Playing with Craft Artist 2 and some new makes

I've wanted to have some software to display my jewellery photos better on Facebook for a while. Publisher just seemed to be too expensive for what I would use it for. After watching a bit of 'Create and Craft' TV I decided that Craft Artist 2 was for me, and I was right. It takes a bit of getting used to but can be used to great effect. I am now in the process of using it with all the photos of my jewellery, though that will take a while.

Recently I've been making bracelets. I tend to get an idea in my head and just go with it. Pearl look bracelets was one idea that I went with. I don't often use faux pearls in my work, I prefer gemstones, but these ones were so pretty I had to use them.

 

 

 

 

After all these makes I decided to go back to using gemstones. I also wanted to use colour too, and decided to do a random style memory wire bracelet using lots of different gemstones. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

 



Bracelets and yet more bracelets

I've had a busy time recently.

• I completed my first tax return, once I'd managed to get all the information it was quite easy.
• My Folksy shop has now got more items for sale than my Etsy shop.
• Attended a 'Networking Mums' meeting, even though I'm not a mum. It's a group for ladies in business.
• I attended a Webinar on marketing run by Folksy.
• Updated my website with cuff links and rose quartz sterling silver earrings.
• I've booked a stall for a fair this Saturday.

I decided to make bracelets this week, I enjoy doing macramé and it all started with a custom piece. The customer asked for black waxed cord and multi colour crackled quartz. This was the result.

 After making this bracelet I definitely was on a roll and made many, many more. All can be currently found in my Etsy shop.



I started thinking that I really should make some pocket money items for the fair this Saturday. I decided on Wish bracelets, that I'm making out of jute. The idea behind the Wish bracelet is that you make a wish when you tie it on your wrist, when it falls off your wish may come true. There's 7 beads because that's a lucky number. Apparently, the colours that you use also have meanings. I'm still making more of them, and they will debut at the fair.