tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-367321538944480992024-03-12T18:30:42.406-07:00alankarshilpaArt of Jewelry
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-91932691290160099332017-12-11T15:51:00.002-08:002018-09-25T16:16:54.708-07:00Snow Baby (A short story)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span>Snow Baby</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">“ This is for you, Gramma, in case you feel scared at night.” My granddaughter Reba handed me a heart shaped fluffy pink pillow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> I flew from California and reached Maryland this very afternoon to help out my daughter’s family and care for Reba as Tara, my daughter was going to have a baby soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I looked around the room that I’d be sharing with Reba. Stuffed animals of all kinds, a teddy bear, an owl, Ernie and Bert, Peppa Pig and Olaff were all sitting or standing, piled up on her dresser. Reba’s artwork - several drawings of loving families with smiley faces and stick figures holding hands adorned the walls. Even there were glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling assuring help in darkness. And Reba’s bed was just across from my futon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Why’d I be scared, Reba? You are right next to me.” I hugged her. Reba gave a big smile. Then clutching a reedy rag doll she rolled her eyes flapping her pigtails, “You never know!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She pulled the blanket and cuddled next to me with a stack of books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Reba, time for just one-bed time story today. You were chatting too much with Gramma, but the clock does not stop. It’s way past your bedtime.” Her mom declared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reba gave me a book to read that tells a story of a seed. It has roots under the dirt and wings up in the air. It has arm like branches and leaves that look like fingers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The branches sway and dance in the wind and invite the birds and bees. Birds and bees come and kiss them and flowers grow. Flowers become fruits and the children enjoy eating them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then comes a day when the plant shivers in the cold as the wind blows. It can not dance anymore. Leaves fall, branches wither and drop and everybody says that the plant is dead. Indeed it looks dead. But the seed stays under the ground and when spring comes next year it shoots up again with leaves, flowers, and fruits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ What a lovely story, Reba!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Do you think the peas I planted on Mothers Day will be alive again, Gramma? Mommy said it is dead and we threw it. ”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You never know!” I mimicked her, rolling my eyes just like she did a little while ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The following day Tara’s friends threw her a baby shower. The weather was bad, so the party had been rescheduled to our house. We hurried to clean up the apartment and make it pretty. Joshua, Reba’s dad bought some daffodils and some yummy pastries. I learned that they were called hamantaschen. They are Jewish cookies, a specialty of Passover. Tara hurried to get ready and Reba was watching her intensely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Go, Reba. Go brush your teeth and get ready. Gramma can help you with your outfit and hair.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reba rushed and slammed her door. In a short while, I heard a big commotion coming from Reba’s room. Reba with mascara on her eyelids and coffee brown lipstick all around her mouth was caught. She tied the heart pillow on her belly under a white dress and attached little blocks on her shoes to make them look like high heels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tara dragged her out of her room as it was discovered that in the process Reba had broken Tara’s favorite coffee colored lipstick. And now Reba has ruined her pretty white dress with mascara strained tears. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You look like a raccoon. Like a Dracula. Why on earth…” Tara screamed throwing her arms in the air, not sure how to vent her emotion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Joshua rescued, yelling from the kitchen as if an immediate attention was needed for some other catastrophe. I took my granddaughter to the bathroom and wiped her face with a face wash towelette. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I just wanted to be like Mommy, Gramma.” Reba looked up with raccoon eyes. I gave her a hug and tried to undo her mistakes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ You will be like her, my dear. For now, let’s settle with this pink dress and a nice french braid, how about that?” I let her share a bit of my colorless lip gloss and showed how to gently put it on the lips, not around the mouth. Reba, now happy, skipped out of the room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I remembered the day when I got a slap on my face for stealing my mother’s perfume. That was fifty years ago. Yet the memory is crisp as a photograph. How beautiful Ma looked when I was a little girl and how much I wanted to be like her. Then came a day when I did not like hearing that I looked like my mom. And a time when I hated her mannerisms and prayed not to inherit them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The party went full swing. Reba and her mom both forgot and forgave each other for the morning mishap and were thoroughly enjoying the games and other activities. While I was in the kitchen, cleaning up I overheard,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Well Tara, if you ever need a break, … I know how much we love our moms and how useful they are…yet…you know..I have an extra room in my basement” Rolls of laughter drowned the rest of the comments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was shocked. I had never thought of this possibility. Could I exhaust her while I thought I was helping? Could I be that one-too-many in this family, soon one day? My heart ached. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Later that night Tara did not feel well. There were some complications and Tara had to go to the hospital. The doctors were worried. She was admitted right away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When Joshua and Tara left with the little suitcase, Reba looked lost. She stood in front of the window waving them, though it was dark at night and nobody could see her. From the ninth floor kitchen window, we stood still until the backlights of the car illuminated; the two tiny red light flickered and slowly swerved merging to Westbard Avenue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reba turned to me, eyes welling up, “Will my Mommy be okay? When will she be back?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Mommy will be okay, and she’ll be back with the baby.” I brushed her hair kissing her forehead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Will my Mommy die, Gramma? What if my baby dies?” Reba brought her face very close to mine and looked straight into my eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Mommy will not die, Reba. There are doctors to make her feel better.” I gulped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reba stirred and left. Then she brought her lanky, reedy rag doll again and told me that she had inserted a tiny plastic baby doll that was given as a party favor earlier this afternoon, in the rag doll’s belly. Reba cut off the rag doll’s belly with a pair of scissors and now all the stuffings were on the table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Gramma, I can’t find the baby!” She looked worried. She churned all the cotton and now the little rag doll looked really pathetic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Fix her Gramma. Fix her please.” She pleaded sniffling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To cut the long story short we managed to find the tiny half-inch plastic toy baby under a chair. I brought some thread and needle, put the cotton stuffing back and sewed up the doll’s belly. “There you go. All better, see. ”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reba wiped her cheeks that were streaming with tears and a wide smile like a rainbow beamed on her face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The doctors will make Mommy all better.” She kissed me and hurried to the kitchen bringing a couple of plastic bowls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Let’s have some ice cream, Gramma.” I knew Reba was feeling fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In a short while she fell asleep on the sofa, her head on my lap, all cuddled up, while I tried to keep myself distracted with an old show of Golden Girls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But I drifted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Down the memory lane, I came across a lost world. It was a stormy dark night and I entered a haunted house. Thunders clapped, the wind howled. Doors and windows flapped with loud thuds and clanks. Bolts of lightning flung brief glimpses of rooms and corners that were dark and inky. Memories were buried here. Memories that taunt and mock, whimper and moan. I was scared. I wanted to get out of here, I looked for that pink heart pillow, but I was stuck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I remembered my mother. I remembered her last years when she was stuck in bed as a stroke victim and the guilt I felt. I could not be with her when she needed me most. My father thought Ma would be the first one to go as he was in much better shape, health-wise. But that did not happen. Ma was left alone with hired caretakers in Calcutta, while I was twelve thousand miles away in America. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A young girl, Rani, used to take care of her at night. I could be with my mother for only ten or twelve days each year during her last four years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> One time, when I went to visit her I happened to sleep next to Ma under the same mosquito netted bed. Rani slept on the floor in a sleeping bag without the mosquito net. She believed that mosquitoes didn’t bite poor people. They only go for good, rich blood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Rani, I need to go to the bathroom” Ma called her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Ummm!” Rani mumbled. A few minutes later Ma whined again, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ I really need to go, Rani, or I may wet the bed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No response. Deep breathing and snoring sound from Rani’s deep slumber floated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Seriously, Rani. Can’t hold anymore. I’ll have an accident.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Yes, yes…just a little…. “Rani mumbled again turning to the other side. At this point, I sat up and yelled</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What’s going on Rani? Is this why we hired you? Is this how you take care of her? I just happened to see it today.” Rani startled, hurried and took Ma to the bathroom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That night I couldn’t sleep. I thought of the day when I overheard Rani scolding Ma. Rani thought no one was around. As soon as I entered, she straightened it like smoothing out a bed cover. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I felt miserable thinking Ma’s helpless situation. I felt guilty and hopeless. She shouldn’t deserve this, oh God! I had a conversation with God and prayed to let her go. Please take her now God, I can’t see this anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The next morning the sun shone through the window. Ma woke me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Look what a beautiful day.” A <i>kokil</i> chirped kuhu kuhu.. and Ma said, “Look, spring is here. Check the flower pots on the rooftop. The lilies must be in bloom.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I took a sip of my tea and gave Ma a tight hug. <br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Ma, I can’t see all that you are going through. The way the physiotherapist pulls your arms and legs making you scream, the way Rani treats you. I decided to have a different night care for you. This is not what you deserve. Life should not be like this. “</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Life is fine, Khuku (my nickname). God has given me enough in life. These things happen in old age. When the physiotherapist makes me do those exercises I feel like ants crawling all over me and pins and needles pricking…but he was only trying to make me better. And don’t you think of firing Rani.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We both stayed silent for awhile until,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ Rani loves me. She brings cakes, though cheap ones, but with her own money to share with me. She is like my Tara. Remember they were born in the same year, the same month?” I did. Rani’s mother used to work as a cook in our house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“ She is young like Tara, full of energy, hard working and so they sleep well at night. Only Rani is poor, She needs the money. She will have to take another night shift somewhere else if she loses this. Don’t fire her, please. Only if she gets married, let her go. And if I am not there give her the gold chain that I kept in the locker. You don’t live here, Khuku. I don’t get to see you when I want. I look forward seeing her face every morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I felt a deep pang. I knew Rani could do things that I couldn’t. I would not be able to help her in the bathroom. I tried that once and it was a disaster. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rani stayed with her all along. I was not there when Ma passed away. My heart filled with a strange emotion now and I felt ashamed of me. What did I know of life that I wished my mother’s death, who made peace with her own problems. How selfish was I to pray like that just so that I could wash my hands and end my guilt feeling? </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today I prayed for her forgiveness. I was ready to show how much I can love if I had one more chance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But Ma’s gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A chime in my phone woke me up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It was Joshua sending me a message. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>‘Tara gave birth to a beautiful baby girl an hour ago. Her name is Eira Sabita Goldman. Eira means snowdrop, and Sabita was your mom’s name, Tara told me. Mom and baby are doing well.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My eyes welled up. I looked out the window. It was early morning, snowing. Treetops shimmered with icicles and dollops of snow. The Westbard Avenue was cloaked with a white blanket. The cinnamon brown buildings looked yummy like chocolate cake with frosting. I kept on enjoying this view from the ninth floor window until the morning sun dazzled with a rainbow smile. Now I could wake Reba to give her this big news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A couple of months later I received a letter in the mail. It was from Reba- a picture of a flower on a long stem that she drew with a caption. It was with all misspelled words but I could make out what it meant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>‘The seed didn't die.’ </span></div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-27828772642129096362016-05-16T10:55:00.003-07:002016-05-16T11:24:06.227-07:00Rickshawgirl and message of hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday we went to see a play in Berkeley, The Rickshawgirl. I know the writer Mitali Perkins as her parents are also Bengali speaking and our friends. I was very proud to see what a wonderful story Mitali has written about a girl and her family in Bangladesh, the rickshaw puller's family. There are many things in this story, but a most importantly, a message of hope.<br />
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The play was superb too and Sonali Bhattacharya's live song with the live music gave it a different dimension.<br />
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Mitali Perkins, the author will be present to sign the book next Sunday.<br />
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There are many organizations perhaps that are supporting women's endeavor to be self supporting, especially in underdeveloped nations. Two of them I really like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/">Women For Women</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.kiva.org/about/how">KIVA foundation </a>where you can loan money to a needy person . See how it works.<br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-10723029768135095892016-05-15T01:11:00.000-07:002016-05-15T01:59:10.489-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bead Peep Blog Hop 2016<br />
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What fun I had in this Beed Peep blog hop!<br />
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On this lovely Sunday morning, today ( May 8) I opened my package one more time that my partner <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZenithJade?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Andrea Glick </a>sent me. There were lots of lovely things, but for today I am choosing the lovely hand made lamp work focal ( by Marcia Seever of <a href="http://www.shazazzglass.etsy.com/">Shazazz Glass</a>) to work with.<br />
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Andrea sent me lots of these lovely things. Sorry this picture did not do much justice. I'll show later the pieces I chose for today's project. In Andrea's stack there were some cool Greek beads and lovely pink swarovski, rose quartz and czech glass rondelles that I plan to attack soon another quiet morning. <br />
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This was a great opportunity to ask myself what I love most in making jewelry. And I found that in terms of colors, I like them all. I have no particular color that I absolutely hate. It depends on the shade sometimes. For that reason I love to work with Polymer clay where I mix different colors and experiment. I am just beginning to understand the importance of negative space regarding colors and design.<br />
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I work with wire a lot and wish I had more time to play with that technique.<br />
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I also work in the area of wire knitting and that comes easy for me. I integrate gemstones, crystals, precious metals or not-so-precious all to experiment.<br />
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Some times I like just good old stringing and today I am in the mood for that. Nothing complicated just let the lamp bead say what it wants to... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf5E_dyq-M8/VyZ_Q29ukHI/AAAAAAAAG5c/LLFKB8CgA2YvWjqUIKnTg33R_PlUIuteQCLcB/s1600/20160317_175704-2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf5E_dyq-M8/VyZ_Q29ukHI/AAAAAAAAG5c/LLFKB8CgA2YvWjqUIKnTg33R_PlUIuteQCLcB/s320/20160317_175704-2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade Lamp Bead</td></tr>
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and I chose the the hemalite, (not hematite) string of beads. To accent, I added red and white accent tube beads from her stash. Here is a necklace that I came up.<br />
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I think I am going to keep it for me. It will go lovely with many things I wear. I could not resist showing off the sterling silver clasp she sent. I am not sure if Andrea made it herself. It is just darling. Thank you Andrea. So I put it at the side. The necklace is 24 inches in length. I could just slip it over my head and not bother opening the clasp. It is just for show!<br />
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Andrea sent me some nice pink swarovski and jet black beads from Greece but for today I chose these.</div>
This is what I sent to Andrea:<br />
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Please check the other wonderful participants of this blog hop and see what they made.<br />
Here is the list of the other participants:<br />
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It was fun for me taking part in it. Thank you Linda Anderson for hosting it.<br />
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<tr height="29" style="height: 21.75pt;"><td class="xl68" colspan="3" height="93" rowspan="3" style="height: 69.75pt; text-align: center; width: 401pt;" width="534">Linda Anderson<br />
- Hostess -<br />
<a href="http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Linda</td><td class="xl65">Anderson</td><td class="xl67"><a href="http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;">http://fromTheBeadBoard.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Natalie</td><td class="xl65">Davidson</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.northshoredays.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;">http://www.northshoredays.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Marcy</td><td class="xl65">Lamberson</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kathy</td><td class="xl65">Lindemer</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Dita</td><td class="xl65">Basu</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://http/www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Andrea</td><td class="xl65">Glick</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kristina</td><td class="xl65">Peck</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://tealeavesandtinyhats.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Shai</td><td class="xl65">Williams</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.shaihasramblings.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.shaihasramblings.com/</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Catherine</td><td class="xl65">La Vite</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Christina</td><td class="xl65">Hickman</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">gloria</td><td class="xl65">allen</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://wingsandbeads.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Teresa</td><td class="xl65">Schurter</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://treezstreazurs.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://treezstreazurs.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Maria Rosa</td><td class="xl65">Sharrow</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://willowstreetshops.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Susan</td><td class="xl65">Kelly</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://mimismilesdesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://mimismilesdesigns.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Jenny</td><td class="xl65">Kyrlach</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Michelle</td><td class="xl65">McCarthy</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.fireflydesignstudio.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Terry Jeanette</td><td class="xl65">Carter</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://tappingflamingo.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Lee</td><td class="xl65">Koopman</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Laurie</td><td class="xl65">Vyselaar</td><td class="xl66"><a href="https://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">https://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Marianne</td><td class="xl65">Baxter</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Divya</td><td class="xl65">N</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.jewelsofsayuri.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kelly</td><td class="xl65">Hosford Patterson</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Johana</td><td class="xl65">Nunez</td><td class="xl67"><a href="http://www.artincendi.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;">http://www.artincendi.com</a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kari</td><td class="xl65">Asbury</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://hippiechickjewelrydesign.com/blog</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">ROBIN</td><td class="xl65">REED</td><td class="xl67"><a href="http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.willowdragon.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kristina</td><td class="xl65">Hahn Eleniak</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Robin Lynne</td><td class="xl65">Showstack</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Rosantia</td><td class="xl65">Petkova</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://bairozan.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://bairozan.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Claire</td><td class="xl65">Fabian</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://saraccino.blogspot.de/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://saraccino.blogspot.de/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Inge</td><td class="xl65">von Roos</td><td class="xl66"><a href="https://ingetraud.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">https://ingetraud.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Rachel</td><td class="xl65">Mallis</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://mintmonarch.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://mintmonarch.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Sam</td><td class="xl65">Waghron</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://palemooncreation.blogspot.co.uk</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Lori</td><td class="xl65">Schneider</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://beadaddicted.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Fay</td><td class="xl65">Wolfenden</td><td class="xl67"><a href="http://torchfairy.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;">http://torchfairy.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">SEEDERS</td><td class="xl70"></td><td class="xl70"></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Suse</td><td class="xl65">Stelljes</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://pearlify.blogspot.de/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://pearlify.blogspot.de</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Ginger</td><td class="xl65">Bishop</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Nelly</td><td class="xl65">May</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://www.smellynelly.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">REbecca</td><td class="xl65">White</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://morganafeycreations.121hub.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">sheila</td><td class="xl65">Prosterman</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Marianne</td><td class="xl65">Baxter</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">PALLAVI</td><td class="xl65">ASHER</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.in/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Krafty</td><td class="xl65">Max</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://kraftymax.net/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://kraftymax.net</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Renetha</td><td class="xl65">Stanziano</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Becky</td><td class="xl65">Pancake</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Katy</td><td class="xl65">Heider</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://onthepondcreations.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Deborah</td><td class="xl65">Apodaca</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://deborahapodacadesigns.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Heather</td><td class="xl65">Richter</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Tami </td><td class="xl65">Norris</td><td class="xl66"><a href="https://tamisdesigns.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">https://tamisdesigns.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Brandy</td><td class="xl65">Scozzari</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://bhjewelry.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Catherine</td><td class="xl65">King</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Kathleen</td><td class="xl65">Breeding</td><td class="xl66"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/99BOBOTW/</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Veralynne</td><td class="xl65">Malone</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://veradesigns.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td><td class="xl69"><br /></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Bobbie</td><td class="xl65">Rafferty</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://beadsong.blogspot.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://beadsong.blogspot.com</span></a></td></tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15pt;">Lori</td><td class="xl65">Blanchard</td><td class="xl66"><a href="http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com/" style="color: #d47f7f; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">http://alainnjewelry.wordpress.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #717171; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*</span><br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-3831119960356499012016-02-25T11:29:00.001-08:002016-02-25T11:29:41.120-08:00 Wound up in Wire Weaving <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went back to wire weaving again. It is so addictive. This is my new passion now. I go back and forth with making wire knit jewelry, then polymer clay and there is wire weaving, always wire weaving.<br />
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This is what I created recently<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6WjTQ9YLiU/Vs9VwXhTHJI/AAAAAAAAG2U/D_TpRPI2Mao/s1600/20160216_112632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6WjTQ9YLiU/Vs9VwXhTHJI/AAAAAAAAG2U/D_TpRPI2Mao/s320/20160216_112632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwkQHqEJDn0/Vs9V-aLYCXI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/Ir_bV4aX-ec/s1600/20160216_112601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwkQHqEJDn0/Vs9V-aLYCXI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/Ir_bV4aX-ec/s320/20160216_112601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-75302951340666644892016-02-17T12:35:00.002-08:002016-02-17T12:44:01.017-08:00 Knitted Radiant Cardigan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The month of January kept me warm with this wonderful knitting pattern that I got from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry. </a> It was a FREE pattern. Meghan Jones was very generous to post this<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/radiant-3"> pattern free</a> and give me all the help I needed via Face Book messages. You will find this pattern in that link.<br />
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I had a resolution this year that each month I'd learn something new. Indeed I did.<br />
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I had no idea what wt. means in knitting- it means wrap and turn. It is also called SHORT ROW. If you don't know what I am talking about , just type wt in knitting and go to Youtube. There are several generous knitters who would walk you through.<br />
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And why would I do that wt thing? This pattern showed me why. In the beginning it was difficult for me to understand the pattern since I had never done any thing like this. Kitchener stitch was also a new thing for me. But once I grabbed the idea the knitting went fast.<br />
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I had to knit a sweater for my dear Zoe for her birthday and each year she expects something hand knitted from me. One year I just sent her toys...she told me "But where is the hand knit sweater you make every birthday for me?" That was so sweet. The love I put in each stitch touched the six year old recipient. What can a knitter ask for more?<br />
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To get a hold of the pattern first I tried it on her little sister as it is only a size 2 . Meghan made it clear for several sizes in this pattern, so when I did the size 8 I had already had some experience.<br />
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I made the buttons too to personalize them. I am indebted to Ginger from <a href="http://thebluebottletree.com/make-polymer-clay-buttons/">The Blue Bottle Tree</a> who has a wonderful blog on everything you want to know about Polymer Clay. She walked me through creating the buttons and gave me enough courage telling which brand of clay to use that will withstand several washing machine agitations. But I recommend that these cardigans be better hand washed.<br />
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I used <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Chroma_Worsted_Yarn__D5420204.html">Knitpicks Chroma Worsted Yarn </a>for these pieces. The smaller one is in Lupine and the bigger one in Carnival. I am happy with the yarns though sometimes the weave of the yarn is too thick at one place and not as uniform. But I think that gives an organic feel to it as long as you are aware of the fact while knitting.<br />
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Two sweaters in a month is pretty good speed I'd say.<br />
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Thank you for coming to visit my blog. I'd love to hear your comments.<br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-70534605246093619712016-01-16T15:03:00.004-08:002016-01-16T15:03:52.212-08:00Kitchener stitch and all about that<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I understood the Kitchener stitch. It is a way to join two knitted pieces, also known as grafting. Why is it important - because it will be smooth with no bulk. It is a neat thing that good knitters do to give their work a professional touch.<br />
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It was mostly used in joining the toes of a sock but now it is equally coveted in sweaters, cardigan or other knitted garments.<br />
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I had a pattern that is almost finished except this Kitchener stitch part and I was really struggling to understand it for the last three days.<br />
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It is supposed to be a gift. I have rigid deadline.<br />
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And...finally I did it. <br />
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For that I am grateful to many knitters who have graciously shared their knowledge and expertise in the Youtube. One that helped me:<br />
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In this second one I understood the rhythm better. <br />
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I understood it more clearly as she showed the process with a better rhythm. Pick up the front stitch as if to knit, let go off the stitch, but not the thread, immediately go to the next stitch of the same needle as to purl. This the part I was messing up and this video helped me sort it out.<br />
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Where did the name come from I wondered. Strangely, folk lore goes that an English guy who was a Field Marshall General around World War I, also served in India from 1902- 1909 for recruiting soldires to go fight for the WWI showed the English and American knitters how to graft the socks' end so that the bulge would not hurt the toes. The soldiers' toes I believe. Lots of socks were knitted for the soldiers I assume. This is how the name of this military guy came in to our knitting world.<br />
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Any way I am happy to show that my two knitted piece are now grafted with Kitchener stich in such a way that no one will know where the grafting was made. See the first picture with contrasting purple yarn is where I showed the grafting<br />
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And here is my second one where I hide it by using the same color yarn<br />
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Now I am ready to finish the sweater for my darling little one. </div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-83165941131133389302016-01-01T21:33:00.000-08:002016-01-01T22:06:12.518-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">2016 and the Pantone Color Trend </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A new year rolled in and in a blink of eye 2015 passed away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is a day to make resolution. Yet why this farce ? Do I really keep them? Still I like to pause and think what I want to do this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was looking into the Color Trend of 2016. Here is Pantone 2016</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It embraces the concept of serenity. Calm down, slow down - is the motto</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It highlights duality- think about unisex designs- that is appropriate for both men and women</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It takes us to think about charity, about giving more for the wellness of others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With these thoughts I go back to my bead boxes to see what I can make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here <a href="http://earrings-everyday.blogspot.com/">Earrings Everyday</a></span><a href="http://earrings-everyday.blogspot.com/"> </a><span style="font-size: large;">invites us to be part of a blogroll where we can take part in the journey in making earrings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder what are your resolutions for this year. What are you looking forward to making or changing ? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With best wishes- Dita. </span></div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-20021290645525142232015-05-21T17:47:00.001-07:002015-05-21T18:22:23.195-07:00A Mentor- Michael Nourot passed away recently and what he left<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Micheall Nourot</div>
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<a href="http://www.nourot.com/nourotwordpress/">Michael Nourot, the famous glass blower of Benicia CA died </a> three days ago on 18th May, 2015.<br />
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Why am I writing about it? </div>
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Because- recently I came across an interesting quotation - it was about the distinction between a teacher and a mentor.</div>
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The author shared that a teacher just teaches or shows you how a certain thing is done, or a certain skill. In that sense I have many teachers who have generously shared their </div>
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craftmanship in You tube videos and personal blogs, all free.</div>
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A mentor is who raises the question - what are you going to do with that skill. Where are you going with that skill or, s/he inspires you. Michael Nourot was one such artist mentor, though I do not do glass blowing.</div>
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Who is Micheal Nourot:</div>
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I have never met Micheal Nourot in person but I have once visited his studio in Benicia, CA and was awed with his beautiful art work pieces.</div>
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When I came to know that this local artist died at 66 it hurt me some where. It made me pause and think of him and then take the time to know more about him and write.</div>
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Micheal started to blow glass when he was only 9 years old. Later in 1972 he went to Italy and learned the trick from an Italian glass blower in Murano. He earned only 87 cents an hour as an assistant. But he knew he was learning a skill from a guy whose family is doing glass blowing for the last 300 years. Not only from Italian masters he learned from the great artist Dale Chihuli too.</div>
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Highly collectible:</div>
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His work was comissioned by President Regan and Clinton both. Many celebrities honored his work in their homes. </div>
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When Pope John Paul II came to visit in 1987, there was a big question - how to serve the Communion wafer to 70,000 dedicated Catholics who gathered in Candle stick Park. Nourot’s glass studio came to rescue. </div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/106541782966595743372/albums/5831531127434978881?banner=pwa">Here is his works</a> </div>
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Yet, tough economic times did put pressure on the studio. One of his piece from his Etsy shop: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQMir0s-5JQ/VV5_Q1gU6yI/AAAAAAAAGiY/z6LEZ6tdoKY/s1600/il_570xN.706083809_68ln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQMir0s-5JQ/VV5_Q1gU6yI/AAAAAAAAGiY/z6LEZ6tdoKY/s320/il_570xN.706083809_68ln.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nourot’s quote:</div>
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“ I love to dance with the glass” - he said. “ Glass is not solid. It is constantly moving. The challenge is to catch the movement in the design before it cools.”</div>
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Don’t I feel that way too about my artistic journey too? In jewelry making too, there is also a dynamic energy, I feel and if I do not capture it at the right time the muse is gone. It had to be caught at the right time or else…</div>
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There is another thing he said that I could relate. While he was learning from his Italian master in Murano he realized that there is an hierarchy in Italian glass blowing thing. “ There are three jobs. owner, glass master and he designer. and I knew I wanted to be all three at the same time.” </div>
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Don’t we, artist- entrepreneurs feel that too? We design our products, finish them with our own two hands and then do everything that needs to be done to run a etsy store.<br />
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I am waiting to hear how you manage and also which one piece you liked best from the gallery?</div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-12151064135360800712014-11-07T13:33:00.001-08:002014-11-07T13:45:57.736-08:00 A Free Knitting pattern - Baby Cardigan Raglan from Bottom up.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just finished this Baby Cardigan with Raglan sleeves. I found it hard to find bottom up raglan pattern. The pattern is created by me improvising or mixing two neat knitting patterns. See if you like it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hid_QK31l0E/VF05WPdo5wI/AAAAAAAAGZM/nKsTbY5z29w/s1600/20141104_083346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hid_QK31l0E/VF05WPdo5wI/AAAAAAAAGZM/nKsTbY5z29w/s1600/20141104_083346.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Wonderland Heather Baby
Cardigan</span></b></div>
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Date started –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sept<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>11
2014</div>
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Date Finished -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oct 22, 2014.</div>
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Materials used: </div>
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Yarn: 3 balls<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( 3 X
50 gms) 100% Washable Merino wool</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Knit Picks DK wt .( The name of this particular yarn I used is Wonderland Heather)</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each 50 gms 123 yds.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needles:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Recommended needle: US size 5 </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>But
I used US 7 ( 4.5 st =1” ) . </div>
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Place markers.</div>
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Buttons 3 (about 1” in diameter)<br />
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Finished piece; Width 21.5" Length 10" ( Suitable for 9 mo - 1 yr old child) </div>
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Patterns used : </div>
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Seed St pattern = k 1, p1 with odd number of stitches taken,
just repeat the same in the next row. So that there is purl on knit st and knit
on purl stitch.</div>
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Stockinette St. pattern = knit I row, purl 1 row.</div>
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Lacy Pattern from Shoelessval:</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lacy Pattern takes 16
sts.</div>
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Row 1: P1, K3, K2tog, K1, Yo, P2, Yo ,K1 ,Ssk, K3, P1</div>
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Row 2: and all even rows: K1, P6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,K2 , P6 ,
K1</div>
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Row 3: P1, K2, K2 tog, K1, Yo, K1, Yo, K1, Yo, K1, Ssk, K2, P1</div>
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Row 5: P1, K1, K2tog,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>K1, Yo, K2, P2, K2, Yo, K1, Ssk, K1, P1</div>
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Row: 7: P1,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>K2tog, K1, Yo, K3, P2, K3, Yo, K1, Ssk,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>P1</div>
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Row 8:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K1,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>P6,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K2,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>P6,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>K1.</div>
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<b>Abbreviations:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>K=Knit, P=Purl, Yo= Yarn Over, Ssk= slip as if to knit, slip a second st
as if to knit, knit them together in that position, SKP= slip one st as if to
knit, slip second st as if to purl, knit them together in that position. K2tog
= knit 2 st together. PM= place marker, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Body:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Cast on 97 sts.</div>
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Knit 6 rows in seed sts. Then:</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maintain border with
Seed sts. pattern with 5 sts, <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>the
Lacy pattern w/16 sts.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PM, K 55
sts,PM </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lacy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pattern for the next 16 sts. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PM. Follow
seed pattern for the next 5 sts for maintaining border. ( 97 sts)</div>
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Maintain border and patterns until the piece measures
approximately 6 inches ( or whatever you want. I made 6.5 inches), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the when the
8 rows of Lacy pattern is finished ending with a K row.</div>
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Last row of Body: (with 97 sts)</div>
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Border ( Seed st pattern ) w/5 sts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Purl 19 sts,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bind off 6 sts</div>
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Purl 37 st<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bind off
6 sts</div>
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Purl 19 sts,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Border
( seed sts pattern) w/5 sts.</div>
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Cut yarn. Place body in a spare needle. (=97sts)</div>
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<b>Sleeves:</b></div>
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Cast on 27 sts.</div>
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Work on Seed sts for 6 rows.</div>
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Increase 8 sts evenly (over the next 5” or approximately 30
rows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I increased 2 every 5<sup>th</sup>
and 6 row) for ultimately getting 35 sts. 35 sts.</div>
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Work evenly in stockinette sts until piece measures 5.5”
ending with a K row. </div>
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On the last row: Bind off 4 sts. Purl to last 4 sts. Bind
off last 4 sts. You have 27 sts now.</div>
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Make 2 .</div>
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<b>Yoke:</b></div>
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Maintain border (Seed pattern) w/5 sts.</div>
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K 19 sts, of the front, PM</div>
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K27 sts of the sleeve, PM</div>
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K37 sts of the back, PM</div>
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K27 sts of the sleeve, PM</div>
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K19 sts of the front, PM </div>
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Maintain border (Seed pattern) w/5 sts.</div>
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Purl 1 row maintaining border.</div>
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Next row- begin decreasing and making button hole.</div>
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Button hole: K2, Yo,
K2tog<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Row 1, Row 9 and Row 17 or as
you please.</div>
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K2, Yo, K2tog, K1, Kto 3
sts before marker.</div>
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K2 tog, K1, slip marker,
K1, SKP, Knit to 3 sts before marker</div>
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K2tog, K1, Slip marker, K1, SKP, Knit to 3 sts before marker
</div>
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K2tog, K1, Slip marker, K1, SKP, Knit to 3 sts before marker
</div>
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K2tog, K1, Slip marker, K1, SKP, Knit to end maintaining
border pattern</div>
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<br /></div>
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Row 2 : Maintain border pattern, P to last 5 sts. Border.</div>
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Row 3: Repeat Row 1 with out the button hole .</div>
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Row 4 : Same as Row 2.</div>
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Keep on working maintaining button holes as needed until
there is no st left in the sleeves between the raglan pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words the two raglan pattern in the
sleeve will merge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point make
the neck band.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Make the seed pattern for 4 rows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bind off on the 5 th row.</div>
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<b>Finishing:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sew up sleeves and underarms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sew on three buttons appropriately to fit the
holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weave all loose ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want block the piece to give it a nice
touch.</div>
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This pattern is made by me using two resources that I am
thankful to.</div>
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<a href="http://shoelessval.blogspot.com/">Http://shoelessval.blogspot.com</a>
is where I got the lacy pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved
the pattern she used there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did
not quite make that.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For the main template of the Baby Cardigan I used the
pattern from</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plymouth Yarn C116 – The Yarn Patch,
FantasyNaturale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I modified it
quite a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not use the lacy
design in that pattern, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just the
template for the cardigan.</div>
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Hope you enjoy this pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please leave me some comments if you happen to try it. </div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-38884045227223576752014-10-29T19:39:00.002-07:002014-10-29T19:47:03.957-07:00Aftermath of a Jewelry Craft Show - What to do after the show is over<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What do you do after a jewelry craft show?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHe2wStmCDM/VFGihfRbHYI/AAAAAAAAGYs/BQs3g8ejYuU/s1600/20141018_114831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHe2wStmCDM/VFGihfRbHYI/AAAAAAAAGYs/BQs3g8ejYuU/s1600/20141018_114831.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You evaluate.<br />
Why and how?<br />
<br />
I had a jewelry craft show last weekend. I meant to let you know all about it , but just could not get enough time to write the post.<br />
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It was free, a no- booth- fee show and that is why I had taken it. But was that a good thing? You tell me your opinion at the end in the comment.<br />
<br />
My story:<br />
I thought before signing up what would I lose? I'd get some exposure, know more vendors and people, see what people liked, what they picked up and put down. Was price an issue? It would give me all these valuable insights.<br />
<br />
So I took all my inventory, did a practice show display at home, spent 8 hours on preparation ( not making any jewelry), took my tent and all my things, woke up five o'clock on a Saturday morning and headed for the show.<br />
<br />
In the show I spent the whole day, that is ten hours from prep work to breaking down. At night I was so tired I just took a couple of pain killers and slept.<br />
<br />
Half of next day went unloading and recuperating.<br />
<br />
What was it like:<br />
<br />
I found the tent had to be set on shredded bark. It is a farm. I was wearing an open toe shoe!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xgKeJE3chI/VFGbgPjhDUI/AAAAAAAAGYU/nyvCapx3Ryk/s1600/20141018_114819jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xgKeJE3chI/VFGbgPjhDUI/AAAAAAAAGYU/nyvCapx3Ryk/s1600/20141018_114819jpg.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
There was no traffic other than the vendors. Many of them were grouchy because they were at the back and no one knew that they existed. The promoters asked only donations from us but charged $15 tickets as entry fee from public which we did not know before applying. This discouraged outside traffic.<br />
<br />
My neighbor vendor was a deaf lady in a wheel chair. When I saw that her friend/partner brought some card board slabs to roll the wheel chair for her friend with a big smile on her face, I had a different perspecitive. They sold bath products.<br />
<br />
They were my only customers but bought $60 worth of stuff. I bought from them too, which gave me a nice soothing bath later at night!<br />
<br />
One thing I learned - to take notes objectively. Here are the points I took notes on that may help you in such situations. I got it from <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/rena-klingenberg/">Rena Klingenburg's e - book</a> Ultimate Guide to your Profitable Booth which I bought. It has many good ideas.<br />
<br />
No I am not an affiliate of this product, just a fan of her <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/rena-klingenberg/">website</a>. Here are the points I checked after the show:<br />
<br />
Event:A&Z show in Martinez:<br />
Date:Oct 2014.<br />
<br />
<b>My expenses</b> (show fees, advertising,<br />
transportation, lodging, food): Minimal with in $5<br />
<br />
<b>My income</b> (sales total; was it what you<br />
expected?): $60. Quite bad but they say you have a profitable show if you have made 10 times the booth price. I did.<br />
<br />
<b>The show itself</b> (well advertised? crowd<br />
size? problems? would you do this show<br />
again?): No crowd. No I'll not.<br />
<br />
<b>My promotions</b> (What pre-show promoting<br />
did you do? Did it pay off?): I e mailed my earlier clients. No ad cost<br />
<br />
<b>My booth</b> (location, size, pros and cons): Putting up a tent on wet bark chips was not fun. But it did not have any wind, or other weather problems. So not very bad.<br />
<br />
<b>My displays</b> (what got attention, what<br />
didn’t work, what was a pain?): I got compliment for my booth but it was a pain. I need to simplify it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My jewelry</b> (what sold, what was ignored,<br />
what did people ask for?): $10 - $20 stuff. Lots of compliments for hard work but no sales.<br />
<br />
M<b>y customers</b> (age groups, personal<br />
styles, spending levels, who browsed, who<br />
bought?) : I had only 3 customers Age 45- 60. Female. But younger visitors appreciated the style.<br />
<br />
<b>My overall sales</b> (small sales, big sales,<br />
single purchases, multiple purchases? bought<br />
for self or gift?): For self.<br />
<br />
<b>My special</b>s (how did sale prices and<br />
volume discounts do?):<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My packaging</b> (what worked, what<br />
didn’t?):Worked well.<br />
<br />
<b>My pricing</b> (most popular price point?<br />
prices right for this show?):$10<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What should I do?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
More rings and simple earrings under $20, $15 and $10 range.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmvcbMoJF3A/VFGh4JdURpI/AAAAAAAAGYk/eKB5NldteEE/s1600/20141004_133654jpgjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmvcbMoJF3A/VFGh4JdURpI/AAAAAAAAGYk/eKB5NldteEE/s1600/20141004_133654jpgjpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These adjustable rings were a hit and sold most.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The biggest thing I learned from this show is: The deaf lady in the wheel chair had a big smile and did not complain like us, other vendors! . Her radiance and positive attitude was contagious . And with all kinds of inconveniences we chat with sign language and body language, helped each other and had a pretty good time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-49224959027691259402014-10-11T21:33:00.000-07:002014-10-11T21:59:03.279-07:00All about Jewelry Craft Shows - Three most crucial things for a profitable craft fair <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Three most important things for a profitable jewelry craft show.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnE77x_ivcE/VDn8UfRJFnI/AAAAAAAAGXg/AJEuGiJ5JCU/s1600/20140924_083829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnE77x_ivcE/VDn8UfRJFnI/AAAAAAAAGXg/AJEuGiJ5JCU/s1600/20140924_083829.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
I've been doing jewelry craft shows for the last four years and about six to
seven each year. Still there is so much to learn.
There is much info regarding craft shows in general in the web, my focus is
only on Jewelry Craft Shows.<br />
<br />
I came to know about this <a href="http://write31days.com/">31 days blog</a>, where you commit for writing
31 days, one blog each day in the month of October. But by the time
I came to see that, 11 days have passed already. Oh well, I'll do with the
rest of 20 days . Besides, writing every day is a big thing. May be that is why I took to do the best I can. What shall I write about?<br />
<br />
I found that I am reading and researching a lot about Jewelry Craft Shows lately
and so I'd take my readers to this awesome journey for the month of October with me, with all
that I find in my research, experiments, failures and
successes. So here we start with the three key, most
important aspects:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Whom:</b></span><br />
<br />
For whom am I making and trying to sell my jewelry? Do I know
them?<br />
<br />
<b>Audience </b><br />
<br />
<br />
Know thy Audience is the mantra for a profitable jewelry show. Knowing and
connecting with my customers are important points. How can I do that?<br />
<br />
The first thing I must do is informing them: e mail and
snail mail<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my customers of previous
shows<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with pretty pictures of my jewelry
and a coupon, inviting them to my current show. I’ll post it in Face book
too.<br />
<br />
The connecting part is equally important as well. Listening to what they are looking for, remembering their needs and getting back to them if possible, or just connecting genuinely, are the key elements. That is what people remember and those are good karma as well.<br />
<br />
I try to know about the traffic and the demography of each show I participate.. For
example, I am doing a show next week where there was no booth price. I
usually do not do these kind, but with zero booth fee, I wanted to give it a try this time.<br />
<br />
I am definitely taking and displaying my low- end products more this time
with a nice intricate wire work pendant as a FREE giveaway to collect names and
addresses for interested customers in future.<br />
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
On the other hand, another show will be in a boutique environment, in an upscale neighborhood where the demography is very different. I think my more upscale pieces will be appreciat there, though I'll take under $20 items but not my $5 items.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why :</b></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Why am I doing this show? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of
all I want to sell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, because I am
getting exposure to a lot of new people, local vendors and potential clients
for my up coming shows with out any booth fee, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>though I decide to give 10% of my sale as a token of appreciation for
inviting me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blog.etsy.com/en/2008/seller-how-to-craft-fair-tips/"><b>Network</b></a> - <br />
What I should do before and during and after the show as opportunity comes, is to
know the other vendors, exchange business cards and build a network.<br />
<br />
After the show I must send Thank You notes to all my customers who bought my
jewelry with a 10% off gift coupon for future sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also it is a great time to keep in touch with
the new vendors I just would meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In the past </span>I got
great information about upcoming shows and other
business related help from fellow vendors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I came to know which shows are good and which ones are not, quite easily. </span>I also support
them buying from them and referring them to potential clients and my friends.<br />
<br />
What goes comes around. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What:</b></span><br />
<br />
What shall I bring?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on the
demography, traffic and other things, like the season, trend etc I decide what
to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this no- fee show I think I
am going to take more<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>under $20
things.<br />
<br />
The OOPS BIN:<br />
<br />
One of my artist friend takes her not so good finished products, we call them our "pillars of success" and put them in a bin telling frankly that those are the practice pieces, may be defective and not perfect and mark them very low, like $1 or $2 while she sells similar perfect products for $25. It shows people how much goes to learn a particular technique, how much time and material is spent that we do not get back. People do buy them at that cheap price because they can break them and re use the beads and findings. I think I might give that a try for this show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<b>Earrings:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I <a href="http://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/2013/06/what-jewelry-should-i-make-to-sell-at-a-craft-fair-behind-the-scenes-at-a-craft-fair/">agree</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that earrings sell most in jewelry craft
shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I am taking all kinds-
studs, drops, hoops, elaborate chandeliers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My price points are from $8 - $35. <br />
<br />
I made some <b>adjustable rings</b> too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
learned the basic technique <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>from Rena
Klingenberg’s <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/easy-folded-wire-ring-tutorial/">FREE<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tutorial</a> and
then improvised my own twist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see
how they move.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeOXnrf_320/VDn7FG3wCaI/AAAAAAAAGXM/fXx-FG33Wjc/s1600/20141004_133720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OeOXnrf_320/VDn7FG3wCaI/AAAAAAAAGXM/fXx-FG33Wjc/s1600/20141004_133720.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’ll display some mid range and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>higher end stuff<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and bring along
most of my inventory in case some one wants any thing special.<br />
<br />
<b>Slide show of jewelry</b>- I’ll have a slide show of my high end jewelry pieces
in my lap top and run it. <br />
Will let you know next time what went well and where I goofed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please share yours too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be anxiously waiting for them. <br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-7042599666627588072014-09-24T07:35:00.000-07:002014-09-24T07:40:32.139-07:00Wire weaving and how I solved a problem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wanted to make a wire woven pendant.<br />
<br />
I had a do nut bead which I wanted to adorn with wire weaving.<br />
<br />
I have this wonderful<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103631001/hyacinth-house-woven-wire-wrapped-donut?ref=shop_home_active_2"> tutorial by Gailavira</a> and some previous experience with wire weaving.<br />
<br />
<br />
Look at my first try that I did a couple of years ago. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNS3bSsDDtM/UCV9POuagII/AAAAAAAAFB0/P01-ccetL_Q/s1600/IMG_6452jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNS3bSsDDtM/UCV9POuagII/AAAAAAAAFB0/P01-ccetL_Q/s1600/IMG_6452jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alankarshilpa- SOLD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But after a couple of years gap of doing this type of wire work I found I have lost a lot.<br />
<br />
Now look what it is doing to me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OA9NBZpslY/VCLVJGyvPxI/AAAAAAAAGU0/xx9j6M7FtHo/s1600/20140923_111759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6OA9NBZpslY/VCLVJGyvPxI/AAAAAAAAGU0/xx9j6M7FtHo/s1600/20140923_111759.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_741459126"></span><span id="goog_741459127"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What's wrong? Why is the wire not listening to my command? Because, wires have their individual memory, and their way of acting out. I was frustrated, because I had done this project.<br />
<br />
What can go wrong? I was using 20 g for the base frame. The tutorial asked for 18 g. I don't<br />
have it handy. I was using 26 g for the weaving part.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjYbAdZz4XU/VCLVdIpjcyI/AAAAAAAAGU8/ZMkGnV_vaLU/s1600/20140923_100059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjYbAdZz4XU/VCLVdIpjcyI/AAAAAAAAGU8/ZMkGnV_vaLU/s1600/20140923_100059.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This time I used 20 g , because that's all I have , but I used 28 g.<br />
<br />
Oh yes, it made a big difference. The wire is much obedient now. It is capable of following direction.<br />
<br />
I am enjoying the over and under basket weaving motion now. And look I did two of them.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
And a third one !<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
So I learned that:<br />
<br />
1. Practice makes it perfect. It took me 90 minutes to make the first one, 70 minutes to make the second and only 55 minutes to make the third. I learned to track the time it takes to do wire work projects. It helps me when I do the pricing. Therefore I'd do an average to price them for selling purpose.<br />
<br />
2. 20 g is fine for the base. It gives me better flexibility than 18 g for my hands. But 26 g as a support wire does not work for me. The brands of wires are also important. I found art wire by soft flex works best. It is a bit more expensive but worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, which one do you like best. The 1st, 2nd or last? I am taking a poll.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-62410456536132162992014-09-18T06:13:00.001-07:002014-09-18T14:07:46.525-07:00Zentangles, Polymer clay and Kids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;">Zentangles, polymer clay, play do and kids…these are few of
my favorite things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am out of town. My etsy store is on vacation mode now.
But that does not mean that I am not working. My brain and heart both are working fine and hard .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Recently, I came across some thing called <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=111">Zentangle.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What is<a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=111"> Zentangle?</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMUcU0DtLYY/VBiEqGBrw4I/AAAAAAAAGUE/QuVnoXwoCvw/s1600/5700086501_90a93bc449_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMUcU0DtLYY/VBiEqGBrw4I/AAAAAAAAGUE/QuVnoXwoCvw/s1600/5700086501_90a93bc449_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> Some call it “The
yoga of your brain”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I like how </span><a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=111"><span style="font-size: small;">they </span></a><span style="font-size: small;">define it saying - <i>We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> It is doodling, but
not quite. It is deliberate, yet
free, not busy work, but engaging. Find
out for yourself searching in the
internet and then you’ll find that you are kind of missing those 3” square papers
if you are not doing it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And then I found another one in the web :</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnsjoX7Bwc4/VBiE3DCYStI/AAAAAAAAGUU/qHzFTEmuJeU/s1600/c77-zentangle-garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnsjoX7Bwc4/VBiE3DCYStI/AAAAAAAAGUU/qHzFTEmuJeU/s1600/c77-zentangle-garden.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blVT-Uy-jlQ/VBiETgVoraI/AAAAAAAAGT8/Uam0s7rHP78/s1600/20140916_131006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blVT-Uy-jlQ/VBiETgVoraI/AAAAAAAAGT8/Uam0s7rHP78/s1600/20140916_131006.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here are a couple of my Zentangle art try outs </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Both my grand kids, one five year old and the other two are impressed
and hooked like me. And you can calm
them easily taking out some 3” paper squares and a pen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And here are some that my five year old grand daughter made;</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7lqQ9qRtHc/VBiEzDQBG3I/AAAAAAAAGUM/ypvS8Fj9MBI/s1600/20140916_131030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u7lqQ9qRtHc/VBiEzDQBG3I/AAAAAAAAGUM/ypvS8Fj9MBI/s1600/20140916_131030.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My other favorite thing is playing with clay. Recently I came across this wonderful site
where I found I could transfer those zentangles on the clay, I mean polymer
clay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PzvTNU5MNE">Check out this You Tube Video</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Isn’t it cool?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I could have my grand child draw some thing and then we
could make a pendant with that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But that did not happen yet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Did you like the
zentangle video? Tell me what come in
your mind for a future project?</span></div>
</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-68055725597785700602014-07-07T17:39:00.000-07:002014-07-07T17:51:15.550-07:00Polymer Clay - Lessons learned: Why some of them are brittle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Why did some of my polymer clay work break?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iS4R92YAzk/U7s4lFDIOrI/AAAAAAAAGRM/fhuydUiYdVY/s1600/IMG_8051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iS4R92YAzk/U7s4lFDIOrI/AAAAAAAAGRM/fhuydUiYdVY/s1600/IMG_8051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was very disturbing.<br />
<br />
I was feeling quite comfortable with my clay work and bought some more clay. Last time I worked mostly with Premo brand. This time I picked some Sculpey lll as they were on sale in Jo Ann. But not the Premos.<br />
<br />
Some where I read there is not much of a difference among the different clay brands.<br />
<br />
I learn a lot from the web and recently I also bought some tutorials from Etsy. Some of them are just great and even free, while the one I recently bought for $12 is totally junk.<br />
<br />
Any way, after I doing some hands- on practices, I came to know that some where I goofed understanding the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEfaZItHWek">Skinner blend</a> thing.<br />
<br />
I don't have a pasta machine yet, I was using my rollers. I was getting some skinner blend effect but not quite what I had expected.<br />
<br />
Similarly I made some mistakes understanding the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ8sbiPx2yI">Sutton slice</a> too, but in the process I discovered some thing on my own which I came to know is called Marbelizing.<br />
<br />
Any way, I was happy with my new discovery and here are the results:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nNETssdixg/U7s5IOilqQI/AAAAAAAAGRY/i1RLDKqBMas/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nNETssdixg/U7s5IOilqQI/AAAAAAAAGRY/i1RLDKqBMas/s1600/IMG_8049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29LY-xerpz0/U7s5W110DqI/AAAAAAAAGRg/pqMdgFCCSuc/s1600/IMG_8052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29LY-xerpz0/U7s5W110DqI/AAAAAAAAGRg/pqMdgFCCSuc/s1600/IMG_8052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
When they were cured, I mean baked, I let it cool. Then I sanded and polished and finally varnished it too for the gloss.<br />
<br />
I put tiny holes using tooth pick on most of them, but forgot two. I thought I'd do that when they are dried.<br />
<br />
I let it dry for more than 12 hours and then I wanted to finish it with wire work.<br />
<br />
I used 20 g wire and immediately one of the earring pieces broke.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd use 22 g . Again the same thing happened.<br />
<br />
Finally it took 24 g for the wire work with all the twisting, turning, swirling that were involved.<br />
<br />
But why should it be so brittle?<br />
<br />
I did not have this problem with the other ones <a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2014/05/polymer-clay-jewelry-with-stamp-and.html">I tried last time?</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZpHx3TrB6o/U7s5-AedFsI/AAAAAAAAGRw/ufcssRP_7ww/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZpHx3TrB6o/U7s5-AedFsI/AAAAAAAAGRw/ufcssRP_7ww/s1600/IMG_8048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I researched and found that the reasons could be:<br />
<br />
1. I used Sculpey instead of Premo and <a href="https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100617101533AABk25R">several sites</a> concluded that Premo is a stronger clay after baking than Sculpey.<br />
<br />
2. My pieces were not consistently 1/4 inch thick. That is one criterion I must remember. The baking time is 275 F for 30 min for 1/4 inch thickness.<br />
<br />
3. Sculpey says to bake in 275 F for only 15 minutes . I did it for 30 minutes. Is over doing bad? There are mixed opinions on that. So from now on I'll probably use Premo, but be extra careful with Sculpey lll since I already have some of that left, and I like this design with thinner width. Some <a href="http://glassattic.com/polymer/Characteristics.htm">say</a> it is okay to mix two different brands. I might use the scupeylll as a core with Premo on the top.<br />
<br />
<br />
I came to realize that unless I really do it, I can't tell how much I have really internalized this new medium.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G7-TYhdGLg/U7s5dX6aW8I/AAAAAAAAGRo/S3uwpEB0xhg/s1600/IMG_8046jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G7-TYhdGLg/U7s5dX6aW8I/AAAAAAAAGRo/S3uwpEB0xhg/s1600/IMG_8046jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2014/05/polymer-clay-jewelry-with-stamp-and.html">Another Polymer clay jewelry article:</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-40587978289789219932014-07-03T16:43:00.001-07:002014-07-03T16:43:44.769-07:00Thursday 30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I came across this wonderful blog - <a href="http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com/2014/07/30-words-thursday.html">Alice dreaming</a> where I got this super cool idea of 30 Words Thursday .<br />
<br />
So, I can write only thirty words no more no less - and that will be my blog post.<br />
<br />
I was thinking about FREEDOM since tomorrow is 4th of July -our Independence Day<br />
<br />
And I came up with this quotation from Nelson Mandela.<br />
<br />
That is my 30 words Thursday blog post! <br />
<br />
<br />
"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to freedom, I knew if I didn't leave any bitterness and hatred behind I'll still be in prison." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-la8pmd2WSx4/U7XoCNKh17I/AAAAAAAAGQ8/lNj_ceQHFQo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-la8pmd2WSx4/U7XoCNKh17I/AAAAAAAAGQ8/lNj_ceQHFQo/s1600/images.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-78183510371032525252014-06-27T18:58:00.001-07:002014-06-27T19:57:19.341-07:00How to put a Navbar on my blog and organize posts accordingly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How to put Navbar on my blog and organize posts accordingly - that was exactly what I had been struggling to find out lately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snCPZaYVRVw/U64hO6kdv5I/AAAAAAAAGQk/oh_i2G9NC8k/s1600/Persistence-and-Commitment-Quote-Robert-Terson-Selling-Fearlessly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snCPZaYVRVw/U64hO6kdv5I/AAAAAAAAGQk/oh_i2G9NC8k/s1600/Persistence-and-Commitment-Quote-Robert-Terson-Selling-Fearlessly.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You may laugh at my problem but I am sure there are people who are just as web savvy as I am. The learning curve is different for each of us and we are at different spots in that huge curve too.<br />
<br />
But I found out that if you are persistent there is a way.<br />
<br />
There are lots of generous people out there who are willing to share what they know.<br />
<br />
Just put your problem in the search and you'll get some where.<br />
<br />
First of all, there are some You tube videos by John Sommers that were were helpful. But you do forget important steps just viewing or listening. You need that guide when you are doing it.<br />
<br />
So I went to <a href="http://blogaholicdesigns.com/tutorials/add-blogger-posts-to-pages-navigation-menu/">this site</a>. She explained it just in a way that I could understand.<br />
<br />
I printed out this valuable post. Just follow the steps.<br />
<br />
<u>H<b>ow I put the Navbar</b>:</u> <br />
<br />
She literally took me by my hand, follow the steps in her blog. and I could put the Navbar in the Lay out page of my blog<br />
<br />
At this point I have just two labels or titles or categories - Business and Tutorials.<br />
<br />
I have 155 posts so far. They are all over my blog . I wanted my readers to find what they need, when they need, that I have taken time to write for them.<br />
<br />
I want to share my mistakes and my success to help others. That is why I was trying to put a Navbar in my blog.<br />
<br />
Why didn't I do it earlier?<br />
<br />
I tried, but I was not this persistent . I was determined not to quit until I learn it and find it, this time.<br />
<br />
And I did. And if I can, I am sure any body would too.<br />
<br />
<u>Organizing the posts under the relevant labels:</u> <br />
<br />
Now organizing my posts according to the labels is another road block where I got stuck for a long time.<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://www.bloggersentral.com/2011/02/list-all-posts-of-particular-category.html">wonderful writer</a> whom I don't know personally, cleared it for me.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is go to your post and at the bottom, just before the comments, in my case, you see the picture of a pen, click it. <br />
<br />
It will take you to the HTML page where you write, where you can edit your work. At the very right hand side you'll find the word <i>Label</i> with a little tab icon. Just write your label there, for example I might write the word Tutorial or Business for my two labels that I am working on.<br />
<br />
Now click <i>View Blog</i>. You'll find at the very end of your post - just before comments- the word Label and your specific label ( tutorials in my case or Business) .<br />
<br />
Now if you click that word all the posts that have that particular label will appear there. So you will get all my tutorials under the Tutorials heading.<br />
<br />
Isn't that cool?<br />
<br />
And most importantly I learned something that I was trying to learn for a long time. It was great sharing it with you.<br />
<br />
I have tried many blogs and web sites that tried to answer this question or solve this problem. These two were the most lucid ones for me. And I want to thank them profusely.</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-22152129325433473132014-06-10T18:08:00.002-07:002014-06-10T21:14:53.431-07:00What is the Most Popular Color in Jewelry?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL_NwDbx-Dc/U5fWBYLDS5I/AAAAAAAAGPw/v1VGILyOStQ/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL_NwDbx-Dc/U5fWBYLDS5I/AAAAAAAAGPw/v1VGILyOStQ/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alankarshilpa- The Blues</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<![endif]-->I was wondering - what is the most favorite popular
color in jewelry?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is yours?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did some research on this online.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope that will
help me in my jewelry making and help my readers too.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My own experience showed that it is RED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I put some vibrant red jewelry on the
bust, in my craft shows, people are drawn to it immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It sells fast,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even if the
workmanship of the next piece is much complex and more note worthy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But my online research says some thing else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Statistically and historically the color is<a href="http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/homerealestate/package.jsp?name=fte/popularcolor/popularcolor"> BLUE.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From denim jeans to corporate logos, the color blue
consistently ranked as the world’s most favorite color according to Color
Matters.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been noted that- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
53% percent of the world flags have blue in them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blue jeans are worn most all over the world as casual dress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A dark blue suit is considered most professional business
attire</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aristocracy is blue blooded in European language.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mother Mary wears blue lapis lazuli in most art </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord Krishna’s body is blue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look at this experiment in this <a href="http://blog.kissmetrics.com/gender-and-color/">blog</a> - True Colors –
Break down of color preferences by gender.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Both male and female audience chose blue.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most popular jewelry color around the world is blue.<br />
<br />
From the days of Egyptian royalty lapis lazuli was designated as the official
color of the pharaoh. It remains popular today, in part because blue evokes
feelings of loyalty, dependability, <span class="ilad">commitment</span> and
relaxation. It is also less gender specific and looks great on men as well as
women. <span class="ilad">The blue</span> sapphire is currently the most popular
and most affordable of the top gemstone- according to<a href="http://www.colorcombos.com/appropriate-jewelry-colors-for-every-fashion-statement-article.html"> Appropriate Fashion Colors for Every Fashion Statement</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s see what Pantone says for <a href="https://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=fall&year=2014&pid=3">Fall 2014 jewelry trend.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ This is a season of untypical colors- more reflective of
imagination and ingenuity, which makes for an artful collection of colors and
combinations, not bound by the usual hues of fall”- Leatrice Eiseman –
Executive Pantone Color Industry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Create an individual imprint</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, take Sangria red or Aurora Red for a more
sophisticate red</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pantone Fall 2014 trend: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C9VGsM-hc0/U5ZtWdDJSxI/AAAAAAAAGOw/u5Sp8iGf82g/s1600/2de87fed70cd3a0f62137278f9f1a930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C9VGsM-hc0/U5ZtWdDJSxI/AAAAAAAAGOw/u5Sp8iGf82g/s1600/2de87fed70cd3a0f62137278f9f1a930.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
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Then I like this Sangria in the goblet.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8yBOWTvt8/U5ZtkBXmR8I/AAAAAAAAGO4/99OscFGzaWw/s1600/sangria_cocktail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uu8yBOWTvt8/U5ZtkBXmR8I/AAAAAAAAGO4/99OscFGzaWw/s1600/sangria_cocktail.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love that wine color!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooh! So yummy.</div>
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Choose Bright Cobalt that has a subtle twist on the traditional
Cobalt Blue.</div>
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Look at Cognac
a classy cultured brown and the Misted Yellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are the popular color trends this Fall season 2014, suggest Pantone color specialists.</div>
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My favorite color changes according to the season and my mood
of that particular day. I can’t say blue is my all time favorite color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I choose color I am more in the present.</div>
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But now, today, I am drawn to a vibrant vivacious
color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am feeling like working with
some rich lapis lazuli.</div>
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So it is BLUE again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yVK6ZcLRps/TLytUAnHpQI/AAAAAAAACag/sYNF_KJbTU4/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4yVK6ZcLRps/TLytUAnHpQI/AAAAAAAACag/sYNF_KJbTU4/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alankarshilpa - Knitted wire jewelry in blue.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I am curious to know what is your favorite color.</div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-10568252497976955662014-05-23T14:17:00.002-07:002014-07-07T18:01:39.329-07:00Polymer clay jewelry with stamp and a shine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
I found the answer - How do you bring the shine on your stamped polymer clay?<br />
<br />
I found the answer -Yesterday was my second day with Polymer Clay jewelry making . As I am playing with play do more and more with my grand children, I am getting more and more interested in trying out polymer clay jewelry making.<br />
<br />
Here is what happened yesterday<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGw3jk7OqIE/U3-03HxjHmI/AAAAAAAAGOA/hGxMBd2hqTM/s1600/20140523_092107jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGw3jk7OqIE/U3-03HxjHmI/AAAAAAAAGOA/hGxMBd2hqTM/s1600/20140523_092107jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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At the very right hand corner you see what my husband calls pillars of success - the broken ones that got ruined while adding the wire part to it.</div>
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I used Fimo and I think I used 250 degree for about 20 minutes. Next time I'll raise the oven temp a little bit more and keep it for longer. </div>
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I found a great site where Gina was demonstrating using the embossing thing. Here is the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTPm4lfslrQ"> link of the video .</a></div>
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What I liked about it is that the raised , stamped part had a nice metallic finish. How can you do it with out using metal clay or powder?</div>
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I did not quite have quite the ingredients she mentioned, not her stamp, or the particular embossing thing, but I had some embossing powder that needs heat to show the gold shine. So I used that.</div>
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At the very left hand corner I integrated it with my wire knit jewelry part and I will finish it as a pair of earring. </div>
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Today, I went to Michael's and bought some Primo- I think Fimo and Primo are kind of same, and the kind Gina mentioned in the video for the embossing material too. It was on sale 40% off - other wise the thing is pretty pricey $18.</div>
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Anyway I'll show what I am coming up with in the upcoming posts soon.</div>
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I am also seriously working on wind proofing my craft display ideas. I do have a show in early June, so every day I am working a little bit on that aspect. </div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-40804765713628182342014-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:002014-06-30T19:12:00.479-07:00Wind proof Jewelry Craft Display<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
How to survive a windy craft fair for your jewelry display?<br />
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How to display my jewelry for the craft show against horrible wind ? I am at my wits end.<br />
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I am serious about displaying my jewelry for craft shows with the most beautiful and functional way. And I work hard to make it look aesthetically pleasing and functional. A week earlier I do a mock show display at my home , in my living room, even after doing craft shows for the last five years and at least six or seven shows a year so that I do not forget any thing. So that I can give the best I can.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IY8fpnsLSJg/U3pZozG5m8I/AAAAAAAAGNE/c704tJ2wk3g/s1600/20140517_091102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IY8fpnsLSJg/U3pZozG5m8I/AAAAAAAAGNE/c704tJ2wk3g/s1600/20140517_091102.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Still, it was such an embarrassment this weekend in an out door show that it took me quite awhile to get over with it.<br />
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Here is how it looked in the beginning:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PeUUNb2Uk8/U3paCor8dzI/AAAAAAAAGNY/_Kz7nSjFzC0/s1600/20140517_091123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6PeUUNb2Uk8/U3paCor8dzI/AAAAAAAAGNY/_Kz7nSjFzC0/s1600/20140517_091123.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uGJtjwm67jY/U3pZ6PEoSTI/AAAAAAAAGNM/6BsVPw16Wnc/s1600/20140517_091054.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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After 2:30 pm the wind stared catching up. First, it knocked off my two rotating wire earring stands that hold 24 earrings earring each. Then the busts one by one with necklaces on them. It totally destroyed my whole theme, all my planning, my pride and self confidence. And when people started to come back to my store for the second time after they have seen all the booths, this is what they saw. I was totally crushed.<br />
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What do they see now ? My earrings are flying, bracelets on the floor...I am running around like a chicken with out head. I was almost in tears.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAfam3-uutE/U3palCZBVaI/AAAAAAAAGNk/FjOa2CogcRA/s1600/20140517_152034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAfam3-uutE/U3palCZBVaI/AAAAAAAAGNk/FjOa2CogcRA/s1600/20140517_152034.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friend, a ceramic artist and I was sharing the booth. This was her turn to bring the tent and the weights. She forgot the weights. And we found after we hoisted the tent, that part of the tent is broken, We kind of managed- the roof was not all the way up, and it was not that noticible. But forgetting the weights was disastrous.<br />
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We could not go home at that point, we had to find a solution very quickly. All my jewelry was flying all over. I started putting the necklaces that were on the busts just flat. Put all the earrings in a basket ( thank God, I had some extra baskets). We took off the sides of the tent which was working as a sail at that point and then took off the whole tent with the help of our kind neighbors.<br />
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Fortunately I made okay selling before this catastrophe started, so made the booth fee and some more. But the whole thing made me feel very low. <br />
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We have already signed up and paid for another show in August right here and many vendors said it is typical that the wind will be there. So I need a solution.<br />
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I took a deep breath and remembered <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyUWNEFNgI0/U3pOGMuA0WI/AAAAAAAAGM8/3YRB1natCi0/s1600/Sail-Boat-Optimist-Quote-300x226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyUWNEFNgI0/U3pOGMuA0WI/AAAAAAAAGM8/3YRB1natCi0/s1600/Sail-Boat-Optimist-Quote-300x226.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
So I decided to think about strategies. First of all the remedy for wind is weight. <br />
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<b>Bring weights - not only for my self but for the neighbors too - just in case.</b><br />
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I do use stones in pillow cases that I tie around the legs of the tent at the bottom.<b> </b> No matter what, I should always bring them. In case my neighbors forget them, it will be giving them an important helping hand, besides we are not alone in this journey. I learned that my neighbor vendors' mistakes can affect me.<b><br /></b><br />
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I read from the <a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/lessons-learned-from-a-firstalessons-learned-from-my-first-craft-show-craft-show/">comments in a blog</a> - a fellow sufferer, Janice writes - "... that not only weights at<b> t</b>he bottom of the legs, <b>the key is to attach the weight to the canopy frame."</b><br />
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<b>How to use weights so that they look pretty?</b><br />
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I decide to attach some weights to the canopy frame. How could I do that so that it looks beautiful as well as functional? I think I'll get some stones or rice bags that I'll tie in burlap bags and squares tied with raffia. I'll use several weights - 5lb, 2 lb and 1 lb weights in the similar burlap squares with raffia to match and give the display a cohesive look. These bags could be hung from the sides of the tent in a nice way.<br />
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There are some useful ideas in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Rena's blog </a>where the writer mentions similar solutions to add weight aesthetically, making it cohesive with your display and brand.<br />
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Remember bungee cords, sturdy yarns or rope, safety pins, paper clips, silly putty, clamps and all these things that with help against wind.<br />
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<b>Flat display: </b><br />
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Think how I can display things flat?<br />
*Use beautiful baskets,<br />
*Trays uplifted with easel - ( I did this and it it did not topple) <br />
*Tiles standing on wire easels for necklaces instead of flimsy leather or velvet busts -(save them for indoor shows).<br />
*Here I got a great idea that I am going to steal - <a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/jewelry-travel-organizer/">the portable jewelry binder</a><br />
*Boxes with lids attached. <br />
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I think I am also going to use boxes as my display. Cover the Priority Mail Boxes with fixed lids that I receive for my jewelry supplies from various on line stores and cover them with the same co ordinating burlap. I can use the flap as a vertical side for hanging necklaces and keep similar necklaces in nice gold boxes for people to find out.<br />
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The most important thing it to do a trial show at home on the driveway a week earlier.<br />
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Phew! Instead of making jewelry I have enough home work cut out now to survive a windy craft fair show. <br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-24901316642176137232014-04-16T13:34:00.000-07:002014-04-16T13:49:50.403-07:00Why Healing Gemstone Jewelry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->.Why would you wear healing gemstone <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jewelry or energy jewelry?<br />
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Jewelry is worn to make a statement.<br />
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<b>Power</b>:</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kings and queens
showed their powers and hierarchy wearing the appropriate crowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Wealth</b>:</div>
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The rich showed their affluence wearing the dazzling pieces,</div>
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<b>Style – uniqueness:</b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrities showed
their style in their unique chosen piece. </div>
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<b>Healing and Energy:</b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also another
reason why people wear jewelry- to heal. To bring positive energy in their
lives.</div>
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<b>Do gemstones really have healing properties?</b></div>
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Crystals,
gemstones, minerals and the metals we use to make our jewelry have been in this
earth for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
witnessed and absorbed energies from Mother Earth and the celestial universe,
over thousands of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crystals may look inert
and still, but they are vibrating, vibrating with energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The scientists have acknowledged that fact. One simple
example is- the use of crystals in watches or use of quartz in surgical
instruments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Various old civilizations
have given thoughts and respect to this aspect of energy and have used it in
healing. The Hindus and Buddhists used the Chakras, the Celtics, Native
Americans and the Far East civilization; all
understood the potentials the gemstones have for healing.</div>
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While we sometimes may feel skeptical like <a href="http://www.coachingtowardhappiness.com/aboutben.htm">Benjamin Dean</a>,
poet, philosopher, holistic healer – who says “How in the world can a rock help
to heal?” we find the answer agreeing with him – “Any thing can heal if you can
open your heart to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Receptivity is a
necessity.”</div>
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“Healing occurs because stones bring the hidden core of
spirit energy to mind” – explains Ms. Elisbeth in her<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marguerite-Elsbeth/e/B001K8H5LI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1397677899&sr=1-1"> </a><a href="http://writing./">writing.</a><br />
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<b>Healing properties of Gemstone Chart: </b><br />
<br />
There are several resources where you can find the healing properties of different gemstones and crystals, just by searching the Google search. I'll just give<a href="https://www.bestcrystals.com/metaphysical.html"> one example</a>. I use many of them for cross references, to be sure. </div>
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<b>Cleansing energy jewelry:</b></div>
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Holistic healers and even a lay person like me, who believe
that the gemstones have healing powers, are serious about cleansing the gemstones
to energize them with positive vibes.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the
gemstones, crystals and minerals are here for thousands of years and have
absorbed energies, they might have absorbed some negative energy too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, it is important to cleanse them
and charge them with positive vibes.</div>
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“You catch a sight of a beautiful crystal, but when you pick
it up it feels strange, you wear a necklace and you feel suffocated, even
though there is plenty of wiggle room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…
What you perceive is the invisible ballast “explains Michael Gienger , <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Purifying-Crystals-Charge-Purify-Healing/dp/1844091473/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397678505&sr=8-1&keywords=purifying+crystals">in his book, Purifying Crystals </a></div>
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Holistic healers use different kinds of <a href="http://www.mkprojects.com/fa_Cleansing_Gems_Jewelry_Pendulums.htm">cleansing methods</a>:
the Sun and Moon method, the running water method (where you let the crystal be
under a natural running water source like a river, brook, water falls not tap
water), the Reiki, are just some examples.</div>
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Reiki Method:</div>
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The one that I’d follow is the Reiki method.</div>
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What is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki">Reiki ?</a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a nutshell Reiki
is a form of energy balancing, the gentle healing art of hands that is used to
help and heal any living thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Mikako Usui , a Japanese Buddhist monk( 1865- 1926) brought this healing
art into the modern world from the Far East around 1922.</div>
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Reiki method is also used to cleanse any negative energy and
charge the gemstones used with positive energy, to manifest its positive
healing properties.</div>
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I do not have formal Reiki training, but I use my prayers and
cleansing rituals so that the gemstones I use in my jewelry may fulfill their
healing energies.</div>
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One experience I’ll share with you before ending this
post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had made a bracelet with the
gemstone, apatite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apatite has the power
to control appetite, or help with emotional eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had given that to a friend whom I wanted to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She was struggling with her weight loss.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She </span>came back after six months losing
significant amount of weight and gaining a lot of self confidence. <br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure her
positive thinking, creative visualization, receptivity to my good wishes and
hard work all contributed to that result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I cherish her comment –“Your bracelet was beautiful to wear in
parties, and whenever I thought of taking second helpings on my plate, the amazing apatite beads
held my hand.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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You may want to read her story here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">-, <a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2010/05/healing-blue-apatite_25.html">The Healing Blue Apatite </a> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-6666365084983698102014-01-31T11:46:00.001-08:002018-09-25T16:15:30.820-07:00How to write the perfect product description for my real customers in my Etsy shop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Perfect Product Description for my real customers in my <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etsy shop<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbig9NSnDew/Uuv6Y4JJ-rI/AAAAAAAAGIU/hOpBVsEkK3g/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbig9NSnDew/Uuv6Y4JJ-rI/AAAAAAAAGIU/hOpBVsEkK3g/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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I had no idea that writing a product description for my product in my Etsy store is just not quite enough.</div>
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I thought what I need to tell my online customers are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>- the dimension of my item; the materials used and maybe the technique I use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is not all.</div>
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I understood that I need to make the SEO happy as much as I need to satisfy the real customers, who are people, not keyword crazy robots.</div>
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This article is about how to satisfy the real customers with my product description.</div>
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<b>Wear your customer’s hat</b></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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Of course, it is important that I need to tell the customers about the dimension, material, and techniques used in my jewelry, but what is more important is putting myself in the buyer’s seat.</div>
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Roberto Verganti writes in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1422124827?tag=designdriveni-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1422124827&adid=102DHHDVBHP33FVXS843&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.designdriveninnovation.com%2F">Design-Driven Innovation</a> –</div>
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“People do not buy products, but meanings. People use things for profound emotional, psychological and socio-cultural reasons as well as utilitarian ones"</div>
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I hear the same resonance in the <a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/let-your-customers-see-themselves-in-your-products/">article</a> - Let your customers see themselves in your products:</div>
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Let your potential customers know what good your product is for <b>them</b></div>
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Let your browsers know how the piece will make her<b> feel</b> against her skin.</div>
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It is important to include the measurements and features in your description but doesn’t let those be your main focus.</div>
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These are the key things I’d remember from this article.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/writing-101-customer-friendly-descriptions/">Tara Gentile in her article</a> (Writing 101: Customer friendly descriptions)</div>
agrees- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Item descriptions are a great exercise in selling psychology”<br />
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Here she points out how the product description can change as we change our perspective.</div>
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As a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jewelry maker, I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>focus on writing about the dimension of my jewelry, what it is made of, my experience about finding that awesome material or how<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> much I put into it to create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are things that are reflected in my description.</div>
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When I wear the customer’s hat, take the customer’s perspective<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thinking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> – how is that jewelry piece going<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> to affect my mood<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>, looks or decision<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>, environment etc.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The priorities are completely different.</div>
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As a seller my job<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> is to pluck that string – how is it going to make my customer feel extra special owning my product.</div>
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I have to remember to switch the perspective wearing my customer’s hat and think – what is there in me from that piece? why or how is that product so essential, that I should buy it right now?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, I have a fabulous thing I want to share with you - I found a great <a href="https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/files/2011/10/Week_4_Worksheet-.pdf">worksheet </a>that you can download for FREE</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has helped me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> polish my product description for my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>real customers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1s2NIkfS16A/Uuv76CNVPlI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ZYktDPiBtMg/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1s2NIkfS16A/Uuv76CNVPlI/AAAAAAAAGIc/ZYktDPiBtMg/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-47503578809173686482013-10-03T14:57:00.002-07:002013-10-03T14:57:47.945-07:00How to prepare for the Holiday Sales in my online Etsy jewelry store<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MFdryFvBuHI/Uk3iMIiBbdI/AAAAAAAAGEE/lEtXTiBBxwI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MFdryFvBuHI/Uk3iMIiBbdI/AAAAAAAAGEE/lEtXTiBBxwI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Preparing for the holiday business in my Etsy jewelry store
is an important thing in my to do list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every year at the end I get paranoid, work like crazy and end up
reducing prices for quick sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
like the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, interestingly
reading many blogs and talking to other jewelry artist friends I come to know
it is just not me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failing to plan ahead
is the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cause <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for this this situation.<br />
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So what am I going to differently this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>1. Stock
up and manage inventory</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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goal is to list at least one new item each day in my Etsy store. That is what
is advised in the <a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/the-holiday-rush-etsy-marketing-formula-free-5-day-ecourse/">Handmadeology blog</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1191373744"> </a></span><a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/the-holiday-rush-etsy-marketing-formula-free-5-day-ecourse/">http://www.handmadeology.com/the-holiday-rush-etsy-marketing-formula-free-5-day-ecourse/</a></span> </span><br />
<br />
This is a tall order. Making each
product takes about two hours in average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking great pictures ( the light from the window has to be right),
editing them, writing description that makes the customers and the SEO happy,
pricing, uploading and promoting – are in a nut shell <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all that take to bring one item in the shop
every day.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>2. .Rethink
pricing :</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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This means I must think of offering various price points to
accommodate different kind of buyers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like how<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rena Klingenberg in her excellent <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E book<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/landing/jewelry-holiday-season/">http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/landing/jewelry-holiday-season/</a></span> says : </span><br />
<br />
“ Instead of thinking how can I
make more profit, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started thinking how
can I help the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>customers with their gift
giving situation?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This change in
thought process may shed a new light in my creative process too.</div>
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<b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3 .Be transparent with customers.</b><br />
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Stay clear and transparent with
your customers suggests the<a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/11/6-tips-to-preparing-for-strong-holiday-sales-on-etsy.html"> etsy team:</a></div>
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<b>
</b></div>
</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This means I should revisit my shipping policies in my Etsy store and
spell out clearly how much time it would take for a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>custom order, international order, what should
be the cut off day for Christmas mailing.. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The more clear I am, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the better <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>off we both would be, my customers and
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time in the Post Office is one
dreaded thing during that time of the year.</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>4. Make a schedule and stick to it.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Rena Klingenberg in her Excellent
E book </div>
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How to sell for the Holiday rush mentions an interesting fact- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Statistics say that one third of the shoppers
plan and get their shopping done by the end of September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>80% continue until the 25<sup>th</sup> of
December and one third do it until the very end of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I believe people who shop early in
September/ October <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are looking for big
price items that they want to give to their very special person in lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I may focus on thinking making high end
items now , that means order materials for thoseitems and think about stunning
designs, both for men and women, kids and babies and special teachers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Set
a goal:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
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What do I really want from my
business? Both, in the short run and in the long run? How does it impact my
holiday preparatiojn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are things I am going to think about
when I am out for my long walks. Untangle the mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to keep my body and energy in shape
too, so those long walks will be need and I have to keep aside some time for
that<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaN03VbgA9o/Uk3jnHlX-cI/AAAAAAAAGEk/V-8aM9hQB5U/s1600/IMG_7695jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaN03VbgA9o/Uk3jnHlX-cI/AAAAAAAAGEk/V-8aM9hQB5U/s320/IMG_7695jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted copper wire cuff bracelet with coral red beads- at <a href="http://www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com/">alankarshilpa</a>. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your
thoughts about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holiday Sales preparation this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you agree with me regarding my belief that
people who shop in September and October are thinking about high end
items?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I off in my thought
process?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to hear from you.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-66645936076841278912013-07-12T15:34:00.001-07:002014-07-07T18:47:34.102-07:00Craft Shows and Liability Insurance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
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Should you take liability insurance as a vendor for your
craft show? Why? and Why not?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcFU8BSa54c/UeCDN8ZDXAI/AAAAAAAAF_U/bcIUDPMmGLI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcFU8BSa54c/UeCDN8ZDXAI/AAAAAAAAF_U/bcIUDPMmGLI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the fine print</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is an important decision because as jewelry artists many times
we run with shoe string budget. And do these insurance really cover us?</div>
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<br /></div>
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In my last blog post a dear follower commented about theft in
your booth and how to avoid it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’ll try to address these issues in this post.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lately I came to know that I need to have Vendor’s Liability
Insurance Clearance Certificate if I want to do a certain show.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have been doing craft shows for the last four years and this
is the first time I am facing such a mandatory requirement.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking an insurance was in the back of my mind – all those “what if? “worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I have to decide on one of these
insurance policies if I want to participate in this craft show.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Why should you have Liability Insurance?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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* When it is required from the manager of the show</div>
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<br /></div>
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*Theft: </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is an interesting article on <a href="http://meylah.com/meylah/extra-steps-you-can-take-to-eliminate-theft-at-art-craft-shows">how to eliminate theft atcraft shows</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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*Unforeseen disaster like some ones tent blows and lands on
yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you are safety conscious
and have proper weights tied into your tent. But what if your neighbor is not?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Perusing the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/11408433/page/1">Etsy forum</a> I found several sites that you may
want to consider for buying vendor's liability insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
researched the following two. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.eventinsurancenow.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cContent.vendors">http://www.eventinsurancenow.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cContent.vendors</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.actinspro.com/">http://www.actinspro.com/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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You may also talk to your own insurance agent with whom you
have car or home insurance.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.actinspro.com/">Actinspro</a> have several options for people like me who needs
it more for the show promoter’s need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though they have a three consecutive day option for $39 it will not
work for me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I decide to take the 90 day one that will cover all shows
I do in this time period, mind you it
will not cover the products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is for the general insurance. So, check
clearly what is covered.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Their yearly policy of $250 plus will cover your products too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Petty Theft:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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In my four years of doing craft shows it had never
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rather lost quite a few
pieces of earrings in transporting, during the busy packing and unpacking times. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But there is no guaranty that you may not be a victim of
theft from your booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The preventive
measures I take are:</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<b>Always keep money on my body</b>. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wear a light weight
fanny pack or a cute bag across my shoulder where I keep small notes, no
coins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually round up and give the
customers the change, if any, as a token of appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep my card processing things in it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use Propay.com and it works very well with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may try Square or Paypal too.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Keep high ticket items a little higher and not so easy to
reach</b>;<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgE7nxNg2VM/UeCGKHqc3BI/AAAAAAAAF_s/1LGVtRnX0n4/s1600/IMG_7620jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgE7nxNg2VM/UeCGKHqc3BI/AAAAAAAAF_s/1LGVtRnX0n4/s320/IMG_7620jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Necklace -www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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These are usually the necklace pieces and they are on busts.
Also, usually I sit close to them at the end of the booth with my easy to do
projects.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Try to have a friend to keep an eye while I am not there.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44cjVFNrYGU/UeCD8fgAnNI/AAAAAAAAF_c/pgmzgEbcVNg/s1600/IMG_7631jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44cjVFNrYGU/UeCD8fgAnNI/AAAAAAAAF_c/pgmzgEbcVNg/s320/IMG_7631jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted bracelet in emerald green www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Disasters:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I try to prevent wind blowing off my tent by putting stones
wrapped in color coordinated pillow covers and then I tie them with the legs of
the tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The rest I pray.<br />
<br />
You may like:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-prepare-for-craft-fair-busin">How to prepare for Craft fairs </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fair-is-it-worth-it.html">Craft Fair - it is worth it?</a><br />
<br />
What is your experience or thoughts? <br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-56474614122748364882013-07-08T21:26:00.000-07:002014-07-07T18:43:27.800-07:00How to prepare for the craft fair business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here are the </span>three most important things
I’ll focus for the craft fair business this year:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you ready for craft fairs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
As the days are warming up I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>feel that it is time for those canopy hanging time, but I must revise all the lessons I have learned from the last four years of doing craft fairs. Also, I have
some resources now that will let me focus.
<br />
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<b>Scheduling:</b></div>
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How often ?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see lots of people
who do craft fairs every weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
handle only once a month or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craft fairs are hard
work but then I find that is when my jewelry sell the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>most.<br />
<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://katersacres.com/buildyourbrand/prepare-for-a-craft-show/the">Katie Acres in her blog</a> puts it very nicely about <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how important the scheduling part is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want to overwhelm your self and get
sick because of poor planning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then,
there are too many distractions, too many craft fairs, near and far. Some are low cost some are not. It is confusing to decide which ones will work out. </div>
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<br />
How much shall I spend on booth fees...how much energy do I have for this commitment? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is important <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to know when your show is, how many of them
are you doing in the near future and the characters of each craft shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important for me to think the factors,
like how many days apart are they, you need time to recuperate, and when are the dead lines for each of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the applications...etc, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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For the time being I am getting ready for three shows in
the next three months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are in the holiday season, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>six months away but the dead lines for
application is now.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So making a calendar and sticking with the to do list is a
must.<br />
<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Inventory:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How much stuff shall I take?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here you’ll find some answer in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/10746155/page/3/?post_id=178769418&prior_page=2">Etsy Forum</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a saying
that you have made a good show if your sales are 10 times the booth fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never achieved that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is five times, I am happy enough.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Say I paid $50 for a booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I make $250 - $500, I’ll consider that I have done pretty good. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to sell $500
of jewelry, my rule of thumb is to take 10 times more of that, meaning I must
take $5000 worth of stuff. But I do not need to or should <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>display them all at once.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I believe in the power of white space and the branding of my style.<br />
<br />
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From experience I have found that there should be some low end
items from $10- $20 which <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">usually should </span>cover the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>booth price. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the challenge
I am facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These low end items have to be eye catching,
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">kind of unique, </span>quick <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to make, and made with less material
cost.</div>
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On the other hand this is the time to show case your
workmanship and high style also, because jewelry is tactile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>want to feel it, see it on person and then get
the emotion that it must be bought – NOW. </div>
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Here is an interesting article I read about <a href="http://leancrafting.com/2011/12/12/epic-fail-how-not-to-prepare-for-a-holiday-craft-fair/">How NOT to prepare for a holiday craft show</a>. Take a look</div>
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Now I have to give some <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>serious thought about these points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I do this kind of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>research before displaying or making<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my stuff?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iM9BSR1Moqk/UduOmYYcYXI/AAAAAAAAF-0/1ByhI_f_IOA/s1600/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iM9BSR1Moqk/UduOmYYcYXI/AAAAAAAAF-0/1ByhI_f_IOA/s320/IMG_6661.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selling is not the only reason to do craft show</td></tr>
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<b>Goal:</b></div>
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Each craft shows have different goals to me.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Selling is not the
only reason we do craft fairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
made great friends with fellow vendors and got valuable tips, links to
future shows and business.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the time for
networking too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Promote and appreciate each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the time to grab future
customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One vendor once told me that
her goal was to get rid of her whole packet of 250 business cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was new in the area and she was
determined to let 250 people know about her existence.</div>
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This year one of my goal is to have some cards made with
coupon codes in the back.</div>
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You can get them from <a href="http://moo.com/">MOO.COM</a> or, <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/default.aspx?GP=7%2f3%2f2013+9%3a46%3a37+PM&GPS=2887241834&GNF=0">Vista prints </a><br />
<br />
Another article on: <a href="http://alankarshilpa.blogspot.com/2011/07/craft-fair-is-it-worth-it.html">Craft Fair</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">: Is it Worth It?</a></div>
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Stay tuned for more craft show articles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am researching and will write soon.</div>
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What are your tips? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your questions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love to hear your comments.<br />
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36732153894448099.post-25744282010182698402013-06-30T21:47:00.002-07:002013-06-30T22:13:04.609-07:00Jewelry from my inheritance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>My Country - For Thee I Bead </b><br />
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I was born in India,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yp6RFaJ7vDo/UdDC1_Q6YJI/AAAAAAAAF8s/bxfJgqtPfgM/s276/250px-India_West_Bengal_locator_map.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yp6RFaJ7vDo/UdDC1_Q6YJI/AAAAAAAAF8s/bxfJgqtPfgM/s276/250px-India_West_Bengal_locator_map.svg.png" /></a></div>
<br />
in the State of West Bengal - that is famous for the Bengal Tiger,<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJrcOyEYpm8/UdDC-0Ew9nI/AAAAAAAAF80/Gxtpr14bW6k/s616/west-bengal-tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJrcOyEYpm8/UdDC-0Ew9nI/AAAAAAAAF80/Gxtpr14bW6k/s320/west-bengal-tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
which is an endangered species, very precious indeed.<br />
<br />
If you ever go my mother land, do visit the Sundar Bon ( meaning - the beautiful forest) and check out these beautiful beast in the wild ( of course if you are lucky) . You'll probably have to take a boat ride and for sure you'll be able to see some crocodiles and porpoises and yes, the most beautiful birds indeed.<br />
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My birthplace is Calcutta - the City of Joy!<br />
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Literally!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgK8X41hVOk/UdDDJxoUY8I/AAAAAAAAF88/uU1SsyMibL4/s548/kolkata-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgK8X41hVOk/UdDDJxoUY8I/AAAAAAAAF88/uU1SsyMibL4/s320/kolkata-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
When we were teenagers we use to see lots of budding lovers roaming around this beautiful Victoria Memorial garden and then you may take a few moments of cool at the bank of Ganges, or a boat ride at dusk.<br />
<br />
I am skipping the yummy stuffs you may eat. I am<br />
going straight to jewelry making. Because that is what this blog and this post is all about.<br />
<br />
I am used to seeing the most beautiful jewelry various brides wore on their wedding days. They were not simple, most of the time they were over powering and gaudy. And some were darn beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3Yt3M5PnM/UdDDZ02tCvI/AAAAAAAAF9E/SS9aqvFV02A/s225/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR3Yt3M5PnM/UdDDZ02tCvI/AAAAAAAAF9E/SS9aqvFV02A/s225/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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But part of them were very wearable and just right.<br />
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Here I was intrigued with pieces like this<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz_KbjMGHms/UdEE7RcvkGI/AAAAAAAAF9o/WoLG17DucCc/s287/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vz_KbjMGHms/UdEE7RcvkGI/AAAAAAAAF9o/WoLG17DucCc/s287/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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or like this<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xY6RiasW8M/UdEEukf178I/AAAAAAAAF9g/rxw4IIbgd8I/s668/Shree-Ganesh-Jewellery-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xY6RiasW8M/UdEEukf178I/AAAAAAAAF9g/rxw4IIbgd8I/s320/Shree-Ganesh-Jewellery-17.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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And then I created some thing like this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k08fU4fHeeo/UdEFY1HVPWI/AAAAAAAAF9s/DGFXB_qsU0w/s800/IMG_7396jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k08fU4fHeeo/UdEFY1HVPWI/AAAAAAAAF9s/DGFXB_qsU0w/s400/IMG_7396jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">alankarshilpa.etsy.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Now this is very wearable and I wore it and made a sale.<br />
<br />
Seeing that, another friend asked if I can make one for her too, I got another order to make it in another color. So I am thinking in this line now. Will let you know what I come up with.<br />
<br />
Now this post was inspired by Nan Smith- MY COUNTRY -FOR THEE I BEAD series. And a bunch of us thought it would be fun to have this blog hop. So come along with me, let's hop to different artist's studio and see what they have created .<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nan Smith (Canada) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://wirednan.blogspot.ca/">http://wirednan.blogspot.ca/</a> <-----><!---------></-----></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dini Bruinsma (The Netherlands) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://angazabychanges.blogspot.ca/">http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stephanie Weiss (USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.pt/">http://uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ana Cravidao (Portugal) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://acbeads.blogspot.com/">http://acbeads.blogspot.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Liz E (Pitcairn/USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com/">http://beadcontagion.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vera (Germany/USA) <a href="http://veradesigns.blogspot.pt/">http://veradesigns.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Andra Marasteanu (Romenia) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com/">http://bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Delilah (Romenia) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mssdelilah.wordpress.com/">http://mssdelilah.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jessica Murrey (USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/">http://whimsicalweavings.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mischelle Fannuchi (USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.pt/">http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rebecca (France/USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com/">http://www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LiliKrist (Indonesia) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pcbylik.blogspot.com/">http://www.pcbylik.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NK Valentine Studio (Canada) </span><a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.pt/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">h<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ttp://www.nvalentine.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karin (Canada) </span><a href="http://www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Diah Anggreni </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Indonesia) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pernik-manik.blogspot.pt/">http://www.pernik-manik.blogspot.pt/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karen </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Australia) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.overthemoon-design.com/">http://www.overthemoon-design.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cath Thomas </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(The Netherlands/Switzerland) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://samohtac.blogspot.com/">http://samohtac.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Asri Wahyuningsih </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Indonesia/USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com/">http://asribeadwork.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crysalis Jewelry Design (Denmark/Canada) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jasvanti Patel </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Brazil/ USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com/">http://www.jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lola </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Serbia/Canada) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://beadlolabead.blogspot.com/">http://beadlolabead.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becky Peterson </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://beadlolabead.blogspot.com/">(</a>Sweden/USA)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paula Hisel </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/">http://simplybeadiful.weebly.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inge Von Ross </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Germany) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://ingetraud.wordpress.com/">http://ingetraud.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laurie Vyselaar </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com/">http://lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toltec Jewels </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Mexico/USA) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/">http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> * * * </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Nan for doing this for us and I am sorry I was late in posting. </span></div>
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Anindita Basuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01783357847456177361noreply@blogger.com8