Unique Thinking

It was a great short work week (thanks Dr. King).  I attended a workforce conference on Wednesday and Thursday as part of my Monday-Friday job. One of the speakers, whose topic was "innovation," was particularly interesting.  He was speaking more in terms of corporate innovation (think "Apple") but I found myself trying to apply some of his points to my small but satisfying jewelry business.

One of his main points focused on being "unique."  "If you're not unique, you had better be cheap!"  What he was saying (I think) is that the buying public seeks and appreciates things that are unique, and they will pay for it.  Look at the success of Lady Gaga, for example -- she is definitely unique and her uniqueness commands a large audience.

However, just being "out there" isn't the way to go, either.  Companies must find a way to be MEANINGFULLY unique.  A couple examples: Tide detergent has created "pods" to make laundry day easier (unique among its competitors and meaningful to consumers); Apple created the iPad (probably don't need to explain this one).

So, how does this translate to my little jewelry business?  I think it means I need to do my best to keep up with the design trends in the jewelry world.  Better yet, I should be creating the trends with unique designs that buyers will find meaningful.  I'm not quite sure how I will do that, but it is something I will ponder for a while.

Here are two necklaces (unique, I hope -- although I refrain from using that word to describe my jewelry -- everyone thinks their things are unique!) that I created last weekend.

Hello, again...

Obviously I have had a bit of trouble being a good blogger.  No excuses -- but interested at this point in trying again to put some new thoughts and ideas out there.

I am still Bright Ideas Jewelry and still trying to fit my fabulous hobby around work and other responsibilities.  I have enjoyed some success at a variety of shows and craft fairs since last posting -- even several sales (finally) on Etsy.  All encouraging outlets for my ever-growing stash of beads and jewelry.  I have started stamping -- not at easy as it looks, at least for me, but definitely fun.
Here are a few things added to the collection over the past few months:

Hello Again

Happy Spring!  It's been a while since I posted -- last time I was thinking about the holidays, and today I am looking at a more-than-gorgeous spring day, expecting a high of 81.  I love it!

I have been making lots of jewelry over the winter months in preparation for upcoming shows.  The first one is the annual Tulip Festival April 14, right across the street from my house!  Over the winter I became interested in stamped jewelry and have been working to perfect my skills in this area -- I will be the first to say it isn't quite as easy as it looks!  I love the idea of personalizing jewelry, commemorating special occasions, and being able to wear your thoughts for all to see. Here are a few photos:

Thinking About Christmas

Guess today's chilly weather has put me in a holiday mood, and that has me thinking about gifts.  It seems as though it gets more difficult each year to come up with new and creative gift ideas.  Being a jewelry maker, I have gifted many people in my life with my handmade jewelry, and I truly enjoy making something unique for the special people in my life.  I think about them a lot while I am working on their gift, which makes me feel even closer to them.  In effect, the gift is given to us both!

Here are a few new items I developed this weekend in a spurt of creativity!

New Shop on Bonanza

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/brightideasjewelry?utm_campaign=booth_complete&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email

Bonanza is a website similar to Etsy (handcrafted items).  Eventually, I will have all the items from Etsy also on Bonanza, a site that offers some additional features such as Rushes--short-term sales made up of multiple sellers in a collection of related categories.  A different Rush is held each day and items are discounted at least 15%.  I think it sounds like fun!  Also, buyers have the option to negotiate prices on specified items, which gives some additional flexibility when shopping.

Also, remember to check (and "like") my Facebook site -- listed as Bright Ideas Jewelry.  I have photos of the majority of my jewelry on this site, and some of these items have not found their way to Etsy or Bonanza yet, so you really get to see everything before it goes on sale publically.  Remember that many items can be customized with your choice of bead color, length, etc. Feel free to contact me through the FB site if something is calling your name! 

Thanks, and feel free to spread the word!

Kansas Winds

Saturday was the third annual Paxico Meatloaf Festival (yes, really) and my husband and I  had signed up as vendors.  We were there bright and early to set up our pop-ups and displays on the city's main street.  A thunderstorm had just passed through, so it was a little wet, but it promised to become a beautiful June day. 

It was beautiful -- but WINDY!  We tied the tents together and then tied them to street posts, and had weights all around, but our displays were no match for the Kansas wind, which gusted to 40 mph all morning.  After blowing over much of my display, including my earring stand, and after putting it all back together several times, we gave up.  My husband lost a couple of clocks and I had several damaged pieces.  Very disappointing, but a good reminder that 1) the wind always blows to some extent in Kansas and 2) outdoor shows require new thinking when it comes to wind-proof displays.

Here are a couple of new hoop earrings that survived!  Happy 4th of July to everyone!

When it rains...

We experienced one heckuva weather pattern last week, with tornadoes, baseball sized hail, near constant lightning, and absolute buckets of rain.  Fortunately, my home was not greatly affected, but sadly, several of my friends experienced damage.  One friend has been providing child care in the basement of her home.  After 7" of rain, the basement filled to the ceiling with water.  She and her family and friends spent the weekend clearing 7,000 pounds of MUD from the basement -- by shoveling it through the window!  I can't even imagine how tired (and dirty!) they must have been, and also how discouraged.

Her child care center has been completely destroyed.  Insurance will help, but won't cover all the costs of starting up again.  To help her replace supplies, toys, furnishings, etc., I would like to donate 50% of all sales from my Etsy site during the month of June to her.  Here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=brightideasjewelry

Here are a few earrings from my site, and I will be adding more this week.  Thank you for your help!