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.

Finally! T-shirts debut in the shop

With my favorite print so far.

Get 'em while they're hot

Two color printing

And a screen with more detail than previous attempts. Results: very favorable. T-shirts from American Apparel are on the way. They'll be up in my Etsy shop shortly after that.

Now I want to build a hinged frame holder for better registration.

Smells like burning

It took a new power tool and fire, but I finally like padauk. I might try some sort of clear coat instead of the usual wax to bring out the color.

Finished pillows

The second one did not go so well. Something went wrong with the emulsion, causing it to not set. Twice. So I got new emulsion. And applied it too heavy, causing drip bumps on the underside of the screen. That does not make for a good print. So I scraped the bumps down. Somewhere in the middle of all that, the sewing machine jammed and would not work.

But finally, they're done.

Halfway there

The finished tommy gun pillow. I haven't made a pillow since seventh grade, but my whip stitching skills are sharp thanks to countless repairs of plush dog toys.

Successful print

The screen came out okay, but with a lot of pinholes. I need to apply the emulsion better next time. The print came out very well.

Screenprinting

For the first time, I'm attempting the photo emulsion method of creating a screen. If successful, this will be part of a pillow diptych in an upcoming Craft Mafia show.

Better photography

I thought a simple white background was the best way to show off the goods, but the results were less than stellar. While browsing at an antique shop, I had the idea to use a wooden drawing figure as a model. I'm very happy with the result.

New item

Six practice pairs later, ear plugs make their debut in the shop.

Valentine's Day Procrastination Sale!

Ear plugs: Phase 4

Tried something new tonight and it worked. Less mounding at the base of the stem. Getting closer.

Olivewood

A potential customer asked about a medium-brown wood. I did a little research and decided to try olivewood. This was not what I expected. There's a wax on the stock at the store, but it's never misrepresented the finished product this much.



I like the actual result better than the expected one.

Playing with padauk

Padauk will go in the drawer with palm, waiting for a revelation of its usefulness. I love the color. I do not care for the pitting.

The good:

Smooth surface, pretty grain.

The bad:

It would be so much better without all those speckles.

I do like the new ring style. I'll work it out in a different wood.

Ear plugs: Phase 1

It started with a concave osage-orange ring that looked a lot like a large double-flared ear tunnel.



A pile of scraps on the coffee table and a desire for new jewelry lead to an attempt at ear plugs. Most wooden ear plugs are 0g and larger. My lobes are 4g. What to do...



More practice is needed before they hit the store, but they fit and are comfortable. One immediate production problem: they have a tendency to fly out of my hand during shaping, never to be found again.

Adventures in making stuff

I'm starting this blog to keep track of what worked and what didn't. To learn from anyone who cares to offer their knowledge and to teach anyone who wants to listen. To brag when I finally get it right.