Somber Earth - New Dreadlock Cuff Up at Etsy

So there's my newest cuff. I had fun with this piece, I always do with the bigger beads. They're so fast and when you're done you really feel accomplished. It doesn't take as long and you've got a nice, chunky piece for someone's lovely dreads.

I just have a pair of dreadlock cuffs to put up before I move onto the necklaces and earrings. I am even working on Valentine's Day already. Not to sure what people would want for Christmas.



I am also thinking about having a month-long sale in the shop for Christmas, decrease prices or give away some merchandise. I'm just not sure how to go about it just yet.

Look at those beads!! Look at the sun shining through the little bubbles and imperfections. Wow. It almost looks like there is glitter on the inside. So pretty!

I was thinking about doing a peyote stitch bracelet to match this. Hmmmmm...

New Products - Woohoo!

Okay, I am sooooo tired; I have been trying to get a decent wordcount on my nanonovel this year (stress and 2 jobs kept me from focusing as I should have) but I just had to update my jewelry blog.

I am really psyched about some new stuff I have coming to my Etsy shop later on next week. Some more dreadcuffs, yes, but now I have necklaces, charm bracelets and earrings.

Oh my! Lol :)

I am very excited about them and can barely wait to post them all :D!!

Lady Vengeance Dreadcuff/Sleeve

Another one up! I love the elegance of this little cuff. The opaque white as the backdrop and the shimmery, translucent red as the accent. I really enjoyed working on this piece. The uneven white seed beads to me really work as a cobblestone-like snow. The red indicates warning and danger.

If you are into beautiful tales of justice and haven't seen Chan-wook Park's Lady Vengeance you are truly missing something spectacular.

Kill Bill Dreadlock Cuff/Sleeve

Yay! Finished and uploaded another project. This was simple but exciting as it's an homage to the first volume of Kill Bill. Good movie.

This dreadlock cuff (or sleeve) is fashioned after the yellow suit that Uma Thurman wore (which in turn was an homage to the venerable Bruce Lee).

Made with white Nymo beading thread and double stitched for extra-wear protection, this baby should last a while.

Newest Dreadlock Cuff/Sleeve Up

Newest Dreadlock Cuff. I posted it to Flickr as well as Etsy. I love making these cuffs. I find such peace of mind and an inner stillness. It's what so many people teach about in Buddhism and some people find it with yoga or building houses or running. I know I love doing beadwork because that's one of the places I find the inner stillness.


Look at the way the sun shines through those green beads! Wow! That just makes me so very happy, just to see that glow. And it makes me want some green apple candy. How about you?

The olive and cream go together so marvelously. I think all the colors complement not only each other but the film (and book) from which the inspiration to make this came. I remember when I was little watching that little girl find that secret door. The mystery of it fascinated me. I tried to make this little cuff like a mysterious treasure, a pretty little hair jewel. Hope I did a good job!

Keep a Journal of Ideas

Something I have learned is to keep a small journal, easy to write in that fits anywhere when it comes to my jewelry. I prefer a Moleskine reporter with plain paper (not ruled because I do sketches). They also have pockets in the back which is great for delivery confirmation receipts or the receipts for beads or items purchased for making jewelry. The elastic band keeps them closed even with extra stuff inside and the tough exterior of the Moleskine keeps your work protected.

Keep a good, water-proof, feather-proof pen with reliable ink and a strong cap with this journal. I like Faber-Castell Pitt Artist pens because they've never feathered, leaked or dried out on me and you can buy them individually. I prefer the smallest sized nib for the detailed work I do. But even a Bic ballpoint will do.

This journal should be completely portable and you might want to keep it in a ziplock bag. The LAST thing you want is all your ideas and inspiration to stained or ruined because of food, coffee, soda or rain.

Creating a Professional Looking Package

This was my first attempt at making my packaging look more professional.

So all of my creations go out in packaging that looks like this.

I try to create something pretty & professional but with little cost. People LOVE the way their jewelry comes to them and they can even reuse what I sent them - then you get props for being Green and Eco Friendly.

I picked up the bags - black and white - and little cream boxes at Walmart in the section for wedding favors on sale $7 for 50 boxes, $3 for 50 bags. Talk about saving a bundle! You can find savings anywhere though; eBay's awesome for this.

I already had the little $11 stamp (comes with two cases of letters; more than enough) and just fashioned the words to fit closely together. Hint: when you're done with one label, use a little Dawn dishwashing soap and the ink (no matter how old) will come right off!! This saves you the cost of replacing the little letters which of course if they no longer make your stamp - they don't make mine - then you'll end up buying a whole new one.

When you're putting information on labels make sure the most pertinent information was on the labels. Your company name should stand out.

The labels I also picked up for a steal - $15 at Pearls for 1000. The little labels are very smooth and well cut around the edges with little strings to attach them to the bags.

Always be on the lookout for deals and KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS FOR EVERYTHING!

Selling Handmade Jewelry

It sure isn't easy! I've had a few sales so far but I am definitely not rolling in dough!

If you're interested in checking out my shop click here or go to Etsy.com and just enter my username, Clexbaby.

(If you join mention my username as the referral :) Not sure that I really get anything but they like to keep track of those things.)

Another place you can check out that has a little touch of me is my personal account over at the wonderful Flickr.com.