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Craft Business One Year Milestone: Lessons Learned
So, after getting through my 1st year in business as a Crafter, here are a few short lessons I have learned and am sharing with you:
If something hits, stick with it. Once I started to gain momentum in a specific area of my craft and I found people who actually appreciated it enough to spend their hard earned dollars, I continued to fine tune and repeat it again and again.
Listen to the voice within. If there is nothing burning inside about a personal creation or design, chances are others may not desire it either. On the other hand, if you feel strongly about your work, there is probably something within it that may just need minor tweaks and adjustments.
Appreciate Your Customers, Always. No matter how talented we may think we are, creative, etc., people can choose to purchase from anyone / entity that they desire. They do not have to give us their business, and for that, they deserve the utmost respect and appreciation. I strive to find new ways to excel in this area because it is very important.
Excellence Goes A Long Way. Regardless to how simple or intricate one’s style of work may be, it is important to present it in a way that is quality and shows a great deal of effort. Having high standards for my self often keeps my customers satisfied with their items once they have received them. It should be evident that care and pride goes into each product that is made. Sloppiness is a sure way to turn people off and damage a business’ reputation.
Better to try and make a mistake, than to do nothing at all. Had I never started posting my products online, I never would have gotten exposure, feedback, support and experience to go to the next level. There comes a point when it is just time to end the procrastination and launch–period. This also applies to new ideas for your business that you have been wanting to try. If you have the time and resources, try it. It’s the only way to know if it will work for sure.
As I think of more things, I will be certain to do another update, so be sure to follow this blog.
As always, thanks for checking out my post 🙂
CJ
The superior ma…
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The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. – Confucius
I’ve often believed that it is better to rarely promise, while striving to always deliver. After all, talk is cheap. Such a true statement!
A Rugged Way Of Life (De-Iconifying The Traditional)
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Rules are meant to be amended, and norms are changing everyday. When it comes to style as a means of self-expression, there is no wrong or right. It is only to be asked, “What is real and authentic to (you) the individual?”
In my latest bursts of creativity, I have felt compelled to design with the down to earth and lovers of life in mind. Maybe it is a reflection of my truest self, sort of a quest to get back to the basics of quality day to day living.
This is what de-iconifying the traditional is all about. The traditional approach to life and fashion etc just doesn’t work for everyone. Whether it is affordability, restrictiveness, limited practicability, or just plain boredom, we each deserve alternatives.
Some of my latest pieces of jewelry include alternative wedding rings and engagement bands, rugged style wrist cuffs and even bracers to name a few. Feel free to check out some of my newest designs by clicking the photo.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post 😉
Until next time,
CJ from The Lift Jewelry Shop
ODDITIES, ECLECTICS, & A COLLECTION OF NEAT THINGS
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I wanted to see some unique and different things. Being an artist, it’s always nice to be refreshed by the handiwork of other fellow artists.
I came up with a concept of putting together odd items that caught my eye from various designers.
Click this link to take a look at what l thought to be pretty eye catching . . .
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjQ1NTY3NTB8MjcyMzkzOTI2MA/oddities?ref=pr_treasury
CRAFTING INSPIRATION TODAY: QUOTES
Today as a jewelry artist, I found motivation from one of my favorite poems, “Phenomenal Woman” written by Maya Angelou. My favorite line and the theme of the poem reads, ‘I’m a woman phenomenally, phenomenal woman, that’s me.’
What a powerhouse statement! It should speak to the mind and spirit of every woman today. Look at the hats many of us wear, and yet we still accomplish our tasks with such a finesse. Well today I’m sharing what I was inspired to create:
I felt so empowered after remembering that quote I had to express it. I really like how these pieces of jewelry turned out. It’s great when we can create out of love for what we do and the simplistic gifts that we are blessed with everyday. These earrings can be found here if interested:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/121153290/maya-angelou-inspired-earrings-quote
So what’s your motivation today behind your work, whether you’re a writer, visual artist or a craftsmen/woman? What do you like to use as motivation to keep those wheels turning and those creative juices flowing?
I decided to close out by including the poem, ‘Phenomenal Woman’ :
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Happy Crafting, and Have A Phenomenal Day ;-)!
Crafting, New Designs & More!
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In the spirit of creativity, I am excited to share some photos of my newest work! Lately, I’ve been feeling ‘GOLDEN’ as you’ll see in my photos 🙂
I call this a hand cuff that I created with beautiful amber,copper chain and copper sheet metal. It fits directly over the center of the hand. The idea is novelty in that I’ve seen ring bracelets, but with this sturdy yet comfy piece, you don’t have to where a ring to where this.
Golden Amber is said to be used in healing to repair damages to the auric field, karmic release, and emotional healing.
H Honey colored amber is said to add sweetness to your life. It helps you understand where you are at along your life path. Honey amber teaches us to let go of stuff that is blocking us from allowing spirit to step in and help smooth away the rough patches. Knowing stone.
The next piece that I’ve made is STYLISH, BOLD and EDGY:
It is an exotic hair feather cuff with a tribal vibe to it. Gorgeous golden feathers with a handcrafted copper clip and chain–I love this. It works well when it slides over a braid and cut on any hair type.
So these are my new additions so far for this week. If you’d like to see more photos, stop by my shop and take a peek 😉
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLiftJewelryShop?ref=si_shop
Until next time,
Chow and Happy Crafting!
CJ @ The Lift Jewelry Shop at Etsy
KEEP NO SECRETS, TELL NO LIES . . .
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This is the latest piece that just left my bench. It is pure copper that I have cut, stamped, hammered and sealed. CLICK PHOTO for more details.
AS A MAN THINKETH . . .
You’ve heard the old adage, ‘AS A MAN THINKETH, SO IS HE’ ? Turns out that there is much truth to the statement. The current trends of the new age era emphasizes positive thinking, affirmations and declarations as a way of life, and in many ways, there is a lot of validity.
Think about it. How many times have you thought about someone out of concern, and then the phone rings and it’s them? Or thought to yourself, ‘today is gonna be a good day’ and magically, it was a fantastic day? Perception is everything, and what we think about our selves and the world around us has major impact as to how others both see and treat us as well.
For example, it’s hard to be angry and still smile. Most angry people express their anger by frowning up. The return response usually is that a person will see the frown on our face and try to avoid us. Our simple facial expression based on a personal emotion can become a roadblock to us making a very important connection in our lives.
In a day like today where stress levels are at an all time high, a time when many people are facing uncertainty from day to day, positiveness, goodness and encouraging thoughts are more valuable than ever. I try to keep a few in my pocket at all times ;-D
By the way, if you are interested in having this powerful expression available to you for daily wear, feel free to check it out at the link below.
Until next time, chow and Tis the Season . . . :=D
http://www.etsy.com/listing/118584511/aluminum-cliche-handstamped-cuff-ring-as
HE’S SPECIAL TOO!
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Something that is near and dear to my heart going into the new year is to be able to offer more variety and selection at my shop for the guys. I mean, so often we ladies can shop till we drop, and only come home with one or two items for hubby or honey–whichever applies. I feel as though we need to show them how special they are to us, just as much as we want them to show us how special we are to them.
Well, I have gotten off to a head start, though I have my projects lined up for me going into next year. My specialty is inspirational jewelry and fashion. So the goal is, more rings, cuffs and chains for dad, for brother, more his and her gifts, and so on and so forth.
Here are a few items that I have added to the collection that can make great personal gifts, or gifts for someone we love . . .
This is a very original double finger ring with lots of depth and character. It is bold and resembles the Infinity symbol. Great if you’re looking for something beyond a regular standard shaped copper ring.
A more sentimental ring–very classy and works for any occasion. The words, “My Lover My Friend” are stamped onto shiny golden brass. An excellent choice for someone who wants to personalize their own unique message.
I made this piece with my husband in mind. He truly is my friend, and it’s been that way since day one. When flipped over, it says. “My Lover.” That’s what it’s all all about. Creating memorable work that has longevity in the heart of the wearer.
These are just a handful of great and heart warming ideas that I’ve created. Handmade takes time; thankfully I’m off to a good start for 2013, and I can’t wait to share more in the days ahead. Until next time, Happy Blogging!
CJ @ The Lift
Confessions of A ‘Would Be’ Entreprenuer: NEVER GIVE UP!
This may sound extremely cliché, but we must never give up! Let me explain.
If you are anything like me, you have high hopes! I’m not talking about those dreamy imaginative thoughts that we have while in our lucid state of consciousness. No, instead I ‘m talking about tangible efforts that we each apply with those faith-filled thoughts to reach our goals. I call myself a ‘would be’ entrepreneur because like many people, I’m still in route, and I haven’t quite reached my destination.
Visions of taking our talents to new horizons and allowing them to carry us into places in life that would otherwise be a whimpering notion weigh in the back of our minds. For you and me my friend, WE MUST NEVER GIVE UP!
Even when it snows in July, and ‘t doesn’t rain in May, we still must persevere. Even when there is a long-lasting drought after we’ve fertilized our ground, we must press on.
I say this because it is much harder to go against the grain than to go with the flow. After studying many successful entrepreneurs, they all seem to possess a similar characteristic. THEY KEEP ON GOING!
It’s that ‘tunnel vision attribute’ that they seem to innately possess that we must connect with and tap into. Our strength lies in our ability to see victory in advance beyond our current situations.
Instead of remaining frustrated, let’s remember to give thanks for the big and the small milestones. Let us remember that no matter how hard we think we have it, someone else has it harder. Let us remember to celebrate the small accomplishments, as we keep our eyes on the bigger prize.
Just a few quotes from successful men and women:
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx Shapewear says it this way, “Failure is not the outcome. Failure is not trying.” Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” William Rosenberg, founder of Dunkin’ Donuts replied, “Show me a person who never made a mistake, and I will show you a person who never did anything.” The list goes on and on.
Every now and again, we ALL need a little encouragement. It’s great to have people around us that believe in us. But awesomeness is when we can dig deep within and find that flicker of hope that refuses to die or fail within our own selves. Until next time, Much Success on your ventures and thank you for reading!
CHOW
CJ @ The Lift Jewelry Shop
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