April 28, 2012 - What I've Done

As I wrap up the Four Month Blog about expanding my business, I wonder if I've over analyzed everything. It will be really interesting to see the outcome of all the work I've been doing. So far, business has improved, and I think if I put as much into my third business as I have with the first two, that would grow too. I've only recently added new merchandise to that shop.

The past four months, I've taken a hard look at my flower jewelry business. I've considered my buyer base, and adjusted my product accordingly. I've considered selling wholesale and to see if it's profitable, I've made a spreadsheet of cost of materials, including packaging, and time to create to calculate entire cost of each item. I've decided to invest in a website to have a more professional presence, and redesign my packaging for retail display. I designed a logo/watermark and re-imaged my graphics and business cards.

I really don't think I've done more than anyone running a business should do.

For the past four months, I've also been preparing to go out and get product design clients. For that, I've been working on a new Design Portfolio Website. It still needs a bit of work, like a contact form, but It will be there soon. For that, I know my clients well and know just what to put on the site, but it helped doing a little research on designing a killer online portfolio. After I designed it first time around, I did a lot of redesigning. You really can't clutter up the site with 50 tabs of all your categories. It should be clean and simple and say I'm good and I want to design for you.

I did not accomplish all I wanted to in the past four months, I didn't meet all of my goals. I will have a wrap of my goals and accomplishments, probably Monday. But I really did accomplish a lot, and I am not only pleased with my work, but the fact that I was able to post here every single day of the four months.

April 27, 2012

Another fun filed listing day today, but today, I've almost finished with my packaging design. I hope it ends up being successful. Here's what I've come up with. Two types of packaging, box or hanging display. The boxes are kraft recycled paper brown and will be stamped on top with the same pattern as the cardstock backing in the acetate pillowbox. The boxes will be brown, the cardstock will be gray and it will coordinate with my business cards.

I bought a print background stamp to use on the cardstock. I wanted the pillowbox to kind of feel like a corsage box and the faintly printed cardstock, will look kind of like the print coated tissue that florists use to wrap bouquets with. I hope it all comes together.

I wasn't sure what I should use to tag my flowers in the boxes, a business card is too big, but I've cropped them down and they work perfectly. I love how they turned out. Everything is on it's way and I should have it by next week. I can photograph the packaging and get it all together for the brochure.

I can easily assembly line stamping paper and boxes. I have a nice paper cutter too that can make quick work of cutting the cardstock inserts. And as I've said, I have a binding machine to get the brochures together.

How much more can I accomplish in 3 days?

April 22, 2012 - How I Created My Flowers

I had been making jewelry from stones, but realized that there was too much competition in that market. I tried making jewelry out of scrap fabric, because I liked the idea of recycling, but I really wanted something unique, desirable and that meant something to me personally. I'm not exactly sure what came first the flower (horse) or the fabric (cart). I guess I decided that flower jewelry would be wonderful. I really love flowers. That was one of the reasons I was hired to design Tiffany style lighting.

After I thought about flowers, I thought of material. This all really came together fairly quickly. I had a few pieces of eco felt around for experimentation. I really didn't like the texture of it. It was kind of rough and snaggy. The first flower I wanted to create was the Poppy. It was a flower easily recognized by shape alone. I had some glass rondelle shaped beads that would be perfect Poppy centers. I really didn't plan on going any further than just adding Poppy flowers to my line. 

I wanted the Poppy's to have a little shape to them, and remembered that this felt was made of plastic and that plastic can be heated and shaped. As a girl scout leader, we used to cut up certain colorful plastics and melt them in shaped metal containers to make pins and things. We also used heat to spiral curl the lanyard plastic. You coil it around a nail and dip it in boiling water. The plastic then holds it's new shape forever.

I thought that maybe if I held the felt into shape and flamed it with a lighter, it could work. It took a while to get the process exactly right. The flowers have to be flamed inside and out and shaped a certain way. The heat also made the texture of the fabric more compact and less snaggy. I used to singe them more for shading, but found that too much makes them look dirty. After I successfully made the Poppy flower, I challenged my self to the Shasta Daisy and the Bachelor Button, two more of my personal favorites. 

I worked on creating my favorite flowers like the Peony, which is a bit more complicated with several layers, and the Magnolia. But one of my real favorites would be a bit harder to accomplish. The Helleborus has lovely subtle shading and patterning on the flower. Although many flowers do, they can still be recognized by their shape alone.

I had an idea. What if I could paint the fabric with durable acrylic paint. I thought it would be best to wet the fabric flowers and paint them, so it would be more like watercolor. It took a bit of time to get the right amount of wetness, but they turned out beautifully. When they dried, I shaped them with flame and the heat set the paint perfectly.

I have recently found that my flowers can be machine washed and dried without harm. I think that the daisies with the vintage painted wood centers might not make it through the wash, but most of them would.

Since my first flower Poppies I have experimented with handmade and hand painted centers and adding the flowers to crocheted headbands and skinny scarves. Some styles have stayed and others have hit the curb. One thing I can say, is that creating these flowers, from my own process with recycled or renewable materials, gives me no end of joy.

April 19, 2012

Today was one of those days. I guess I did too much work the day before, or drank too much run (not really). I was half asleep most of the day and didn't really get much done. I did do a lot of cutting and sewing, but I should have at least worked on my website more.

I did manage to fall asleep twice during the day. I also took a long bath and made some plans for the next few weeks. I know where I want to go with my packaging for my jewelry, so I just need to find the right materials to do it. I really want to do a stamped cardstock insert in the acetate pillowbox.

I would like the inserts to look like a a bundle of flowers or just a random flower print. I think this will be the best way to do them, cost wise. I found some nice recycled paper cardstock that I can use. I was going to make my own stamp, but have not been successful yet. I have tools, maybe a carved woodblock? Not sure about that yet and I need to get cracking.

I also need to do the brochures. I just need to design a few insert pages with images, pricing and contact and I also need to make some samples. I really need to do the packaging first, because I need packaging images on the pages.

Guess that's my next big project. That and the headband photo shoot. I really need pictures on models for people to see how they look. Guess I know what I'll be doing in the next few weeks, baring catastrophe. I have a few things going on in my life that can blow out of proportion at any time. I have a son that needs surgery and a cousin that is very ill. I may need to give some attention to either one at any given time. It will put a delay on my progress, but that's OK. Family is more important than anything. There will always be time for the business later.

April 5, 2012

Today I had the opportunity to work for a good part of the day on a lot of projects. I don't get that often. I have been trying to put together some merchandise to photograph for a while, and I keep having setbacks. Granted, some of those setbacks are sales, so I can't really complain. Other setbacks are design projects that I'm getting paid for, and I can't complain about that either.

I did get a lot of photography of new items done. I have a lot more to do. And with photography, comes editing. I really like photo editing. I could do it for a living if I could find a job, but finding the time now has been difficult. I'm pretty pleased with my merchandise, but most of it really needs modeled photography. I thought I would be ready by this week, but I'm not anyhow. I still haven't crocheted my white lace headband for wedding yet.

I also made some new Bow Ties, well, not actually made, because before I got them finished, I had some interruptions. I bought some rare fabric in fat quarter that cost me $10 with shipping per fat quarter. I rarely if ever pay $10 a yard for fabric. But after cutting the fabric, I found I could get at least 10 ties out of each piece. At $20 a tie that's $120 per each $10 piece. Not all profit, because of other material costs, but still good odds. I suppose I should do a spreadsheet on cost/dollar per hour of my sewn items too.

I also came to the realization today, of what it really was that I disliked the most about my design career. There are so many people involved with your day to day work, that are basically sales people. I really don't like typical "sales people". Not that I don't sell, or have the ability to sell by con, I just don't like it. I'm pretty up front and honest, and in most cases, I don't see the need to tell stories about what you need from a person. I feel like I'm being fed stories by my client, and I really don't feel it's necessary. I think that sometimes, they are so used to playing the game, that they just don't know when to shut it off.

The thing is, I've known my client for a long time, and I really like them. Just wish they would be a little more open with the product, instead of telling me what they think I want to hear. The other issue is that I have great intuition, so I know when they're not being up front. That's my main problem I suppose. I can't be sold a line of goods from a salesman, because I know when it is a line of goods.

I guess if I want to do designs though, I'll just have to deal with it, one way or the other.

April 2, 2012

I've been beating myself over the head lately for not accomplishing all my goals by the end of the four months. I didn't loose weight (meh), I didn't finish my brochure or packaging, I didn't learn my CAD program well enough to use it exclusively for my designs and more, but I don't want to bore you too much. But I have to stop that now, because I've already done more than half of what I set out to accomplish.

Yesterday, I sold another set of brooches on my Artfire shop. In the beginning of the four months, I sat down and examined my product line. I thought to myself, what would the average buyer want. I thought I had a unique product, and I did. My asymmetrical three flower necklaces, while beautiful, are not for everyone. I thought that I should add single flower necklaces, bracelets, hairbands and brooches.

Not sure that I could make a decent profit on the new offerings, I made spreadsheets of cost of materials and time involved to make. It turned out that the cost of materials for the headbands and brooches, made them very profitable, and the labor was really not that bad. It's actually the cost of chain  and findings that is the highest, even though assembly is pretty quick.

I also noticed with my Apron shop, that your sales increase on Artfire, after you reach a certain number of sales. It's actually about 80, but recently my sales have doubled there, and I've done some off line selling. My goal is to wholesale, but adding a website and offering more product has done wonders. I've also done a little off site advertising (free) and will continue to find more venues and blogs to make offers to.

What I'm suggesting is, that if you are not doing as well as you expect, take a good hard look at your product. Sit down, have a glass of wine, take a bath, visualize your product and what you could offer. Look at what other sellers are doing. I see so many beautiful elegant earrings on Etsy that have the wrong earwires on them. It just takes a little effort to finds a simple clean elegant earwire to raise your beautiful earrings up a notch or two. You can even make your own, fairly easily, or buy from another crafter.

I was shocked at how my efforts have paid off. I've been on Artfire for almost 2 years and was about to give up and close the shop. Last month I sold twice as much jewelry as I sold Aprons/bowties on my other shop. It's a little bit of work and planning, but after all, we're not just crafters and artists, we're entrepreneurs.

March 26, 2012

It's been a very dry week for business. Life has been crazy though, so I guess that makes up for it.

I was thinking about writing again just now. I had a writing teacher that said you should never use cliches, that all of your writing should be fresh and new. He said how horrible Soap Operas were, because they are 90% cliche. At the time I thought, that's what they were supposed to be. So because of that, when I put in any cliche phrase into my writing, I think it's bad. I'm starting to rethink that one. I think it's OK to put a tiny bit of cliche into your writing. It might just be a comfortable familiar thing to the reader. Or maybe it brings the writer to the level of the reader in the reader's eye. And after all, how can you avoid a string of words in all situations.

OK enough of the writing over thinking.

I was so behind in my work, that I had to do quite a lot today (and will tomorrow too). So I planned to cut and sew and cut and shape flowers and finish my designs and send them off. I woke up in the morning to a new Vistaprint add for postcards half off. I wanted to make the cover of my mini brochure out of a small post card, so.... on top of my huge todo list, I added finishing my brochure cover. I had one almost finished so I finished it and uploaded it. It was the wrong size. I have no idea how I got the wrong template, but I did. I had to redo the whole thing. I think I might have been planning to use the bigger size, but I thought the smaller will be better now. And it will cost less.

The nice thing about the post card, is that I can also sent them as a post card. So I ordered 100 for now. They match my website and I have a binding machine, and paper cutter, so I can whip up 4 page little brochures. I'm very excited about them. I guess I'd better hurry and make my packaging, so I can take pictures and get it in my brochure and on the website. I'll have two options for wholesalers, recycled kraft box or hanging clear pillow boxes.

I've definitely taken too much time off of my project and it's time I got it in gear again.

March 24, 2012

Ack! I think the whole point of this diary was to DECIDE between my flower jewelry and my lighting design work. Well I failed miserably at two things so far. I haven't been tracking my goals and I really haven't lost weight. Considering I was pretty sick for almost two months of this thing, I did pretty well.

I was dressing to go out to a family dinner tonight and the bulging gut was very disappointing. I've decided that I really have to get rid of the heart attack fat, if nothing else. I've been walking more, but not as much. I plan on getting that fishing license and walking to the park across the street to fish. maybe I'll take some of my money and buy a bike, that will be good too. If I get any good at it, I can even bike to the Post Office, but I'd have to be really good, because we have a LOT of packages to take in. Our Post office will not pick up packages where we live.

I checked my spreadsheet of things I needed to accomplish and the dates. I did NOT do a good job. I am very behind. I should have my design website finished and my brochures made by now. The logo is holding me up. I really need to either get it or do without. I have to decide. I may do without and use the logo on my images only if I ever get it. I think I have to decide on that one this week, I need my covers printed.

I have a lot to do this week, good I'm healthy again. I'll post my progress, as usual.

March 19, 2012

I was reminded today about the whole Cinderella thing. I think I may have mentioned why the name Cinders. It has to do with being called Cinderella as a young child in the hospital. Endearing terms for an ailing child, by interns and nurses. I was a pretty sickly little kid. I spent so much time in the hospital, that when I was finally healthy, I really missed it.

I began to think of myself in terms of Cinderella and her life, even getting a stepmother and 2 step sisters. I thought that when I grew up, Prince Charming would come and rescue me (never gonna happen). I loved the birds and the little mice too.

Cinders is a combination of Cinderella and Cindy and also my favorite Hans Christian Anderson tale, the Tinderbox. And it also represents recycling to me. From the cinders (or ashes) I can make something beautiful.

I didn't finish this post last night, so some people might have gotten my post emailed without the balance of my thoughts. Not that anyone is reading this one anyhow. My life has been so hectic lately that I'm leaving out steps all over the place. I just remembered that I forgot to cancel my car insurance 2 weeks ago. No car, no need for insurance. I have quite a few more important things too, before I get to that.

I spent the day sewing and then spending time with my cousins. I didn't even have a chance to draw or work on my brochure. But at least I got all of my sewing done. Hopefully I get more finished Tuesday, but it's not looking good. My daughter's birthday is tomorrow, I have to watch her baby while she works, package my sewing, grocery shop, and make her favorite cake.

March 11, 2012

Life is funny. It's like recycling. No really. Some people can make beauty out if the dregs, while others just spend thoughtlessly and fill junkyards with their waste. Some people see the future, and some don't invest in their world.

I've been distressed because I (we) am struggling to survive. But in doing so I've learned something I forgot. I learned that homemade bread is cheaper and healthier, that you can stretch a $10 pork roast into 6 meals, and that you can make bracelets out of soda bottles. I've learned that simple is better, that a big house full of stuff serves no purpose, and that when things get tough, there are kind people who lend a hand, and Ive learned to say thank you, instead of no thank you.

Made my first batch of flower pins. Took me longer than estimated, but time will improve as I have learned a better faster way in the making. I also have some waste when I cut flowers. I found a way to use a lot of that waste on the pin backs. That makes me happy. Even though I use recycled materials and have little waste, I hate to throw any out.  

March 8, 2012

I have a plan, I work hard at it, and it works. Now that's a rare thing. I am a fairly organized person. I make spreadsheets of everything. Well not everything, but if I have comparisons to make I do. I'll make cost spreadsheets, accounting spreadsheets, product dimension spreadsheets, etc. I have a spreadsheet on all of my flowers and their cut sizes so I make them all pretty similar. So a 3 flower necklace has the chain type, and each flower size and color.

I recently made spreadsheets on the new product with time and cost so I could analyze the dollar per hour of each. I did that to see if wholesaling was a viable option and it was. Nice to know. I know most crafters don't really do that. Most just see the money coming in and don't realize what is going on until they do taxes at the end of the year. I know a lot are loosing money instead of making a profit. If they took the time to do a cost analysis, they could see which items make more and focus on those. Of course you have to sell them too.

So the plan is working, really. So far this month I had a bulk sale in my flower shop (the first at this shop) and I sold 7 product designs. This month I increased my income by just under $400, and the designs have the potential of making much more money in the future, with commission. I am so very pleased. And that is for March alone. The month isn't even half over. I have more design commissions in March that will bring income in April.

I was hoping that my plan would work, but it's really amazing how well it has. I have blogged more, designed a nice website, redesigned my blog, made updates on linked in, and made more Facebook and Twitter posts. I've also posted a few items on Pinterest, but not sure I really want to go there. I might be removing most of my boards and only posting things I am sure people want reposted. I love Pinterest, but the thought of getting sued scares me.  

March 4, 2012

My head is really spinning with all the work I'm doing. I had to spend the whole day today at a friends baby shower, but all the time I'm thinking of what I have to design and what I need to do for my flower business.

As soon as I'm done with the designs and can take a breather, I'm going to review everything I need to get ready, and look at all I've done. I'm hoping I'm pretty close to completion for my flower jewelry wholesaling. I know I have packing to complete and my brochures and of course samples. But I'm doing pretty well so far. I also need to look at blogs and websites that I can contact for promotion.

I really need to spend a bit of time on my design portfolio. I've been fairly successful with that, so I think I need to make some more contacts. I just need more hours in the day.  

March 2, 2012

I really can't believe it's March already. Hell I can't believe it's 2012. I only have 2 months left to write this diary. I'll be glad it's over, but I think I'll miss it.

I was just reading a blog post about consignment, as opposed to wholesale. I guess the thought is that on consignment, the shop hasn't made any investment in your product, and has no incentive to sell. Makes a lot of sense to me. I really hadn't even considered consignment. I've done it in the past, and although I did make some money, what I usually got was trade. Not that that's bad. I got one of my favorite shirts ever in a trade. I wore it until it fell to shreds.

But the person who wrote the post has a point. I don't think I will sell on consignment unless it is a trial, and I will make sure to get a consignment agreement.

I made nine new product designs in the past two days. Two were variations, so not as much work, but still, a lot of work in 2 days. Five of the designs were chosen to sample. If just one of them sell, it could be fantastic for me and the company I work for.

The product design is interfering with my plans for wholesaling. If this becomes a regular thing, I might have to give up on the jewelry altogether. Well, not really. At the rate I sell, I can certainly keep my shops open on Artfire. But wholesaling could be out of the picture. I might even be able to do a show or two, or a local shop or two. But not a national program.

On top of all the work, I caught a cold, and I was never really over the flu and sinus infection. I think I really need a tropical vacation.

February 28, 2012

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.” H. Jackson Browne - I needed this today. Things have just been intense and crazy lately. Lots of personal stress, and while I'm determined to get my jewelry business at a full and fruitful pace, for the first time in about four years, I'm getting contacted about design work. I guess I should post changes on Linkedin more often.

I haven't finished my design portfolio or even started trying to work on the CAD program yet and I just got an offer for design work. Freelance, but it could be steady work. It could possibly be decent income too. Funny how life just happens. I'm thinking that I might contact a few other people I've worked for and see if they're interested too.

This has been a remarkably long week already. It feels like Thursday and I just can't believe it's only Tuesday. I've been on the phone half the day today and yesterday, and I never use the phone. Life has just been surreal this week. I see a positive light at the end of the tunnel though.  

February 22, 2012

Got a lot of work done today, shipping, photography, networking and even some around the house stuff. I thought I was feeling better, but seems it's pretty good in my lungs now. I can get bronchitis, but chances of my getting pneumonia are slim as I had the pneumonia vaccination when SARS was just starting out in China and no one knew what it was. The people I worked for were ruthless and sent us even thought hey know people were dying, even in some of the factories we worked with.

Funny, I've been hearing about the factory that Apple uses in China and how employees commit suicide over working conditions. I've been in a lot of factories in China, and even the bad ones aren't that bad. I just wonder if it's more the pressure from peers and family that if they are making Apple product, they shouldn't have to be like the rest of the working class. Maybe they think it will be so much better, then when they find it's the same, they can't take it.

Yes they work 14 hour days, but that's usually with a one hour lunch and a 1 ½ hour dinner with food provided by the company. And maybe they get paid $50 a week, but they will get food and a room also. I don't know about the dorms with beds stacked 12 high though. I've never heard of anything that absurd, so maybe the conditions really weren't so great there.

Enough of that, I'm wandering again. I discovered today that I've been neglecting my bread and butter shop. I added a few new Bow Ties and noticed that I had like five aprons that I haven't listed yet. So I started listing some and have to add more later.

I was so exhausted doing the work I did, but was very pleased to finally have a semi clear mind, although I did leave the water running, over filling a gallon with filtered water, while I walked to the bus stop to pick up my grandson. I think that's how my lungs got started. Cleared out some junk that didn't belong there in the first place.

Tomorrow I hope to feel even better and will list more and have a chance to create some more flowers. I also need to get my daughters taxes done so she can get some money back soon.

February 19, 2012

I suppose it's just the flu, sinus infection, cough, headache, muscle aches and cold lasting well over 2 weeks, but I'm ready to pack it all in. I'm remembering Maslow's hierarchy of needs and my jewelry is about at the lowest rung of the need ladder. But I guess that's where marketing comes in.

I really have to create need and desire for my product, my flowers. I sometimes think it would just serve me better to do something to earn money, a little closer to base needs. If I asked my friends what they need, I know most would say money. I'm pretty good at making facsimiles, but I might go to prison for that.

So I either have to create a driving desire to possess my product or move a little closer to basic needs, like air, clothing, food, or even love, shelter, health. I know, maybe the flowers should be edible, no, maybe they can be made with like rose quartz crystals to bring love.

Oh I know, they are pretty durable, maybe they can be bath scrubbies. I'd have to mkce the centers with plastic findings instead of metal though. If they were glow in the dark, you could use them as locaters. Maybe I could make them Solar and led lighted, and they can be used for airplane landing strips.

No, I just think they should be pretty flowers that make you feel special wearing them. That is if I don't decide to do something else. Like – what do people need, not want need. People need ______. OK so maybe want – people want _______. I just need to fill in the blanks.

Oh I'm tired and I'm tired of being funny. I just want to earn enough money to live in a tiny place of my own and afford meager food. I can do so well with that. Yesterday I fed dinner to 5 mouthes on about $6 worth of food. I was so proud of myself. Pulled pork on buns and coleslaw. We actually had leftovers for lunch too. Maybe I should write about how to live on a very tight budget. That could get published.

February 18, 2012

I've been working on a crocheted baby afghan for a friend. I've been working on it for about 5 days. Mind you, this is a baby afghan. I am about to loose my mind, because it isn't finished yet. I have absolutely no patience or attention span for anything that takes over 3 days to work on. As a matter of fact I have completely remodeled kitchens in just 3-5 days including cabinets, sink, dishwasher, flooring and paint. With one extra set of hands. So much easier to hang cabinets with an extra set of hands. Although I have done them myself.

The bathroom in our house is another story. I haven't gotten it completed yet for several reasons, one of which is the money to finish it, the other is finding the right freaking caulk for the tub. So far everything has cracked and pulled away. I think I have the right stuff now. It will be nice to finally take a shower.

The fact that I can't work on the same thing for more than a few days is what lead me to product design in the first place. I can design a LOT really quickly and move on. I'm actually a pretty prolific designer. But I'm also pretty good at production. I can't work on the same thing for too long, but I know how to mix things up so I don't get too bored. I'm also good at challenging myself to speed up production and improve quality. I can work very fast on repetitive things. Maybe to get it all over with quickly.

I just have to make sure that whatever it is I do, It's not going to bore me. Obviously crocheting afghans or making quilts are not for me. I guess I could make a simple quilt if it only takes a day or two. And I sure hope I get this darn afghan done tomorrow.

February 6, 2012

Every day I think to myself, you can do this. You have a lot of experience in design and retail and you know marketing, trends and you have an uncanny insight to what all people like. I was given such a hard time in school for my product designs, and yet many of my designs look very much like what was developed in the market shortly after I graduated. I really did know where the market was headed after all.

Every day I think to myself, I can't do this. There are so many talented people out there trying to do the same thing. What would make a person want to come to me, instead of them? My flowers are nice, and cute, but what makes them more special than anyone else?

I spent some quality time in the bath today and came to the conclusion that I will not be doing embroidery on my flowers. I'll leave that to someone else. I need to focus on just 3 things, the flame sculpting, the crocheted bases and the watercolor painting. I will expand on those as the sculpted flower and the watercolor are my own processes. The crochet is the only thing I really want to add.

I also spent the evening working on my website. I was so frustrated with it and then it came to me. It still needs a bit of work, but I know the direction I'm going now and it will be easy to finish. I'll be finishing my packaging soon and other than my brochures, I'll be about ready to start approaching shops.

I don't know exactly how my brochure will look. I do know that they will be half letter size sheet. I have spiral binders, small black so that's how they'll be bound, save me a little money. I will have a picture of one of my broaches, actual size on the cover and I will attach an identical sample through the cover. That way they can wear it, but there will still be the image if they should pass it on to someone else.

I also have to design the labels for the tags, which will be seed packets. I think I have an idea for that one too.

All in all a pretty productive day today.  

February 5, 2012

Once again I'm torn with my decisions. A week ago I was positive I needed to sell my flowers and feeling so positive that I could. This week I have my doubts. February and March are the worse months for sales for me. Last year I sold a lot of old gold jewelry to make ends meet. This year I have none left. Not really sure what I'm going to do.

I've been working on my website and have changed the fonts and re made the banners so many times it's not funny, and in reality the changes are so minor I don't know that anyone would even notice the difference. I'm so anal about things like that. Even after I tweak things I'm still not happy.

Remember when you were a kid and things were so simple. There were no choices to make, you just did what you were told, ate what was put in front of you, went to school and spent your spare time playing. I think I need to dream about playing with the neighborhood kids tonight.

I don't think I mentioned this before. I had quite an imagination and a lot of ambition as a child. I also knew how to delegate, and I don't know where that talent disappeared. Every summer, I organized some big event, a circus, a puppet show, some kind of huge money making event in our back yard, Actually I had a stand of something or another going on all the time. I'd sell lemonade, or comic books Sometimes I'd just haul out everything I owned on our front lawn and waited for sales.

The circus was fun. I was a fortune teller, in a tent made from laundry poles and blankets. Friends were in charge of the animals, a cat and several jars of insects, Other friends performed. We didn't have too many customers, other than younger siblings, because most of the neighborhood kids were involved.

You would think that someone who was that clever, industrious and totally in charge as a kid, wouldn't be so dysfunctional as an adult. Maybe if I dream about being a kid, I'll find some clarity.  

February 2, 2012

Fooled around with my website again late last night. I have so much to do on it it is not funny. I can't contact shops yet, and I need to design a little brochure. I want something nice. I will give samples of mini bouquet pins as giveaways with the brochures. I guess they should be part of the cover, I think I should have a photo of a mini bouquet brooch and have the real matching brooch pinned on top. I like it! I hate the idea of using too much ink. Maybe I should have post cards printed as page one and cut the inner pages. I have to price things. I do like the pin on the picture idea though.

Today I didn't think much about my flowers. I had such a down day yesterday I gave it a rest. I did taxes and that was a interesting. I thought we were down so much in sales since my daughter and I were kicked off Etsy. Turns out she made almost the same. I made almost as much this January as I did on Etsy last January. I looked at my 2010 sales and it was almost $1000 more, what a shock, but the bottom line was much closer, I forgot that it was when I was selling supplies and my cost of materials was way higher than crafting supplies.

I've heard so many Etsy friends say that their sales have gone way down, but I did OK and Poppy's sales were really good. She did have a decline, but not that much. It will be nice to see the economy pick up some day. I think we're all heading in the right direction though.

I also heard from a former associate, about the possibility of picking up some work in China. Maybe I won't have to make the decision I've been thinking about. Maybe the choice will find me. The work would be part time, which would leave me plenty of time to work on my wholesaling of the jewelry. It will also give me a bit more income (maybe enough to fix the car) and to help with material costs to boost my own business. I hope something works out, because I would love to go back. I was beginning to think I would never get the opportunity again.

I also lost a little more weight this week. Was hoping to loose 10 pounds in January. I lost only 4, but I'm heading in the right direction.