Monday 3 September 2012

Crossing my fingers...

I'm crossing my fingers that this post will be free of frustrating blogger problems - such as not being able to upload photos - apparently something to do with a clash between my antivirus software and chrome/blogger.

I've pulled a few things out of the shop over the last few days so that I can put them into the Artisans Store, a local gallery just around the corner from me.  Rather than my assemblage/narrative work (although I have submitted some of these pieces) I thought I would concentrate on the embellished/embroidered textile cushions.  Here they are on display in my kitchen the night before:



Here's a collage of the necklaces in more detail. 



I also thought single bangles might be a little more accessible (ie. easier on the pocket) than stacks:



Really simple but I am pleased with how they turned out.  I'm thinking about putting some in my etsy shop.

All this switching stock around has left the etsy shop a little depleted.  I know some people have an item for sale in several sites/locations at once but my brain just can't cope with this.  I have listed a couple of new things though:




I've found a new way to attach bails to the textile cushions - cut a short piece of wire, paddle each end and drill a small hole.  Bend the wire in half and place over the cushion.  Insert a long dress makers pin (glass head or hammerhead) from the front to the back through the cushion and holes in the wire, secure the pin by bending it so that the sharp end lies flat against the cushion and then trim off the sharp end with wire cutters.  You can then over-sew the bendy end of the pin to the cushion or put a bead over it - whatever works.  It's a much neater technique although still a little time consuming.  

I'm still lovin' working on the bangle stacks:


This one was in the etsy shop but is now in the Artisans Store.


I really like this white/cream set - it's even got a bit of bling. 

For those of you that sell on etsy - how are your sales lately?  Mine seem to have taken a bit of a nose dive over the last few weeks.  Not sure if it's the time of year, economic climate or, perish the thought, people aren't liking what I'm doing enough.  Mind you, compensation is meeting (online rather than in person) some really lovely people and that doesn't seem to be impacted by the seasons or the GFC!!

Talking of lovely people ... I don't buy many jewelry magazines but I have splashed out on a subscription to Belle Armoire Jewelry which is hugely expensive as I have to have it mailed to me from the US.     I see that the Autumn issue is essentially a tribute to some of my favorite artists including; Tracy DiPiazza from pipnmolly, Janet Loomis from anvilartifacts and Cynthia Wolff from beatnheart.  You guys rock.

8 comments:

  1. Your fabric use is exciting. Yes, etsy has been slow for me even tho I mainly sell destash and new old stock for jewelry. My take is this election and the fear being pandered to along with it is keeping money in pockets. Meanwhile, my own money is flying out of my pockets on tools like bats outta hell. I'd rather starve with tools than money.

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    1. I know what you mean - I am a sucker for tools. I don't usually use bead wire, preferring to wire wrap instead, but I just bought a one step crimper so have been playing around with this.

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  2. What a keen eye you have! I'm loving all of this. The rich colors.. and the bangles are top notch. The touches of blue stack.. big YUM and the cream set.. so lovely.

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  3. My etsy shop is going pretty slow too. That's alright 'cause it gives me time to work on Christmas items! Looking forward to the fall season, too!

    Hang in there. Your work is lovely and Christmas is coming!

    PeabuttonsMom

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  4. Loving those textures and deep colours, has such a Romany vibe to my eyes. It's tough for everyone, and the biggest problem is staying visible on etsy. There's not much venturing outside the clean, white box for Etsy. They need to get a lot more daring and show a lot more diversity.

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    1. Ooh, I really love that word - romany. Think I will have to start using it in my listings

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  5. yeah, mostly poopy sales unless i' m constantly listing brand new things. these are all so so so awesome!!!! love!

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  6. Loving your textile pieces and bangles, singles or stacked sky high. And your photography is so gorgeous. Your blog is a visual feast. Oh and what sales? :/. Yes, very slow.

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