One of the features at etsy is the ability to add a minigallery to your blog or website. Just as soon as I figure how to do that, I'll add the minigallery!
And stay tuned; there is more bead info brewing!

redartproductions.etsy.com

Commissioned Work

Last night I finished the revision of the revision of the - well, you get the picture. I've taken this necklace apart so many times I lost count. But I care about the intended recipient as well the one who commissioned the piece, so I want everything to be just right. I like it pretty well, but just in photographing it, I found some things I think I will probably change, that is, if I have any more (or can find any more) of the vintage light sapphire Swarovski art 5000, because the ones I used here are the last I can seem to find in my stash.

A friend of mine gets anxious when she's working on a commissione piece, and, up till now, I hadn't really experienced that. Now I can feel her pain! I have a feeling that there are still more revisions of this necklace left to make. And now of all times, when I've got Valentine's jewelry to make, and some altered art charms coming from Lisa of bostoncharm to work into some more Valentine's jewelry pieces. She does the best of the altered art images I've seen, and has been most helpful explaining the process she uses.

While doing the photography and editing today, I've had youtube going with some of Stevie Ray Vaughan's interviews and AA speeches. Not only is his music the absolute, hands-down, tops in my book, but the man and his words remain inspirational to me. 18 years gone (but who's counting?) and I still can't get enough.

You can see Lisa's work at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5260686 and at http://stores.ebay.com/CraftsCharms-Collectibles

Autumn Leaves Bracelet

E commerce and the economy

I make costume jewelry for sale, and in Nov '08 started selling online at http://justbeads.com/ and http://redartproductions.etsy.com/ - now justbeads website crashed and the economy sucks. Everyone seems unwilling to spend money. Christmas was miserly, at least in my circle. It makes it difficult for those of us who are trying to earn an income as independent artisans difficult. I don't have the answer, and I have friends in the same situation. We are all wondering what to do, where to list, will anyone still be willing to buy our work? etc.
The only thing I can think of to do, at least at a personal level, is to hang in, continue to pursue my dream, and hope that the economy stabilizes sooner rather than later. In some regard, I liken it to dealing with chronic pain. You adjust to a certain level and learn to function; then when the pain becomes worse or something else starts hurting, you initially may be stopped in your tracks, but you adjust, and begin functioning again. The economy is like that chronic pain. Right now, it's worse, but if we keep a good attitude, we'll adjust and go on with our lives, albeit with an understanding of any new limitations.
To get back on point here, I'm looking for new places to list my jewelry and in the meantime, networking more than is really comfortable for me, and uploading pics of my jewelry for sale to my webalbum, which is a public album. http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq
Yes, it has family and friends' photos on it, but nothing that isn't fit for public viewing, so who cares?