Tunnels!

Not a huge leap from the double-flared plugs I've been making, but tonight I made a pair of tunnels from bocote.





And, in an attempt to take better product photos, I made a light box:





Like all first attempts, there's room for improvement. But it's a step up from the old method.

Belated anniverary and a few resolutions

Sometime in late November or early December was the first anniversary of my venture into the retail world. Funny that it all started on a whim. Seeing a redheart pen blank at the woodworking store and thinking "That's pretty. I can make something with that." Then, after a couple years of practice, taking the big 20¢ risk to list something on Etsy.

Now here I am, a year later. The product line has expanded to include necklaces, earrings, plugs and cuff links. I have three craft fairs under my belt. One brick & mortar shop carries my work.

My business resolutions for the new year?

1. Continue to expand the line - create at least three new designs or products
2. Sell at an out-of-state craft fair
3. Get in two new retailers (b&m or web)
4. Develop a packaging identity

The year is already stepping off on the right foot. Spiffy new (to me) workshop furnishings are being installed. The first sale came in on Jan. 1. A can't wait to see what the next 364 days bring.

Cuff links

A surprising number of men stopped by my booth, so I needed something more to offer them. Cuff links were the first things that came to mind. These are made of black and white ebony, on silver-plated links.

Consignment

As the next step to total domination of the wood jewelry world, my work is now on sale at Indy Swank. Indy Swank is located in the Murphy Arts Building - 1043 Virginia Ave., in historic Fountain Square.

Less than an hour after meeting with the owner and dropping off my first batch of items, a piece sold. I have a good feeling about this.

Indieana Handicraft Exchange

My first show. Friday afternoon was a mad rush of last minute details. But it all came together nicely, there was a constant stream of customers both days and I came away with an answer to the big question - what will sell?

Lessons learned:
1) Bring plenty of unfinished pieces to work on. It's awkward trying to not stare at people while they browse.
2) Buy twice as many business cards as you think you'll need.
3) People really don't want bags for jewelry.
4) Find a better way to display the t-shirts.
5) If you're going to nervously chug water, make sure a friend is around to cover bathroom breaks.
6) Consider buying a dolly or handcart.

The copper displays were a big hit. A few people even suggested I sell those too. There's the trick, kids: Have something shiny to catch customers' eyes.

Now to prepare for the Bloomington Handmade Market - November 21.

Single color press

I took a break from being covered in sawdust to, well, get covered in different sawdust and build a single color press for screen printing. After extensive sanding and a couple coats of polyurethane, she was ready for a test run.

Good results - production time has been greatly reduced. The only downside is that placement of the image is somewhat limited. This set up didn't work so well for the horizontal chest print shown in the photos.

Earrings for non-stretched folk

Personally, I love my wooden rings and plugs. But when deciding what to make for the Indieana Handicraft Exchange, I figured some jewelry that doesn't require a size was necessary. After a few misguided steps (boo!) and the purchase of a new tool (woo-hoo!), these walnut earring were born. I also had an ah-ha moment that might speed up the process of making rings. More details on that later.