SIGH

I’m not sure what to do.  I really want to see my displays, but I don’t want to open it, find something damaged, and have UPS say I should have waited and they deny any claim that it arrived that way.  I’ve already e-mailed the company that sent the package.  In just a bit, I’m going to take some pictures. 

And tonight I’m going to the concert, so even if they write back and say it is okay to open the box, I probably won’t get to do it until tomorrow.  Oh well . . .

So now I wait to hear back.  I’m anxious to start photographing my pieces.  Hopefully tomorrow! 

 Die Spieler der aussgestiegen ist, online blackjack nicht mehr mit und hat auch kein Recht auf den Pott der auf dem Tisch liegt. вик услугиИдея за подаръкикониikoniикониПравославни иконииконописikoniбългарски икониподаръци

I made a banner for my Etsy.com shop; I’m mostly happy with it, but it needs to be lightened a bit.  I also made an avatar, but it is WAY too dark, and I’m not pleased with it at all.  Maybe this weekend . . .

Did I mention that I ordered some boxes for my jewelry?  I know I said something about the Priority Mail boxes.  Well, these others are made of cardstock, shipped flat, and are really different than what you’d usually find.  I ordered a sampler on Monday, and they arrived today.  I’m so glad I ordered the sampler.  Such cute boxes!!  But some are a little more complicated to assemble than I care to do for every purchase.  And others, the dimensions don’t seem appropriate, or the opening would be a little awkward.  And I was able to see the different kinds of cardstock they have, and I know which ones I don’t like.  I’ll go ahead and use up the ones that are a good size for jewelry, and the others I’ll save for personal gift-giving.  Then I’ll re-order the ones I like the most! 

I received an e-mail stating that the bust and hand are on their way!  They should be here Tuesday.  Depending on when they arrive, I might be able to take some pictures that day.  But I’m going to a concert that evening, so it might have to wait until the next day. 

Oh yeah — WOOO-HOOO!  I’m SO PUMPED to be seeing Nine Inch Nails!!!!  I hope I survive.  I haven’t been to a concert in AGES, and I’m not sure what to expect of the crowd. 

Back to the business side of things. 

I placed an order from another Etsy shop today.  I ordered a couple candles.  Besides the fact that I’ve been wanting a new candle, I wanted to see how purchasing works.  And yesterday I discovered that the last time I used PayPal was almost five years ago!  After updating my info and several “conversations” with the seller, the transaction went rather smoothly.  She was very friendly, and will ship out the candles on Monday.  I can’t wait to receive them . . . the scents sound wonderful!  I’ll be sure to update once they arrive. 

I think that’s it for now.  Just chugging along.  I hope to make more progress with graphics this weekend — for the website and to get those business cards ordered!  I’ll update again soon . . .ПодаръциСувенириикониПравославни икони

Michael has been encouraging me to take the jewelry-making hobby to the next level — turn it into a business!  I love the idea of being able to do something I enjoy and make some money off of it.  But I hate the thought of failure.  I know that there will be tough times, and I’m thankful that we’re in a position where I don’t HAVE to make money for our household to survive. 

 Mentally, I’ve been in a whirlwind trying to think of all the things I need to get this adventure started.  I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and late last year I got a sales tax permit.  That’s ONE thing taken care of. 

I have some jewelry already made.  But I need to photograph it.  I have a bust ordered . . . I’m hoping it’ll be here within a week or so. 

I have a shop at Etsy.com started up. Nothing is in it yet!  Ha!  (Need those photographs!)  But I’ve been looking around at other people’s shops and the forums, getting good ideas. 

We just purchased the domain beadkiss.com.  Nothing is there, either.  Sad, isn’t it?  I’ve been kicking around ideas for how I want everything to look.  Continuity is important for me.  I’ve decided on MY COLORS.  I’ve taken some pictures, and played around with Paint Shop Pro.  Until now, the most I’ve done with PSP is maybe crop/resize photographs.  My first day working on a banner was very challenging — I’m certain I got a few new grey hairs.  The second day was a little better.  Last night Michael showed me a few things, and hopefully that will help make things smoother. 

 I hope that I will be able to come up with an acceptable banner today.  And I’ll modify that design for a business card design.  That’s something else I want to get done ASAP — order business cards!  I’m going to try out Vistaprint.com.  I’m skipping their free business card offer because there is only one jewelry-themed design . . . those beads don’t look like me, and everyone else is going to have those same free cards.  But I WILL take advantage of their free postcard offer (100 full-color postcards free — I just pay shipping).  When they come in (should be about two weeks from when I order), I’m going to send a card to everyone on our Christmas card list.  I’ve got to start getting the word out however I can.  Maybe it’s a good thing I have such a huge Christmas card list . . .  :-)  And I need to get more postcard stamps.  I wonder if my post office has books in the lobby machine . . .

 I’ve already looked into packaging/shipping.  I want my packaging/presentation to be memorable without breaking the bank.  I’ve ordered a sampler of boxes from someplace with very unique designs.  I’ve received notification that they’re on the way.  If nothing else, I’ll use those up until I come up with something else.  I need to get some tissue paper in my colors (although the boxes from the sampler might be some random colors . . . I’ll get some plain white tissue paper, too!).  As far as shipping goes, I think I want to do USPS Priority Mail.  I can have the mail-lady pick up my boxes when she drops off our regular mail, and there is no fee for that.  As long as the box is 16 oz. or less, Priority Mail is $4.05.  If I print my label online, delivery confirmation is free.  I LIKE free!  And I’ve already ordered Priority Mail boxes from the USPS for FREE.  YEAH! 

Those are the main things happening at the moment.  The biggest step right now is to get the graphics going so I can order those business cards and post cards.  While we’re waiting for those to arrive, we’ll work on building the website — coordinating it with the chosen banner/business card graphics.  And I really don’t know anything about the language needed to make it work.  Yikes.  I kind of feel bad for needing to go to Michael about so much while I’m learning, but he says he doesn’t mind. Hopefully I’ll learn quickly!

 I need to get to work . . . wish me luck!

 икони