Jennifer Jangles Blog

Annual Clearance Sale

2012-01-31T08:45:00.001-05:00

I am busy, busy getting ready for this sale that starts tonight. I will be cleaning out and photographing all day. If you head over to the Etsy shop early, you won't see much. I have pulled a lot out of the shop to lower the prices and they won't be added back until eight. You know, everyone has to have a fair chance at getting the bargains.

And that reminds me...we run into this problem every year so maybe this year I will save someone the frustration. When you're shopping with Etsy just because you put an item in your cart doesn't mean it's yours. It could also be in someone else's cart. It only disappears out of the shop when you purchase it. So if there is something you just can't live without, buy it and then go back and shop some more. I will still ship them all together to save you postage if I can.

I will be online this evening if anyone has any questions or just wants to chat. :)

Have a great day,
Jennifer
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Put It In Writing

2012-01-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hey, Hey....seriously it's going to be February this week, what happened to January. I knew it was going to be a busy one, but now my January work is going to flow into February. It just didn't get done. For as long as I can remember I have been having a clearance sale in January. I planned on having one this January too and I will, just barely. I am working fast and furious to get all of the items listed. There is a ton of stuff. Beads, buttons, jewelry, pottery, oh the list goes on. It's going to be big. The only way I am actually going to get this baby up and running is to put it in writing. So that's what I am doing right now. It's going to start tomorrow evening at 8:00 pm EST. There it has been announced, there's no turning back!

So check it out...you won't believe the prices, if you have ever shopped my clearance sale before you will know, things are cheap. Remember my word this year is "Clear" so this will help literally clear my studio.

So maybe I will see you tomorrow night? But for now enjoy the rest of January.

Jennifer

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Painting

2012-01-26T08:06:00.002-05:00

Pin It

Hello, Hello,

So my work has taken an exciting turn....well at least I think it's exciting. I am hoping you can give me your opinion on this matter as well. In the past I have always painted on ceramic tiles and scanned them into the computer to use in my surface designs. I feel like I know what I am doing when I paint with glaze. I know what colors work on what, how the colors will flow together, etc. It was also a uniqgue way to approach surface design. There are some pretty big drawbacks to painting on tiles though. First drawback is the color pallettte. It's difficult to mix glazes and get what you want. You don't really know what you've mixed until it comes out of the kiln the next day. Which is my second drawback, time. Waiting to have a hole kiln load of tiles to fire takes time so design work has to be done in increments. Third drawback is the glare and transparency that the scanner picks up from tiles. Trust me I have played with all sorts of over glazes, including matte to get rid of this problem but I lost that battle.

The tulip above is one of my glazed tiles and it's a flower that will make it's debut in Tussie Mussie that will arrive in a few weeks.

Pin It

Here is a painting I did this week of a flower that also made it's way into Tussie Mussie. It was glazed in Tussie Mussie but here it's painted. It ttok me a bit to play around with different surfaces, different paints, and different styles of painting. I found that when I usually paint paintings I am a bit more carefree and layer-ee. You know I like to load color on top of color on top of color. When I tried scanning them to use in surface design, the look was too far from my "look". So I think I have figured out how to paint like I do on tiles but on paper. Whew!

So please oh please tell me what you think, I am anxious to hear. I have only shown a couple of folks so far.

Thanks a bunch and have a great day!

Jennifer
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As Promised

2012-01-25T07:51:00.000-05:00

Morning...
I was headed home from my accountant's office yesterday and it was so pretty and warm out, and I just happened to have my camera in the car, so I took a detour. I took a quick walk through the botanical gardens. I was determined to snap some photos of daffodils and I figured this was better than pulling over on a busy road to shoot the ones that were randomly popping up. The problem about warm weather in the winter is that it still gets dark at 5:00, even though everyone still wants to be outside playing. I shouldn't complain.

Otis got to run around while I was loading up my kiln. We have a hilly yard so he plays fetch with himself. If he lays the ball down it will roll down the hill and then he can chase it. When he was a pup this would entertain him for hours.

With all those nice pictures, I thought I would show you where I have been spending a lot of time the last few days. I have been doing lots of glazing. I seem to have accumulated a lot of orders so I am working to get those finished up as well as get new beads made. I have some prototypes in the kiln today that I am pretty excited about. I am even thinking about submitting a jewelry project to a magazine. That's something I haven't done in forever.

Anyway, the desk is a little messy and needs a good cleaning but I can reach all of my glazes when I sit here so until I have a break in the glazing, it will look like this.

Have a great day!
Jennifer
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New Batteries

2012-01-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

Today is one of those days where I don't know where to begin. Lots to do and the first thing on my list is to get new batteries fro my camera! I haven't been able to take pictures lately. They are rechargeable batteries that just won't charge anymore. I have loads of things to get in the Etsy shop one of these days.

Also on my list of things to take pictures of...

My home studio because it's clean! Wahoo! I told you I was doing a bit of a redo.

My new way of doing things.

My new fabric samples, eek!

The new beads coming out of my kiln today.

There I just made a bit of a blogging to do list.

You know what I want to go take pictures of more than anything? The bright green grass that is popping up. I might just have to head over to the Botanical Gardens this week and shoot some photos. It's that really bright, almost lime green stuff. It's so pretty and it makes me anxious for spring. I have also seen forsythia and daffodils this week. I have to keep telling myself that spring is not really here or I'll get too excited. We haven't had a snow day this year and I can't imagine us getting away without one.

Alrighty,
Off to get some batteries.....New pictures all week, woot, woot!

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A Little Bit of This and That

2012-01-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hi! Sorry I haven't been around much... I spent the latter part of the week at the giftmart in Atalanta and then came home with a cold. I am on the mend again. I swear this weather going back and forth between warm and cold does not agree with my sinuses. And as for the giftmart...I will tell you more about that another day, I am waiting on pictures to tell you why I was there.

Fletcher and I ran our first 5k Monday. It was actually fun and it makes me think I want to run more. Fletcher and I stayed at the same pace for most of the race and then when we had about a half mile left, he left me in the dust. That guy can run.

Today is a big studio day! I am excited to be working on new beads, in what seems to be forever. This year is my 15th year being a self supporting artist and it's my 10th year of making beads. I am thinking about bringing back some of my old styles for fun. Anybody got something they would really like to see? I am in love with the color blocking trend right now(how could I not be?) So I have some things sketched up and they will be made in clay by the end of the day. Stay tuned.

Alrighty it's time to get in there and get busy...talk to you soon,
Jennifer

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Happy New Year

2012-01-10T07:26:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Hope you had great holidays. Mine were good, there was lots of lying around and that is just what I needed. I have been back at it for about a week now but January is a wild one for me this year. This is the first I have been able to get to blogger. In the past week, I have signed up for Quilt Market, Bead and Buttons, and a 5k run. That's a lot of commitment in one week and it's kind of the opposite of my word for the year.

I have picked a word for this year and it's "Clear". I have big plans for this word. It fits in so many ways. I'm going to clear some products, clear my studio, and clear my mind. Whew! Big tasks and when I came up with this word, I knew it would be until February until I could get started on my word, but it will happen and I promise you will hear more about it.

Here's a drawing I started of my word, I haven't finished it yet, but it doesn't necessarily bother me, it's just clear at the end of the page and that is how I hope to be by the end of the year.

On that note, who's on Pinterest? It's the greatest and boy oh boy do I spend a lot of time on that site. I know some of you follow me. I have been pinning all sorts of studio ideas. I am in for a redo this year. I know you're thinking that I redo my studio all of the time, and I kind of do. But I think you have to keep your space inspiring and my home studio is due for a change. The last time I made over the place I didn't design fabric so I have been rearranging and adding tables, etc over the last few years. It's time for a full on re organize and a good clean out. The clean out fall under the word clear. :) See how that's working. But anyway, I am not ready for the studio redo yet, I think it will be later this spring, I am really thinking this one through, plus I have this idea that I really, really, really want a window in my studio. It's possible, but I am still waiting to hear how much it would cost. I really don't think I can swing it but I might try to be creative and come up with the funds for this one. I think it would make a huge difference in my work and mood.

So anyone out there got a word for the year? Let me hear it!

Have a great day,
Jennifer
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Repost - Ruffled Baby Bib Tutorial

2012-01-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

Ruffled Baby Bib Tutorial

Hello, Hello,

I got to go to a baby shower this past weekend. I knew that our friends, Amber and Ryan were having a girl. I was so excited! I have two boys and here was my chance to make something with ruffles. I came up with this bib pattern and wanted to share it with you. The three pattern pieces can be found here, here, and here for printing. Tape them together if you want to make the one ruffle bib. This pattern can be shrunk or enlarged to suit the size you need.

Here's the fabric you will need to cut....

One Ruffle Bib(black)
2 full bib pieces for front and back (tape the three pieces together to make one bib)
1 full bib piece from batting
2.5" x 44" fabric strip for ruffle
piece of hook and loop tape

Three Ruffle Bib
1 piece of fabric cut for each of the 3 bib pieces
1 full bib piece for bib backing (tape the three pieces together to make one bib)
1 full bib piece for bib back
2.5" x 44" fabric strip for ruffle
Two pieces of 2.5" x 22" fabric strips for ruffle
piece of hook and loop tape

Just in case you're wondering, all of the fabrics I used here come from my Polka Dot Garden Collection of fabric.

After cutting out all of the pieces out, fold the ruffle pieces in half with the right sides facing outward.
With your machine or by hand run a gathering stitch along the raw edge of the fabric strip. Do this for all of the ruffle strips you will need for your bib.

Pull one of the threads of your gathering stitch to gather the ruffle or ruffles.

If you are making the Three Ruffle Bib, Start by pinning one of the short ruffle sections across the top of the second bib piece. Pin the ruffle so the raw edges hang over the side of the bib piece. It will eventually get sewn over with another ruffle. The second short ruffle section will get pinned across the top of the third bib piece.

Before sewing the ruffles, pin the bottom of bib piece one to the top of bib piece two. Sew together.

Pin the bottom of the second bib piece to the top of the third bib piece and sew together.

If you're making the One Ruffle Bib this is where you jump in. Both bibs have the outer ruffle. This ruffle will vary in length because of the gathering. Th make sue the ruffle is center fold it in half to find the center. Pin the center of the ruffle to the center of the bottom of the bib. Continue to pin up each side. Turn the raw edges of the ruffles into the fold of the ruffle before pinning.

You bib should look like either the picture above or the picture below depending which bib you are sewing.
Next place the right side of the bib backing facing the right side of the bib front. Place the batting on top of the back of the bib back. Pin all of the layers together. Sew these layers together leaving a 4 inch opening towards the top for turning. Clip the round edges up to the thread, taking care not to cut the seam. Turn and press.

*Note* Because seam allowance, ruffles, etc, vary, when pinning the Three Ruffle Bib start at the neck and work your way down the sides pinning the layers. Smooth as you go and you might find there is a bit of extra fabric left at the bottom of the bib back. After sewing the three layers together trim the excess away.

Hand sew the turning hole closed. Top stitch around the edges.

Sew a piece of hook and loop tape at the top of the bib for opening and closing. Trim and loose threads.

I hope you enjoyed my Ruffled Bib Tutorial, thanks for stopping by the blog and I hope you stop back by again soon.

Have a great day!
Jennifer

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Repost - New Fabric and Buttons

2012-01-04T08:24:00.000-05:00

Originally posted March, 2010

Happy Friday! I am super excited for so many things right now. First, my new buttons are up on the site. These are the buttons that match my new fabrics. Second, my fabrics are available for order through In The Beginning Fabrics now. Wahoo! This is only wholesale. For you sewers wanting to get your hands on some, unfortunately, you have to wait until September. That is when Happy will show up in Independent Quilt Shops across the country and the world. But please...oh...please go ask you quilt shop to order now. I will show you more of the collection soon, there are 24 fabrics in all.

I don't want to leave you hanging so remember the logo above? Here is the fabric that is used in it. It will also be available in a really pretty turquoise and a purpley-periwinkle color. I can't stop thinking of all the things I am going to make with it. EEEk!

So have a Happy Friday,

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Repost - Swing Necklace

2012-01-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

Swing Necklace

Hey, Hey,

I made a new necklace. I am loving it an wearing it right now.

It was super simple, and here's what you need:

3 Jangles ceramic pearls
2 brightly colored cane glass rings5 assorted size and colored coconut shell discs
or
one of my new bead sets on Etsy

6" 18 gauge gunmetal wire
18 inches 2mm x 4mm gunmetal chain
2 4mm gunmetal jump rings
1 6mm gunmetal spring clasp

Tools:
Needle Nose PliersChain Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters

Instructions:
1. Take the end of the wire in your needle nose pliers. Turn the wire around the pliers several times to make a loop.

2. String your beads on in any order you would like.

3.Trim the excess wire to an inch in length. Grab that end in the pliers and twist a loop to match the first loop.
4. Open up a jump ring and attach one end of the necklace to one end of chain. Do the same on the second side.

5. Attach the spring clasp to the back of the necklace.

That was super easy, eh? So I have put several sets of these beads in my Etsy shop. I also put some longer sets that would make super cool bracelets, some pairs for earrings, and pendants.

Have a great day,
Jennifer

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Repost - Back From Create

2012-01-02T08:22:00.002-05:00

Back from CREATE

Hey, Hey,
I am back! Actually I have been back for a week now but I am swamped more than I have ever been...more on that later. CREATE was so much fun. It was four days of just having fun making things. I am in love with mixed media, which if you read my blog you would know, and this was a great chance for me to play. So here a a few of the things I made.

I took a class from Kelli Perkins, it was a painted fabric workshop. There was so much more than painting involved. We painted and stitched, then scanned the paintings into the computer. They were then printed out on fabric, painted again, embellished, drawn on, and stitched again. This wall hanging needs to be trimmed and of course, embellished with beads.

Another great class was with Sue Pelletier, she is a mixed media genius. This class was called Birdscapes, that explains all of the birds. We layered and layered and then layered some more in this class. Sue was super and gave us all kinds of secret weapons to use in our projects.

This was part of the class kit we received. Yummy and right up my alley. I brought home some extra kits she had and soon you might see some on Etsy. That is if I can part with it.

Here are the rest of the pieces, I made nine in all and was given the title of over achiever and was called that all week. I can't help that I make a lot of stuff. You should have seen my car on the way home!
Above is a picture from class. Notice the plastic on the floors? Every class room was covered in it. Poor hotel people, the place had just been remodeled and in come a bunch of crazy paint brush carrying women. I am sure we stressed them out.

I loved Sue's techniques so much I took a second class with her. It was called drop cloth girls and actually I liked the idea of doing the fam instead. Here they are.

Last, was a class from Bob Maloney. It was a color and texture class. We learned fun painting techniques. I painted 11 different canvases but I didn't take photos of them all. I want to try some furniture with these techniques.

As you can see it was lots of fun. As soon as I walked in the door, I remembered how much work I still have to do for the next few weeks. Fabric will be hitting stores any day now, which means buttons will be too. That's where I come in. The girls and I are working like crazy so that the orders can ship at the same time.

I am also working on some sewing patterns. These will debut next month if all goes well. (fingers crossed) I am pretty sure some of you non sewers will like them also. I can't wait to share them with you.

I am off to paint buttons, and lots of them... It's nice to be back blogging, I missed all of you, please leave me a comment and tell me what you've been up to.

Have a great day,
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Repost - Shots from The Studio

2012-01-01T08:18:00.000-05:00

Shots From The Studio

Supply Bags in Progress

Happy Friday! I thought I would do something a little different today. Yesterday when I was out glazing away in my studio I was trying to think of things I enjoy most about other blogs. I came up with the realization that I like to see what's going on behind the scenes. I love studio shots, and messes and real life stuff. I thought it would be fun to walk around and take some shots of what's happening here. I just took these this morning.

Quilt sewn together

Kits mid-assembly

Jewelry design table, (it always looks like this)

Bead Pairs

Kiln half loaded, those tiles have designs for my next fabric line on them. I know I am mean to show them to you when they are all covered up with glaze!

Yellow buttons to be glazed

My gigantic roll of bubble wrap I got last week, I had to have a talk with all three boys(Nik included in this) there is to be no popping when you walk by them.

My still unpainted floor!

Two things I realized from this post....First I need a new camera, mine takes great outdoor photo but the indoor photos are so grainy. Ugh, they are expensive and I don't know how to use all those settings. I think I need to make this a priority though.

Second, I would really like to make this a weekly feature. What do you think? Do you like the studio shots? I hate to say it would be a weekly thing though because then for sure I would miss a week. Let's say "maybe a weekly thing" then there is no guilt on my part when I miss a Friday! While you are telling me if you would like to see more, let me know if there is anything else you would like to see, my ears are open.

Everybody have a Happy Friday!

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Repost - Open Studios Tour

2011-12-31T08:14:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted on Oct 3rd, 2009...Oh if you could see my studio now...

Studios Magazine is having an Open Studios tour online this weekend. I thought it sounded like fun, so I am posting the photos of my studio. Since I have been featured in their magazine already, I thought it would be fun to post some before and after pictures. When my studio was new, it so clean and now, well, it's been worked in. I find it impossible to keep it completely clean. Plus, I could always use more space, but isn't that always true? So take a look around and enjoy the photos...

Okay, those were the beautiful before pictures, now here is what the studio usually looks like. I will be at an art fair this weekend, so I have been getting ready all week, there's been no time for cleaning.

Hope you all enjoyed the tour..have fun visiting other studios, I know I can't wait to see where people create.

Happy Saturday,
Jennifer

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Repost - Get Your Designs Made into Stamps

2011-12-30T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hey Hey, if you have read other art bead blogs this week you'll notice there is a theme.... many artists have decided to post about copyrights and what is and isn't free to take. It's a fine line to walk in the bead and art world and being the always optimistic person that I am I think people just don't know the rules. Heck, I didn't know the rules until I did some research on the topic. Here is one of my favorites so far, It's by Barbe Saint John.

I don't want to repeat what everyone else is saying so I thought I would give you a source to solve some copying issues. When I started out making beads I wanted to have textures and stamps for my work. I am always striving to have something different from any one else so I, of course, didn't want to use stamps from the store. On another note it's also illegal to use someone else's stamps in your work and resell it. Hmm...did you know that? Stamps are made for the crafter who is making gifts and projects for their friends and family. I searched and searched for stamp makers and I even tried to make some of my own. Then I came across this fabulous company called Ready Stamps. They are a non-profit group who employs people with cerebral palsy. You send in a sheet of your original drawings and they send you a sheet of rubber stamps from them. It's super cool and you can read all about it here at the Polymer Clay Express website. You can even download an order form there.

I just sent off a sheet of drawings today and of course being the impatient person I am I want them now! But they are super fast and I will have them in about a week. If you have taken one of my ceramic bead making classes, yes, this is the source. It is in the handout and I always make sure to mention the place because they are great.

So go make your own stamps! Yay! You will have original artwork that no one else will have, remember if they steal your designs they are in trouble.

Be Creative, Be different, Be you,
Jennifer
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Repost - Ready, Set, Go!

2011-12-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

Ready, Set, Go!

Repost from May 28th, 2008. I can't believe how many beads there are....did I really make all of them for Bead and Button?

Here's a snapshot of my beads. They are all ready to go for Bead and Button.....

If you're going to the show stop by and say hello. I will be in booth 1140. Hope to see you there.

Jennifer

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Repost - Things are Growing Around Here

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

This post makes me want to plant my garden!!! Come on Spring!

Oh boy, I went away for a couple of weeks and everything seemed to multiply! Our garden has exploded. Here my old post where I showed you a picture of the garden after we had just planted it. We have since then harvested, collard greens, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. We are even replanting some rows that we have used up. Yep we eat a lot of veggies, we're vegetarians. Anyway the basil, tomatoes, and tomatillos are starting to explode now. We plan on making loads of salsa and pasta sauces this summer.
Here's another growing thing. My puppy. Here is the old post of this little guy. Hard to believe that was in January and it is now June. He is seven months old now and quite huge. We thought we were getting a 30 pound beagle! Hmm... but we adore him anyway, he is a great dog and is already at 50 pounds and climbing. Too bad he doesn't eat vegetables, we've got plenty.

Speaking of growing, there's one more thing. It's my Etsy shop! Woohoo! I have added some great new things that I don't have on the web site. I also included my glass bead mixes with the beads so all you need to do is string something up. No guess work with colors. I have plans to keep growing my Etsy shop over the next few weeks so keep watching.

Have a great day!
Jennifer

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Repost - Memory Wire Bracelet

2011-12-27T07:58:00.000-05:00

Project Instructions

Supplies needed for bracelet

3 Bright original ceramic beads
1 Periwinkle 1/2" ceramic disc
2 lime 1/1" ceramic disc
1 turquoise 1/2" ceramic disc
16 silver balls 4mm
Approximately 16" memory wire
Approximately 16" black rubber tubing

To begin, grab the end of your memory wire at the tips of your round nose pliers. Turn the wire to make a loop. Trim any sharp wire ends.
String on a silver ball.
Cut the rubber tubing into 1 1/2" - 2" pieces. String a piece of tubing onto the memory wire.String a ceramic bead with a silver ball on each side. Continue to string a piece of tubing, ball, ceramic, ball, until the bracelet has all of the beads on it.
Finish by stringing on one last silver ball. Trim the wire leaving approximately 1/2 inch of wire at the end.
Create a loop just as you did in step one. Keep rolling up the wire until the beads are snug.

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Repost - Glazing

2011-12-26T07:56:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would show you a picture of me at work. Some of the galleries that I carry my jewelry have requested working photos. So we took some the other day. Here I am in my studio working on some beads. When I paint the beads with underglaze they are all on skewers. This way I can turn them around and I don't have to touch anything that is wet. Once I have a bunch of them painted and in my wooden stands, I go back and put two coats of a shiny clear glaze on them. Then......I know so many steps., I gently take them off and clean out the inside of the hole. If I didn't and there was glaze inside the hole, it would stick in the kiln. That is a real bummer, it's happened too many times. For those of you who don't know glaze is basically crushed glass suspended in water. In the kiln the water burns out and the glass melts. So melted glass stuck to a wire isn't going to come off.

Another day, will show you my kiln loaded....
Gotta go glaze some more beads right now

Jennifer
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Repost - A Blast From The Past

2011-12-24T07:53:00.001-05:00

Originally Posted March 4th, 2008

I was cleaning up my studio the other day and I found a few photos. These are from the second art fair that I ever did. I was twenty three, just out of college. I had quit my job as a corporate floral designer and needed to come up with something to do. I have my BFA in ceramics and was making some tile tables for fun. People kept telling me I needed to sell them. I signed up for a few art fairs that summer and thought I would try it out. My first show was in Chicago and I did alright. This picture is from my second show in Royal Oak Michigan. I sold out in the first hour. I had to sit there the rest of the weekend with nothing. On one hand I was very excited and on the other hand, I was kicking myself for not making more. That summer is what started my careeer as a self employed artist. I have been in business for 11 years. I started making beads six years ago, but that's a story for another day.

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Repost - My Book

2011-12-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

Originally Posted Dec 5th, 2007

It's an exciting day in the world of Jangles! I got the color proofs of my book! This is the final step before the book goes to the printer. I am so excited. So those of you who don't know, it's titled "Ceramic Bead Jewelry". It's being published by Lark Books and it will be out at the beginning of June.

My book covers everything you need to know to make all kinds of wonderful ceramic beads. The book covers all types of decorating processes, like raku, underglazes, chalks, slips, and, more. And if that isn't enough, I also have 30 jewelry projects in the book all with full page photos and complete instructions. The folks at Lark Books have done an amazing job with the layout and look of the book, I couldn't be happier.

As you can tell, I am so excited about this book! I think you'll love it too.
Jennifer

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Repost - The Reason I Haven't Been Blogging

2011-12-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh...Otis was so dang cute! I miss that little fuzzy furball and his puppy breath. I still love him as a big dog too. If you're just tuning in, I'm doing some reposting and a little walk down memory lane over the next few weeks.

I went to the office store last Saturday to get some ink for my printer. As we pulled up I saw that the pet store was having a animal shelter adoption day, I knew I was in trouble.

My one and only dog passed away at Thanksgiving. He was 12 and we had gotten him the week after my husband and I were married. We had talked about getting through the holidays and we would start looking at puppies. I think I was especially ready for one, because when you work alone all day you need someone to talk to, even if you don't get answers back to your questions.

Sure enough the boys and I went to look and there he was. It was a litter of three puppies, ten weeks old. They were so relaxed looking, something my previous dog was not so I was hooked. I called my husband over and over for the next hour until I could get a hold of him and tell him about our new dog. I needed him to "okay" him but we all knew I was sold. We brought him right home.

Now it's been 12 years since I have trained a puppy, it's exhausting! We are on his schedule basically. Bathroom breaks every half hour and sleeping next to his crate until he gets used to it. Needless to say, I and working on beads when it's his naptime and playing with him if he's awake.

With the first week under our belts we have made a ton of progress and I hope to be back to blogging regularly next week.

Isn't he cute!

Jennifer

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Repost- Holiday Project, Number One

2011-12-21T07:41:00.000-05:00

This was my first Holiday Project ever! Way back in 2007....

Project Instructions

Supplies needed for one ring

1 medium or small character bead

1 12" piece of memory wire measuring 2"diam.

approximately 10" of seed beads

4 small accent beads for ides of focal beads

round nose pliers

Instructions:

To begin, grab the end of your memory wire at the tips of your round nose pliers. Turn the wire to make a loop. Trim any sharp wire ends.

Estimate where the center of the memory wire. String the seed beads up to this point.

Next, string the accent beads, the focal bead, and the remaining accent beads.

Finish by stringing the remainder of the wire with seed beads, leaving approximately 1/2 inch of wire at the end.

Create a loop just as you did in step one. Keep rolling up the wire until the beads are snug.

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Happy Christmas

2011-12-20T07:43:00.001-05:00

Hello, Hello,

How are you? Are you in the holiday rush? Today, actually this morning is it for me and then the parties start.

I will be taking the next few weeks off because Jennifer Jangles is needing a break!I thought though I would dig out some really old posts and we could do a walk down memory lane together. Sounds fun right? So be on the look out over the next few weeks for some old posts...I wonder of I am going to confuse some new blog readers?

Happy Holidays!
Jennifer

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Last Sale of the Year and a Winner

2011-12-15T07:42:00.001-05:00

Hello, Hello,

I was supposed to announce the winner of my 50.00 gift certificate on Tuesday and I totally forgot! Yikes...so sorry about that. Wendy Reid! You're the winner! Send me an e-mail jennifer(at)jangles (dot)net and I will give you the details. Yipee!

In my last post I mentioned last day for shipping is the 20th and I have marked down the Christmas items in the store. So I thought I would have one more sale this year. It starts today in the Etsy shop and runs until Dec 20th at 8:00am. Enter Last25 to receive 25% off your entire order. I know you're thinking Christmas is marked down already, do I get an additional 25% off? Yep, you got it sister!(or brother)

Okay....back to wrapping gifts for me, I still have so much to do.

Happy Holidays,
Jennifer

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Happy Holidays

2011-12-13T08:26:00.000-05:00

Morning y'all!

Long time no post...it's that time of year where I am busy, busy trying to wrap things up with the holiday projects, do my own Christmas shopping, and run the gallery. It all caught up with me this weekend and I have a cold. Spent Sunday in bed and I feel like I'm on the mend but my voice is still a mess. I can either whisper or yell, there is now in between voice. Ugh...

I'm not sure what happened but I have been meaning to post for awhile final shipping dates etc. There is only one week left for shipping AAAAh! The boys get out of school on the 20th this year and because I feel like I have been working way too much, I will be closing on the 20th at noon at the gallery and that will also be the last day for shipping any packages. I'll do a fancy little re-cap at the bottom of this post.

I have started marking Christmas beads and gifts down in the Etsy shop as well. Get them while they last...I won't be making more.

Okay here's the fancy re-cap...

Last day for shipping orders Dec 20th

Jennifer Jangles Gallery Closing Dec 20th at noon

Jangles online and gallery will be closed until Jan 3rd

Gallery will re-open on Jan 4th

Orders placed Dec 20th-Jan 3rd will ship on Jan 4th

Happy Holidays!

Jennifer

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Easy Holiday Earrings, Holiday Project #10 and Re-cap

2011-12-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

Holiday Earrings
What you'll need:

1 pair ceramic holiday charms

2 accent beads, spacers, or discs(all optional)

6 inches of 20 gauge sterling silver wire

2 Ear Hooks

Instructions:

Begin by making a simple wire loop on one end of the sterling silver wire. Before closing it, slide on one of the holiday charms, then close the loop.

String one or more accent beads onto the wire.

Make a simple wire loop just above the ball. Trim the excess wire.

Add the ear hook to the top loop.

Repeat steps one through four to make the matching earring.

Wow! Boy ten weeks flies by fast! The projects are all wrapped up. If you would like to see all of the projects one more time, here's the list below.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Project #1, Believe Necklace
Holiday Project #2, Zipper Pulls
Holiday Project #3, Dangly, Jangly Earrings
Holiday Project #4, Bookmarks
Holiday Project #5, Stuffed trees
Holiday Project #6, Bead Garland
Holiday Project #7, Holiday Pendant
Holiday Project #8, Vintage Christmas Necklace
Hoiday Project#9, Bird Ornament
Holiday Project #10 Easy Earrings

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Bird Ornament, Holiday Project #9

2011-12-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

Bird Ornament My pretty bird sewing pattern makes a great Christmas ornament or it can be turned into a mistletoe holder. You can sew your pretty bird with any fabric you like and use a ribbon to hang it as an ornament. The mistletoe holder shown in the photo is a bit more involved, here's how I did it.
Supplies:

1/2 yard muslin

1/8 yard beak fabric

gesso with mica flakes, or glitter glue

ceramic letters to spell JOY

assorted glass beads

18 gauge steel wire

1 yard red velvet ribbon

sprig of mistletoe

Instructions:

Start by using the Pretty Bird Sewing Pattern and making the bird from muslin. I did not put any feet on my bird.

Once the bird is completely sewn, paint a coat of gesso with mica flakes or glitter glue on the bird to make him sparkle.

While the bird is drying, you can begin connecting he word Joy together with wire and glass beads. Make a large wire loop at the top for hanging your holder.

Once your bird is dry you can sew the bottom wire loop onto the top of the bird.

With your velvet ribbon tie a bow around the mistletoe. Tack stitch this to the bottom of the bird.

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Vintage Christmas Necklace, Holiday Project #8

2011-11-26T15:28:00.001-05:00

Supplies:

4 ceramic holiday beads
14-18 assorted glass holiday beads
30 inch brass chain with clasp
brass headpins, eyepins, bead caps, and assorted findings

Instructions:
1. Start by making 10-12 assorted charms. Have fun combining the holiday beads in different ways.
2. Lay out the brass necklace in a straight line on your bead table. Start in the middle and arrange the charms so they are visually spaced along the chain. It's up to you whether you want charms all of the way up the necklace.
3. Start in the middle and open the wire loop of the charm and attach it to the necklace chain. Close the wire loop. Continue up each side adding you charms according to the layout.
4. Trim any excess wires before wearing.

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Weekend Sale

2011-11-24T08:16:00.000-05:00

Hey, Hey, Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you're all having loads of fun and food today. My Turkey Thursday thru Cyber Monday sale starts today! Here's the scoop....

Free shipping at the Etsy shop and the Website and 10 percent off your order.

The shipping has already been removed at both shops, all you have to do is apply the cyber10 coupon code to receieve the discount. Easy Peasy. Both shops are stocked up and ready!

Have a great weekend!

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Holiday Open House

2011-11-21T09:18:00.004-05:00

Hope you can come!

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Poinsettia Ornament Project

2011-11-21T07:44:00.001-05:00

Poinsettia Ornament Supplies:

Ceramic Poinsettia Pendant
24 inches red ctaft wire 24 gauge
5 white glass beads
5 green glass leaves
8 size 6 red glass seed beads

Instructions: It has a loop on each side for stringing. I took advantage of these loops for the arched hanger. I used 24 gauge red craft wire and some assorted red, white, and green beads. I started at one loop and twisted the wire to secure it. From there I started weaving, twisting, and adding beads. I used a couple of pieces of wire so I could get some cute spirals along the way. You could make the wire arch a bit larger and hang the ornament on a door.

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Holiday Pendant Tutorial, Holiday Project #7

2011-11-19T17:02:00.001-05:00

Holly Pendant

Supplies:
Ceramic Holly Pendant
4 assorted red and green accent beads
2 brass 2 inch headpins
1 10mm brass jump ring
1 brass chain necklace

Instructions:
1. String a red and a green bead onto a headpin. Just above the bead make a simple wire loop, trim excess wire and set aside.
2. Repeat step one to make a second beaded dangle.
3. Open up the jump ring and string the pendant, the two beaded dangles, and the chain on. Close the jump ring.

25% off all Etsy shop and Website purchases this weekend. Enter thankful25 in the coupon box. Sale ends midnight, Sunday Nov. 20th.

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Ornament How-To

2011-11-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

Hello, Hello,

I wanted to show you an easy ornament that I love to make using my holiday pendants. I used 18 gauge silver craft wire and made a spiral at one end. I sent the wire through the pendant hole so the spiral is on top, bent the wire upwards, and slid a bead on. I could then use my round nose pliers to make a larger spiral at the other end for the hanger.

Can't be a five minute project, eh? I just added a hole bunch of holiday pendants to the Etsy shop this morning. You can find them in the Jennifer Jangles web store as well.

Happy Holidays,
Jennifer
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Christmas Things

2011-11-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

Hey, Hey!

How did it become mid November? I am in the full swing of Christmas here. I have been making lots of Christmas gifts. I can't show you anything because my family reads my blog, so I was thinking I would photograph all of my gifts and then do a post Christmas post. I might be getting close to having everything made. I had also thought about banning the family from reading my blog until after the holidays. Not sure which one I will go with.

I snapped a few photos of last weeks Holiday Project hanging on my trees at the studio. I need to string up another garland for my mantle at home. I might start on it this weekend. I will be working on my outdoor light display this weekend as well. Now I don't turn it on until after Thanksgiving, but I like to get it all hooked up before. every year we try to make it look big but our front yard is down in a valley in the woods so when you drive by on the street it always looks small. We freak my dad out because he can't believe we have some many plugs going into one socket, yes, I am a bit like Clark Griswald.

"Is your house on fire, Clark? No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights."

I'm still trying to talk Nik into the 15 foot tall blow up Santa for our yard that I saw at Lowes last week. I really think that would make the yard look better. I also want one of those old plastic blow mold Santa and reindeer sets. I just keep thinking that I will come across some one willing to give me theirs that's been in their attic for years. They used to be really popular.

Okay, enough dreaming of Christmas lights. What's on your list today?

I will be painting more mugs and some beads for an upcoming project.

Have a great day,
Jennifer

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Holiday Project #6, Bead Garland

2011-11-12T07:30:00.001-05:00

Materials Needed:
1.5cm-2cm felt balls in assorted colors
1.5cm-2cm wood beads in assorted colors
Size 6 seed beads in assorted colors
Upholstery thread
Needle
12" 18 gauge craft wire

Instructions:
1. Cut the craft wire in to two 6 inch pieces. Make two wire scrolls with a pair of needle nose pliers.These will be the hooks to attach the garland to the tree. Once made, set them aside.
2. Leaving your thread on the spool, thread the needle and pull about 12" of excess thread through the hole.
3. Begin by stringing a felt ball onto the thread. Next string approximately 7 inches of seed beads.
4. Continue by string a wood bead, follow with another seven inches of seed beads, and then a felt ball.
5. As the thread fills up with beads, unroll a little more thread and slide the beads further down the thread. Follow the previous pattern to string as long of a garland as you would like.
6. Tie the needle end of the thread to the end of a wire scroll. Slide the strung beads up so they are snug against the wire. Tie the remaining end of the garland to the second scroll. Trim any lose threads.

Holiday Tree Garland

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Ask Me Anything

2011-11-11T10:03:00.001-05:00

This weeks question comes from Teri at S&T Creations

How do smaller jewelry makers locate and develop relationships for wholesale purchases? I know some places where I can get good "deals" and we do have a Tax ID for wholesale, which helps.

But I'd love to find those unusual, out of the way, different sources for the unusual beads that are so striking. I see them at bead shows. I know companies can source for wholesale vendors who can buy 100 strands of the same bead, but what about us little guys????

Hi Teri! Thanks for the great question, here's what I know about buying beads for wholesale prices for designing and reselling.

First of all, you can usually buy artist made beads at wholesale prices pretty easily. Most artists will have a wholesale policy that varies a little. There is usually an initial amount that you need to purchase for the discount. It might seem like a large amount of money at first, but if you are designing and selling jewelry, you want to make a statement with what you are selling. So buying a larger amount should be better for your sales. I know with my wholesale policy, you only have to spend the larger amount once and then you can buy smaller amounts to fill in when you sell what you have.

As for strands of glass, wood etc beads. The people who get the best prices actually travel to India, China, or where ever the beads are manufactured. They buy direct from the manufacturers. You have to buy a lot of beads to make a trip to India pay off. Your next best bet is a wholesale only show. Sometimes there are minimum quantities and other times there are no minimums. You must register with the show to attend. This means providing resale information. The Atlanta gift mart has a supply section for retailers and other marts around the country. There are also shows like the Gem and Lapidary Wholesale Shows. These are held at certain times of the year all over the country.

You can find Teri's blog here,
Borntobewornjewelry.wordpress.com

I am taking questions for next weeks and future posts. If you have a question you would like answered by me, e-mail me (jennifer (at) jangles (dot) net) with the subject line, "Ask Me Anything". Leave me a link in the message as well if you have a blog, website, or Etsy shop.

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Christmas

2011-11-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or do the holidays seem to be coming on really fast this year? I know I am always an early celebrator, but I am usually the only one. I've seen houses with lights up already, sales are starting at the stores... Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it, I just am concerned people will loose their enthusiasm by the time the actual holiday rolls around. What if no one is out shopping on the day before the night before Christmas? It's tradition in my family to go shopping on that day whether you need anything or not. We, well I, like to be out in all of the crazy-ness that day.

If you haven't wrapped your gifts yet....ha ha....you haven't have you? Here is the link to print out gift cards for your presents.

And for me, please save a little to do at the last minute...

Jennifer

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Inside The Creative Studio Interview with Mark Lipinski

2011-11-08T12:06:00.000-05:00

Exciting News! I told you about the book Inside The Creative Studio awhile ago, well it comes out this month. My home studio is in the book. Mark Lipinski is dedicating one of his Creative Mojo podcasts to this book. He's got a line up of artists that I am pretty honored to be included with. You can got here and find out more about the show. You can listen live from 3-5pm EST tomorrow Wednesday the 9th. If you can't listen then, you can always listen at a later date at his site.

I have to admit I am a little nervous, the show is live,...forgive me if I say something stupid.

Here are a few more photos from my home studio.

I don't show this studio much because I have my new studio. I still work in this one, this is where I sew, design, and paint. My new studio is where I make and glaze all of my buttons, beads, and pottery. For some of my new blog readers, here are some photos of studio number two.

And if you're thinking you've seen Mark Lipinski on my blog before... you're right, here he is with my mom at Quilt Market.....well kind of.

Have a great day!
Jennifer
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Stuffed Christmas Trees Tutorial, Holiday Project #5

2011-11-06T07:29:00.001-05:00

Supplies needed for tree:
2 7" x 7" squares of fabric
ceramic star button
6-8 wood disc beads approximately 8-10mm
6-8 size 6 seed beads
needle and thread
fiber fill

Instructions:
1. With your free Jennifer Jangles tree pattern, cut out two trees from the fabric.
2. With right sides facing sew around the outside of the tree, leaving a 2 inch opening at the bottom for turning. (1/4" seam allowance is included in pattern piece.)
3. Clip the edges up to the seam on all of the curves. Turn the tree right side out.
4. Fill the tree with fiberfill.
5. At this point you will need to decide if you are making an ornament or a standing tree. If the tree will become an ornament, then fold a piece of ribbon in half and insert it into the opening for the trunk. Handstitch the opening closed, making sure to attach the trunk as well. If the tree will be standing, insert the dowel into the fiberfill approximately three inches. (See below for base instructions.) Hand stitch the opening closed with a needle and thread, taking care that the dowel stays in the center of the tree.
6. Sew the star button to the top of the tree and an ornament loop of the tree will be an ornament.
7. Sew the "ornaments" onto the tree by bringing your needle up from the back of the tree to the front. Thread a disc onto the needle and then a seed bead. Go back through the disc with the needle and into the stuffed tree. Sew on all of the beads with this method.

Bases for the standing trees could be made from just about anything heavy. Here I used a childs wood block and a dowel rod that I painted. I drilled a hole approximately half way down the center of the block. The hole was just a bit bigger than the dowel. I used my hot glue gun to secure the rod into place. A tiny flower pot with clay would be another easy way to secure the dowel.

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Free Gift Cards

2011-11-02T07:12:00.000-04:00

I know you most likely haven't started wrapping your holiday gifts. If you're like me you want until the trees up so you have somewhere to put the presents once they are wrapped. I thought I would put up my free printable gift card pdf now so just in case there are any early birds out there, you get a chance to use the gifts cards as well. If you click here the pdf file will pop up and you can print these cards on a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock. Cut them apart and you've got cards and for free, yipee!

Happy Holidays!
Jennifer
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Opening a Gallery, Part Four, Getting Customers

2011-10-31T07:51:00.000-04:00

Once you have your store ready to open you'll need customers. By now you have spent most, if not all, of your budget getting the space ready. If you were smart and everything went as planned(it never does) then you would have money set aside for advertising in the local papers, radio,etc.

But if you are like me and most others by now you have spent it all. Here are some ways to get started that don't cost much, if anything.

1. Get a blog. I blog here. I post pictures of the store often as well as new products. Nobody wants to read a blog that is all advertising so make sure you add personal stories, what you working, behind the scenes stuff and more. My blog is pretty much my open journal of my life, which also includes running a gallery.

2. Get a Facebook page. This is great for getting the local folks to know what's going on. I am planning classes for fall and my Facebook page is where I will keep a current schedule, announce open houses, sales, and events.

3. Send out a press release. Newspapers and magazines need stories to write about. Send out a disc of photos and a letter stating that you are open and what you will be selling and providing.

4. Look for local charities, teams, or clubs to support through your business. Being kind goes a long way.

5. Have classes, people love to learn new techniques. That was my number one request when I opened the doors. I now have classes scheduled to start in September.

6. Have a grand opening. This one, I unfortunately never did. I never could fit one in. I am planning a series of open houses with special events in the fall.

Good luck! I hope I have provided some insight to opening a gallery. A lot of this information can be used for starting any kind of business. Good luck in all of your business adventures.

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Easy Gift Letter Bookmark, Holiday Project #4

2011-10-29T07:27:00.000-04:00

Supplies:
1 letter bead
1 2" headpin
accent bead or beads
1 silver plated bookmark
round nose pliers
chain nose pliers

Instructions:

Begin by stringing your headpin with an accent bead.

Make a simple wire loop and hook it onto the wire loops of the link bead. Close the loop and trim the excess wire.

Open the jump ring included on your bookmark, string the jump ring through the hole of the ceramic letter bead.

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Letter Charms and a Sale

2011-10-27T07:49:00.000-04:00

Hello!

How is everyone out there in blogland? I hope good. I need to take some studio pictures to show you what I have been up to. Yesterday I painted ornaments all day. It was fun. I think this weekend I am going to start working on holiday decorations in the gallery. I need to get some holiday music too, is it too early for that? I might need to wait a few weeks for it.

This weeks holiday project is personalized bookmarks. I made these snazzy new letter charms for personalizing gifts and your own things. I made this necklace with a J charm on it. I also made a zipper pull. My boys are going to have these on there back packs soon.

I guess I am just going to go ahead and give away all the secrets of this weeks newsletter in this blog post. Leave me a comment here and you will be entered to win a bookmark supplies kit to make your own.

Also, I am having a big ol sale in the Etsy shop all week. Ten percent off starting right now and running until Wednesday Nov 2nd. Enter the code news4 in the coupon box before checkout. I won't be adding anything else to the shop this week so shop early and get what you want.

Have a great day!
Jennifer
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Opening A Gallery, Part Three, The Fun Part

2011-10-24T07:53:00.000-04:00

This is my third post in my Opening a Gallery Series. This is what I think is the fun part of owning a gallery. What to sell and how to display it. It is more challenging than I expected. I like to make everything. I am still finding out that sometimes you have to buy displays and products, let me explain...

I started out making absolutely everything in my gallery. Painted pottery, wall hangings, ornaments, jewelry, etc. Seemed like a great idea at the time but first of all I found that folks coming into my store were crafty. They were buying buttons, fabric, and beads to make things of their own. I found that customers wanted beading wire and clasps to string a necklace. Hmm, I couldn't make that. When you are providing things for your customers you can't just provide what you want and make. Since opening I have added beading necessities, accent beads, trims, and embellishments to compliment my work. And as a side note the gallery is expanding as we speak and I am going to have even more, unique supplies to go with my work. You will find your customers will guide you to what they want. You will then know what to provide.

Displays are another thing I wanted to make. First of all not to look like every other stores and second to save money. No one wants to spend money on displays. You can see some of the pieces I built here and here. Sometimes though it's best to display things on a spinner rack. You don't want your display to over power what your selling.

Once you get everything made, bought, priced, tagged, displayed....

You are ready to open for business. I have one more post in the Opening a Gallery series and it's about getting customers.
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Dangly Jangly Earrings Tutorial, Holiday Project #3

2011-10-22T07:22:00.000-04:00

Supplies Needed:
2    ceramic stacker discs
2    5mm x 7mm faceted glass beads
6    size six seed beads
2    10mm bead caps
6    2 inch headpins
2    3 inch eye pins
2    6mm silver spacers
2    ear wires

Instructions:
1. Start by stringing a seed bead onto a headpin. Make a simple wire loop at the top and trim excess wire. Repeat this process for the remaining five seed beads and headpins.
2. Open up the end of one of the eye pins and string on three of the simple wire loop that you just completed. Close the pin and set aside. Open the second eye pin and string the three remaining headpins with loops onto the pin and close.
3. String the ceramic bead, bead cap, faceted bead, and then silver spacer onto the eyepin in that order. Make a simple wire loop at the top and trim the excess wire.
4. Repeat step three on for the second pair.
5. Attach the and ear wire on each earring and your earrings are complete.

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Holiday Treat Jars

2011-10-21T07:51:00.000-04:00

Supplies Needed:

One Ceramic Good Things Tag
Scraps or Fabric, Felt or Ribbon
Double Sided Tape

Instructions: I use double sided tape to adhere the fabric and felt pieces to the jars. Ribbons and strings can be tied, leaving a small knot or a bow at the back of the jar. The snowflake was hung off the ribbon with a jump ring.

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Ask Me Anything

2011-10-20T09:30:00.001-04:00

Hey, Hey, Here we go for the second ever "Ask Me Anything" posts. I have gotten some great questions, keep them coming, I plan to keep answering them.

This weeks question is from Susan, She Asks...

Hi Jennifer - I have been a big fan of your work for several years. You always seem to have new products/ideas and I am interested in your creative process - how you keep your creative muse charged up? How do you take it to the next level and be an innovative as you obviously are? If and when you have "creator's block," how do you move beyond it? Finally, any chance that you might come to Canada someday so your fans north of the border could meet you in person?

Looking forward to seeing what lovely surprises you will come up with next.

Jennifer Answers: Hi Susan, thanks for the great questions. So let's see, where should I even start? First of all, I am pretty much inspired to do or make something all of the time. There are not enough hours in the day to make all I would want to. I was in high school when I first really got into ceramics. I found my medium and everything I look at I ask myself, "could that be done in clay?". I think in clay. For instance when toggles started showing up in jewelry ten years or so ago, I saw a silver one and thought, I can make one of those in clay and I did. Every week when I am firing my kilns with orders of buttons and beads I almost always have something new in the kiln. It always fun to be waiting to see how something new is going to turn out. I am never afraid of just trying something, I learn from doing.

Now that being said, I have been wanting to do some needlework projects for myself when I'm not working and I am finding it hard to get started. You can't grab and hour when you have it and then all of a sudden be creative. Or at least I can't. I think I have mentioned my monthly "meetings" I have. It's just me at a coffee shop without any computers, telephones, or projects that need to be finished. It's me and my notebooks. My meetings consist of list making and planning, but also doodling and coming up with new ideas. No pressure just a few hours of doodling. That way when I do have some time I have a notebook of ideas and I can pull from it. My creative thinking already took place now I can take what little time I have and start working.

One more thing, that I think helps me stay charged is traveling. First of all I always take a project for the car, I find limited supplies in a box instead of everything I have in my studio helps me focus and not get overwhelmed. Plus having hours in the car with really nothing else to do is perfect. As a side note, my husband doesn't like my driving and he's not good at sitting still in the passenger seat so I am pretty lucky to not have to be behind the steering wheel much. :) The other way travel helps, is it just gets me out of the usual, I see new things. And when I say travel, I mean driving to Indiana to see our family or camping at the beach...nothing glamorous.

As for coming to Canada, I would love to but no plans in the future as far as I can see, designing has been keeping me at home and not on the road as much as I used to be.

Thanks again Susan!

Got a questions for me?
I am taking questions for next weeks and future posts. If you have a question you would like answered by me, e-mail me (jennifer (at) jangles (dot) net) with the subject line, "Ask Me Anything". Leave me a link in the message as well if you have a blog, website, or Etsy shop. If your question is chosen I will send you one of my ceramic beads or pendants as a thank you for participating.

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Halloween

2011-10-18T06:18:00.006-04:00

Getting ready for Halloween around here... I just added a bunch of Halloween gifts, jewelry, and pottery to the Etsy shop, woot, woot!
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Opening A Gallery, Part Two, Your Look

2011-10-17T07:54:00.000-04:00

Hi there, I spoke in my last post about obtaining a gallery space. I moved in and didn't open the gallery portion until three months later. My top priority was getting the studio part of the space up and running. It was a lot of work getting tables, equipment, and storage in the right place for working. Once things were running as smoothly as possible, I could focus more on the store.

Your store needs a "look". That look encompasses your logo, your sign, your bags, your work, your displays, etc. If you're starting from scratch this is probably a lot to think about. If you are already making jewelry to sell than your work most likely, already has a feel. You'll most likely want to expand on that. My work is bright and whimsical. I always have some lime green, black, and white in it somewhere. I wanted the work to be the focus in the gallery not the walls. I choose to go with a light blue-ish purple for the walls, of course a black and white checkered floor, and lime green accents.

My signage is all black, white, and green as well.

My bags, tissue, and tags are the same too.

See where I am going with this post?

Pick two or three colors and use them consistently. Pick a font and use it again ad again. Get a logo and use it again and again.

Consistency is the key to getting customers to know your work and your style. It also shows that you are stable for a lack of better words. Customers want to know when they come shop with you that they will be able to get the same thing again and again.

Stay tuned for more....
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Zipper Pull Tutorial, Holiday Project #2

2011-10-15T07:39:00.002-04:00

Supplies Needed for Flower Pull:
1 ceramic flower bead
4 assorted accent beads
2 silver inch silver headpin
10mm silver spring ring
1 lobster claw clasp

Instructions:
1. String a small bead onto the headpin followed by the ceramic flower.
2. Just above the flower make a simple wire loop. Trim any excess wire.
3. String the remaining accent beads in desired order and make a simple wire loop at the top. Trim excess wire.
4. Slide both loops of the charms you just made onto the spring ring. Note* If you use jump rings when you pull the zipper, it will most likely open, spring rings will stay closed.
5. Slide the clasp onto the jump ring as well.
6. Clip the clasp onto your zipper and enjoy!

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Zipper Pulls and My New Boots

2011-10-13T10:27:00.002-04:00

Hello!
My second Holiday Project went out today! Time is flying by. The project in the letter today was an easy how to for making zipper pulls. I have found myself making a lot for gifts.

I have a few for my boys on their backpacks. I put one on this bag that I sewed. And my favorite pair of pulls so far....they are on my new boots. I couldn't pass up those red zippers! So of course I jangled them up a bit more with some pulls. I wore them out last week and they were a hit with the beads.

Leave me a comment and you could be the winner of your own zipper pull making kit.

Tune into the newsletter next week to see who the winner is and to get the how-to on Holiday Project three.
Have a great day,
Jennifer
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Fall Things

2011-10-12T08:04:00.001-04:00

Good Morning! I guess I shouldn't say that because you could be reading this blog post at anytime. I just happen to be writing this at 7:00 AM while drinking my peppermint mocha. Yep, I start my peppermint mochas as soon as I start my holiday projects. Number two is coming to your inbox tomorrow!

We here at the Heynen's are all decked out for Halloween. I took so pictures but they were so fuzzy so unfortunately you'll have to imagine all of the decorations. I'm not a hug Halloween person but my mom has brought us a new decoration or two or three since the boys were little. Let's just say the porch is covered. I can't talk about this without a photo...here is a not so bad one...

We also have bugs crawling up our house, thanks to Martha Stewart.

Anyway, we are ready. We also have our pumpkins. I got one myself this year. It is green and bumpy, unfortunately it is starting to turn orange. I really want it to stay green. We have had the rule since I was a child that you could get as big of a pumpkin as you wanted, you just had to carry it yourself. Well, that back fired on Nik and I this year. Birk is a big guy for his age and he carried the big pumpkin at the top. It weighed in at 28 pounds, not bad for an eight year old. Fletcher wanted a teeny tiny pumpkin but I talked him into a nine pounder so he could carve it.

Speaking of kids, I have to show you these pictures of what they made in class. Sorry if you are bored with the kids clay class pictures, but I am in love with everything they do.

Last week they made self portraits...

Happy Fall!
Jennifer
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Opening A Gallery, Part One, The First Steps

2011-10-10T07:54:00.001-04:00

Heather asked me to do a series of posts on opening a gallery over at the Art Bead Scene Blog. At first I was a bit hesitant to do this. I have felt out of my element this past year getting it up and running. I have a much better grip on things now and am ready to take you on the journey of opening a small gallery. By no way am I an expert, this is just my experience.

I found everyone has a different approach, ideas, and circumstances. My gallery idea has been in the back of my head for about ten years. There was a jewelry artist in my college town that got too big for her house. She rented a space downtown and worked and sold her work in the space. She told me that she paid for the space with her walk in sales. I thought that would be the perfect situation. With kids, moving, etc, the time was never right to take the leap. I did know that one of these days the time would just be right.

It came last year when I had taken over the studio, garage, rec room, and more with button making. I had two employees and craziness in my house. That's when I knew it was the time. I started looking for a space. There are many different ways to look at spaces. Before you commit to one, you have to consider some things;

1. How much can you afford? You won't automatically have customers, you'll have to advertise, work on your orders and show that you are already committed too, etc. I chose to rent something I could afford without much walk in business.

2. Are you in an area that will have walk in business? Will you have open houses? How will you get customers? You can spend more money and be in a prime location, if your goal is to support yourself mostly by local sales then spend the money to be in a prime location. If you're hoping to have a few open house a year then go off the beaten path and save some rent money.

3. How many customers do you want? Remember customers will need help selecting items, checking out, etc. Make sure you have enough time in your day to add service in.

4. Don't forget you'll need rental insurance, electricity, phone, water, internet, and signage. Make sure to add them in to your budget.

It is a lot to think about. I did a lot of "shopping research" at stores around town. I would see how many customers folks had in stores, what kinds of items were being sold, and how things were being displayed. I also asked a lot of questions, people are usually very generous with there information.

I happen to live in an area where the arts are appreciated. There is a fantastic yarn store down the road, and art gallery around the corner, many local potters, and a fabulous art center. It's not a very big town, but I felt more comfortable in a smaller place. I did make sure I wasn't going to be selling anything that stores were already selling, that's not good for anyone. You want to have something different to offer.

I ended up finding a store that was just a block off of main street. I don't have a prime location but I am in an easy to find spot. This way I could afford more space than I would have been able to in a prime location.

While you're doing your research to see if you should open a store another valuable experience that has helped me immensely is retail experience. Make sure that you have worked in retail. I have worked a lot of retail from high school until I started my business. I have worked for large and small stores. I have been able to think back about how things were done in these stores and tweak it to fit my gallery. If you haven't worked retail get out there and volunteer to work in store! You will be so thankful you did.

Once you have taken the plunge and signed a lease, the list of things to do becomes very long. First of all check with your city on zoning, signage, and permits. Every place will be different. I had to get a local business permit, stand up and tell the city my plans at a council meeting to be approved, draw out my signage and have it approved, and prove that I was insured to my landlord. Whew...

After ALL of those things are out of the way, start moving in, I will be back soon with another post with your look, what to sell, and more.

Have a great day,
Jennifer

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Believe Necklace Tutorial, Holiday Project #1

2011-10-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

Supplies Needed:
1 Believe Ceramic Link
3 assorted Holiday Charms
2 red 6mm faceted Czech beads
1 yard red organza ribbon
1 yard lime organza ribbon
2 foldover crimps
2 head pins
3 silver 4mm jump rings

Instructions:
1. Begin by connecting a charm to each of the three bottom loops on the link with a jump ring.
2. Thread one ribbon through a top loop on the link. Tie a simple knot to secure the ribbon. Repeat with remaining ribbon on the opposite side.
3. Trim the ribbon ends to the desired length. Remember you will be tie a bow so be sure to leave extra for that.
4. String a Czech bead onto a headpin. Make a simple wire loop. Before closing it slide it onto the loop of the fold over crimp. Repeat this step for the second crimp.
5. Place the ribbon in the center of the crimp. With your chain(flat) nose pliers fold one side of the crimp over to secure the ribbon. Fold over the second side and pinch tightly. Repeat on other side.

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New Feature! and Winners

2011-10-07T08:12:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello, Whoa...big day, I am choosing three winners. I had loads of comments on both posts, thanks! I appreciate hearing from you. Trust me on this one, I promise I used the random number generator, I just don't know how to post a picture of it like all those other bloggers do.

The winner of the Holiday beads is Bev. One issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts goes to Crystal for her comment and the second issue goes to Hillary Frye for following my blog. Congratulations! E-mail me your mailing address and I will send your prize. jennifer (at) jangles (dot) net

Now on to my new blog feature!

I received an e-mail the other day from a long time follower of my blog. She wanted some business advice. I am always happy to help and it got me thinking. There are probably other readers out there that might be wondering the same thing. That's when I decided it might be fun to have a new feature in the blog...."Ask Me Anything"

"Ask Me Anything" will be a chance for you to do just that. It can be a business question, a personal question, a crafty question, you name it, I will answer it. I am going to kick off the first ever "Ask Me Anything" with Linda's question, actually she had two questions and I will answer them both below.

I am taking questions for next weeks and future posts. If you have a question you would like answered by me, e-mail me (jennifer (at) jangles (dot) net) with the subject line, "Ask Me Anything". Leave me a link in the message as well if you have a blog, website, or Etsy shop. If your question is chosen I will send you one of my ceramic beads or pendants as a thank you for participating. Here's this weeks questions....

Linda Asks: Long story short for me, I want to be a stay-at-home mom and really start taking my art seriously as a business. For example, actually getting my Etsy store stocked! I enjoy making jewelry and many other things. I just would like some advice for someone just starting out and very much in my infant stage of my business.

Jennifer Answers: If you want to make jewelry making your main income this is what I would start with. First of all start designing and don't stop. You need to find your style. It doesn't mean you can't design all types of jewelry, but the more jewelry you design, the more your style will come to the surface. A design style is important for two reasons. one is you will be able to decide where and how you need to sell your work. The second is your customers will know the style they can buy from you, they have the comfort of knowing they can return to get the same style time after time.

Once you have a style, you can look at price points, etc. This will help you decide who your target market is. If you make very glitzy, big, expensive one of a kind jewelry pieces a museum show or high end graft gallery might be what to shoot for. If it's a lower price point and more everyday casual jewelry, then you could do home shows.

There are so many avenues to sell your work. Etsy is a great start. This time of year is the perfect time to sell. People are looking for gifts. Fill your shop up, e-mail people or past customers and let them know about the shop. Start a mailing list, collect those customers names so you can let them know when you have new work. I know I love to know when my favorite artists have new work.

I did a post over the the Art Bead Scene a few months ago about what I learned when setting up my gallery. I am going to post them here over the next few weeks. A lot of this information can be translated into setting up your online store.

I hope this helps. :)

Linda Asks: Can't wait to drink a peppermint mocha out of one of your mugs either! Where do you get your peppermint syrup?

Jennifer Answers: As for the peppermint syrup, I order it online through Starbucks, it's a whole pumper of syrup so you can make them at home. I became addicted last year and started spending entirely too much money and had to come up with something better than driving to Starbucks everyday. Here's the link.

Thank you Linda for the question and the inspiration to make this a feature. Linda has an Etsy shop called DayDream Designs.

Looking forward to next weeks question....send them this way!

Have a great day,
Jennifer
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Two Give A Ways

2011-10-06T11:11:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello,

I am so excited, I just pushed the "send" buton on my first Holiday Project e-mail of the season, wahoo! It's that time of the year again. My first order of business here with this blog post is to remind you that today is the last day to comment on one or both of the previous blog posts for give-a-ways. I will be choosing all three winners tomorrow.

Here is the first post to comment on to win the above assortment of holiday beads.

The second post is here and there are two chances to win an issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts issues.

Alrighty, now that we have that business out of the way....I was planning on doing a post about fall, but the UPS man brought me something really exciting and I just have to give you a peek today. I can't wait!

It's my holiday decorations! I moved into my studio last year on December 1st and the only thing I could think about was my Christmas tree. The studio was the perfect excuse to buy a tree. At the time I really wanted a lime green tree. But the more I looked at them I realized I wanted to hang lime green things on my trees therefore, I needed another color of tree. I decided to hold off until this year. I ordered a few trees and wreathes a few months ago. They are here and I want to decorate them sooooo badly. Katie asked me how long until I would actually do it. I said, "Friday". Well, I at least have to assemble them tomorrow.

So we are in the full holiday swing here...got peppermint in my mochas, trees are going up, and the holiday projects are going out. Woot woot...

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Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts Issue Give Away

2011-10-03T11:28:00.001-04:00

Have you gotten the gifts issue of Cloth Paper Scissors yet? It came out just a few days ago. I received my copy this weekend. I am planning to make most of the projects in the magazine. I personally think it's the best issue yet, and not because I have a project in it.. But since I have a project in the magazine, I was given a couple of extra copies. I am going to give them away to you. I will tell you how you can win in a bit.

My project in the magazine was called Key Keepers. It is a key holder or dog leash holder made with wood, paint, and found objects. It's my first magazine project not using anything ceramic! Crazy eh? I was so excited to see it in the magazine and also I got five pages of pictures and instructions, boy that's a lot! The pictures as always are amazing.

Okay, I'll stop... Well hold on, I will stop in a minute. Remember these stars I was painting the other day? Those beautiful paints that I used are eco friendly, non toxic, and just darn beautiful. I sell them in the gallery and I adore using them, can you tell? I listed a few in the Etsy shop this morning. I put colors together that I thought would be pretty combinations for the Key Keepers. I listed some found object mixes as well.

While I was adding things to the Etsy shop, I added some bead mixes. I taught a jewelry making class at the gallery last week. We had a ton of fun and the students came home with a finished necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Anywho I listed some similar mixes to the shop.One mix will make all there pieces!

Okay so back to the give away. I have two magazines to give away and two ways to win. First way....leave me a comment below, tell me if you started you holiday gift making, I would love to hear. Second way to win.... follow my blog. I will choose a winner randomly from my followers.

Good luck and I will choose a winner on Friday, October 7th, the same day I choose a winner of the Holiday Beads too, yipee!

Happy Monday!

Jennifer

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What's going On

2011-09-30T07:37:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello,

Man, I have been meaning to blog all week but the batteries were dead in my camera. I could never do a post without a picture. It took me until today to remember to charge them. But now they are good to go. I quickly snapped a few shots around the studio for this post. I'm going to take more pictures later today and then I will be good to go for blogging again.

So what's up? Happy Friday...wahoo. I have been working every Saturday at the gallery for the past month but this Saturday Katie will be working. I am really happy to have the day off. Even though, I will still be dropping my boys off because they have clay class there. Here's a picture of some of their pots.....

Aren't they the cutest things ever? Lisa, the kids clay teacher, has the greatest projects planned out for them. They also made the cutest turkeys, they aren't glazed yet so I'll show you them later.

And the stars in the above pictures...they were for a customer. I always have some painted and ready to go in the gallery. But Tiffany wanted a whole row of stars for her kitchen above her windows and doors. We lined them up to see how it would look. I am ordering more stars to paint today, it looks so dang cute, I am going to need some in my house as well. Love them!

Holiday projects start next week! Yikes, Katie and I are scurrying around to get things ready. I have so many things to add to the website and Etsy shop. I am working on finishing up some projects as well. I am doing my best to be organized, you know carry my summer of organization in fall. I just know that probably in about a month it will all fall apart when the holiday rush becomes reality. I'm doing my best to stay calm until then.

I noticed over at Etsy they are having their holiday boot camp. If you're a seller of any kind needing to get ready for the holidays they have some great suggestions. Because I am crazy, I do most of the planning in July and August when things are slow.

Happy Friday and see you soon!
Jennifer

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Monday Stuff

2011-09-26T08:07:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello,

Happy Monday to you..or not, I guess it just depends if you like your Mondays. I'm not usually a Monday person, but now that I have actual store hours, I love Mondays. It's my day to stay in yoga pants and work on projects at my home studio. I am finding that Mondays are really not enough time to get it all done. At my home studio I paint, design, and sew. That's a lot to cram into one day a week. I am thinking I need to move the painting to the gallery. That way I would just be sewing and designing here. I think it would be a bit more manageable that way.

Oh...I made this new necklace above. I have been wearing it a lot lately. I took a really bad photo of me wearing it with my phone. I am loving these wood slat components. You would think they might fit you next funny, right? But they don't, they are really comfortable. Just wanted to prove that with the photo. :)

While I was at it, I thought I better make a bracelet. Here's what I came up with to match the necklace. I am really digging the wood/bright bead combo. I might need to make some more of these.

Have a good day,
Jennifer

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Sale in Etsy Shop

2011-09-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Hello! Just a quick note to let you know I just marked down a whole, and I mean whole, bunch of items in my Etsy shop. Holiday Projects start in a couple of weeks and I am making room.

I debate this with my self all of the time, so now I will ask all of you... How many items do you like to see in an Etsy shop? Are you overwhelmed when it's a lot? Or do you want more choices?

What about supplies and gifts? I am thinking about adding supplies that go along with my projects. Good or bad idea? Gifts? Too confusing?

I would love to hear what you think. Whether it's shopping in my Etsy shop or whether it's your own shop.

Thanks for your help!
Jennifer
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Today

2011-09-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

Hey, Hey,

It's raining today! I can't believe it. I don't remember the last time we had a rainy day. I like them sometimes, even though my hair is so big and frizzy because of it. There is no product that can tame it today, I will just deal.

I know that's why you stopped by my blog today, to hear about my hair troubles, hee, hee.

I've got about ten things that need to be done and I am so all over the place, none of it is getting finished. I am hoping to hunker down and get to those things today.

On my list....

1. Make the next studio classes schedule
2. Send out an e-mail newsletter
3. Add holiday work to my websites
4. Fire the kiln
5. Glaze some tiles for designing
6. Get new work in the Etsy shop
7. Design a Holiday postcard
8. Paint some ornaments
9. Work on new sewing patterns
10. Work on Holiday Newsletters

There's ten, that's enough. I will let you know how many of those I got done today, tomorrow. I really need to stop obsessing with the holiday projects. I am spending all of my time working on them so I can be prepared, and that's good. But really, there are other things that should be checked off the list first.

I am always about ten steps ahead of where I should be, does anyone else have that problem? I know my son does...I am constantly telling him to slow down. Ha! I should listen to what I am telling him. Of course, he doesn't listen to me either. He might of gotten the stubborn trait from me too. :)

Have a great day,
Jennifer
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Re-Arranging

2011-09-20T07:39:00.000-04:00

Good day!

I had a big day on Friday re-arranging the store. I wanted to get my Halloween things all together. So this is how it ended up.

Hope you can come visit sometime...
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Blog Hopping

2011-09-19T07:17:00.002-04:00

Morning,

Have you had a chance to hop around and see all of the great Bead Soup Creations? Oh my gosh, I have had so much fun hopping. I spent a ton of time yesterday hopping and I plan to do some more this morning. I want to see everyone. That's my necklace above and you can read and see more here at my original Bead Soup post.

Here are a few others that I Saw yesterday that I am in love with.

Kristi Bowman Designs

She's got a really great necklace on her blog that you'll have to go checkout.

Jess Italia Lincoln over at Vintaj made a whole slew of jewelry with her mix. I love everything she made especially this one. Go see the rest here.

Okay, last one, see this mix? You won't believe what Jana created with it. You have to see at the Stories of The Secret Garden Blog.

Enjoy you hopping,

Jennifer

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