2011 New Goals

Here we are, a new year a new set of goals ! 2010 for most was better than expected especially during Holiday season of retail selling. Still Waters Jewelry wants to thank all customers who support local small business. As a jewelry designer I was thankful to many customers who support local art markets like the Freret Market and Harrison Art Market in New Orleans. I was also thankful to store owners who carry my jewelry, what a compliment that is. But with all that behind me, I have to start anew with new goals and new plan.

Every year starts with a sense of optimism and it is this optimism that we have to keep in mind. Writing our goals is important so we can look back to see how far we have come. So that is how I will start 2011:


1. Work on my web site. I gave out so many cards with my web site on it so the least I can do is make it presentable ! I will keep interesting inventory listed with good pictures. This is my priority.

2. Hold at least one jewelry party a month. This will get my jewelry business a boost by getting to know more customers.

3. Be more selective of shows I take part. Sometimes it is better to invest your time in creative process than to be at wrong show. you know what I am talking

4. Be more organized and diciplined with my paperwork. I hate that part.

5. Improve my booth layout. Make it more user friendly and create atmosphere where people can stop for a while. Longer they stay more apt they are to buy.

6. More importantly I will strive to be more creative in my designs. Venture out in area that is new.

There is my list and will check back and let you know which goals I have actually acomplished. Good luck to my fellow artisans and much love to my customers. Here we go 2011.

Planning for busy Fall Show Season

Today I stopped at my favorite coffee shop,CC's in Slidell,La, for some java and organizing. For any artisan out there knows that August is the month for organizing your thoughts and selling plan for the busy Fall show schedule. As jewelry designer, I live for this time. Even though sometimes sales are not the greatest, I look forward to meeting new customers and getting in the Holiday shopping mode.

As I sipped on my medium roast, I fully realize the chore ahead of me . The economy not the best, high unemployment, and customers buying only the minimum. Jewelry is certainly at the bottom of the buying totem pole !I made a list of what I need to get ready

1. Take inventory of materials you already have! Meaning realize what you have and make use of it.
2. On calender mark the shows you will do. By August you really should have committed to several shows already. Knowing this, this helps you set up design inventory.
3.Set time for home shows. This is really great one on one time with jewelry customers. This also reduces your overhead, as you do not have to pay booth fees.
4. Make a list of all jewelry you need to make. Yes, a daunting task. Here is the deal, set numbers of earrings, bracelets etc.... you need to make and really go through with it. Make an effort by end of August to finish all items on your jewelry making list. You will feel so good.
5. Also set selling goal, as in dollars you think you will sell. I know this is hard but you have to do it. Set weekly goals, in other words , one bite at a time. I learned that from my Mary Kay days.

The economy will get better and people will always find the money to spend on things they really want. I will update you on how I do with my list. Forge ahead creative people.

Pendants on Leather Cord

Here are some pendants that are made with 16g hammered wire and gemstones. I put these on leather cords.