Business State of Mind

I've been trying for years to start up my own business. Well at least talking about it. I've been wanting my jewelry to take off but it really hasnt and I have nobody to blame but myself. My networking is a little on the weak side. I need to get out there and really advertise. I've been wanting to create a website to display my jewelry, not just a blog. I have no idea how to creat websites to be honest. I mentioned it on facebook and one of my friends refered me to a site where she created her website for free. I joined and it was super easy. Very basic to work with, but professional results...and all for Free!! Yay! Thanks Jess! The site is almost done now. Just a few tweeks here and there and it should be good to go. The shopping cart is linked to paypal and everything. Finally, a website!

In a couple of weeks I'll be attending a Cancer charity event. I volunteered to donate a few of my jewelry pieces for a raffle. I'll attach a business card (if even I could decide on a design so I could actually get them printed). Hopefully this will bring some business in. Who knows. Here's my new website for those who are interested. Remember, it's not 100% done. http://www.delicatedesigns.ca/ , or check out my jewelry blog (which honestly is pretty boring (lol) http://www.delicatedesigns-nina.blogspot.com/ .

My mom and I have also been talking about expanding my jewelry business to bridal accessories. I know you might be thinking...expanding? It's hardly a business to start out with. Well all I have to say about that is....*stick tongue out*. My mom used to work at a wedding store for many years. She also used to make wedding cushions and garter belts for the store. They were always a hit. So we may be getting into that as well. I dont know how we are going to get ourselves out there...but this is all a work in progress. We'll see.

I've also been playing with another business idea. Again it will be something crafty. I'm not going to reveal what it is just yet. Call me supersticious, but I dont want to jinx it. The best part of this brilliant idea that I had (so I think it's brilliant), is that I may have somewhere to sell. One of my good friends started a business that sells one mommy or baby product at week at a good deal. The website is http://www.sweetbabydealz.com/ . Check it out and sign up! It has really cute and affordable things. The best part is, they strive for locally made, or eco friendly products. Awesome. Anyways! All this to say, I asked my friend if she would be interested in selling (insert secret item here), and she said she would love to. The only thing is, to sell on her website, I would need to get the product tested for saftey. Seeing as these are baby products. So, soon, after creating enough of the product, I will be sending them to the CSA (Canadian Safety Associations) for certification. If it gets approval, then I'm good to go (and very excited). So thats been whats up lately. Creating my jewelry site, crafting these secret products and of course, all this during Baby's nap time! *out of breathe*. So hopefully this all works out.

I've been dying to start something on my own. I know it's a lot of work, but I'm sure it's so satisfying. Kinda like babies! Heheh lots of work but really worth it! If this fails, I'm sure i'll try something else. So, fingers crossed! News to come!

Ni-xox-

New Ideas

Lately I've been really wanting to get back into my jewelry making. It's been awhile since I've gotten into it seriously. I've been inspired with new ideas and new media. I was browsing around on http://www.artbeads.com/ and I found this cute pendant made from a bottle cap (as seen above). The bottle cap idea is really cute, but what got me interested is the media inside the bottle cap. Turns out its resin. I love this idea of having an image with this clear covering over it. And not to mention something cute floating on top like the metal heart on the above piece. Very nice idea.

My latest collection that I have been creating is called Flora. Each piece of jewelry revolves around some kind of fabric flower. I really like this idea too. There are so many nice fabric patterns out there, that you can be very creative with this. Works well this fabric sample that you may have lying around the house.

Ok, so, I have a slight obsession with all things Alice in Wonderland. I own pretty much every movie made. This got me thinking about making an Alice in Wonderland jewelry collection. Fun right?? The resin idea gave me the idea to create beautiful pendants using Alice imagery vintage and modern. I'm getting excited just thinking about it!! So stay tuned for my new Alice collection. Hopefully I can figure out how to use this resin stuff and not make too much of a mess. But first, I need to order it! *baby steps*.

Check out my other collections on my Jewelry Blog http://www.delicatedesigns-nina.blogspot.com/ or my Delicate Designs facebook page! And remember, everything is for sale! Thanks for your support!

Ni-xox-

A World of Jewels

For many years now, i`ve been wanting to start my own business. It hasn't been very successful. For a couple of years I started making jewelry. Of course when you think you`re so original, then you find out that everybody and his uncle is making jewelry. I even took professional pictures of my pieces. My jewelry was all made with sterling silver, swarovski beads and semi-precious stones. Even pearls that I bought myself in Hawaii. Anyway. Maybe I didnt try hard enough to market my stuff or maybe my prices were to high. Who knows. The idea isnt gone forever. I still have a box load of pieces I`ve made. One day maybe. Here are a couple of pictures from my collection.



Perfect for a Bride



Perfect for a Bridesmaid

So there it is. Leave me your thoughts.

Ni -xox-