Casto Creations - Elegant Jewelry Designs

Moving Day...Again!

2007-08-27T07:39:00.001-07:00

Okay...I think I've found my permanent Blogging home. Come visit me at www.castocreationsjewelry.blogspot.com. Yay!!!

Come Find Me!

2007-01-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

I've moved my blog. I'm part of a wonderful group called "Reasonable Insanity" (it's really where I belong!) and as part of this forum we get our own blogs. Come join us and check out my new blog.

Casto Creations Blog

2006-12-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

And a Happy New Year!

Give a Little, Help a LOT

2006-12-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone has heard of the tragedy in OR - James Kim was found dead today. :( His poor wife and daughters must be going through a second round of hell right now.

If everyone gives just a little bit it can make a huge difference for this family.

http://www.jamesandkati.com/

Due Diligence

2006-10-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

I love to give...I love to give gifts to friends, family, and coworkers. But I also just love to give to people who are in need. At Christmas I love to participate in my work's adopt a family program and I've gotten in trouble several times by my hubby for going overboard in spending. :) I can't help it. I grew up blessed with wonderful Christmas experiences and want everyone to experience something wonderful at least one time.

And I enjoy giving to charities...but am not always sure what charities are the best to give my money and get the most help to those in need.

But there is a website out there that evaluates thousands of charities and I will be using from now on to determine my giving patterns - Charity Navigator. They are independent and have all the nitty gritty details that I want to see - like the total overhead a charity takes from my donation.

Did you know that the American Red Cross spent over THREE BILLION dollars in the last fiscal calendar year? But did you also know that this is only a 8.5% overhead rate! That is a GREAT rate.

The Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has a 20.8% overhead. That means for every $1 you give to SBK, only $0.792 goes to the programs to help in Breast Cancer research. That's not a bad rate necessarily, but we should all be aware of how charities allocate their funds.

So give to your heart's content! :) Just be informed about the charities to whom you give.

Guys and Gals

2006-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes guys get left out of the gift giving process because it's so hard to shop for them. It's not like they wear a ton of jewelry or carry around cute purses.

But I found these great gift ideas from Acorn Studios. If you know a geeky guy, these geek inspired cuff links make a unique gift.

Acorn's Sparkly CD Clock is the perfect gift for a guy or a gal who likes unique and funky things.

And of course, what girl wouldn't want a fun, bright, and flirty belt? This belt is a must have from 2FreshPetunias and is on my wish list for sure!

Sweets for the Sweet

2006-10-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

For the holidays or just because, send someone you know a special treat.

Someone will savor these sweet cookies for Halloween! I love these Jack-o-Lantern cookies from Eternal Sunshine.

You can't eat this Amy Peter's original design necklace, but wearing a Fortune Cookie is super sweet and whoever receives it will always remember you.

And what is sweeter than Fudge!?! Carssi offers Spoon Fudge gift packs and samplers!

So many sweets! So little time!

What the Heck is Lucite?

2006-10-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

I admit it - I'm a plastic snob. Even when I first started creating jewelry I would not go near plastic beads. Those are for kids!

Little did I know!

Just as there are different qualities of gemstones, there are different types and qualities of plastic. Lucite is one of the best plastics out there and the Vintage Lucite I've been blessed to work with is just stunning.

One of my favorite suppliers of Vintage Lucite beads is called Bead'in Path. From their website describing Lucite:

"DuPont Corp. introduced lucite in 1937. Since it was more cost effective to produce than the currently used bakelite, lucite was used in production of costume jewelry as early as 1940."

I love the bright colors and wonderful shapes - some of which are available for a very limited time because they're old and not being reproduced.

"...this company had not manufactured beads or jewelry components since the late
1970’s and early 1980’s. They simply had a 10,000 + square foot room stocked
floor to ceiling with these pesky beads and hoops and cabochons ... "

I'm so glad that I found out about lucite, especially the vintage lucite at the Beadin Path. I'm still a plastic snob...but only because I will ONLY use this great quality seamless Lucite.

Santa Comes Early

2006-10-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Who needs to battle the crowds? Sit at home in your comfy clothes and check out these amazing gifts!

I might make jewelry, but this necklace made by Rachael Sudlow makes me want to buy it for myself! You won't see me recommend jewelry very often (for obvious reasons) but this one is fantastic! Maybe it's because I'm in Washington state - of perpetual rain.

And Fierce Kitten Studios has a great keychain for that illusive creative stocking stuffer.

For the coffee drinker in the family, check out these hand carved wooden spoons by Canadian Wood Crafts. I actually bought one for my hubby's birthday this year and it is fantastic! He even has righty and lefty spoons.

Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...

2006-10-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer and closer...that fun, exciting, stressful time of year when the leaves start to fall and the orange decorations come out. And amazingly, stores start stocking Christmas decorations! It's insane that decorations have started showing up earlier and earlier in the year.

If shopping for gifts makes you crazy, try stocking up early this year - and do it online! There are so many great independent artists, like myself, who have great gift items for all your gift giving needs.

I thought I'd start a few posts highlighting some of what I consider the most unique, fun, and impressive gift ideas.

I am so into purses lately - and there are some great seamstresses on Etsy. Like lulaballou.etsy.com. I like her "Messenger Sling Japanese Cherry Blossom". Her "Flea Market Fancy Purse" is adorable too!

Lucky Duck Designs offers this GREAT service to remind you of important "Ducks in a Row" gift card events and sends you the card all ready to be sent! A total steal at $25.

Fairy Essence has some fantastic items - I've got several of her pendants. She made this great journal that would be the perfect gift for anyone who loves to write down their thoughts. I also love her magnets.

Vote Your Favorite and WIN!

2006-10-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite gift finding blogs is Rare Bird Finds. They are holding the first annual "Rare Robin Awards" contest where you vote for your favorite site. You could win great prizes, including a $50 gift certificate to my shop!

They're giving away over $1,300 in prizes!

I'd love your vote.

And good luck!!!

Staying Busy

2006-09-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Craft shows are a great opportunity to make sales and meet new people. Getting ready can be stressful and exciting - as you hurry to set up you expect a rush of people into your booth and a busy day ahead.

That rarely happens. Most shows are "hurry up and wait" experiences. You rush to get everything set up perfectly and then sit there waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Some shows are better than others, but almost every show has significant slow periods - times when it gets so boring you wish you could just go home.

That's why it's always important to bring something to keep you occupied - and do NOT bring a book or magazine! I made that mistake one of my first shows. How likely would you be to enter a booth where the seller is engrossed in a good book? Not likely.

But customers are equally likely to walk on by if they see you desperately willing them into your booth with your stare - trust me, it doesn't work. It's one thing to enjoy people watching and smiling as people go by...it's a completely different thing to look desperate because people are walking by your booth.

So create your own energy by working on a project that will draw people into your booth. Make sure it's something that can be set aside or moved when you do need to focus on the customer. At my last show I brought some seed beads and a needle and got to work making a Peyote stitch bracelet. I was able to keep my hands busy and at the same time focus on customers. And since I wasn't just sitting like a lump on a log people were interested in what I was doing and it drew them in. And I finished a bracelet in between sales!

Falling off the Face of the Earth

2006-09-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

No, seriously, I haven't! But summer is slow, right? So I'm a little slow. Well, actually I've been really busy both at my full time job and with my jewelry. And I just got back from vacation - my "little" cousin just turned 21 and we celebrated for a few days in Vegas.

But I'm back and ready to get back in the swing of things. So stay tuned!

Reasonable Insanity

2006-08-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Don't let the name fool you! A new online forum is now running for all of you who love fashion, jewelry, and good company.

"Strange people, Good advice" is our motto. And aren't we all just a little strange?

Come on over and sign up. We're brand new as a forum, but together we have tons of information.

Join Us!

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls!

2006-08-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Fantastic summary article on the different types of pearls. A great and quick read. :)

http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/about-pearls.html

Pricing Nightmares

2006-08-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Does anyone LIKE to figure out how to price their work? If so, can you share your secret? I certainly don't enjoy trying to figure it out.

I think pricing is two parts subjection and one part fact. And it doesn't matter what kind of art or craft you create, pricing is just hard!

For jewelry I've heard any number of formulas to use for pricing.

Materials (X) 2
Materials (X) 3 + Hourly Wage = Retail Price
Materials (X) 2 (+) Hourly Wage = Wholesale Price
Materials (X) 2 (+) Hourly Wage (X) 2 = Retail Price
Materials (X) 3 (+) Overhead = Retail

And the list goes on. There are some people who severely undercut their work (and the work of others by pulling down the market price by only marking up materials (X) 2.

Think about all the different things that go into making high quality jewelry (or high quality anything)? There are tools, electricity, rent/mortgage for the house or office space you use, packaging, mailing, time spent on research, time spent marketing, gas to/from post office or errands...etc., etc., etc.

If you only mark up by two you are not covering all your costs. And if you are approached with a wholesale offer, can you cut your price in half and sell all your work at cost? Why in the world would you do that???

I admit, I started out pricing my work VERY low...too low. But my skills were also brand new - okay, I didn't have any skills. So when you're starting out maybe it's okay to price a little lower but you have to consider that as your skills do increase and your work gets better and better that increasing your prices may give your newfound customers some sticker shock. I know that some of mine have had wide eyed moments when looking at my newest work and updated prices.

But your work IS worth it! I cringe and get frustrated at craft shows when someone asks about a price and is *shocked* at how "high" it is. But is it really?

If I make a piece and the materials cost me $10, how much should that piece cost retail?

Well...if I only multiply materials by 2 that gets me $20. No chance for retail and no real profit when I factor in all the overhead.

If I multiply materials by 3 I'm getting a little better but if I want to sell it wholesale (at 50% which is standard) then I'm only marking up my piece by 0.5 ($10 *3 = $30 / 2 = $15 wholesale). That's only $5 over cost and definitely doesn't cover costs or an hourly wage.

If I multiply materials by 3 and add an hourly wage (we'll use $10 for this one and pretend it took me an hour) I get $40...still better than the first two, but again, think of it in retail and wholesale terms. Are you going to want to sell your piece for 50% retail at $20? That's pretty much the same as the first option and you won't cover your overhead costs.

What about (X) 2 (+) $10 wage we get $30 for a wholesale price. Take that (X) 2 and we get $60. I think that's a fair price. But if the piece is super simple or I don't feel that it can be sold for $60 I sometimes take off a few dollars or reduce my hourly wage. That's a judgement call.

This post could go on for pages! Just about the only static thing in this formula is your tangible cost for the materials. Everything else has to be calculated, weighed, judged, and determined individually.

Mind boggling!

Have We Forgotten?

2006-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was having a crappy day. Work was a pain and I'm tired. And then I see this and it puts everything in perspective.

Kevin Cosgrove - I pray he found peace.

Don't turn away. Watch it and listen and remember. And put things in perspective.

Not Built for Heat

2006-07-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

God made sure I was born in a state that rarely experiences uber-hot weather. Unfortunately, the last few days have been uber-hot. My poor doggies are miserable and can't stop panting. I wish I could pant to cool off!

It was 101 in my town on Friday. The last few days have peaked 95. Inside our living right now it is 91.5 degrees. Nope...no air conditioning. I've been stubborn. It seems ridiculous to spend money on an air conditioning unit that we only really need a couple times a year. But now I'm ready to go get one right now! If only for my poor puppies.

All that Siberian Husky fur isn't cooling. I even put out a couple bowls of just ice, which started melting immediately, and they lapped them up pretty quickly.

I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow...for the air conditioning alone! LOL

Even with the horrendous heat I managed to get a lot done. Hubby and I ripped out the guest room carpet and foam. He pulled up the boards along the walls. And then today a wonderful friend came over and suffered with me to paint the walls. We actually finished. wahoo! So now the walls are a light peach. No more green. And hubby now gets to start working on the new flooring. It is going to be so pretty when it's done.

Now if it would only cool down. I can handle 70s...but 90s, even 80s are just too much for me. I don't know how people do it who live in typically hot areas. Although I guess most folks in those areas have air conditioning. *sigh* I'm dreaming of cool air right now! :)

Insanity Reigns

2006-07-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been SO busy that your mind just can't quite focus?

I reached that point last weekend. My mother and sister in law are moving from Pennsylvania to Washington ... in less than a month! I'm very excited for them to come here. Especially because my hubby doesn't have any other family members nearby. Whereas I at least 20 members of my family here.

And while I'm super excited for them to finally get out here, I'm not so excited about the home improvements we need to do. My MIL is going to move in with us for 30 days...which I am guessing will be even longer. I don't mind that part...it's the getting ready part that is freaking me out!

The cats currently occupy our guest room...litter boxes and all. So they have to be moved to the garage. :( And then we have to replace the carpeting (it's needed it forever) so we decided to put in a wood style laminate...ourselves. *sigh*

And of course we have to paint it too. I wanted a nice light violet purple color but we settled on a light peach. Which means we have to prime it first because it's currently a bright green.

Oh, and did I mention the large wooden storage cabinets we bought recently from a coworker? She painted them white and we're stripping them back down to the natural wood. It's currently 1/10th of the way done in the middle of the garage.

And there's always my "real" job and my jewelry. The storage cabinet needs to get finished actually so that I can store some of my jewelry supplies in it. I've managed to take over the living room.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be over 90 degrees. My poor baby dogs are SO hot. Although Quinn likes the heat. It can be 120 degrees on the deck and she'll lay out there baking like a potato! Very odd Husky girl. Kodiak tries to find every ounce of shade that he can. I don't blame him.

Isn't that an adorable face? They're always cutest when they're sleeping.

So...I've vented. I really want to go make some jewelry but time has run out for my day and it's time to go to bed. It'll all start over tomorrow. :)

What Not to Do...

2006-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Do you go to art / craft shows or fairs? Do you ever see artists or crafters with items that you either could do or actually do? And do you ever walk into their booth and say "I could do that" or "that's so easy"?

If so...STOP IT!

For one thing, it's incredibly rude. It's demeaning to the person who took the time to create their items and who put a considerable effort into trying to sell their wares.

Can you tell that I had a tough weekend? I was part of an art / craft show that was part of a food festival (one of those 'Taste of' shows). Last year my sales were fairly good, but I also had a couple great customers with large purchases. This year sales were down a bit but that didn't bother me as much as the comments and behavior I witnessed.

I realize that making jewelry is a popular craft and that many talented people exist who make lovely jewelry. A lot of people make jewelry for pleasure and that's great. But it is SO frustrating to have someone come in and examine, literally holding it up to their eye to get a better detailed look, each and every piece in your booth. Getting ideas is one thing, but trying to determine how I did something is another matter.

And if you ask how much something is, please don't DROP it back on the table and say "ew". I mean, really. What you're saying is, "Your work, skill, time, talent, etc. isn't worth that much." *sigh*

But it wasn't all bad. I met some really great people who DID appreciate my work, regardless of what they thought of price. I even had one nice woman ask why something was priced as it was, so I was able to explain the detailed process, the handmade beads, and the time that goes into a piece. And after I explained it she understood and appreciated it even more.

And I did sell items ... and those who bought were aware of the quality and knew they were getting a unique and special piece of jewelry.

Plus I got to hang out with my little cousin who was a HUGE help. I couldn't have done it without her...it's tough to get bathroom breaks when you're by yourself.

These shows are super exhausting so I'm trying not to do as many this year as I did last year. I have another one in two months so that should be enough time to recover. :)

Hope everyone had a great, safe, and happy 4th of July. God Bless America!!!

Update on Animals in Need

2006-06-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

This is an update to the previous post. I am reposting this message from a person who has been working so hard (from across the ocean no less!) at getting the word out. If you can help, please do!
----------

"Paw Paw Update

Laurel, from the Paw Paw shelter, asked her boss, yesterday, for more time to find the animals homes and was granted one more week; until 1st - 2nd July, in order to allow more time to arrange transportation, for any groups willing to help them out. Laurel has been talking to many people in this past week, who have stepped up to either volunteer their time (in cross posting), or have tried to make room in their rescue centers for the dogs and she is also trying to accurately portray the full picture in her local county.

The hoarding situation came at an extremely bad time for the shelter - not that there is ever a good time!The current number of dogs they have at the shelter, from the hoarder, is 17; but a further, approx. 15 small dogs, have ‘disappeared’ (they believe that they are with an accomplice and they are trying to find her). This leaves about 10 further dogs that are unaccounted for and it is uncertain whether they ever ‘existed’. It is also possible that the dogs were miscounted, or they were let loose, to be picked up as strays.

The cat situation is worse, but has to be dealt with in a different way and they have a couple of groups lined up to help them in their efforts to contain it. Currently, these 17 dogs are in emergency housing, until they have room to gradually introduce them into the shelter. Thankfully, the stray problem in Hampshire County is not as bad as that in the surrounding counties, for some reason (Jefferson, Morgan, Mineral, Berkeley, Clark and Frederick). This could be due to their extensive efforts to actively find adoptive homes on their own, rather than solely relying on the efforts of rescue groups, which are already overburdened. However, this, obviously, frees up more time for them to spend in actively pursuing neglect, abandonment and cruelty cases.

Laurel says that people in the surrounding WV counties, call the Paw Paw shelter to report neglect, abandonment and/or cruelty in their counties, out of sheer frustration; because they are not getting any response from their local animal control division. In some counties there is no animal control division and in others, they are still referred to as 'dog wardens' and all they do is pick up strays.

The timing is unfortunate, because the summer months are the shelter's worst, for abandonment cases. People like to move during the summer and for whatever reason, they 'forget' to bring Rover along with them. A lot of people intentionally turn their dogs loose, to be picked up as strays, because they have found out that the shelter either refuses them, when they are full and/or charges a fee to take their dogs. During the hot months (and also, during the extremely cold months) they also get numerous calls about dogs that have been left outside, with no shelter, or water, in the sweltering heat and emaciated dogs, tied to boxes, covered in sores.

These calls are particularly heartbreaking, because people in Morgan county usually wait a week, or two, to call; after they've finally noticed the animal's plight. This is because no one really wants to get involved, unless they have to. So, basically, once the report is finally made regarding the animal in distress, it's usually an urgent situation that needs to be addressed immediately. This means seizure of the dog and getting it into the shelter ASAP and addressing it's physical condition with vet care; and/or providing a cool place to sleep, with regular food and water.

They then have to build a case and wait for a court date, which entails kenneling the dogs, until the court appearance, usually for about 6 - 8 weeks and/or rehabing them, until they are healthy enough to be adopted. The strays in Hampshire County are much luckier - they come to the shelter in better condition, with better temperaments and after a 5 day stray hold, are ready to find their new homes. At the moment, the shelter has 3 kennels filled with dogs awaiting court cases! These are not even hoarding cases! The past week and a half saw 2 - 3 calls every day about neglected dogs - several of them severe.

Laurel and her colleagues/volunteers go out on these calls, with aching hearts, knowing that if the dog is in a severe enough condition to seize and hold; that one of the unlucky strays at the shelter will have to be euthanized to make space for the poor soul. The shelter team have no choice, as these abused and neglected animals, desperately need to escape their current situation; so that they will not have to suffer, for one minute more.

Laurel asks everyone to please take a look at WV - Paw Paw - Hampshire County Animal Control, on www.petfinder.com and see if there is just one animal, currently listed, in danger of being put down on the weekend of 7/1 - 7/2; that they could help.Also, please could everyone continue to check the site out, every once in a while and see if there might, possibly, be another one that they could make room for? So that these poor souls get a chance at a forever home and are not denied the chance and their lives, due to the vital need to make space for an abused/neglected dog, in desperate need of safe shelter.

For kind-hearted animal lovers that want to help but are unable to rescue/foster, etc. The shelter could also use donations - in any form. Monetary donations could go towards gas (to get these guys out on a regular basis), basic vetting needs (in the form of vaccines, wormers, antibiotics, spays and neuters; to help place these guys in foster care [our biggest hold up]), crates and food (to provide to foster homes that open their doors for the emergency hold situations) - the list is endless.

Monetary donations can be made to:
Hampshire County Animal Shelter
P. O. Box 397
Springfield WV, 26763

Or, to their veterinary surgery, which is:
Cacapon Valley Medical Center
Capon Bridge, WV

Tel: 304-856-1700."

Desperate Doggies (& Kitties)

2006-06-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Oh this situation just hurts my heart. I wish I could take some of these animals in.

Can you help?

Follow this link.

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

2006-06-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

To all those dads out there...have a happy weekend.

And for all those kids and grandkids...take some time to thank your father or grandfather.

My father died when I was 8 years old of colon cancer, which had spread everywhere. I remember him waking me up at 2 a.m. He'd make me hot chocolate and toast with butter, wrapped up in a paper towel. I'd sit in the front seat of the truck half asleep as we drove to the ocean with the boat.

He was a fisheries biologist. A super smart guy. He absolutely LOVED fishing. It was his life. When I'd get bored out on the boat, he'd start bribing me with milk shakes and roller skates. I have dozens of photos of him with fish. Starting at a young age he was into nature. He even had a pet skunk!

He worked right up until his last days, even taking his IV pole in to work. I wish he had lived. Who knows how my life might have changed. Perhaps I wouldn't have been as boy crazy ... or then again ... :) I think I was pretty boy crazy even when he was alive.

So appreciate your father. He may not be perfect but at least he's yours. I hope mine is looking down from heaven on me ... and I hope he's proud of what he sees.

Rare Bird Finds

2006-06-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

I love this website! Rare Bird Finds

They find all kinds of cool items ... for you or for gifts. I found something super cool for a coworker's birthday gift...but I can't tell you what it was until after her birthday. :)

Enjoy!

Remember D-Day and Those Who Served

2006-06-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that the Coast Guard played a large role in the success of the allied invasion on D-Day. But you learn something everyday and I was directed to a website that tells about the Coasties and their role.

"Coast Guardsmen manned 99 warships and large landing vessels for Operation Neptune and dozens of smaller landing craft. The Coast Guard lost more vessels that day than on any single day during its history..."

It just reminds me how proud I am of my hubby...an ex-Coastie...for his service. And how much I love all our military men and women for their service.

Within the Sound of My Voice

2006-05-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

I had my very first interview last week with an online magazine / radio called She Unlimited. I don't know about you, but when I hear my voice played back to me I just cringe.

Click here to have a listen.

But this was so much fun. Gary was the interviewer and he was super nice. The editor also expressed interest in doing a product review for their upcoming relaunch of their website in June. I'm so excited! :)

I'm a Junkie...I admit it

2006-05-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a junkie. I'm totally hooked. To that evil box. The boob tube. I cannot be in the house without at least one television on. We have three hooked up and a spare just in case.

What is it about having the TV on? When I was in school I even studied with the TV on. And I got decent grades too. As and Bs.

And I watch the weirdest things. Who would've thought that a show about Crab Fishing would enthrall me so much. On the Discovery Channel there is a show called Deadliest Catch...I'm watching it right now (aren't you shocked?) ... I'm totally hooked on it and I have no idea why.

But then again I'm hooked on a lot of shows. That's why our new DVR (poor man's Tivo, we use Comcast's box) is great...or not so great depending on how you look at it. I'm able to tape House and Scrubs while watching Deadliest Catch. Plus I don't have to stay up late to watch Law & Order SVU.

My long list of favorites includes America's Next Top Model (stop laughing), Survivor, House, Bones (this show rocks!), Apprentice, Surface (waiting for the next season), Alias (I've got the last few seasons on DVD), CSI (the original one only), My Name is Earl, and the Office. Oh but that's not all. I also LOVE watching reruns of Seinfeld, Friends, King of Queens, That 70s Show, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Needless to say, my weekends are for catching up. There's never a whole lot of good shows on Sundays so it's either movies or DVR.

Heck, if I could get cable at my desk at work I'd have it on during the day too! Actually, I admit it...when I work at home I'm on the couch with the laptop in front of the 42 incher.

It's a little sad...okay, it's pathetic. At least I admit that I have a problem and that's the first step right?

What I've Been Up To...

2006-05-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being away so long. I was a bit preoccupied by an exciting event. Here's my very first press release:

5/12/2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Disco Fever – Sparkles of Hope for MS

Independent jewelry designer and owner of Casto Creations, Megan Casto, designs special Sparkling Crystal of Hope bracelet for celebrity charity event.

Olympia, WA May 10, 2006 – Casto Creation’s “Sparkling Crystal Hope” bracelet is chosen by Jewels and Pinstripes as an item for their “Disco Fever to Race MS” event gift bags. Celebrities gather on May 12, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, for the 13th annual “Race to Erase MS”. This year’s theme is “Disco Fever to Erase MS” and independent jewelry designer Megan Casto designed a special “Sparkling Crystal Hope” bracelet.

Handcrafted, using Swarovski™ crystals and sterling silver, this adjustable length bracelet ends with a sterling silver charm saying “Hope” for the hope that all those diagnosed with MS should have in their lives. While MS is still very much a mysterious disease, The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis raises millions of dollars for research and aid for MS. Research is ongoing and discoveries are made frequently to help unlock the clues as to a cause and a cure.

Celebrities expected to attend and receive this special bracelet at the event include Marcia Cross, Nicole Richie, Tom Arnold, Lara Flynn Boyle, Brooke Burke, Carmen Electra, Daisy Fuentes, Leeza Gibbons, Anne Heche, Jenny McCarthy, Randy Jackson, Bill Maher, Sela Ward, and more. Performances by Kool & the Gang, Sister Sledge, and Natalie Cole.

For additional information contact Megan Casto or visit www.castocreations.com. This special bracelet is available for a limited time. For each bracelet purchased in the month of May 25% of the $125 retail price is donated to The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. Accent colors available include light pink, tanzanite, and champagne. Bracelet is adjustable to fit 7 to 8 inches with a special sterling silver heart style lobster clasp.

Casto Creations is an independently woman owned business.

Contact:
Megan Casto, Owner, Designer
Casto Creations
360-701-9895
http://www.castocreations.com

Julie Kenney, Founder and President
Jewels and Pinstripes
925.462.7776
http://www.jewelsandpinstripes.com/

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And here are a couple other photos of the bracelet as I was putting together 51 of them on Sunday night.

Pile of 51 Boxed Bracelets
Inside the Organza Bag

I'll try not to be away so long next time. :)

Name That Stone - Charoite

2006-05-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Charoite. It is such a stunning stone (say that 3 times fast) with such amazing color and depth. It has an almost mother of pearl finish of irridescent design.

I seem to fall in love with stones that are fairly rare and hard to find. I managed to purchase some absolutely outstanding beads while in Tucson this year. I made a watch and earrings for someone and nothing since. Which is silly because the stones are so spectacular.

Discovered by the West in 1978 (hey, my birth year!), Charoite is found only in Russia along the Charo River. And actually, Russians are said to have discovered it as early as 1947. This part of Russia is desolate and was once a place where political prisoners were exiled. Experts aren't entirely sure why it is only found in one location, but speculate that it is due to a unique combination of unique limestone and physical conditions in the area. It's color can be white, lilac, lavender, violet, and purple. The darker the purple color and the more irridescent opal like tone the higher the quality. It really is an amazing stone.

And if you believe that stones have healing powers Charoite is said to give courage in order to overcome fears. I do like this quote though "It survived great trauma, rains, winds, heat and cold, only to become more beautiful over time." Isn't that just like life? An inspiring stone regardless.

References
The Mineral Charoite
All That Gifts
Rainbow Crystal
Gem Hut
Design Jewelry

NEVER FORGET

2006-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was in 8th grade when my love of history really took off. My interest in World War II was especially sparked when one of my teachers brought in a survivor who escaped from the death camp of Sobibor. I was enthralled, fascinated, horrified, and hooked on the history of how something like the Holocaust could take place.

Fast forward to my high school years and my family made a trip to Washington DC where we visited the Holocaust Museum. My cousins were bored to tears but I couldn't stop looking around at everything and marveling at the horror of it all. We all received "passports" of a real human being who was alive at the beginning of the Nazi reign of Germany. We were to turn a page of the passport on certain floors and "our" story would unfold. Of the 8 people in my family, none of us survived. All eight of our people were killed by the Nazis. I still have my passport all these years later.

I am shocked and slightly disgusted that nowhere did I hear that April 25 was Holocaust Remembrance day. [Of course, I have been so busy and I forgot.] Not on the radio (which I listen to all day). Not on the TV news. Nowhere. Have we forgotten? We cannot forget the horror which was implemented against people simply because they were Jews, mentally or physically disabled, Gypsies, or otherwise not good enough to deserve life.

I just recently learned that in my family history are Jews from what was once known as Prussia. I am a Christian, but for most of my adult life I have felt a deep need to learn and feel the pain that so many millions of people were forced to endure. I don't know why this issue touches me so...but it does.

Let us never forget. And let us remember this poem, which touched my heart when I first read it while visiting the Holocaust Museum...

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

Written by Pastor Martin Niemoller

Please take time to remember those who were murdered in cold blood for being less than human in the eyes of the Nazis. And remember those who currently threaten the state of Israel for the "sin" of being Jewish. And those who threaten our own way of life and who deny that the Holocaust ever occurred.

Visit Atlas Shrugs for a fabulous memorial post and current information on those who deny what happened.

And at Gates of Vienna they have a moving tribute.

NEVER AGAIN!

Great Article - What NOT to do

2006-04-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

This is a great article about things NOT to do at a craft show.

10 Mistakes to Avoid Selling Crafts

I especially like the 'Taking Negative Comments Personally' ... I actually haven't experienced any too horrible comments. I did hear a "gawdy" comment in reference to one of my pieces but that didn't bother me too horribly. I would've once thought the same thing! But tastes change and so do styles.

I've heard a suggestion to the comment "I could make that" ... I'd say, "I'm sure you could. But will you?" With a smile of course. I have gotten the comment "My (sister, aunt, daughter, mom) makes this stuff." Ouch. That one bugs me the most. But...great answer..."What shows do they do?" Most will say that their relative/friend doesn't do any shows. It pretty much puts the conversation back under your control and can steer it back toward your work.

Spreading the Love

2006-04-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since my last post. Things have been crazy busy lately and then it was my turn to grandma-sit over the weekend (she's on hospice at home and can't be left alone so we're on shifts). Hopefully this week will be less crazy.

But I thought I'd share some of my favorite online vendors.

The first one is EdieCastle...a sweet woman who makes wonderful Satin pillowcases. I bought one for myself and my husband kept trying to steal my pillow. So I had to buy him his own! LOL She makes other things too but I love these pillowcases!

Next is Canadian Wood Crafts who makes hand carved wooden items from spoons to shelves. I bought my husband a right handed coffee spoon and he really liked it. The work and detail is amazing!

Oh So Retro is a super groovy gal. I bought a fabulous fabric business card case that has gotten many compliments. Great crafts-woman-ship.

I bought my mom a handpainted silk scarf from Crrysstall. Good thing my mom doesn't read blogs! It's a gorgeous scarf.

I've purchased half a dozen things already from Martinsville Emporium...from candles to chapstick. Hubby was burning one of her candles just last night and the smell just permeated the whole room and down the hall. I love that! And I've been using my Pina Colada chapstick ever since I got it. Even her soap smells good! Our bathroom always smells yummy just from the soap.

I just love buying from indepedent artists and small businesses. It's so much more personal than heading to Target. Don't get me wrong, I love Target. But it's much more rewarding to make a purchase that means as much to me as it does to the person I'm buying from. This list is by no means exhaustive so I'm sure I'll have more Spreading the Love posts...I like the shop. :)

To Take or Not to Take

2006-04-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

This question I see coming up quite a bit. Should you take credit cards? For my first two years I did not accept credit cards...mostly because I didn't know how and a little because I was too nervous. I had quite a few customers ask if I took credit cards those first two years. I am sure that I lost some sales because I didn't.

So, last year I took the plunge and started researching how to go about accepting credit card payments. It is SO overwhelming to just do a Google search on this topic. It's nearly impossible to just start at the first link and figure it out. I searched on a couple of forums for advice and read around online.

Some people have found great success with ProPay. I have not personally worked with them, but as I understand it you can process cards over the phone at your show in about 2 minutes. Or you can process the card when you get home (after gathering all the important information at the show) using their online terminal. There is a limit to how much you can process each month.

Another person recommended 1st American Card Service who they use and said "they have low fees, no app fees, no contract term length, no cancellation fees." I've had no experience with this vendor either.

I ended up using iPayment Merchant Services...I won't even go into how I finally ended up with them but it was the long route, I assure you. I wouldn't say that they're the easiest to use, but now that I'm used to the process it makes sense to me. I take all card information manually, at shows and online. I have a terminal at home that plugs into the phone line...I punch in the information, hit send, and off it goes. And eventually money gets deposited into my checking account.

My fee is $9.95 per month plus a percentage of sales...they take a higher percentage for American Express and the lowest fees for Discover card (Visa & Mastercard are in between) but none of them are higher than 3.5% of the sale price. I know there are better fees out there but this one is also flexible enough for me. There is no minimum amount that has to be charged each month, nor is there a long contract. In fact, I could cancel at any time with no penalties.

One important thing to remember when taking credit card information...ALWAYS get a phone number. Always. I rarely ask for a driver's license number but I do always ask for the home/billing address even when taking the card in person. Make sure to check the expiration date and get the security code (3 digit number on the back of all cards except Amex where it's 4 numbers on the front).

Accepting credit cards at craft shows made a HUGE difference in sales. It always paved the way for me to get up the nerve to finally get a shopping cart on my website. But that's a whole 'nother issue.

If you have a great merchant provider let us know! :)

More Craft Show "Stuff"

2006-04-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Learning about craft shows has been a very popular subject on several forums where I participate. I'm sure that's because the summer season is going to be here faster than we realize.

One person who had some absolutely FANTASTIC insights is JOYouz from Quill Chick on Etsy. I want to give her full credit for these ideas and suggestions because they are so great.

"I love having my pocket apron at shows. It's the bib kind withvarious sizes of pockets along the bottom. I always felt better when I kept my cash (bills) in one of its pockets. I attached a ribbon to the zipper pull of a small pouch and pinned the ribboninside one of the pockets. That way I never got distracted and absently mindedly laid it down somewhere. I never invested ina cash register and have now quit doing shows."

I have invested in a small cash box. It locks and is fairly handy. I do have a bit of stress if I have to step away from my booth but so far (knock on wood) I've been just fine. I lock it and have the key on one of those cheap stretchy plastic bracelets so I keep it with me. I do like the idea of an apron though. Especially for supplies. I could keep my pen and calculator in the pockets. I tend to lose both of them.

JOYouz also made some additional supply suggestions, which I loved:

Wet Wipes / Baby Wipes
Small Screw Driver
Tape Measure
Tape (clear packing tape)

Great ideas! And even better than bringing 'stuff' is bringing a good attitude. JOYouz continues:

"Bring your best smile and be sure to make quick eye contact and nod hello to each shopper then let them browse. "If I can help you, let me know" is better than "Can I help you?"

This is a FABULOUS point. I purchased a CD on selling crafts from Bruce Baker called "Dynamic Sales and Customer Service Techniques. It is wonderful! He makes the point that you never ever ask a person a question where they can answer "No".

So, if you ask someone "Can I help you?" ... They can answer... "No Thanks...I'm just looking." How obvious is that and yet it never occurred to me! Much better, as JOYouz suggests is "If I can help you with anything, just let me know." This lets the customer know that you are there for them but they are in charge.

"Smile even when they say, "I could do that." Suppress the urge to say, "Well why didn't you?" And it is *not* considered good seller etiquette to kick 'em in the shins. :(" [Emphasis mine]

This is too funny...I haven't had *too* many people say this, but I have had a few. And another thing I've had is other jewelry people come into my booth to 'browse' for ideas. I honestly don't mind but please don't pretend to be a customer. I have shared so much with beaders who come in are honest up front. I've even written down vendors and sources for them. I appreciate honesty. But it does bug me just a tad when someone picks up a piece that I've worked really hard on and is examining it from every angle...obviously trying to see 'how' so they can go home and do it. I haven't kicked anyone in the shin...yet.

"Decide now if you are going to lower prices near the end of the day (and if you are, on what products?). Savvy buyers realize some some vendors do and may ask. Deciding ahead of time will help you avoid having to make that decision on the spot."

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. It depends on the item and it depends on the show. Generally if an item is something I've had for awhile I get tired of it (isn't that horrible!) and am more flexible on the price.

"Use it as a learning experience. Stress as little as possible. If people aren't buying, remember it all the fault of our economy and not yours. ;o) Good luck and most of all, have fun! "

I think JOYouz provides us all with some great food for thought and ideas to make our shows more successful. If you have more to add or any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Our Typical Soldier

2006-04-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with jewelry or crafting in general. My neighbor is in the Army and served a year in Iraq (thankfully now home safe and sound). My husband was in the Coast Guard. His father was in the Navy. My grandfather was an MP. And many of my husband's co-workers are former and current military...some who are or have been stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

This amazing tribute was e-mailed to me. I have no idea who wrote it or where it came from but it rings true for almost every military person I've known and met. God Bless them!
----------------

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

This is a Prayer for our military...

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq.

This can be very powerful.......Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine or Airman, prayer is the very best one.

What do you NEED at a Show?

2006-03-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

My list of supplies for shows keeps growing and growing. I always forget something. Even when I create a list, without fail I will forget at least one thing that I need. Or when I get to the show I realize that there's a new item that I need to add to my list for future needs.

So, what are some of the basic items that you really need to have on hand at a show? I'm not talking about display items or tables. I'm talking about things that you will need at one point or another during the show.

Garbage / Plastic Bags - I can't tell you how many times I have been to a show where the garbage can is ridiculously far away. Keeping your booth space clean is vitally important to maintaining a professional appearance.
Small Table / TV Tray - I use a regular tv tray, covered with a small table cloth, as a work desk at shows. It's nice and small, not taking up valuable display space, and generally is plenty big enough for writing receipts, taking money, and working on custom orders.
Calculator, Stapler, Scizzors, Pens, Tape (Scotch & Duct) - And any other office supplies you think you might need. Safety Pins and Paper Clips are also good things to have on hand (even if not for myself, I've had to loan them to fellow vendors).
Business Cards - Even if you don't plan to hand them out, having business cards is more about being professional than making more sales. I don't think I've ever had someone who's taken a business card contact me after a show. But that's not why I hand them out. It only takes one great customer who contacts you after a show to make up for all the business cards handed out to no avail. You can make your own if you're so inclined, or go to www.vistaprint.com for super inexpensive (and even free!) business cards that are great quality.
Towels / Paper Towels - I ran out of paper towels at a show once and was punished by the paper towel gods. They are great for cleaning displays (sticky kid fingers), wiping up spills, and soaking up water. I got stuck with a leaky tarp and no way to soak up the extra water. It was not fun. Regular towels work well too.
Extra Fabric / Table Clothes - Unless you wash your fabrics after each and every show (if you do...will you wash mine too!?!) you never know if a wayward stain has made an appearance without you noticing. Plus, you can use extra fabric to cover up your storage bins (if they aren't already under your tables).
Extra Supplies - No matter what you make (jewelry, clothing, candles, etc.) someone will want one of your items 'altered'. I learned the hard way that not having your tools of the trade with you can lead to lost sales. Now I carry an extra little storage container (with a nice little handle on the lid) with all my pliers, extra sterling findings, and a few extra beads (generally extra Swarovski crystal). And it has helped me gain sales.
Sign Up Sheet - Do you want to just sell at this show and then walk away with your sales until next year? Or, do you want to make sales AND make contacts? Ask people to sign up with their name, phone number, e-mail address, or physical address. If you plan to do monthly updates, let them know. I rarely send out an update more than once a month, and usually less often than that. I think we all get enough e-mails.

Have I forgotten anything? Probably. I think it's genetic. :)

The Average Show Experience - Getting Set Up

2006-03-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

Everyone's show experiences are different...that's a given. My show experience started three season's ago in 2003. As they say 'you've come long way baby'. My shows can be broken into two groups...outdoor summer shows and indoor Christmas shows.

I started doing outdoor shows just last year and boy were my eyes opened to the differences in indoor versus outdoor shows. Outdoor shows are an experience unto themselves. They require more display items, generally a tent of some sort, and more set up time. I am able to fit all my display items for indoor shows into my Rav4. For outdoor shows, I have to use the F150 and I use the bed and the all the passenger seats.

For my first outdoor show, I started setting up the night before. This helps relieve some stress because you aren't rushing around trying to get set up before the customers get there. The best investment I think I made is a handcart. I can't for the life of me find a link to the one I bought, but its handle comes out so that it can become a flat cart or an upright cart. I did find this site with lots of choices.

The second necessary item that I invested in was a canopy tent. Most higher class shows won't even let you show if you don't provide your own tent. Just be sure that your tent will fit in the space you're allotted. Setting up a tent isn't always easy. I bought mine at Costco and it requires two people to set up (or at least it does for me...I'm sure someone out there knows how to set it up by themselves). You've got the frame, the roof of the tent, and generally sides that attach to the frame. It's a workout just to get the frame up.

Being a white tarp in a sea of white tarps isn't going to help you stand out. You need to add a little extra color. Some people have big signs that attach to their tents. Having a sign with your business name also gives you more credibility. Mine isn't fancy and only cost around $50 at a local sign shop. It's a plastic material that just rolls right up and stores away easily. I also decided to go with fabric draping around the tent and in front to soften the look of the display. It looks more inviting and approachable and helps you stand out from the crowd.

But getting people to enter your booth is just the first step. You want to make sure that your display is professional and organized. I'm still working on my own setup ... it changes from show to show, but is fairly standard for both indoor and outdoor shows. The basics that I stick with however are necklace displays/easels, bracelet T-bars, and earring racks. I started out with white fabric covering my tables but added some deep wine colored table clothes on which I then put white fabric for contrast.

Height is another important factor, for both indoor and outdoor shows. Adding table height is fairly easy if you buy some PVC pipe found at any local hardware store. Four equal cuts, slid over the legs of a table can add just enough height to bring attention to your work. Don't go too high or you might run into issues with people in wheelchairs not being able to see.

These are just some of the most basic requirements for getting set up. For outdoor shows it's also a good idea to have weights (sandbags work well) to anchor your tent in case of wind. Bungie cords are great for multiple uses. Bring a couple of towels and garbage bags. I've been to some shows where the closest garbage can is too far away and keeping your booth clean is super important. It's not a bad idea to have garbage or plastic bags for indoor shows too.

Next post I'll focus on some of the smaller essential items you'll need during your show.

Craft Shows - Should You?

2006-03-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

When I first decided to sell my jewelry I had no idea where to start. I didn't consider a website at the time because I didn't have the skills or knowledge to even know how or where to start a site. So I decided to start showing my work at craft shows and bazaars. I'm not a veteran at shows or anything...I've only been doing them for three years now and there are folks out there who've been doing this for 20 years! I know that I found it a huge undertaking to start out.

Finding shows to enter was a challenge since I was starting fairly late in the season (I didn't start looking for shows until August). The bigger shows were all booked so the shows I ended up in that first year were fairly small. A couple high school and middle school shows. I found them in the newspaper because that's the only place I knew to look. Now I check on Event Lister and search online for shows in my area (I'm not big on traveling out of state).

My first show ever I had no idea what to expect. It was at a local high school and cost me $25 to enter. I took three folding tables and some fabric. I had a few display items but nothing fancy. My work was very basic since I had just started making jewelry a few months earlier. I sold $85 worth of jewelry and was on top of the world. If I did a show now and only sold that much I'd cry, but what did I know?

Now I've invested a lot more money, time, and effort into my shows and setups. The bigger and better the show, the more expensive it is to enter. The most I've paid so far in entry fees was $500 though this year I'm jurying in one that will cost me $700 if I'm accepted. Just last year I started doing outdoor shows, which meant investing in a canopy. I found one at Costco for $300 that included a really nice rolling case for travel. Although after only 3 outdoor shows the seams started to leak. During my last outdoor show for the season I got a little wet, but I'm not getting a new one...we'll just have to seal the seams.

I bought two 4 foot folding tables and a 5 foot table and raised them using PVC pipes by about a foot to have a better viewing area. I found these great table clothes on sale at Target. It's a lot of work to put together a good display. I am always tweaking my layout...every show turns out a little bit different.

Before starting shows you have to ask yourself if you're up for it. It takes a lot of energy and organization. [And a handcart. Having a handcart is an absolute must.] A show's open hours aren't the only hours you need to account for in your schedule. You have to set up and break down and travel. I have a local show that's about 5 minutes from my house and I still have to get there two hours early in order to get everything set up. I am always, always, always exhausted after a show. If it's a two day show over a weekend I almost always take that next Monday off of my 'real' job to recover.

Once the show starts it's a lot of waiting...a hurry up and wait situation. Rush, rush, rush to get everything set up and then sit (or stand) for 6 to 8 to 10 hours while the show is open and potential customers walk in and out of your booth. A great show has lots of sales and activity and makes the day go by quickly. A slow show makes time trickle on like a leaky faucet.

Can you handle all that? There's so much more to shows ... this is just a superficial overview. I'll definitely cover this again in greater detail. Any questions are welcome!

Photo Advise

2006-03-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

Actually, I probably need more advice than I can give. The most I can offer is that it is SO important to have bright and accurate photos. I can't stand looking at some of my earlier photos and scans. They were dark and slightly blurry. I shudder to remember them! And as a customer I immediately tune out bad pictures and move on to the next vendor.

I use a digital camera...An Olympia C-740 Ultra Zoom that we bought ... gosh, it must be 2 years ago now. Time flies! :)

I have no idea how to use it other than the 'auto' feature and to delete the photos I don't like. I'm sure if I took some time to read the book I might have more functionality but there isn't much hope that I'd understand it more unless someone took time to show me. I'm a hands on and visual learner.

But I still think that my photos have improved 100%...even though there's always room for improvement. It's hard to get bright sunlight in the Pacific Northwest, but whenever I find a sunny day I try to take some photos. [I'd love to get a lightbox but other things take priority right now.] Then, I download the photos from the camera and edit them in MS Office Picture Editor to crop, brighten, and compress. Then, if I want to add any borders or fun edits I use MS Picture It! Express.

Any advice on taking good photos?

What Inspires You?

2006-03-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by so many things...the nature surrounding me; the color combinations found in pillows, rugs, clothing; even wallpaper samples. But I especially find it helpful to browse other artist's work to get out of a creative slump.

Inspiration can sometimes walk a fine line between admiration and copyright infringement. I love browsing other jeweler's website and looking at their color combinations, composition, and style. However, I never copy someone else's work. That is absolutely wrong.

Whenever I hear about another artist's work being copied my pulse goes up. Did you know that there are such disgusting people out there who will copy an original design from an artist and have it mass produced overseas? I had no idea that happened until I started making jewelry. I think it's pathetic and totally without class.

But finding inspiration from another person's work can be hugely satisfying and helpful when you're in a rut. A lot of times looking at another's work helps my brain switch to a new track that I may not have thought of before. Maybe I see a different color combination that I've never thought of before. Something catches my eye and makes me think "AHA!" Now I know what I want to do!

The only time I sit with another person's work in front of me is when I'm working on a tutorial to learn a new technique, like the amazing tutorials by Eni Oken. Otherwise, the inspiring photos I browse are tucked neatly away while I'm at my work table because I want to be especially careful not to have even a hint of copying. Immitation might be the sincerest form of flattery...but it's still wrong.

So, what inspires you?

Do You ... ETSY ?

2006-03-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

If you've never visited this new fandangled site called Etsy then you are so missing out. It's amazing to realize how many talented people that are out there who don't show their work in galleries or craft shows near where you live. And here we have the answer!

Etsy is an online community for selling handcrafted items (as well as a variety of select vintage items). Items range from keychains to jewelry; from traditional paintings to wacky out there digital art; from t-shirts to purses...there seems to be a little bit of everything on Etsy.

My Etsy store is one of the (seems like) hundreds of other jewelry stores. It's definitely hard to be seen in such a large pond, but I keep plugging away. Other categories include Accessories, Paper Goods, Woodworking, Plants & Edibles, Pets, Patterns, Knitting, Housewares, and so much more.

So, if you're looking to buy something unique, one of a kind, limited edition, and handmade Etsy is your place. After all, Mother's Day will be here before you know it. Get her something no one else has!

And if you are a crafty type of person, open a shop. It takes work (nothing worth having is easy!) but it's definitely worth the effort.

Learning From Others

2006-03-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

If you've ever worked super hard on a project...or if you've ever come up with a unique idea...you know how great that makes you feel. And you know how hard it can be to share the 'how' of your idea.

Luckily, not everyone is stingy with their knowledge. Some people are amazingly kind and share their ideas with others so that others can benefit from their ideas, knowledge, and experience.

I am SO thankful that Eni Oken is one of those people!!! Because of her I have learned several different techniques. One of those was an incredibly complicated ring. I've only made one of them so far because it takes a long time. I used Pink Peruvian Opal with sterling silver wire.

But she also created a tutorial for another ring (I've been obsessed with making rings lately for some reason) that was much easier. I was able to make several in an afternoon. The Amethyst one on the right is on sale at my Etsy store. The other two IOpalized "quartz" glass and Carnelian) will be up for sale at a later date.

I am very grateful that there are people like Eni out there willing to share their gifts with the world. I've run across many 'stingy' artists out there. They don't want to share with the competition. I can understand that.

It can be frustrating when you think someone has 'stolen' your idea. But I try hard to share with people who are just starting out because someone helped me...it's my job to pass it on.

Cheers!

Finding the Right Event with Event Lister

2006-03-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

When I first started making jewelry, I made the decision to try my hand at selling my work at arts & craft shows. But I had absolutely NO idea where to find the right shows for me. I looked in the paper and did some web searches. I just didn't know how to narrow down my search.

Luckily, I ran across this wonderful service run by a great woman named Louis. It's called Event Lister. It's a database online that lists thousands of events searchable by town, zip, state, type, etc.

There are sellers and event organizers utilizing this site. If you have a show coming up, as an organizer, you can search for vendors or post your event and allow vendors to apply online. As an artisan, you can search for events in your area. You can rate events after they're over and share your experience with others.

Louis works VERY hard to make sure that all shows are decent and honestly represented. She also answers questions very quickly. She allows FREE membership for artisans, but also offers a pay service that provides more options for searches and viewing events.

Take a look. Sign up. Add your store or event and increase your visibility. :-)

Name That Stone - GASPEITE

2006-03-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite stones is Gaspeite. Pronounced Ja (as in 'jacket') - Spite, it is a beautiful, bright, apple green colored stone named for Gaspe Peninsula in Canada where it was first discovered in 1966. That mine subsequently dried up, but a new source was discovered in Western Australia near the tiny town of Widgiemooltha while mining nikel sulfide.

Gaspeite is very rare. The Australian source is now dried up and the material initially mined there has been purchased by a single gemstone dealer. That's it. There's no more...unless someone someday finds more, what's on the market now is all that's available.

Which is good and bad in my eyes. Bad because it's a really great material to work with in jewelry and it'd be nice to have more of it (at lower prices). Good because it's rare, which makes it unique and more valuable. Unique is always a good thing! But it's also generally a more expensive thing. Luckily I found a vendor selling amazing quality gaspeite last year ... but even wholesale prices were upwards of $100+ for one strand. But it is the best quality I've ever seen.

I really like THIS vendor's set stone jewelry with Gaspeite. You can see the prices are fairly high for sterling silver jewelry, but again, Gaspeite is a rare mineral. My work features Gaspeite in bead form.

I currently have one bracelet available on my website with Gaspeite and Turquoise. It's a really beautiful combination with an easy to use magnetic clasp with sterling silver safety chain.

And if you believe in the healing qualities stones supposedly have, Gaspeite is said to reduce stress, bring assurance, and increase spirituality. "Mystics believe it to help heal problems with the heart, lungs and gallbladder, and it is primarily related to the heart chakra." *

Sources:
http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/gaspeite.htm
http://ghostowntrading.safeshopper.com/2/cat2.htm?466
http://www.jewelweaver.com
http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/g.htm
http://webmineral.com/data/Gaspeite.shtml
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/carbonat/gaspeite/gaspeite.htm
http://www.yourgemologist.com/gaspeite.htm

Do you have a "Crafty" idea?

2006-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

If you have a good "crafty" idea and are up to writing some step by step instructions you could get your work published!

Eleanor of 'Craft Entrepreneur' is looking for people to write up some tutorials. I submitted my instructions on creating wire wrapped bobby pin barrettes. Her publish date is May 1, 2006. People who provide tutorials will earn a percentage of sales plus have their company information published.

If you are interested in submitting an idea and tutorial go to http://craftentrepreneur.com and e-mail Eleanor. She's really great, easy to work with, and will answer any questions you have. You can also view her Etsy shopw at www.howto.etsy.com.

Cheers!
www.castocreations.com
www.castocreations.etsy.com
www.risingstargallery.com

Purple Rainbow "Cha Cha" Bracelet

2006-03-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

I've been in a purple mood lately. That happens sometimes...I get hooked on a certain color or theme. My last 7 or 8 pieces have been various shades of purple. This is one of my favorites.

This bracelet required several long hours of hand wrapping each and every dangle with sterling silver wire. It consists of these amazingly beautiful furnace glass beads together with Swarovski crystals in different shades of purple, freshwater pearl nugget beads in deep irridescent purple, and a few unique handmade Bali sterling silver beads.

I haven't been a fan of furnace glass in the past. I'd found it to be 'cheap' looking and not my style. But when I was in Tucson for the big gem shows I found this amazing furnace glass that I couldn't take my eyes off of! And it turns out the artist lives in my state.What are the odds? :) I purchased 30 ounces of her furnace glass and when it's gone, it's gone.

If you are interested in purchasing this bracelet, it is on sale at my Etsy store. The matching earrings are free with purchase.

Visit My Etsy Store Here

Green Chalcedony Earrings on ArtByUs Auction

2006-03-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

These earrings are hand wire wrapped using sterling silver wire, green faceted Chalcedony, and Bali Sterling Silver beads. They hang down approximately 3 inches with the sterling Leverback closures. I'm happy to change them to posts or french hooks.

They are available for bidding at my ArtbyUs auction: http://www.artbyus.com/auctions.php?a=2&b=54390

The matching necklace is also up for bidding... http://www.artbyus.com/auctions.php?a=2&b=54391

You can bid or 'buy it now'.

Happy Bidding!

Welcome!

2006-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! I've finally joined the blog wagon. I read enough of them that I figured I might as well have my own.

This will be a forum mostly for showing and promoting my jewelry designs, discussing ideas, and showcasing some of my favorite vendors and fellow jewelers.

My formal website is at http://www.castocreations.com. It's just recently been redesigned with a brand new shopping cart.

Thanks for reading my first post. I am looking forward to this little experiment. :)