Nice to meet you again!

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

Going the extra mile...

As a crafter, I am always improving my skills in order to remain competitive, but it turns out there is more to it.  Aside from scheming out ways to improve production and envisioning the next fashion trend, I find myself researching decorative kraft boxes and running to the post office for that 5:30 deadline. 

Of course I’m not the only one fantasizing about ribbons and 48 count paper!  I reached out to my fellow artisans at Etsy to find out how they run that extra mile. 

Many express their gratitude with hand-written thank you notes; while others, like piecemaker jewelry, spend a few extra minutes gift wrapping each and every order.  Expert seller, leperqueen of Pacifica, CA ships her many orders via bright colored mailers.  Other stores show their appreciation with unexpected gifts such as product samples, polishing cloths with jewelry purchases, and tasty tootsie rolls. 

So now as a sit amidst piles of leather and feathers, my caffeinated mind ponders about coupon codes, thank you notes, and my competitors...with their various ways of amazing customer service!  =) 

To occupy (oneself) with or involve (oneself) in something habitually or compulsively.

First step is admitting your "problem".

Thankfully I am not alone on this one.  

Here are 3 of my favorite looks from Shopbop accessorized with Piecemaker Jewelry.  

Enjoy the sunshine San Francisco!

Trend Takeover: Tassels!

http://www.fashionologie.com/Spring-2011-Trend-Tassels-13254664


http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/2011/03/spring-trend-tassels.html

 http://www.asianfashion.com/blog/fashion-trend-tassels.html

XOXO...The Random Generator

THANK YOU to those who entered the 

off-centered custom letter stamped, vegetable-tanned leather earrings giveaway. 
The amount of entries equaled my favorite number 27!  (My birthday: August 27.  Yes!  I'm a Virgo.)
Congratulations to the winner:  Entry #25!

 

 

Uncomplicated, Ethereal Bliss (Giveaway Announcement!)

Giveaway Announcement! Effective April 12 to 19, 2011. No purchase necessary. 

Win a pair of off-centered custom letter stamped, vegetable-tanned leather earrings.

See listing here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71614066/leather-earrings-off-centered-custom

Directions: Leave a comment on my blog (www.piecemakerjewelry.blogspot.com) with the letter(s) you want on your pair of off-centered custom letter stamped vegetable-tanned leather earrings AND what's your favorite Piecemaker Jewelry piece (www.piecemakerjewelry.etsy.com).


Winner will be chosen via random number generator.  Check back on April 20, 2011 for the winner.

Good Luck! 

Final Results

Here it is...
2011 Spring/Summer Collection: Ethereal Realm
Don't you just love the name? If not, keep that thought to yourself please. =)
Shop here: www.piecemakerjewelry.etsy.com
Link to video: Piecemaker Jewelry

the Enchanting Clarion Alley

Graced with beautiful weather, Alicia, Sarah and I ventured to the Mission District for an afternoon of laughter,  the smell of urine, captivating murals, and piecemaker jewelry!  Armed with her fancy Nikon, Alicia quickly immersed herself in this bohemian alley.  I can't wait to share the results with you. 


Here are a few shoots from today:

S*&T! Mistakes...never too late to learn.

After hours of shifting through receipts, here are a few things I’ve learned this past year as a really small home business entrepreneur...in no particular order.

1. Buy bulk, it’s easier and more cost effective.

My first few orders were shipped via bubble mailers purchased from the local post office.  The cost was approximately $1.49 plus San Francisco sales tax each.  Now, I purchase from www.royalmailers.com.  Free shipping, great prices, and great service.  Current cost is now approximately $0.25 per mailer.

2. Document receipts every few months.

Going through a year’s worth of receipts is not my cup of tea.  My goal this year (key word: goal) is to document my receipts every 3-4 months on Excel.  That way I still remember what it is I purchased and get a sense of my budget.

3. Google those international addresses.  Good ol’ Google. 

Take that extra step to validate each and every international address.  Paypal shipping does not allow one to create first class international shipping labels, therefore each has to be handwritten.  This search checks that great handmade items are shipped to the right person, especially when the address is five lines long.

4. Samples. Test. Revise.

I get these amazing ideas for novel jewelry pieces.  I’ll run to the store, purchase the supplies, and attempt to manifest my ideas.  Sometimes I fail, miserably.  Then I’m left with these useless supplies.

Ask for samples from your local brick and mortar stores; few of my suppliers would even gift me a few pieces or snippets of beads, fabric, etc.  This way my San Francisco apartment doesn’t look like a cross between a bird cemetery and a S&M boutique.

5. Start small, simple, and slow.

This one is just my opinion.  The glitter, sparkle, and glam is addicting, however costly.   I am not saying be cheap, because that would be evident to your audience. Spend wisely.  Within 6 months of starting piecemaker jewelry, I owned glossy black kraft boxes, colorful tissue paper, colorful ribbons, matte boxes, poly bags, fancy big business cards, fancy SMALL business cards, a logo, domain, website, personalized email address, Etsy website, professional editorial style pictures, etc.  Did I need all that so soon?  Probably not.  Some things can wait.

6. Use those free resources right in front of you.

In the old days (um....4 months ago), I galloped to the post office and waited (almost) patiently in line.  Nowadays, I utilize Paypal’s shipping.  I print from home, price includes discounted delivery confirmation, and no more waiting in line.

Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what seperates the snapspot from the photograph. - Matt Hardy

photos courtesy of Iann Ivy

piece by piece

Share your favorite NorCal supply stores.  Here are mine:

General Bead www.generalbeadsf.com
Wall to wall of beads: plastic, glass, metal...you name it. 
After you dose yourself with Blue Bottle Coffee, get ready to dig through bins and more bins of treasure.

Alameda Antique Fair http://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com
First Sunday of each month
Hours of thrifting with a side of delicious food. 
Booths of vintage furniture, estate rings, vintage jewelry (of course), and mementos from childhood.

Leland Fly Fishing http://www.flyfishingoutfitters.com
Who would ever guess I would step foot in here?
Feathers galore! Just do what I do...face down and walk straight back to the back room at their Bush street store.

Fabric Outlet www.fabricoutletsf.com
One stop shop for yards and yards of fabric (LEATHER!), small jewelry findings, glue, and great customer service.  Check this place out for great fabrics for your upcoming craft fair booth.

birds falling from the sky

general bead store

craft Bar with etsy lab at museum of craft and folk art, 51 yerba buena lane

victorious!  felt bird bracelet and knitted beer coaster

instructions: trace, cut, embellish, and button

1st thursday of the month

Vendors...on your mark, get set, GO! 2011 Fairs April - August

Are you jonesing to start slinging your goods this Spring/Summer season? I am!  Here's a running list of fairs in Northern California.  I've included links and vendor application information if available, please feel free to contact me with updates.

April  9 & 10, 16 & 17, 2011, San Francisco, CA
New People and Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.  Applications will be accepted until March 10, 2011.

May 21, 2011. San Francisco, CA
AsianWeek Foundation's 7th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration (Asian-themed arts and craft items) Final deadline for all applications is April 30, 2011.

May 21 & 22, 2011, San Mateo. CA
Maker Faire (Bazaar Bizarre) More Info: http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco/maker-application/  Applications will be accepted until March 18, 2011.

June 10-12, 2011, Sonoma, CA
Harmony Festival  More Info: http://www.harmonyfestival.com/ Accepting applications now.

June 18 & 19, 2011, Vallejo, CA
Northern California Pirate Festival More Info: http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/mainpage.htm.  Check site for vendor deadlines.

June 17 - 19, 2011, Boonville, CA
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival More Info: http://www.snwmf.com/vendors.html. Check site for vendor information.

July 9 & 10, 2011, San Francisco, CA
Renegade Craft Fair at Fort Mason More Info: http://www.renegadecraft.com/.  Applications open THIS FRIDAY.

August 5 & 6, 2011, Auburn, CA
Northern California Blues Festival. More Info: http://www.norcalbluesfest.com/index.html Accepting applications now.