Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Spring - is it here yet? Spring Jewelry Trends
WOW! It has been 2 months since I updated my blog. It is a good thing that this is not a diary!
Hope that all is well and you enjoyed the somewhat spring-like day in NE Ohio if you live here. I am just looking for a bit of sunshine to brighten my mood. It is about this time of year that we all get anxious for warmer weather. I think my dogs feel the same way.
My classes at CIA are winding down and I have to say that I am disappointed. I have very much enjoyed the time I have spend there and the instructor and assistant are great! While I did learn a lot it was more of an open studio as there were a good number of students in the class. This was great as it affording you the opportunity to work on what you wanted to work on vs. what the instructor was teaching. I will going to look into a private lesson with the instructor as she is a very talented young lady!
In the class we learned about bezel setting and lost wax casting. I already knew how to bezel set but learned some tips and tricks along the way. As for casting, it was very fun as you create pieces out of wax and it turns into a lovely piece of metal jewelry. I did, however, learn that the pieces tend to be a bit more porous than when working with sheet and VERY heavy. I guess that is why we started out in bronze and not sterling. I have attached a flower I created in class which I made into a fun necklace by adding leather. This is the link to the actual listing on etsy which tells a bit more about it.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69867316/cia-necklace-flower-leather-beach-hippy
Art shows - I was particular which shows I entered this year as I really do not like to do a lot of them. Since I have a regular 9-5 job I like my weekends to make jewelry and do dog stuff. As I have mentioned in previous posts, it is not an easy job, setting up/tearing down for an art show. That being said, I am happy that I was accepted into the Chagrin Falls show - Art by the Falls in mid June! Such a pretty venue and the weather should be wonderful!
I will leave you with some spring jewelry trends which are reminiscent of the 70s LOVE the belt!
Hope that all is well and you enjoyed the somewhat spring-like day in NE Ohio if you live here. I am just looking for a bit of sunshine to brighten my mood. It is about this time of year that we all get anxious for warmer weather. I think my dogs feel the same way.
My classes at CIA are winding down and I have to say that I am disappointed. I have very much enjoyed the time I have spend there and the instructor and assistant are great! While I did learn a lot it was more of an open studio as there were a good number of students in the class. This was great as it affording you the opportunity to work on what you wanted to work on vs. what the instructor was teaching. I will going to look into a private lesson with the instructor as she is a very talented young lady!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69867316/cia-necklace-flower-leather-beach-hippy
Art shows - I was particular which shows I entered this year as I really do not like to do a lot of them. Since I have a regular 9-5 job I like my weekends to make jewelry and do dog stuff. As I have mentioned in previous posts, it is not an easy job, setting up/tearing down for an art show. That being said, I am happy that I was accepted into the Chagrin Falls show - Art by the Falls in mid June! Such a pretty venue and the weather should be wonderful!
I will leave you with some spring jewelry trends which are reminiscent of the 70s LOVE the belt!
Until next time...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Etsy!
Hello!
Hope everyone is well! I had a very productive weekend. I cleaned out my pantry, cleaned out the drawers in my hutch and even managed to teach a class, work on a custom piece and create a new one! I love my weekends:)
Anyhow I wanted to talk a little about Etsy. I have to be honest, when I first signed on to sell on Etsy, I was not exactly impressed, I thought it was an inexpensive way to highlight and sell your jewelry, basically for those who do not have a website. Boy, was I wrong!
I basically posted every other week, did not relist much, did not get involved in the dynamics of Etsy for about a year and my sales reflected that. If I got lucky a customer who happened to see my new listing as I listed it and liked it, they purchased it. However, I did not "work" Etsy.
Well, the old saying you have to put in to get out is completely true with Etsy as well. Anyone who thinks that their store will do well just posting now and then and not getting involved in the culture of Etsy, will most likely not do well, in my opinion.
Now don't get me wrong, I do not have THAT many sales but the folks who "heart" my shop and items have increased tremendously! I have also been included in a lot of treasuries. All of this will help my exposure and help my sales down the road.
I would also like to talk a little about the comradery within Etsy. It is like a facebook for the artistically inclined! There are so many groups to get involved in. There is, of course, the group (s) that are in the vicinity of where you live, there are the groups who work in similar media as you do. This is great as you can get all sorts of tips! There is even a group for folks who are on late at night!! It is really neat!
I just created my very 1st treasury last night and the link is below. Of course I included one of my pieces but I also created a lot of very talented artists who also have shops on Etsy.
If you are looking to purchase a gift for the hard to buy for person or even looking for supplies or displays for your booth, please check out Etsy. You will be glad that you did!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3282a0aa596d918d5438c0/alone-at-night
Hope everyone is well! I had a very productive weekend. I cleaned out my pantry, cleaned out the drawers in my hutch and even managed to teach a class, work on a custom piece and create a new one! I love my weekends:)
Anyhow I wanted to talk a little about Etsy. I have to be honest, when I first signed on to sell on Etsy, I was not exactly impressed, I thought it was an inexpensive way to highlight and sell your jewelry, basically for those who do not have a website. Boy, was I wrong!
I basically posted every other week, did not relist much, did not get involved in the dynamics of Etsy for about a year and my sales reflected that. If I got lucky a customer who happened to see my new listing as I listed it and liked it, they purchased it. However, I did not "work" Etsy.
Well, the old saying you have to put in to get out is completely true with Etsy as well. Anyone who thinks that their store will do well just posting now and then and not getting involved in the culture of Etsy, will most likely not do well, in my opinion.
Now don't get me wrong, I do not have THAT many sales but the folks who "heart" my shop and items have increased tremendously! I have also been included in a lot of treasuries. All of this will help my exposure and help my sales down the road.
I would also like to talk a little about the comradery within Etsy. It is like a facebook for the artistically inclined! There are so many groups to get involved in. There is, of course, the group (s) that are in the vicinity of where you live, there are the groups who work in similar media as you do. This is great as you can get all sorts of tips! There is even a group for folks who are on late at night!! It is really neat!
I just created my very 1st treasury last night and the link is below. Of course I included one of my pieces but I also created a lot of very talented artists who also have shops on Etsy.
If you are looking to purchase a gift for the hard to buy for person or even looking for supplies or displays for your booth, please check out Etsy. You will be glad that you did!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3282a0aa596d918d5438c0/alone-at-night
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year
WOW! It sure has been a while since I posted on my blog. It was a busy holiday season, that is for sure! Hope everyone out had a wonderful holiday and are off to a great start in 2011!
I am very excited as I start classes at CIA, Cleveland Institute of Art at the end of this month. Jewelry, of course, going to brush up on some skills that I already have and learn more!! I am also very much looking forward to the Bead and Button show in June!!
Last weekend I was able to get several of my pieces professionally photographed as I am gearing up for the larger art shows this year and you know the saying - it takes money to make $. Well, I hope that is the case as this is surely not inexpensive. However, I think that they came out pretty well. I will post them so that you can judge for yourself!
I am, once again, working on my booth. That is something I just cannot get right. Not sure why either. If anyone has any suggestions, I am open to ALL of them!!
Anyhow, wanted to post to wish all a happy, heathy new year and share some of my pics.
Talk soon!
I am very excited as I start classes at CIA, Cleveland Institute of Art at the end of this month. Jewelry, of course, going to brush up on some skills that I already have and learn more!! I am also very much looking forward to the Bead and Button show in June!!
Last weekend I was able to get several of my pieces professionally photographed as I am gearing up for the larger art shows this year and you know the saying - it takes money to make $. Well, I hope that is the case as this is surely not inexpensive. However, I think that they came out pretty well. I will post them so that you can judge for yourself!
I am, once again, working on my booth. That is something I just cannot get right. Not sure why either. If anyone has any suggestions, I am open to ALL of them!!
Anyhow, wanted to post to wish all a happy, heathy new year and share some of my pics.
Talk soon!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Holiday Newsletter 2010
Hello everyone!
Hope that this fall newsletter finds you well and ready for the holiday season. It is difficult for me to realize that it is almost that time of year again and that next year my only child will graduate from high school. I can remember when I was a senior like it was yesterday.
In this newsletter I am going to share information on other artisans who are on Etsy.com in addition to sharing some great information about Jewelry by Francine.
Since NE Ohio is known for our cold winters, a nice cozy sweater or pair of mittens does the trick! I met Tricia at an art show this summer. She creates wonderful handmade knit accessories and clothing! Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LazyTcrochet
In addition to jewelry I am a dog lover. I truly appreciate dog art as well. There are so many gorgeous prints in this store it is difficult to choose, even if it is not your breed. These are truly amazing! Check out The Dog Lover for the dog lover in you! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDogLover
It has been a great year for Jewelry by Francine. I have attended many great shows, met a lot of new people and learned a great new technique at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee WI. I also started teaching classes at a wonderful bead shop in Rocky River, OH called Embellish. http://www.embellishaccessories.com/ Teaching is so rewarding and a great way to do what I love! If you are local and have always wanted to create jewelry, then check out the website for class offerings.
The most recent happening is getting accepted into the 2010 Progressive People’s Biennial. This is a juried show for Progressive employees to enter. All three of my entries were accepted. This show will begin in November at a Progressive campus and then travel all across the country to various Progressive locations.
In addition to creating sterling silver gemstone jewelry, in 2010 I started the “Just for Fun” collection. These are trendier pieces which are great for someone looking for that fun piece but do not want to spend a lot of money.
http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=Costume
The holiday season is about spending time with family and friends and why not spread a little cheer with some sterling silver jewelry that is fun to wear? Host a Jewelry by Francine party and earn 20% in free jewelry! Check out this link for more information: http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/partyfr.html
What is a newsletter without mentioning what’s in it for you? Well here you are… Take 20% off of all in stock items when you code Holiday 10 at checkout. **Personalized and Love Tags are excluded**
Wishing you a wonderful, shiny holiday season!
Francine Ruth
www.jewelrybyfrancine.com
Hope that this fall newsletter finds you well and ready for the holiday season. It is difficult for me to realize that it is almost that time of year again and that next year my only child will graduate from high school. I can remember when I was a senior like it was yesterday.
In this newsletter I am going to share information on other artisans who are on Etsy.com in addition to sharing some great information about Jewelry by Francine.
Since NE Ohio is known for our cold winters, a nice cozy sweater or pair of mittens does the trick! I met Tricia at an art show this summer. She creates wonderful handmade knit accessories and clothing! Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LazyTcrochet
In addition to jewelry I am a dog lover. I truly appreciate dog art as well. There are so many gorgeous prints in this store it is difficult to choose, even if it is not your breed. These are truly amazing! Check out The Dog Lover for the dog lover in you! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDogLover
It has been a great year for Jewelry by Francine. I have attended many great shows, met a lot of new people and learned a great new technique at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee WI. I also started teaching classes at a wonderful bead shop in Rocky River, OH called Embellish. http://www.embellishaccessories.com/ Teaching is so rewarding and a great way to do what I love! If you are local and have always wanted to create jewelry, then check out the website for class offerings.
The most recent happening is getting accepted into the 2010 Progressive People’s Biennial. This is a juried show for Progressive employees to enter. All three of my entries were accepted. This show will begin in November at a Progressive campus and then travel all across the country to various Progressive locations.
In addition to creating sterling silver gemstone jewelry, in 2010 I started the “Just for Fun” collection. These are trendier pieces which are great for someone looking for that fun piece but do not want to spend a lot of money.
http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=Costume
Spoiled
The holiday season is about spending time with family and friends and why not spread a little cheer with some sterling silver jewelry that is fun to wear? Host a Jewelry by Francine party and earn 20% in free jewelry! Check out this link for more information: http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/partyfr.html
What is a newsletter without mentioning what’s in it for you? Well here you are… Take 20% off of all in stock items when you code Holiday 10 at checkout. **Personalized and Love Tags are excluded**
Wishing you a wonderful, shiny holiday season!
Francine Ruth
www.jewelrybyfrancine.com
Monday, October 4, 2010
Jewelry Trends over the Decades
Jewelry has been reused and recycled over the decades. As the times change, so do the trends. Could you imagine having belly button rings back in the 20s?
I am going to focus on the 20s and 30s today. Enjoy!
The Roaring Twenties
As the neckline on shirts plunged to new depths, and hairstyles radically shortened into bobs, jewelry trends of the 1920s adjusted with the times with jewelers producing sportier, more casual accessories.
Synthetic plastics made their appearance in the Twenties, and showed up in jewelry cases, allowing for mass production and affordability. Bakelite, with its clay-like material that could be finished in a variety of colors, became a popular form of synthetic jewelry.
In the era, the definition of style transformed from expensive to affordable, from fancy to fun-and so did the jewelry. The martini may already have been invented, but the Roaring Twenties saw the dawn of cocktail jewelry.
The Dirty Thirties
American optimism took a hit as the booming economy faded into economic depression. Functionality was the word of the decade and fashion turned practical. Jewelry brought color and brightness to an otherwise gloomy state of affairs.
To liven up dull outfits, women turned to brilliant brooches found at bargain prices made from colorful enamel. In a desperate time, women were going to desperate measures to prove their social status, causing jewelry designers to grow bolder. And women piled it on, from dress clips in hair to the chunky necklaces that could be worn as bracelets. Bigger and bolder meant wealthier
I can think of several ways these trends have been reinvented over the years.
Until next time...
http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/
I am going to focus on the 20s and 30s today. Enjoy!
The Roaring Twenties
As the neckline on shirts plunged to new depths, and hairstyles radically shortened into bobs, jewelry trends of the 1920s adjusted with the times with jewelers producing sportier, more casual accessories.
Synthetic plastics made their appearance in the Twenties, and showed up in jewelry cases, allowing for mass production and affordability. Bakelite, with its clay-like material that could be finished in a variety of colors, became a popular form of synthetic jewelry.
In the era, the definition of style transformed from expensive to affordable, from fancy to fun-and so did the jewelry. The martini may already have been invented, but the Roaring Twenties saw the dawn of cocktail jewelry.
 |
| Bakelite Bangle |
The Dirty Thirties
American optimism took a hit as the booming economy faded into economic depression. Functionality was the word of the decade and fashion turned practical. Jewelry brought color and brightness to an otherwise gloomy state of affairs.
To liven up dull outfits, women turned to brilliant brooches found at bargain prices made from colorful enamel. In a desperate time, women were going to desperate measures to prove their social status, causing jewelry designers to grow bolder. And women piled it on, from dress clips in hair to the chunky necklaces that could be worn as bracelets. Bigger and bolder meant wealthier
 |
| Brilliant Brooch |
I can think of several ways these trends have been reinvented over the years.
Until next time...
http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/
Friday, September 24, 2010
Holiday Sales, Jewelry Parties and Art Shows
Hello -
Boy has it been a long time since I update this:( Where has the time gone?
As a retailer, I am heading into the busy season. This is time folks start shopping for holiday gifts and think about having home jewelry parties. Did I mention that this is a GREAT time for retailers and I LOVE it?
I have done a fair amount of art shows now and I must say that I much prefer doing home parties. Why you ask, well for one there is not the time commitment you have with a show, which can be 3-4 days. There is also the time you spend setting up. Outdoor shows are especially difficult, especially if you are alone. Those easy up tents are NOT easy to put up. Not sure who named them but it was not a woman. Lastly, when people attend an art show, they are not necessarily going to purchase jewelry or a painting or a sculpture. You get the picture - I do not have a captured audience like I do at a home party.
A home party is a more intimate setting too, you can interact with the customers to understand what they like and dislike. That being said, I have to promote my jewelry parties:)
I have attached a link to my site which outlines what is in it for the host(ess). http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/partyfr.html
My prices are very reasonable as I do not have to pay a middleman to sell my jewelry, and all of my jewelry is handmade by me in the good ole' US of A! Ok enough of promoting myself.
Now another what's in it for you: Currently I am offering free shipping on all purchases through October 1, 2010. This is a savings of almost $6.00. Stay tuned, however, for a great sale on all of the earrings. If you are an earring person, you cannot miss this one. I will post on the landing page as well as on my FB page so stay tuned!!
Until next time...
Boy has it been a long time since I update this:( Where has the time gone?
As a retailer, I am heading into the busy season. This is time folks start shopping for holiday gifts and think about having home jewelry parties. Did I mention that this is a GREAT time for retailers and I LOVE it?
I have done a fair amount of art shows now and I must say that I much prefer doing home parties. Why you ask, well for one there is not the time commitment you have with a show, which can be 3-4 days. There is also the time you spend setting up. Outdoor shows are especially difficult, especially if you are alone. Those easy up tents are NOT easy to put up. Not sure who named them but it was not a woman. Lastly, when people attend an art show, they are not necessarily going to purchase jewelry or a painting or a sculpture. You get the picture - I do not have a captured audience like I do at a home party.
A home party is a more intimate setting too, you can interact with the customers to understand what they like and dislike. That being said, I have to promote my jewelry parties:)
I have attached a link to my site which outlines what is in it for the host(ess). http://www.jewelrybyfrancine.com/partyfr.html
My prices are very reasonable as I do not have to pay a middleman to sell my jewelry, and all of my jewelry is handmade by me in the good ole' US of A! Ok enough of promoting myself.
Now another what's in it for you: Currently I am offering free shipping on all purchases through October 1, 2010. This is a savings of almost $6.00. Stay tuned, however, for a great sale on all of the earrings. If you are an earring person, you cannot miss this one. I will post on the landing page as well as on my FB page so stay tuned!!
Until next time...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)