Sharma Designs - Behind the Scenes of a Handmade Jewelry Business

Viva La Moda

As much as I love flipping through magazines I love the online versions too!  It makes me very happy to be able to click through to the items featured.

 Viva La Moda is an online magazine that features all handmade and vintage items.  Ainhoa, the editor, does a really great job.  The magazine is really well done.

 Because I love to support other indie business I volunteered to do a "Shop ad Tell" which is a section where you show yourself wearing an item you have bought on Etsy and then give a review.  Flip through and see if you can find it!

The Bead Nook

I just added a set of pictures of my bead nook to Flickr if anyone is interested in taking a peek.  I know I always love to see where people create.  Keep in mind that this location is temporary for us so I have not added any of my personal touches to the area.  That would just be one more thing I have to pack eventually. 

The storage containers are from the container store and can be found here.  They hold a lot of beads in each drawer as you can see in the detail.  You can also attach them to a wall if need be.  They are pretty lightweight so I wouldn't recommend that you keep them within reach of children because as I found out the hard way......they rain beads when tipped (thank goodness it was just the small one)  Oh also, make sure you buy extra dividers.  They give you some on the back of the unit but not enough to do each drawer (annoyance).

Enjoy looking!

The Jewelry Tags

I get a lot of comments and questions about this post where I talked about my new jewelry tags.  In all honesty I have been very bad about attaching my jewelry tags as of late.  I need to remember to do that!

I thought that I would post about the source for the jewelry tags because of all the questions I get.  It will be easier for me than answering all the emails. 

When I started making jewelry many years ago I was using base metal in my designs.   The most affordable solution for me was to have a stamp made then stamp the tags myself.  Back then you could only get sterling premade (that I could find).  I ordered a stamp from Microstamp and the tags separately and stamped them myself on an anvil.  If you weigh the costs and it is the most affordable solution it is an okay way to go.  It is a bit tedious and there is a learning curve to getting the stamp just right.  The end result is great though.

I did a quick google search and also found this company that makes them premade.  It actually seems like they are very reasonably priced and they offer both sterling and base metal.

I would suggest googling the term  "metal jewelry tags" and looking through the different companies to price compare.  Hope that helps all of you you have inquired!

New Business Cards!

 

I am in LOVE!  Look at these AMAZING business cards I had printed at Moo.  I just ran out of business cards and was trying to decide what to do with the new cards.  My old cards had my Sharma Girl logo which I adore but I don't have her on my Etsy store so I felt like people might be confused.

These are just perfect.  The pictures don't do them justice.  They GLOW.  I uploaded a few pictures for designs so I would have a variety of cards.  The backs have my name and all my contact info.

My only warning is to be careful of yellows.  My yellow earrings look fluorescent.  I was so excited I probably forgot to check what color mode I was in.  They are still cool just a little bright on paper.

I didn't take a picture of the packaging but it's very cute.  The people at MOO definitely have a sense of humor.

I really couldn't be happier.  I can't wait to give these out!  If you are one of the people that have a stash of my cards to give out let me know if you want some of these pretties.  I'll gladly send you some!

Sharma Designs on Facebook

I'm a little late to the game but I just created a page for Sharma Designs on Facebook.  I'd love for you to become a fan!

From the page you can see new jewelry, get blog updates and see what other people have to say about Sharma Designs.  All in one place!

I just started really using Facebook myself.  I have had a profile for myself for a long time but never really got it.  Which is funny because I am pretty competent with computer related things.  I didn't understand why people were poking me or trying to make me get a super wall or sending me gifts.  I still don't really understand that part but I do like catching up with old friends and seeing their lives in pictures.  Just what I need...another time sucker!

Update for Thursday

It's been a busy week!  Just a few quick updates for you before I head of to the park with my girls.

• A couple years ago I did an interview for Make It blog.  A few weeks ago Shannon asked me to do a follow up interview.  You can read it here.  I love the little picture collage she made to go along with the interview!
• I have some new colors and styles in the wood filigree earrings.  A lot of styles have been sold out but hopefully I will have more in the next few weeks.
• I have also posted a few new necklaces this week.  I have more coming too.  I have been making necklaces like crazy!
• I am now accepting RME payments in my etsy store.  RME is like paypal in that you can pay online but there are NO FEES!  Gotta love that.

Mother's Day: May 11th

Don't forget Mom on May 11th!  She's one of a kind (I know my mom is!) and her jewelry should be too. 

Don't fret if you're scrambling.  I can ship straight to mom.  I can even include a personalized card.  Just let me know in notes to seller.

Don't wait any longer!  Get mom a great gift that shows her how much you appreciate her!

Earrings or Necklace or Both?

I am curious what your thoughts are on wearing both a necklace and earrings.  I tend to wear one or the other but I know a lot of my customers like to have matching earrings with their necklace.  I also know people that wear big earrings with big necklaces.   I think if I was going to wear the earrings above I would go no necklace and maybe a bracelet?

Those "in the know" ask for matching earrings with their necklace purchases.  I used to offer it with all orders but then decided to let people request it.  I didn't want to spend time making earrings that weren't wanted.  The matching earrings are just 1 or 2 little beads.

So, what would you wear?  The earrings above with the bracelet, the necklace, or alone?

Why am I asking?  Well, if I see a lot of people saying they like the big earrings with the necklaces maybe I will make more good sized matching earrings!  Ask and you shall receive!

Housekeeping and Book Reading

Sometimes I get the bug to shake things up a bit on the blog.  I made a few minor changes this weekend.  You'll notice that the "What Jewelry Flatters" posts have a pretty new picture.  And if you click the link it has all the tips on one page.  Oh how I love typepad and their endless pages!

Also in Sharma Designs blog news: I am in a book about blogging! 

It's just a short interview about my business blog and how it has affected my business but it's pretty cool!  The book, Clear Blogging by Bob Walsh,  looks very informative too.  I plan on reading it in my very few spare minutes over the next few days.     I'll let you guys know what informative tips I pick up from it!

I added a few new pieces over the weekend:

Branch Wood Pendant Handmade Necklace

This pendant is so beautiful!  I couldn't resist getting another one.  I love the color combination too!

Jasper Teardrop Handmade Necklace

This pendant is a jasper and it is just gorgeous!  Look at all those colors in there!  I have one more of these pendants and I am hoarding it!

Bold Retro Flower Wood Pendant Handmade Necklace

The lady I bought this pendant from renamed this pendant to "Sharla" after I told her it was SO me!  It is big and it looks retro.  I just love it.  I just had to pair it with some big bold beads.  Not for the dainty diva (an old Sharma Designs category for small necklaces) lover!

Get ready to get compliments if you have this necklace on!

Aqua Fire Agate Teardrop Handmade Necklace

I guess I was in a big bold necklace mood this weekend because this necklace is also pretty bold.  It is softened by the beautiful dreamy green color in the pendant.  It's such a pretty pendant.

White Mosaic Shell Handmade Necklace

The pictures just don't do this necklace justice.  It is a show stopper.  The shell is super shiny and you can see pinks and greens swirling in the shell.  It's perfect for summer.

I made a few pairs of earrings that I will list today  I have tons of beads and components on their way to me so be on the lookout for some beautiful new creations this week!

Happy Monday!

This and That

Well I did it again.  I ran out of wire!  So frustrating.  I get really into making things and before I know it, I'm out!

So I decided yesterday to make a bunch of bracelets and earrings in the meantime.  I am posting them all today in my etsy store.  Necklaces are obviously my first love so the earrings and bracelets tend to get ignored.  It was fun to just focus on the small pieces.

I'm trying to get together a post about jewelry holders.  I know lots of you need solutions to storing/displaying your jewelry.  I am always bookmarking these types of things so I want to share them with you!  Be on the lookout for the post.

Lastly, if you like tulips check out my tulip treasury!  I LOVE tulips and this is my favorite flower season because they are everywhere!  Enjoy!