It seems that since the beginning of the year, I have been making jewelry again. I started back into chain maille and find it very soothing. (I had stopped about 4 years ago when I gave birth to my youngest son) I love the textures of the bracelets, I love watching people be happy when they wear them, and it makes me happy to have made something that I feel could have made by a professional.
I have not done any craft shows yet except for one that I did here at my home. Which, for just a few people coming out for it, I feel I did very well. A good friend of mine ordered 25 stretchy bracelets for her daughters soccer team... and that was the 'big' order of the night. I got to see friends that I have not seen for a while and they placed orders too. I have sold a few more bracelets here and there ... and carry my jewelry with me at all times, just in case.
I know I need to do more showings.... but there are a few different reasons that I don't. First, it takes money to enter yourself into craft shows. Juried shows are the best to be in when it comes to jewelry as they pick the best of the best and make sure their isn't too many of one kind of designer but those are even more expensive.
Second, I am not always the greatest at 'selling' my items. Either people want it ... or they don't. There is not much you can say about aluminum rings ... Now, I know I have too many irons in the fire sometimes and I am sure that my husband wants to kill me over it... but he sits and watches... and nods when I show him my latest creations. (Thank you honey)
Yes, I have thought of etsy. But have you ever done a search for chainmaille on etsy? There are soo many out there. I am not sure how to explain my product in a colorful way to get people to see me.
So, I am back to the drawing board... trying to figure out how to make this work. If I don't have something crafty to keep me busy, I just don't seem happy.
