New shop!

I haven't posted a blog since my first initial one, but have found it would be helpful to show a renewed dedication in the blogging world.

I have been busy separating my two Etsy businesses: beads and finished handmade jewelry. I've found that while the bead buyers don't mind the handmade jewelry it can be off putting to those just looking to buy finished pieces. I have found this out from giving my shop URL to people interested in buying jewelry from me and their feedback.

On Monday I finally opened up my handmade jewelry stop, Fair Lady Designs. I then embarked on trying to use some of the knowledge I didn't have when I first opened up Fair Lady Boutique. First of all, I was instantly involving myself in the community. I circled shops I had become familiar with through Fair Lady Boutique. I joined teams and discussed in forums. I bought into a couple of BNRs and BNS rounds, if only to gain some exposure if not sales.

My pictures for Fair Lady Designs jewelry pieces were 100% more refined than the ones in Fair Lady Boutique had ever been. Tagging and titles for Designs were also more strategic and finely tuned than when I had opened up Boutique.

Original boutique picture:

Designs photo:

Although I am now four days in with no sales I don't feel discouraged. I understand better now that gaining that first sale - and every sale after that - can be hard work and it doesn't come easily. I'm going to just make sure I use all the knowledge I've garnered over the last few months of running Boutique to make Designs as successful as possible.

Where to start?

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Georgia and I have been an artist of many sorts for years. The mediums sometimes change, sometimes evolve, but always try and remain a reflection of my own artistic soul. My mother encouraged creative play, making plastic floral arrangements, painting ceramics and doing an array of other craft projects with myself and my siblings as children. When I was younger I went through a stage where I was fascinated with doing pencil sketches of still life objects, trying to create the contours in a way that would accurately display their dimensions. I have dabbled in the fan created video medium, using images from shows and movies I enjoyed and songs I listed to in order to mold an enjoyable piece of "art". I have always strayed back to writing, a starved artist looking to nourish my soul with one of my true passions in life.

It wasn't until my early twenties that I stumbled upon the creative medium that is jewelry making. My now husband is a serial hobbyist who jumps from one craftsmanship to another, also looking in some way to nourish his creative spirit. At one point he begin to delve into the craft of painting small miniatures, a task that demanded his detailed attention. It was during this time that he encouraged me to also find a hobby besides writing that I could work on beside him, thereby freeing him - or so he thought - from my chatter while he was trying to work.

So, I embarked on the task of finding a hobby. Walking through the craft store looking for my new hobby I carefully scanned each section. A retired Fashionista and fashion retail manager surviver, I was drawn to the isle with the beautifully strung beads and chains. Reminded of the jewelry pieces I had so loved to wear when I was in fashion retail, I decided I wanted to take up this... hobby... known as jewelry making. Buying what I would now consider a very basic kit I headed home excited and full of curiosity to embark on my new hobby.

During the months that followed my curiosity led me to different techniques and materials, taking in every detail I could about this new endeavor I had decided to pursue. I used books, magazines, the internet and the local craft stores to absorb as much knowledge as I could. The hobby of jewelry making eventually evolved into an artistic release for me, becoming a staple in my life like writing. I still have much to learn, explore, and create...But don't we all?

Now, my creative journey has led me to Etsy, to try and establish myself and my shop. This blog will share my thought, feelings, and experiences as I go through my Etsy journey. It will share the knowledge I learn and look for answers to the aspects I am still figuring out as I go. I invite anyone who has been on the journey, is now starting that journey, or who might begin that journey someday to come along with me and see if we can't all learn something along the way!