More Latest Projects!

Hope you all don't mind me sharing these -- I don't have any baby/kid pics to brag about! lol.

Finally got around to finishing a few counted cross-stitch/beaded Christmas ornaments I had started last winter. Actually, just needed to put felt on the backs of them. I love these types of projects, small and quick, and I love making Christmas ornaments! You can see more detail of the stitching and beads here.


Also made some more jewelry, but I've decided I'm not happy with this red bracelet. Being simple was ok, but there's nothing about it to make it special. I'm going to try to rework it into something better later today, but thought I'd show you all the "before" pics!



This one, however, I'm quite pleased with. I used a three-strand technique that I noticed on a handmade beaded bracelet that I had purchased. This is very different from the bracelet I bought due to the different beads so it's amazing to me how using the same technique can produce such a different result. There's three strands running through the larger twisted pink beads, and then three small rose quartz beads on each strand between the larger beads, so a total of 9 rose quartz beads, creating a cluster effect. I think it created a cool look. I might try making a necklace to go with this one.

I love the cross-stitches hun, you know I'm a fan

The bracelets are beautiful ( I actually like the red one too ).

Oh my gosh! I Love the bracelets! They look amazing!!!! I am SO not talented at crafty stuff! Great job Bethy!!

Beth, Good job! I think the bracelets are so cute!

Good job Beth!!!!
I must admit, I have tried to cross stitch and I am terrible at it!!!!! I admire anyone that can finish a project like that!!!

Love Love the jewelry!!!!!!!

PL, Lou lou -- you both are really talented at other things!

Gutter, you should take of cross-stitch again! I find it relaxing actually. Like I said, I love little projects like ornaments because they make up quickly.

I remade the red bracelet and am now much happier with it. I had to use some super-fine cord though in order to get three strands through a very narrow hole in the larger bead. As a result, the thread has virtually no stretch and I had to put a clasp on it instead.

Beth I have a big cross stitch project which I never finished, so maybe I should of bought the smaller ones, haha! I actually bought it when I was , to keep my mind off things, now i have no time, but hopefully I will sometime in the future.

And that red bracelet does look awesome now, I see what look you have in mind for your bracelets now, it's really nice!!

I made a bracelet this week for a friend that was inspired by the Java Blue pattern of Vera Bradley purses. It turned out pretty cool. I'll post a pic of it later because I just realized I haven't downloaded it off the camera yet.

I wore my green necklace and bracelet yesterday and had two different women compliment me on them! Both were quite surprised when I said I had made it, and one said that it looked like something a boutique would sell. I was pleased!

I've been toying with the idea of trying to make things to sell but feel there's just too much on eBay to be successful unless you really have a niche market to target. Besides that, I don't feel like what I'm doing is really special enough. But then i started thinking about inspirational type bracelets, kinda like what I made for myself (except that is pretty basic and even a bit cheap). I discovered a website that sells jewelry that I REALLY like. They use high-end stuff like Swavorski crystals, sterling silver bali bead and components, and most bracelets sell for about $60. I'd really like to sell for 1/2 of that, and still make a profit of course. Not sure it it's feasible.

After much consideration (and time trying to figure out specific beads/sizes of what they're using), I decided to buy one of their bracelet kits (they sell ready-made or kits) so I can truly see what I'd like to replicate. Cost me $46 to the door though.

I should get it next week and will post a pic when I assemble it. I can then more accurately research and price where to buy the beads/components and how much I'll have into each piece to determine what I can sell it for and still make money.

Beth - have you looked into Etsy?

It's a site designed just for made crafts like yours. That might be a better fit for you.
I've bought a few things on there and I love the idea of buying directly from an individual!

You may even get some cool ideas for your next project there!!!!

Hadn't heard of that site before. I'll check it out!

Maybe that's an avenue for Angel and her crystal bouquets too!

oh! I hadn't thought about that but you are so right!

A few more.....

This is the bracelet I made as a special request for a friend. It took a few versions until it became this, but I'm very pleased with the end result.



This one also had a few previous versions but my initial idea wasn't working at all. Finally found the right combo which was NOTHING like I originally intended. It was supposed to be with pinks but instead ended up with some mauve swarovski crystal pearls and some copper czech glass beads. My acu dr. saw it and said "OOOOH, cool bracelet!"


Dark red and copper. I like this one.


Nothing really special about these. I was just trying to use up some leftover beads.


Ok, I made this one but did not design it. I bought it as a kit because I wanted to see each and every bead and size that was in it -- swarovski crystals, swarovski crystal pearls, sterling silver Bali beads, and everything else including the toggle clasp is sterling silver as well. THIS is what I'd like to make and try to sell. I like the "inspirational" niche and feel if I market it towards other who are TTCing, it might just work. So now I'm trying to research my costs and determine a selling price/profit margin.


This one I purchased this weekend at my little home town's summer festival. I'm also thinking of making some based on this design. Swarovski crystals and sterling silver bali beads again along with those bigger beads. They're similar to Padora or Trollbeads but without the silver core.


Thanks for letting me be a picture hog! Suggestions on how to proceed with anything will be appreciated!

Beth,
I loved almost everyone of your bracelets. I'd see one and be like, ooh, I like this the best, then scroll down, then change my mind. They're fabulous. You're very talented. I hope you're able to get what you want out of it(money, message across, etc.). Good luck!!

Hey Beth - two of my favorite just happen to be the ones you said were nothing special!!!!!!

I LOVE all of these! I think you are doing a fabulous job!

Thank you all for your nice comments!

Since hubby worked really late last night I took the opportunity to really research where I can get my bead supplies and the cost. I'm a bit discouraged right now because my expenses on the inspirational bracelet are about $26.00. I somehow had it in my head I wanted to SELL it for that and still make a profit. I figured selling it on eBay at $40 Buy It Now and using Paypal only nets me between $5-$6. And I'm not sure how willing someone will be to spend $40. Then again, I spent $39 plus shipping on the kit -- the original maker sells them complete for $59 plus shipping.

The Bali sterling silver beads are what really killing me right now -- hard to find and expensive.

What do you think you all would pay?