Wire Wrapped Spiral Bangle Bubble Bracelet In Silver And Copper

In my last entry, I wrote about the earring fan who requested that I make variations on some of my designs. She also asked if I could make her this mixed metal wire wrapped bracelet in silver and copper:

I created a similar bracelet in silver and red last holiday season. I was working at a 2012 Christmas fair and things weren't going so well, so I filled my time by making new jewelry. Since it was the holiday season, I put together a bracelet with appropriate colors. It's kind of cool then that this woman had me create a variation on this bracelet during this year's holidays. I like how the silver and copper look together, too. I originally made this as a bangle, but she asked if I could clip it and add an adjustable chain since she has a small wrist. I cut it about midway (right after the spiral sequence) and attached the chain there. Hopefully she'll find it comfortable to wear.

Since this is my 300th (!!!!!) blog entry and it's January 1st, it's a great time to list some of my jewelry goals for 2014. This also happens to be the year I turn 40 (it's about a month from now, yikes), so I'm coming up with a list of 40 Things To Do At 40. They range from wanting to go scuba diving to wanting to become a better cook, but my jewelry is a big part of this, too. I'd like to: 1) Finally put together my how-to book with jewelry projects. I talked about doing this last year and never found the time to do it. 2) Learn a new jewelry making skill. So far, I've learned how to do wire work, basic soldering and various types of enameling. Maybe this will be the year to try some goldsmithing. 3) Sell my pieces to a store or gallery. I tried to do this last year and never succeeded. I'm hoping that my higher-end pieces will garner some more attention.

Of course, I'd like to continue to build my business -- and to keep doing what I love! So check out my pieces at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

Happy Holidays From Naomi's Designs!

Happy Holidays from Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations! In honor of this season, here are some red, green, silver, gold and blue handmade wire wrapped and enamel pieces. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and a Wonderful New Year!

Handmade Wire Jewelry: My Jewellery Making New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! I don't make a big deal out of New Year's resolutions because I'm always working on some new project or goal. However, I do like to begin each new year with a clean, fresh mind and with some new goals in mind. Here is what I'd like to achieve in regards to my jewelry businesses:

Spend more time promoting my children's shop, MayaGirl Creations. I'm really pleased with how well its done considering how little I've advertised for it. I opened the shop in June and during the past six months, I've sold more than twice as many items as I did during the first YEAR of Naomi's Designs! I also sold some children's items in person at craft fairs. I know that I can be even more successful, though, if I list more items on Etsy. So I plan to spend more time making kids' items and will be more diligent about promoting them.

Put together a book featuring tutorials of several of my wire wrapped jewelry projects. A few people have said that I should teach jewelry making so this will be my way of doing so. Ideally, the book will include 10 projects ranging from easy to intermediate, with step-by-step photo instructions. This is a long-term goal, but I'd like to complete it by the end of 2013.

Make more new items. This is an ongoing goal for me, but I want to keep at it. In 2012, I made about 100 new pieces. Not all were listed, but I got plenty of practice. I want to do just as well, if not better, in 2013.

Learn to take better photos. I think that my Etsy sales will improve even more if I have better pictures. I'm still working on this, but I'll try my best!

Blog more. I've been pretty good about sticking with a blog schedule, but there have been long gaps where I've gone without writing for a while. I'd like to aim for three entries a week.

Have more successful craft fair experiences. I did many fairs in 2012 and they were hit or miss. I know that sometimes this success is out of my hands, especially when people come simply to look and not buy -- but I want to maximize my experience as much as I can.

Sell my work to stores. This one is a little out of my control. I've tried doing this already, but many stores aren't buying from new artists. I hope that the economy and business improves -- for their sakes and mine.

Continue doing what I did last year! 2012 was a very good year for my jewellery businesses. I took some classes, learned new techniques and sold many pieces. Overall, I'm proud of my work and am pleased with the results. I'd love to have a repeat performance!

To purchase my jewellery, head to Naomi's Designs. To purchase my children's jewelry, head to MayaGirl Creations. To read my novel, check out REVENGE OF A BAND GEEK GONE BAD.