Week #11 - OooOo Sexy Lady!

This week, I decided to go the more.....sassy sexy route.  I've seen other earrings similar to this and couldn't figure out how on EARTH they connected the chain to the earring.  Well, I KNOW how they did it, but not sure which method is the best.  SO - I did it 2 ways.

 Aren't they HOT?!  Also - AWESOME for brides and bridesmaids.....don'tchya think?

The first..... featuring Powder Rose Swarovski Pearls:

The 2nd...featuring Jade Swarovski Pearls:

These earrings are also a lesson in recycling - the pink ones, I used an old necklace that had broken (thus the fear of breakage), but already had the connections attached.  I didn't have anymore appropriate size or color of those connectors, so I used the crimp cups.  =)  

The consensus was that the 1st pair were preferred over the 2nd...... I'm not sure which I like more - to be honest.  I like them both.... the 2nd set, in my mind, is more secure, but who knows.  I wore both of them to see if one might break - and thankfully - no such luck. 

Another week....another "What do YOU think?"

August....

Hrmm..it's amazing how our lives can quickly go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and not even know how you got there.  The last several weeks have been SUCH a roller coaster for me.  I've had my first pieces of jewelry published, I was interviewed by our local newspaper, I boarded a plane to DC, couldn't fix my cars a/c, couldn't get access to cash, had a pretty rough meeting and left feeling defeated.  I know it will get better...but tonight...I just want to cry.  I think that's allowed.

It's that feeling of not being able to 'catch a break'.  I'm tired of being bullied by people who think that it's a-ok to bully others.  I'm tired of grown adults - bold face lying.  I'm tired of poor choices and just not know what to do between the worse or worser choice.  Most important I'm tired of not being able to deal with basic things in life.  I feel so lost and alone.

It's been 1 year since moving back to Minnesota.  I have exactly 1 more friend than I did before I moved.  When will things finally look up?  All my things are STILL sitting in storage, in VIRGINIA....1000+ miles away.  I desperately want to get my things home - how do you raise money when you have none?

Just.so.sad.tonight.  Will be ok - just alot on my mind and really sad.

On the other hand....this is the 2nd piece that made it in to the September issue of Bead Style

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/157217096/multi-color-shell-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/157976476/bright-cheery-custom-bib-style-necklace

Day 4 - Try a New Beading Weave....um...

So - today is "Try a New Beading Weave" day - I don't bead weave.  Instead, I decided to do 'Finish a project' day...so that's what I did. 

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I will be having a piece of my jewelry in BeadStyle Magazine (the largest in the World), in July!  I made this piece in the same style as the piece that will be in the magazine.  I made it a little more formal/bridal - just because I could. =)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/125571526/pearl-crystal-silver-bib-style-necklace

Hrmph. No Show

So, one thing I've struggled with is how to deal with appointments who set an appointment, then cancel.  Yep the MOB did it.  We were to meet at 5, she called at 3 to say it wasn't going to work and could we reschedule for the end of February.... I said yes and hung up the phone.  So, here I am with 4 necklaces and options, ready to go and no where to take them.  Anyone need some bridal jewelry? =)

Truth of the matter.... if she wants me to go forward, I will be asking for a deposit.  I don't think that's wrong - you pay a deposit on a dress - you pay a deposit on flowers - why should I be any different?  I shouldn't.  It's hard to say that, though.  My time and the money I invested in this little adventure DO matter.  I can't do this all the time....ordering crystals, stones, pearls, not knowing the colors or any other details really.... so why not?  Because it's hard to say to someone that YOU value your time.  I'd think this is a struggle for most early business owners.  I'd love to hear any recommendations y'all have for how to deal with this in the future.

For now - I wore one of the necklaces to the doctor and WalMart.  It was hot.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/121690359/custom-brides-pearl-and-swarovski