsin Craft Fair Explorers." They don't seem to be terribly active but I found out about a craft fair that will be in Madison on February 9th. So I applied for the "Art from the Heart Craft Fair" which is juried and got excepted. I was really excited for about 2 seconds and then I realized that I had no idea what craft fairs involve and I have nothing to use for a display. <br />
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So I started Googling and got some ideas. I decided to see if I could find anything unusual to use for displays at thrift stores. I hit the jackpot on my first try.<br />
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The store had a ton of these new but not put together well table top easels.<br />
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I bought 6 for $6 each!! I tightened the screws and good as new. I also bought 2 tall candle holders with leaves that will be great for hanging necklaces off of.<br />
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I used ornament hooks to hang necklaces off of the raised part of the easel and ta da.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p_8uaOsO3O0wLDYkA1Abc8vO9Kw7fH7XS2WuB0fDP06xhSs5BoE_FWAbzGsf_pcApXQheEFXDjgGb1LfIeNOL_FtFQ8QDEZuLfmmgKIhcg-6QoB7FJ0s_oun6hRfGDM132JwDbMr3mA/s1600/2008-01-19+12.45.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6p_8uaOsO3O0wLDYkA1Abc8vO9Kw7fH7XS2WuB0fDP06xhSs5BoE_FWAbzGsf_pcApXQheEFXDjgGb1LfIeNOL_FtFQ8QDEZuLfmmgKIhcg-6QoB7FJ0s_oun6hRfGDM132JwDbMr3mA/s320/2008-01-19+12.45.20.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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I'm still a little nervous about the fair. I'm not much of a salesperson, I'd much prefer to give things away. Plus I'm terrified that no one will like my jewelry. <br />
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I took the 2 days before the fair off work so I can prepare and also shield my co-workers for my neurotic self. I'm sure I will be a nervous wreck and I will wonder around asking everyone I meet if I'm nuts for thinking I can do this and complaining I'm going to fail miserably. <br />
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Of course I'm fairly certain I will be just fine and I really do think I design jewelry that is unlike anything else available for people to buy but also beautiful and looks good. Sometimes there is a reason why no one makes something - it's not good but I don't think my design is one of those things. <br />
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<img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1JcGsrIv90OGLoZxuPpY5VcEGALFWytddQJMNtG9qdXphZzl1USrEQ9WPGGeKBE8Yom31wGe2ZcSwuu3g48QvynwrGH5Z9KJFhM0OnAMmkyeLRS5ucTIfVV0osVRUlE5HXQvC4VSv8g/s320/2008-01-26+07.09.19.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/121146895/elegant-pale-pink-and-mint-bead-and">https://www.etsy.com/listing/121146895/elegant-pale-pink-and-mint-bead-and</a></div>
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So if you are anywhere near Madison WI on February 9th, stop by Union South on University Ave. for Art from the Heart.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-78552757808105405072013-01-04T21:19:00.003-08:002013-01-12T23:27:06.897-08:00Rollin'Maybe the sales aren't exactly "rollin" in but I'm getting a couple. I got my very first sale on Etsy today. I screamed so loud I nearly gave my husband a heart attack. A woman actually purchased 2 already made pieces and requested a custom made necklace in order to have 3 necklaces with heart pendants to give to her 3 grandchildren. I also sold 2 necklaces at Edge Comics and Games/Art Market in Edgerton WI. Combine that with the few items I've sold to friends and I may be breaking even :-p<br />
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Another bit of excitement was coming in first place in an Etsy contest this week. It was kind of funny because the first contest I was in I places at nearly 200 out of probably 200, who knows. Each time a piece was featured I went up a little by little and I was happy to rank under 100 in the last one. The most recent pick was actually a necklace my 12 year old daughter made (the Alyx in AlyxAndrea Design).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcd_-G_NIYDSkM6NtSoq2shE3h4A8LLEDM8PsaGwK0PhIkKVOnb0Ictk6gExssiuZ07EkTyOWb7efnBwvuVuJnQdnR698sBSft4qKcrO7Nmt8FpSAnVfyg2GnLu22RtpCFitccE75Mos/s1600/first+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcd_-G_NIYDSkM6NtSoq2shE3h4A8LLEDM8PsaGwK0PhIkKVOnb0Ictk6gExssiuZ07EkTyOWb7efnBwvuVuJnQdnR698sBSft4qKcrO7Nmt8FpSAnVfyg2GnLu22RtpCFitccE75Mos/s1600/first+sale.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's been a really tough week at work so it was good to have some good news. I client of mine died of an overdose after 2 years of sobriety. She had suffered a lot of loss over the last year and I guess it got to be too much. What is really tragic is that she was was using her experience with addiction to help others. She was returning to school for Human Services, volunteering and sharing her story at speaking engagements whenever possible. My husband had interviewed her awhile back for a documentary he is doing on homelessness in the city I work in. I'm thinking it will be very painful to watch when it is finished. If possible I hope that her legacy will live on as evidence of the devastating affects of addiction. You can work so hard, go to treatment, by motivated to your core and it can sneak back up on you just like that. <br />
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So like I said, it was good to get some good news. After typing this I feel a little guilty about being so excited about something so trivial in comparison but part of working in social services it separation. Separating yourself, your life and you feeling from you job. Sometimes I feel like my heart is turning to stone because I can hear the most unimaginably tragic stories of trauma in the lives of people without safe homes and it barely fazes me sometimes. As a whole it takes a great toll on my mind, body and spirit but I have to put up a little bit of a wall to protect myself. Everyone in this field experiences a little bit of secondary trauma meaning that we are actually traumatized by hearing and empathizing with the traumatic stories of others.<br />
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One of the things I really enjoy about making jewelry is that it helps me take my mind off work and having other people like what I make is an very exciting added bonus. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-11128309947041985752012-12-26T12:27:00.000-08:002012-12-26T12:35:25.782-08:00Yearly Christmas craft projectWhen my daughter was 2 months old I was extremely poor for her first Christmas so instead of purchasing a gift for my mother I started a tradition. I traced out my daughters hand and put it on a tree skirt with her name and date on it. Since then I have made a new hand print every year. I actually make 2, one for my mother and one for my tree. <br />
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This isn't the greatest pic but this is what it looks like right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZKjIFz317dz1ssRaZ7fDcDCpGxwJ_pM0RUj4tmFwVozotzGYMhRJmnGYPFRmSbAOaxkRAugd0ADbswISWpAntzpKMzFGYxQFKUImU0mdJGzDbSeeN27DXVE0Rcx9IM5i3CiRLHWjhXU/s1600/2012-12-24+19.56.13edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZKjIFz317dz1ssRaZ7fDcDCpGxwJ_pM0RUj4tmFwVozotzGYMhRJmnGYPFRmSbAOaxkRAugd0ADbswISWpAntzpKMzFGYxQFKUImU0mdJGzDbSeeN27DXVE0Rcx9IM5i3CiRLHWjhXU/s320/2012-12-24+19.56.13edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My crazy child is not 12 and I'm not entirely sure if her big ol' hand print will fit on the skirt for many more years but I will keep making them.<br />
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This year I decided to use bead and ribbon to represent the new business venture my daughter and I started this year.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDbBurt1RnwGAk6sIxrX2Qzo4innlBQtGmHRZRXjSF_ercu5CDqdfZh0lb0ZMksW3rQqpEvjyEMp8CyXJdcmh2KdqhZEEOObz78nSNJAdwmHl5LgVj32J_BIhz0dNKXruTsFlIYAc8Fs/s320/2012-12-24+19.54.33edited.jpg" width="214" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Now that I'm only moderately poor rather than extremely poor I kind of dread the time and energy it takes to make these every year but I actually enjoyed making this years because I am just so excited about this new venture.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Do you partake in any holiday crafting traditions?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-75896453415669076152012-12-19T20:11:00.000-08:002012-12-19T20:11:44.389-08:00BugsWhat is it about creepy crawlers that are so obnoxious and or gross when they're in your house or crawling up your shirt but sooooo much fun when on jewelry. In high school I loved spiders and never took off a spider web necklace. I still love spiders but I absolutely love this bee pendant I found at Hobby Lobby. This is one of the first necklaces I made and also the first one I wanted to keep for myself. But since I'm having a hell of a time trying to sell anything anyway I figured I'd put it on my Etsy shop. So I can still wear it until it sells :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlyxAndreaDesign">http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlyxAndreaDesign</a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMCiuPxK9SGfD071QCjFL9pkalbGhuDFM2bVrupFX-_zEXKJUTbk09hQCniO32v9xETNrfwAVojtNac8jm72Se_hnrxGIFSIMI_J41wjLTvi5haadvhFmnIY1S6OwvQGz9_ODQXq9u-E/s1600/il_570xN.396310613_5m8qedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMCiuPxK9SGfD071QCjFL9pkalbGhuDFM2bVrupFX-_zEXKJUTbk09hQCniO32v9xETNrfwAVojtNac8jm72Se_hnrxGIFSIMI_J41wjLTvi5haadvhFmnIY1S6OwvQGz9_ODQXq9u-E/s320/il_570xN.396310613_5m8qedited.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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My first few necklaces just featured little charms and buttons on the side tied bow and this was the first time I put a pendant on one. I still kept put buttons on the bow that was tied on the side which I have since moved away from. I am now keeping most of my necklaces left untied so that you can tie it to any length in the back.<br />
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Do you like insects in fashion? If so what kind?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-70361450034420817832012-12-17T17:58:00.001-08:002012-12-17T17:58:25.719-08:00Custom pieceA friend of mine asked me to make a custom necklace for a good friend of hers. Her friend who is 39 just found out that she has a 7cm tumor in her brain. My friend wanted me to use her favorite color green and find a pendant that portrayed a sense of peace. She expressed that there are few other sentiments for her friend from childhood who will soon be leaving her 2 young children. <br />
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I was worried that I would have a hard time but me friend was happy with it. I wasn't able to take a quality picture of it but here it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRoVE1abG1Yuom-hIaJ9NWo9rR4xy0uC5WiorqAEs9nyKyrAg3A4qGi4ZjHVwfa40oL8zTZ-tslVr3UEI4NbnyO1QTPzl5Kqkf7reLDX1Kd3xNahu6LNe3glmRwlvs3B_3PJQt8RZYt4/s1600/2012-12-17+13.44.37edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRoVE1abG1Yuom-hIaJ9NWo9rR4xy0uC5WiorqAEs9nyKyrAg3A4qGi4ZjHVwfa40oL8zTZ-tslVr3UEI4NbnyO1QTPzl5Kqkf7reLDX1Kd3xNahu6LNe3glmRwlvs3B_3PJQt8RZYt4/s320/2012-12-17+13.44.37edited.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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I went to the craft store with no clue what I would get. I ended up going with a phoenix because it represents rebirth or transformation. I also feel all birds portray freedom and insight.<br />
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I've been in social services for over 10 years and it's a new concept for me to help people in this creative way. Just like counseling someone in my office doesn't solve a problem creating a piece of jewelry doesn't either. All we can ask for is that our words or actions may offer a little bit of comfort when life hands you a lousy hand. <br />
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I'd love to hear thoughts about this. Thank you!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.alyxandreadesign.webs.com/">www.alyxandreadesign.webs.com</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-46843973420385297812012-12-13T20:53:00.000-08:002012-12-13T20:53:10.006-08:00Ho Ho Ho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxaZU4Bu7Fg8_wu9ZgYdoGTPp9gEw4HU_ikyZYnJUUo0mfdRaxMoG7XrT621tlH_wOkK9nsTJ3Ql8MtP6PJXB9BtsOrHldZpAzhN1vDQXqdIUCQBY7zhqnlaox9wxkz8_8XAeJcQd43I/s1600/il_570xN.406736370_edqbeditededited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxaZU4Bu7Fg8_wu9ZgYdoGTPp9gEw4HU_ikyZYnJUUo0mfdRaxMoG7XrT621tlH_wOkK9nsTJ3Ql8MtP6PJXB9BtsOrHldZpAzhN1vDQXqdIUCQBY7zhqnlaox9wxkz8_8XAeJcQd43I/s320/il_570xN.406736370_edqbeditededited.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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I took the last hideous necklace apart and made a new one. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117989629/steam-punk-watch-gears-pendant-bead-and">https://www.etsy.com/listing/117989629/steam-punk-watch-gears-pendant-bead-and</a> I'm calling it "Steam Punk" because of the watch gears but I'm not entirely sure if this will appeal to the steam punk crowd. I'm still working on getting my titles and tags perfected to draw in the right customers. Suggestions welcome (wink wink).</div>
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I'm also gearing up for the holidays by creating gifts for friends and family. I'm working on a custom piece for a co-worker would like a gift for a friend who just found out she has a brain tumor. I making necklaces for my nieces and ornaments for all the relatives, </div>
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Just for fun I put an ornament up on Listia. <a href="http://www.listia.com/auction/7296156-ribbon-and-bead-ornament">http://www.listia.com/auction/7296156-ribbon-and-bead-ornament</a> I'm giving this away for free so I can get Listia points to get free stuff for myself. Genius idea!! So if your not in the mood to purchase something bid on a free something :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPwjmfaf6M3uMzmc_WRM9doo995cIdIZgFHiASxR22cS9qKuv8prlYGHpIx2EhnVrxrI07Nlz5jwFQuCGiMvbCpxpuThUt8PsxKFkkO5NCVTVTZvlW-61FkOi0O_GChIC2Mkmy_K5KtQ/s1600/2012-12-08+10.35.27edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPwjmfaf6M3uMzmc_WRM9doo995cIdIZgFHiASxR22cS9qKuv8prlYGHpIx2EhnVrxrI07Nlz5jwFQuCGiMvbCpxpuThUt8PsxKFkkO5NCVTVTZvlW-61FkOi0O_GChIC2Mkmy_K5KtQ/s320/2012-12-08+10.35.27edited.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
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As for my last rant...I'm feeling a little better about work. Homelessness still sucks and I don't know if I'll be able to listen to these terrible stories forever but I do feel like I'm making a difference. Many of the ladies I work with are truly appreciative of my help and I'm glad I am able to do what little I can for them. Even if the only thing I have to offer most days is a sympathetic ear. I guess I'm not quite ready to move on yet. If you too would like to help all you have to do is ring bells for The Salvation Army :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-38330597836116300852012-12-09T19:56:00.001-08:002012-12-09T19:57:46.529-08:00:(I really hate this time of year. I hate that there is only 2 minutes of daylight all day and it's cold and wet and miserable. I also hate that it is so hard for the clients I work with. I work with women who are homeless and indirectly with families that are homeless. Everyone is just so sad because with good cause they feel alone and unloved. I can not imagine spending Christmas day in a homeless shelter. Actually, wandering the streets because the shelter is only open at night. The ladies have to leave at 8am and nothing is open so they generally have to spend the entire day outside. It is absolutely heartbreaking.<br />
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On Friday, the staff had a training on secondary trauma and compassion fatigue and we talked about how hearing all of the terrible stories from our clients is causing us trauma. This wasn't the first time I heard about the subject but it hit home more this time because I have been soooo crabby with my family and sooooo tired ALL the time. <br />
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And to add to all of this I have zero dollars for xmas and still have not sold anything on Etsy. I went to Edge Collectibles to check on my display and no sales there either. Of course the only signs outside advertise for games and collectibles. The person doing the art displays is still working on signage. <br />
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I hate to be so grumbly but I'm just blah today. Below is the pic of what blah translates into as far as jewelry making is concerned....hideousness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMgZlvvMqBNdoDT88heVwkvGE64oBEdhdxNXNSrBE76fBMNy5oa4KBhUNxpbCu1AzIzZ72EnSKDpXEoBfn6pqJH1ks_5fruBWfoUxOIV503xzi0weOB8kE-E-yZy7bdf4qalZgZsuMB4/s1600/2012-12-09+11.07.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMgZlvvMqBNdoDT88heVwkvGE64oBEdhdxNXNSrBE76fBMNy5oa4KBhUNxpbCu1AzIzZ72EnSKDpXEoBfn6pqJH1ks_5fruBWfoUxOIV503xzi0weOB8kE-E-yZy7bdf4qalZgZsuMB4/s320/2012-12-09+11.07.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3730570409949924014.post-1512742364823372012-12-05T20:41:00.000-08:002012-12-05T20:41:35.573-08:00<br />
Hello all...Below is a pic of my newest creation. I really love this piece because of crazy cool glass filled seashell pendant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TNoVutiNa5YmlhydVkYYD14sGFeIkcc5woQbMCYMrc3cCCpXYcTTCJFxreNHR_VypgcDrHq6gMFo9j1-6DeHZGW9vtmjfD0I_67D20kOfiX-LmJR1Fj-fqUOyaJkeBRmhYMJShhYXCQ/s1600/2012-12-05+17.37.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TNoVutiNa5YmlhydVkYYD14sGFeIkcc5woQbMCYMrc3cCCpXYcTTCJFxreNHR_VypgcDrHq6gMFo9j1-6DeHZGW9vtmjfD0I_67D20kOfiX-LmJR1Fj-fqUOyaJkeBRmhYMJShhYXCQ/s320/2012-12-05+17.37.57.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/117295377/seashell-necklace-with-beads-and-ribbon">https://www.etsy.com/listing/117295377/seashell-necklace-with-beads-and-ribbon</a>
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So that's that happy bit, now I need to grumble a little. Having an Etsy shop is HARD WORK. I'm barely getting any traffic and not a single sale yet. ( I hope the items have have at Edge Collectibles are doing better.) <br />
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I'm staying up way to late but instead of making jewelry I'm browsing through tutorials and forums on how to improve my shop. I just spent 5 hours updating my listings and titles and I only have 25 items for sale. At this rate, by the time I actually sell something I'll have made about 2 cents per hour. Not that one sale will get me out of the hole. I'm starting to think I just have a really expensive hobby. You don't even want to see my accounting which of course took me several hours to set up too. I'm in social services which roughly translates to no business sense and terrible at math. All I really know how to do is help people.<br />
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Even just the process of taking the stinking pics is way too time consuming because I always have to edit them. I can't take a good pic to save my life and the #1 advice all the forums give is have good pics. Arg!!<br />
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OK, I'm done ranting....I feel better now. Maybe I should get to sleep so I'm not completely exhausted...again :(Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16231572777255729700noreply@blogger.com0