The seasons Have Changed

Oh yes, seasons have changed from the happy carefree days of summer to the snuggle in the house of fall and winter. Actually I prefer this time of year, its a great time to take a vacation, as well as clean and organize everything.
Something I really need to do. I have beads and findings all over the place and have trouble when I sit down to create things as I have a pile of beads set aside for earrings and necklaces etc which I use Sterling Silver on. I also have a pile of my seconds, you know the test beads and the ones that have a tiny bit too much glass on them. I use them to make cell phone lariats, key chains, jeans jewelry and little do dads. I don't use Sterling silver on these items, just the base metals.
My creations take place in my dining room, and to be honest I have so much laying around I am ashamed to take a picture of my work area. I have just plum run out of room as to where to put things.
Trying to get things organized has become a challenge and one I need to overcome quickly as I have 8 shows coming up in a row every weekend till December, then boom total let down as there is nothing. In one way that might be great, give me a chance to devote more time to marketing and my Etsy store and my website
Marketing is where I need the most help in, but I do have a wonderful team I belong to who is VERY supportive, and slowly I am getting ideas of how to promote myself and my shop and website. I am very proud to say that I am a PROUD member of Etsy eSMARts . Its the best.
Well enough ramblings for me now, I need to go create so beads on my minor torch so I can make up some more wonderful bead sets and then turn them into creations of beautiful jewelry.
Yes I am blowing my horn here, I have finally learned to accept the compliments I have received and believe in myself now as an artist. But first again, I need to find the torch and put away the glass I am not using currently....sigh
So till next blog....Happy Crafting!

Wilma

A Look into M5 Creations

Occasionally we as bloggers really don't know what to write about. I really am not a writer, but made a commitment to have a blog, so I need to think of different things to write about. Many of you know I belong to Etsy (http://www.whimsey.etsy.com/) and have decide to expand my shop to not only include my lampwork beads but some of my created Jewelry pieces using my lampwork beads. I also belong to the MN Etsy street Team and The eSMARts Etsy Team where as I have mentioned before I ave learned so very much about marketing. Not only have I learned a lot, but found out there is tons more to learn. I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people through this team and decided that for this blog I would highlight a fellow eSMARts member

Tina Cowan is the creator behind M5CreativeCorners.etsy.com. Just one look at her shop and I fell in love. Tina is a quilter, which is something I have secretly wanted to do, but really have no time to work another craft into my busy lifestyle.

I asked Tina if she would please share a little information about herself and she graciously obliged. Tina lives in sparks Nevada and mostly makes quilts that she has learned to do on her own. she has not taken quilting lessons and has no mentor to go to . Most of her love for her beautiful creations comes from Norman Rockwell; Monet and Kincaid although she admits they do not inspire her.

Tina gets most of her inspiration from Mother Nature, especially gardens, and it is easy to see this by her work. Many of her quilts and wall hangings are nature themes. She loves watching cartoons and browse the fabric stores for ideas to create new and exciting items such as table runners, clutches ,wall hangings and of course quilts, and usually does this when she has a creative block. she has felt that by doing this it sparks her creative juices again.

Creations for M5 Creative Corners comes from the living room which Tina says looks like a miniature factory! Her family stands behind what she does and is very proud of all of her creations.

Whenever talking with other artists we always ask for their advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method. Tina says make sure you have 2 irons, it sure comes in handy especially when you have several projects going at one time. She has received advice from friends when she started and passed this on to me also...save all your receipts, not only for income taxes, but for reorder of more of this material if needed, and they are great references when finding final costs. The favorite part of owning her own business is to be able to take a break whenever she wants, and her least favorite part is no one to answer to.

When Tina is ready to relax either by herself or with her family, she goes to her favorite restaurant and talks wit people.All her colors are her favorite, although she points out that she won't wear yellow on herself cause Big Bird would be mad. The color yellow does show up in her work as she loves colorful quilts and specifically concentrates on watercolor quilts ; stripes and curves.

The last thing I asked Tina was "If there were more hours in the day what would she be doing." Her response was "Good question, I'll take another break and eat another meal then go back to work!!!"

I enjoyed talking with Tina and exploring her shop. As I said it is a secrete dream for myself to create a quilt for my bed. I have all the material, just not the time to put a King size quilt together. I know you will be awe inspired if you take a trip over to look at her creations. Again please check Tina's shop out at http:// M5CreativeCorners.etsy.com

Hipe you enjoyed this look into another great crafter within our team. Please check back as I plan on interviewing other creative members.

Summers End

Even though summer isn't officially over until September 21st, its sad to see the wonderful season come to an end. In Minnesota the season is very short, and before we know it the snow will be here. I am certain though we will have plenty of more warm days and then of course there is Indian Summer too.

I have been busy making jewelry for my next show next weekend. Trying to build a supply up so I don't have to be frantic before the next show comes along and I can make more beads. I torched for four hours today and it flew by so quick. would have torched longer but my back and neck started bothering me.

I have been trying to absorb as much information as I can from my wonderful Etsy eSMARts team and all the wonderful information that is posted on the site. I have been making up sets of ear rings from leftover beads and attached them to my business card. I now carry them in my purse in a small pouch, and have started handing them out to people who I see regularly as a means (I hope) of drumming up business for me and my website (etsy too).

We have some exciting things coming up in our team, Etsy is putting on a virtual Trunk Show. sounds like it might be fun, and a chance to sell live to customers. that part is a little scary to me, but help has been offered, so we shall see how it all will go.

Also trying to learn about semi precious stones, and have excellent guidance from Lois (realtychick), check her website out at http://www.abeadedaffair.etsy.com. she is such a great help to me, and is really guiding me in a number of ways. We placed and order together and I am so excited I can't wait till it comes. It's a surprise birthday present for someone, which I will tell about and show pictures after her birthday (she reads my blog).

So I think I have updated you on mostly everything, and I will try not to go so long between blog posts i promise.

Till next time~
Wilma
www.wilmas-whimseys.com
www.whimsey.etsy.com
www.wilmaswhimseys.blogspot.com/

Well I Finally Did It

Thank you so much Hilde. I was able to follow some of the directions and now have a blog roll. A couple of more things I would like to add and change around, but will save that for another "lazy day" for me. Besides this old lady needs help. I want to do a feature on my shop, but can't remember how to add pictures to my blog sigh.....

Had a wonderful day yesterday, did a craft show with another of the MN Street Team I belong to.
Rachel Wright of capturedtimebooks.etsy.com did the show with me as my original partner backed out. Oh it was so hot, and we were right in the sun. I got really queasy after a while and had to go and find a shade spot under the tree. I really had a great time and got to know Rachel real well, but will be hesitant about doing an outside craft show again unless I have a tent with some walls to block the sun. Maybe if I can start selling something on etsy I can manage to buy one! Uh that's a hint fellow bloggers LOL just kidding. I didn't put up any of my beads, just my jewelry and my orphans. Sold quite a few orphans, so will be filling the orphan bucket also
Rachel sells Custom made scrapbooks. Her work is simply beautiful. she also knows how to talk to the customer and "sell her self" Something I know I need to learn. As I said I really enjoyed having Rachel as my partner and would love to do more shows with her.

Well I am off to list some beads on etsy and if I have time, set up a new etsy store for my jewelry. Have a great week and see you next blog!

Wilma

How people affect me

Last time I talked about being a hermit. That I am having trouble changing, but slowly its happening.

This time I would like to talk about "how people affect me" As I mentioned I belong to two Etsy street teams.I have a great rapport with quite a few of the people I met in eSMArts. My favorite place to hang out. I have learned so much there, my head is still spinning.
There are two people especially that I would love to talk about. The first one is abeadedaffair.etsy.com. She has some wonderful things in her shop and writes a wonderful blog. I am so impressed by the beauty of her items, a lot of wire wrapping and she has a love for gemstones. I have loved gemstones and often mix them with my jewelry that I make. In her two recent blogs she has spotlighted opals and labrodites that have become my favorites. So now I have everyone I talk to looking for places for me to buy gemstones.

She also confesses to still be living in the "dark ages" which I really find hard to believe! Here is a snippet of what she says about that..."To say I am old fashioned and behind the times, well, it's really not an insult to me. I take great pride in doing some things the old fashioned way."
There is some of her lovely jewelry to look at, but to get the full impact you should check out her sites. She also has a Blog list and hopefully you will be able to check out some of our fine artists
Here is her blog address, please check her out.

My other favorite person whom I mentioned in my last post is Anna Lee Husband. A person who is willing to help any one and everyone. I am a lucky person to have her as a friend. Anna Lee is the person who founded and created eSMARts. Anna Lee makes wonderful jewelry and has two websites on etsy. You will truly be amazed at the wonderful work. Here are her shop names-Gaholld tree Designs; Sassy D Lite and has also shared with us some of her wonderful gems at GaHoole Tree Supplies.

I could go on talking for hours about these two special friends, each have taken my hand and helped me in many many ways. P;ease check out their shops and blogs and see the amazing work they do.

Wilma
www.wilmas-whimseys
www.whimsey.etsy dot com

Meeting New People

I must tell you all that I am a hermit! I have a craft that I LOVE doing and try to spend as much time as I can on creating not only beads, but jewelry too. I am lucky enough to be able to work from home and have been doing so for almost three years now, its really great, I get up 20 mins beforeI need to be at the desk and walla my day begins. when I am done with work, I walk around the office desk and to the torch desk so I can create my beads. Then I go upstairs and sit in the dining room and create jewelry. Actually I don't have a dining room any more, its the jewelry room now. We eat in the living room in front of the "boob tube".

There does come a time that you need to break free of you old ways and reach out and meet some people. I guess I have been lucky to meet two other beaders in this large city I live in and have become very close to two people. They are Deb "Hopeful Journeys" and Julie, "emt.jmb" Julie got me out of my house last year and introduced me to doing craft fairs, so now I can say that I have finally taken the step this year and signed up for quite a few shows. I had a show today and let me tell you the old feeling came back this morning, and I almost didn't go. After all my time could be spent making more beads right? Well the little guy who sits on my right shoulder whispered in my ear---"go, you have already paid for your spot and you have the chance to sell" Guess he won and I must say I am glad that I did as I now have met another great person. Sierra Hegstrom. Sierra is just starting out as a matter of fact this was her first show. She started and Etsy store Maximo Joe, and is in the process of loading her goodies in. I got hooked on what she makes and I now am the proud owner of one of her creations.

Getting out into the world is not the only way to meet new and exciting people. being a member of Etsy (whimsey.etsy.com) I was lucky to find a local "Street Team" which I have joined. I met some wonderful people there, but unfortunately have not had the chance to meet them in person as yet, just Sierra and her friend Amy. Hopefully that will be remedied soon. As I was lurking on the Etsy forums one day, I love reading them , I came across another street team called "eSMARts" This was started by a wonderful Lady named AnnaLee who has a world of knowledge and freely shares it with everyone. Anna Lee has taken me under her wing and has guided me with so many many things. Certainly made my understanding of so many things, I can't begin to tell you! Not only is she knowledgeable, she is a very talented artist, and is even learning another craft to further enhance her two etsy shops. Please ,if you have a chance, or will make a chance visit her wonderful shops. You will be amazed at the wonderful work she does. You can find her at - http://gahooletreedesigns.blogspot.com and here is an inside look at her blog- http://sassydlite.blogspot.com. And I also want to say she has become a great friend. I am blessed to have found her and the wonderful eSMARts team that has so many wonderful people on there, all whom I consider my friends (cyber buddies).

So to sum this up, Thanks to Julie who has gotten me out into the craft show circuit; a very special thank you to AnnaLee (be sure to check her shop and blog) and all the wonderful people from both teams, I guess I am a three quarters time hermit now!

Till my next ramblings....

Wilma
www.wilmas-whimseys
www.whimsey.etsy.com

Inspiration-Where does it come from?

Not being able to do the thing I love the most has inspired me to start a journal so that I have ideas of different beads I want to make. Most of my inspiration comes from a stroll through the garden. Such lovely flowers and different colors and shapes, oh so many ideas.
We have had some cool days with the wind blowing and I have created a cross ventilation and was able to make a couple of sets of beads. Some of them inspired from my journal. I hope to have them up in my etsy shop very soon. Here is the link to my etsy shop-www.whimsey.etsy.com and don't forget to check out my website www.wilmas-whimseys.com
I have been busy making jewelry and trying to get it photoed and on my website, and make stock for my up coming shows. Craft Shows are fun to do and you meet some really great people there to.
So back to the topic of my blog, "inspiration" Where do you find inspiration? Well as I said a stroll in the garden, and another favorite place is Target. Just strolling the clothes area and the Linens area, so many great colors and patterns. actually you can find inspiration everywhere you go, and sometimes you don't even have to look for it,its just right there.
I have joined a wonderful street team, eSMArts. I have met so many wonderful people and gained so much knowledge too. If you get a chance read the eSMArts blog at www.esmarts.blogspot.com. You will be introduced to some very talented artists , and who knows you might just find the one thing you really need!
Well that's all I have for today, will be back soon with more of an update. Till then enjoy the summer.

Wilma

Summer is Here!!

Again I have been a long time in posting, but I really have a good excuse....I have been down with pneumonia which is really wiping me out. Got to get stronger as its back to work on Monday.
During my down time I have not done any torching at all. The biggest reason being I couldn't stop coughing, and the second reason I do not have proper ventilation. Oh I have the fan, but I don't have the finances to get someone to hook it up for me. So it looks like I will be not torching any more unless I can find a kind sole who will put the system in for me. Then again if I can sell the kiln and the concentrator I have I might be able to make enough to have someone put it up.
So I am going to start a small journal of inspirational ideas so that if and when I get back to torching I will have lots to pull from.
I have been busy doing chainmalle and the viking knit and making earrings and bracelets with the smaller beads that I have laying around. I have also created two necklaces and two bracelets and 3 sets of ear rings so far. Guess I am lucky to have so many beads laying around so I can still keep myself busy,
I have some more shows lined up for the fall/winter season and hoping that they all go really well. I need to compile a list of what shows and when I am doing them so that I can make a file for those who want to know
Ah but before I can do that I have to update my financial spreadsheet once again! I had it all updated to 5/31/08, and instead of saving it, I clicked out of it....Duh what was I thinking? So that is on the agenda to get done this week as the formula for the MN state tax needs to be changed as of 7/1/08. We now have to collect more taxes. I don't add taxes onto my goods, its just as easy for me to pay them then try and figure it out and then set the monies aside. so at the end of the year I just plug the figure in and let it tell me how much I owe.
So that's all the news for this time.
Hope you all enjoy your summer

Wilma

Craft Shows

Wow the summer will be here before we know it, and so will a lot of craft shows. I have found that I enjoy doing them a lot. Not only do you make some extra money, but you make friends too! I have met four people who I keep in touch with now and enjoy their company, and they enjoy my beads!!!
I did my first craft show in the beginning of May and took some pictures of my set up. Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to upload them here so you all can see. If not, I will figure it out and get them posted somehow.
I have been busy making beads and filling orders. Making a necklace, earrings and bracelet for the wedding I am attending this weekend. The Bride has also requested that I make a necklace, earrings and bracelet for her too! I am so excited that over 250 people will see my work.
Still looking for more ways to promote myself and my beads and jewelery. Its hard when you have a full time job and other things to take care of too.
another challenge I have is coming up with different ideas. Its easier in the summer as there are so many beautiful colorful flowers and shrubs that combinations come pretty easy. I guess I question what will the public like and what are their favorites. Hmmmm food for thought here why not send out a survey, I will have to think on that some more.
So stay tuned for pictures and my latest sets of beads to come out. also will be posting some new jewelry I have made on my website www.wilmas-whimseys.com.
So till the next time, enjoy and have a happy and safe summer and if you go on vacation may you have a wonderful time.

Wilma

Where has the time gone?

I can't believe how long its been since I last posted. In the time passed, I have done a craft show, buried my favorite Aunt, and had a house fire that has caused considerable damage.

Its that time of year when everyone is busy with craft shows, garden work, weddings, bar-b-ques, and just having fun. I have a few more craft shows lined up for this summer, and a wedding in June so things will be busy here.

The weather can't make up its mind if its wants to be spring or fall. One day its 82 and the next day its in the low 60's. How are my beautiful plants that I planted going to grow? They will be so confused and want to hide their heads in the dirt. Well I know that in a couple of days or weeks I will be complaining that its "so hot". a hot weather person I am not, and a cold weather person I am not. there is no happy medium for me.

So I had better go and get busy making some more beads so that I can make some jewelry to post on my website. Please have a look if you have a chance to see what I have on my website. Its www.wilmas-whimseys.com. I also make up special orders if you have a wedding coming up and need to have gifts for your attendants, or for any special occasion, just let me know I am happy to do it for you.

So till next time, which I hope will be a lot sooner, enjoy the beautiful weather.

Wilma
www.wilmas-whimseys.com
http://whimsey.etsy.com