Sunday January 18 2015

Our coffee ramblings this weekend, well let me see.

I was at my work table yesterday talking through designs with a close friend and another lovely friend dropped by.

It hit me then how lucky I am.    

When I started Dawnings a few months ago I thought it was just me,  muddling through things, discovering what it takes to run a business.  But a talented graphics/human factors person guided me through branding, design and logos,  and all around me friends and family watched and searched for things I can use in my creations,  offering advice as I went. My talented sister talked me through some design and creation challenges and we have some lovely conversations re things we can make.      Yesterday my friend who does staging came by and guided my table displays for my upcoming craft fair, and home show.  She even volunteered to come for the day at the next craft market for moral support!   And then (told you I was lucky) another friend who runs her own business gave me advice on accounting etc.   My new friends on Linkedin advised on my blog giving me handy tips, and discussing such topics as pricing and challenges in our hand made world.  Then to top it off husband made me displays which look exactly like I wanted out of used floorboards!

So,  at the end of the day as I looked at my new table display and started inventory of what needed doing next I really felt blessed.       I am really enjoying this journey Dawnings is on, and am glad you are here with me!

To cap it off this quote passed by on Twitter as I was updating this morning;

Among Life's precious jewels, Genuine and rare, The one that we call friendship Has worth beyond compare. ~ Author Unknown

Feeling blessed?  Share with me in the comments below!
Ciao
Dawnings


https://www.etsy.com/se-en/shop/DawningsCustomDesign

Distracted Much?

Today, today I was going to make rings. All day.  Yep, rings. Rings for your fingers, rings for your toes.   My new ring mandrel arrived this week and I thought whohoo!  I had been waiting on that for a while, and now I can get going.....and yes I did.

I made ..... earrings, three necklaces, and seven silver bookmarks from old spoons.   Hmm.  Did you see a single ring in that list?   No me neither.

Ah well,  I suppose we wait till the muse strikes us.     And on the plus side I practiced with the silver spoons, something I have been wanting to do for a while.     I picked up a dozen pretty souvenier spoons at the charity store to practice on before I use the really beautiful antique sterling spoons I have sitting just waiting to be upcycled!

So, tomorrows posting will have all this and the other items we made all this week.   I am bound to slow down a little once I'm back at work next week but its been a great two weeks just making' and mending' and fixing'.

Chat tomorrow,  posting day!

In other Dawnings news we applied to three craft fair this week - wish us luck in getting chosen!

Chat soon!
Dawn

Favourite Website Roundup

Over the holidays I discovered lots of new websites while sipping Godiva Chocolate Coffee (seriously, you have to try it, its delectable!  A gift from a treasured friend!)   You might already know these sites or have  few favourites of your own...(and if you do please please share them!)


So here goes, my top ten!

1.  Lots of free project downloads at JewelrymakingDaily: http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/forums/
2.  These guys at Handmadeology have a lot of cool stuff: http://www.handmadeology.com/10-blog-topic-ideas-for-jewelry-designers/
3. Everything Handmade: I am SO trying the torch fired enamel earring tutorial from here: http://www.oheverythinghandmade.com/blog/
4. I think everyone knows Craftsy but just in case.... http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/10/tips-for-selling-handmade-jewelry/
5. These guys seem to have a great appreciation for conservation and give back  http://blog.handmade-beaded-gemstone-jewelry.com
6. We lucked into some leather this (last!) year so love Ninadesigns: http://www.ninadesigns.com/blog/category/how-to-make-jewelry/
7. I know they are commercial but great service and their videos are so easy!  Fire mountain gems:  http://www.firemountaingems.com/video.asp
8. Buzzfeed:  http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/46-ideas-for-diy-jewelry-youll-actually-want-to-w#.pvd5Y327ll
9. These guys at Allfreejewelry have SO many how to's! http://www.allfreejewelrymaking.com

And lastly (for now at least!) 

   10. Howcast - I also got some great tips for photos here:              http://www.howcast.com/guides/624-How-to-Make-Jewelry

Anyway, hope your Jan 1 is going well!

Let me know YOUR favourites! 

Ciao, 

Dawn

Todays Coffee Roundup - And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Good Morning! And Happy New Year!

I love the holidays,  easy peasy coffee time spent browsing the internet.    I was asked this morning for photos of my table for an application I'm making to a local cool craft fair ...and of course I had those ready (ahem cough).

So,  our mission today - create a craft table display!

First I ran to the local charity shops - where I lucked into a most excellent Bombay Company find, a large tea chest.  New hinges, a good polish and that's staging area #1.

A very beaten up vintage box makes for display area #2.

Next -  a coupon search for Micheals and voila! Two eiffel tower displays at 70% off (we are thrifty!)

Wanting something natural and not so square to balance it I scoured the area while walking the dogs - and a beautiful twisted tree branch adds a little au natural to the table.

Charity store find #3 - cork mats.

And lastly I co-opted our tray from the living room table.


Finally - a run to the hardware store for eye pins to screw into the wood and cork so as to hold things steady.

What do ya' think?

I am liking image #1 better - the addition of the round cork mat adds a little balance.

Oh and hey, check out that beautiful vintage silver mirror!    Wasn't intended to buy that but its so elegant and beautiful!

Total cost:  A smidge over $38 - not too bad!

Pictures are on their way now with my application - hopefully we get in and get to meet some folks in the spring!

Hope your New Years brings you love, hope and happiness.  Spread a little cheer today!
Dawn