Want to make each of your guests feel special at your next event? Having hand painted wine glasses, or other glasses such as martini glasses, margarita glasses, and Pilsner glasses for your guests to drink from will make them feel special. This is also another way for your guests to distinquish between one glass over another and keep track of the glass they are drinking from. You wouldn't have a need for the little charms to place around the stem of each glass.

The glassware can be painted to compliment the theme and colors of your event. They can be painted to match or all different patterns. That is up to you. It is important to keep in mind that since they each are hand painted, no two will be exactly alike.

Depending on the budget for your event and the type of event it is, you could even use the specialty glasses as a party favor. Your guest will love being able to take something so lovely home with them. It is not only a pretty piece, but something they can continue to use in the future.

You do not have to spend a fortune to offer this to your guests. The glasses are reasonably priced and can be completed in a short period of time.

It is definitely worth checking in to!

Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

The task of selecting the right color to paint a room can be a daunting task.  There are a few people who have the insight to be able to choose the right color on the first try. They seem to be able to know what would look best and where.

 

There may be more than one color that fits in your space.  Remember too, that if in the beginning you paint a color and decide later it just was not the best choice, it can easily be changed.  This is one of the greatest qualities when selecting to paint as opposed to wallpapering a space.  Another benefit of painting is it can be less costly if you decide later on, that you want to change the design and colors in your room.

 

Do not be fooled by the experts who specialize in painting.  They often struggle in the area of selecting paint colors too.  This is not a fact they willingly share with others. Many times you will only be exposed to their finished project and not be allowed to view how they achieved the finished room.  Therefore, not allowing you to see what the level of difficulty completing the room actually was.

 

It is recommended that you purchase the small samples of paint in colors you want to try. Apply a patch of each color on the desired walls and live with them for a few days.  Pay close attention to how the different light throughout each day, affects how the color looks in your room.  Lighting plays a major part on how a color looks and will help you determine if you like a certain color or not.  If you are not up to painting the color on the walls, another way to go is to paint the color on sample boards.  Display the boards in different places throughout the room.  Make sure you look at the boards at different times including the evening when it is dark.  You will see that as the light changes so will the appearance of the paint.

 

The best way to test the paint is with the furniture and accessories that you will be using in your room.  Other colors that are in your room will also have an affect on how the paint appears.  Do not be afraid of color.  It really adds life to a room.  Now get your paint samples together and try it!

 

Have you heard of Etsy.com?  It is a great place to sell your handmade items.  This is a very economical way to have presence on the internet.  They only charge .20 cents per item listed or renewed.  You cannot beat that!

It is very user friendly and easy to list your items online.  You do not have to be computer savvy to be able to set up your shop and begin to do business.  However, it is not just a matter of setting up shop and sitting back to let the funds roll in.  You have to market, market, and market to be successful. 

Some suggestions for great ways to market are to write blogs, click marketing, and joining forums.  These of course are just a few suggestions.  You definitely can learn from other people's experiences.  Do not limit yourself to just marketing online.  Pass out your business cards with your shop's url.  This way you are able to be found on the web.  Make sure you pass this information out to everyone your meet.  Socializing is a great way to market.  Another suggestion is to email your shop to everyone you know and ask them to pass on your information like they would for any other email they would receive, such as chain letters and jokes.

It takes awhile to build up your business online and is a daily effort to market and get your site out there infront of others.  Do not get discouraged, keep focused and be determined to be successful.  It will payoff in the end.  You will see.  Good luck!

To visit Etsy click here: www.aressa.etsy.com .  Feel free to contact me with any questions or to place a custom order at: 614-530-0219 or by email to: aamilou@aol.com.

Thanks!

The beginning basic components of most earrings are the part that hooks into the ear and a headpin, which is used to string your beads on.  Many refer these pieces as “findings”.

 

You can easily locate earring findings that are already manufactured.  They are often sold at your local craft stores and of course online.  The come in a variety of metals ranging from silver and gold plated to fine silver and gold.  It is a matter of preference and affordability.

 

You may also decide to make your own findings for your handcrafted earrings.  Earrings are easy to make on your own.  You may find yourself in a crunch and needing to make your own finds due to time constraints.  If you learn how to do this it could keep you from having to make a special trip to the store or place a special online order and delay the completion of your piece. 

 

You can cut the cost of your supplies by buying bulk precious metal wire.  It can end up being less costly to purchase it in this manner.  This is a great way to keep your costs down and not have to pass extra fees on to your customers.  This is an important factor in making a larger profit, for those of us in business.

 

The jewelry business is very competitive.  To stay alive in this field you must produce quality work.  Creating unique pieces is another good way to attract customers to your product.  This also may allow you to charge more for your pieces, since your buyer knows they are not going to be able to find it at the next stop!

 

Learning how to create your own earring findings will also allow your creative side to emerge.  You will have the knowledge and flexibility will producing your designs. This is also a great way to achieve a since of accomplishment.

 

There are a variety of wire choices on the market.  Not only do you have to choose the type of metal, but the gauge that works best for your project.  It is popular today to even mix the metal types using different colors together and different gauges.  This adds more interest to your piece.  It is recommended to use 21 gauge half-hard and soft round

sterling wire.   The 21 gauge fits well in the hole of pierced earring wearers, while being able to support the additional pieces strung on the wire.  20 to 22-gauge wire is also a good type to use for earrings. 

 

So, I would suggest you start collecting your wire and preparing yourself to learn how to make wire earrings.  My next article will focus on a basic earring wire instruction.  Stay tuned for future articles.

 

Amy

 

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

Practicing is the key to becoming familiar with different types of wire.  The more you use them and try different types, the more you will learn the qualities of each type.  This will Also allow you to gain knowledge of which type works best for different projects.

 

The first type of wire is copper.  This is a great choice to practice with. It is easy to find, especially at hardware stores and is affordable.  It also looks great with earth tone beads.

 

Galvanized is also a good type to practice with.  It is a dull silver color.  You often are able to find it also at your local hardware store. 

 

Sterling silver, which by the way is one of my favorites, is 92.50 percent pure silver.  The word sterling is what indicates the amount of silver there is.  The other part is a mixture of metal alloys.  This part of the make up is what adds strength to the wire.  Sterling makes beautiful jewelry, however it does tarnish.

 

Fine silver is almost 100 percent pure silver.  The actual percentage is 99.9.  Since fine silver does not have as many alloys a sterling it is softer.  The lack of alloys allows pieces made with fine silver to tarnish sliver.

 

Keep in mind once you get in to the sterling silver and fine silver the cost goes up.  Make sure you practice until you are comfortable working with wire before moving up.  It is definitely less costly to make mistakes on the copper or galvanized wire.

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

 

Beginning to work with wire to make jewelry designs requires practice and patience.  The most affordable wire to practice with is 18- gauge copper wire.  This type of wire is easy to find at hardware stores and often can be found at craft stores too.  Once you have practiced enough to feel comfortable with your design, there are a variety of wires to choose from.

 

There are many qualities of wire to consider when you are making your wire selection.  Part of your decision will be based on the project you have chosen.  You will need to know the size, type, hardness, color or metal type, and shape of wire needed.

 

The size of a wire is based on the diameter.   In the United States the size of the wire is referred to a gauge.  The smaller the gauge number is, the thicker the wire.

 

To determine the wire needed for a project depends on what it will be used for.  If you are using the wire to make jump rings they will warrant using a thicker wire, as opposed to earring wires.  They will need to be made with a smaller wire in order to comfortably fit through the ear lobe.  Fixed gauge copper is softer than silver, and silver is softer than

gold.

 

There is so much to consider when you begin to make your beautiful wire jewelry pieces. The best way to begin is to buy your practice wire and jump in.  The most important part is to have fun while you are creating your masterpiece!

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

Jewelry makers like any other craftsman needs tools to do their job.  If you are new to jewelry making, it is not necessary to start with a large amount of tools.  You do need a few to start off with, and then add more as you go.  This will also allow you time to research and try a few different types of jewelry before putting a large sum of money in to tools that you really do not need.

 

A few tools to add to your beginning collection as you start off are, wire cutters, flat or bent- nosed pliers, round nosed pliers, jewelers’ files, crimping pliers, beading awl, nylon-nosed pliers, polishing cloth, pencil, ruler, and jewelry glue.  You probably could hold off on getting the beading awl.  You also might want to add a few dowels of different dimensions to your toolbox also.

 

Wire cutters are essential to your collection.  The best type to purchase, are the flushed-cut wire cutters.  This type will allow you to make an even cut.  This makes a much nicer finished project.

 

The flat or bent-nosed pliers are selected solely on your personal preference.  Both types of tools do the same function.  It do not really matter which piece you choose to use, but the important part is to remember to choose a piece that has a smooth surface to work with.  Do not get a type that has ridges or a textured surface.  Another name you might hear the flat-nosed pliers referred to as the chain-nosed pliers.  They are one in the same.

 

Round-nosed pliers play an important part in jewelry design.  They are used to make hoops, loops, and wraps for attaching beads and making designs in the wire.  Solely jewelry makers use this tool.   They are sold at most craft stores and jewelry suppliers.

 

Jeweler’s files are use to smooth your wire ends.  This will make your finished product look nicer.  They typically are sold in sets of 10 to 12.

 

Crimping pliers are used to hold your wire to the clasps of your jewelry piece.  It is very important to use this tool properly.  If you use it incorrectly, you more than likely will not tighten the crimp and this will allow slippage of the wire.  The ends will come loose and the beads will slide off.  Another concern when using this tool is over working the crimp.

If you squeeze and pinch it too much, the crimp will become brittle and fall apart.  This also will allow the wire to slip.  The proper way to use this tool is to flatten the crimp in ridge that is close to the handle part of the tool.  Once you have done this, make a ¼ turn and squeeze the crimp in the ridge closer to the front of the mouth.  This should fold the crimp in half making a nice finish.  Some jewelers choose to use flat-nosed pliers and just flatten the crimp.  Using the crimping tool will make a more professional crimp and will be a nicer finish.

 

Another jewelry technique uses knots to the beads in to place.  The tool used in this process is a beading awl.  It has a long pointed piece of metal and a wooden handle. This tool allows you to make secure knots against each bead. Nylon-nosed pliers are used to flatten wire without making marks on the metal.  Flat-nosed pliers can be used instead, but cover the metal with a cloth to avoid damage to the wire.  This tool is one that can be added later as you build your business.

 

If you are going to be working with wire to make jewelry, a polishing cloth is a must.  It may not be noticeable, however the wire is dirty and often tarnished.  The wire needs to be cleaned prior to beginning your design work.

 

To aid in your design process, it is important to either have a dowel or a pencil to use for coiling and circular designs.  These can be purchased in different dimension if you are making your own jump rings.  This will allow you to make different sizes.

 

A measuring tool is necessary too.  It is your preference if you use a ruler, yard stick, or a tape measure.  My preference is a tape measure.  It is easier to keep in smaller spaces.

 

Jeweler’s glue is another product that can be added later.  It really depends on the type of jewelry you are making.  Many styles do not require glue.  Some jewelry makers will add a touch of glue to their beading wire when they string bracelets or necklaces.  This helps

to make a stronger hold and eliminates breakage.  The glue is also used on nylon knots if you are using this type of material.

 

Starting out as a jewelry maker is so much fun.  There are many varieties of jewelry to make.  Be open-minded and try the different types to find your niche.  It may take while, but do not be afraid to jump in and learn.  It has taken me over two years to determine the material I like to work with the best.  The main thing is to relax and have fun!

 

Happy New Year!

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

 

 

The desire for gemstones dates several years back through time.  In the earlier times gemstones were found in areas of decay.  They have always been considered a romantic gesture when received as a gift.

 

The price of a gemstone is determined by the size, cut, quality, and type.  How the stone is treated should be questioned.  One treatment is called irradiation.  This is a process used to bring out the color of the stone and remove any imperfections.  A dealer who knows their business will know the treatment used.  If they don’t, they aren’t being up front with you.  This would be a flag to act with caution when making a sale with them.  Gemstones that often use the irradiation treatment on are: Aquamarine, London Blue Topaz, Emerald, and Diamond. 

 

The next treatment used is heat treatment.  This also brings out the good colors in gemstones.  This type of treatment is often used on: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Ruby, Tanzanite, and Topaz.

 

The most popular treatment used is the dyeing of the stones.  Watch for dye that gathers in the cracks of  the transparent stones.  This should not be visible to you.  You can determine if there is dye on a piece if it rubs off or appears as a white patch on the piece.  It is common for Lapis and Rose Quartz

to be dyed.  Black Onyx is permanently dyed in the processing.

 

The next treatment is applying a coating.  A petroleum product is used for the dipping of Jasper.  The Emerald is oiled.  A wax is applied to Turquoise.

 

Question the dealer you buy the gemstones from as to the validity of the stone being a natural stone.  Dealers may try to pass an imitation stone off was a natural stone.  If it is too perfect, it is probably is a fake stone.

 

In closing, a few other good tips to follow when you are shopping for your gemstones:  Consider buying beads with a little larger hole. This will enable you to use better stringing material.  Try to get beads that are common in size and shape.  This will help you to make a nice piece of jewelry.  Another thing to look for are chips and cracks in the beads.  This may look neat visually, but does not indicate good quality.  Also, to make a nicer piece of jewelry it is better that the beads tend to be the same color or close to.  This will make for a more attractive piece.

 

Quality is the key to making return sales!

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

 

 

 

If you fall in to this final category you would be considered to be above average in height.  Lucky you!  This would cover anyone who is over 5’7” tall.  Just about any length would look great on this individual.  If you are thin along with being tall, chokers look great on you.  This will draw attention from your height by cutting the line of your neck, thus de-emphasizing your physical appearance.

 

Necklaces made of similar sized beads actually look the best on you.  Gemstone jewelry or pearls are the best selection for you.  There is such a large variety of stones to choose from.  They also come in many different forms such as chips, nuggets, or smooth round stones.

 

The woman who falls in to this body type also has a larger range they can select from when choosing bracelets.  The main thing to remember is to stay away from pieces that are too dainty.  They will only get lost on you.  If you like the look of a thinner bracelet, then by all means wear them, however consider grouping several of them together.  This will enable the bracelets to stand out on you.  If you do not wish to wear several smaller bracelets, then you could wear two larger pieces together.  If you are a fuller figured woman, the bigger the better in most cases.

 

Dangling earrings are very attractive on the taller woman.  This is due mainly to the amount of space that is found between the ears and the shoulder area.  Stay away from the smaller round earrings.  They will not look nearly as nice as the larger pieces.  Any shape or design would do.  Look at your wardrobe to make the final decision on the jewelry accessories that would look appropriate.

 

Do you have more length than width on your facial space?  If you do, then you would fit in the category of having a rectangular or oblong face.  Basically, this means that the area of space is about the same width at the forehead as it in the chin area.   Your face shape would need help adding the appearance of width to your face.

 

To give the appearance of a wider face, consider wearing a choker necklace.  This actually will aid in making the neck look shorter.  If chokers are not for you, then a 16” or 18” necklace that makes a “U” shape would be attractive on you.

 

As for your hair, the style should also be one that adds width to your face.   Parting your hair to the side with a low part, sweeping across your forehead is a nice look for you.  You can also wear bangs that are straight and blend with the hair that rests along your face.  The perfect length for you would be above the shoulders and hit the middle of your neck.

 

Ladies, avoid the v-neck sweaters and shirts as well as vertical lines.  These will just add the appearance of length to your body type.  The higher necklines the shorter and wider your face will appear to be. 

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219