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Post by superioragates on Sept 21, 2009 22:05:07 GMT -5
I have admired the way you guys all do the wire twisting on your wraps, and I just think it adds something really nice to it. I am using this round wire....it doesn't twist like that, but this is what I came up with....See what ya think..... This is just another one I did, no twists Hope I am not boring you guys too much with this! Thanx for lookin'! Marie
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 21, 2009 22:24:46 GMT -5
Marie - there is a definite progression with those 5 pictures - all of them are good, but 3 and 4 are more attractive than the first 2, mainly because of the tighter twists in the wires. But the best of the lot, I think, is No. 5. That's just my opinion - others will have different views. I wish I had some of your talent. I have most of the mechanics, but little to none of the artistry. You are making fantastic progress - you've passed me up a long way - I've been trying for about 4 months now, and in just a few weeks you're way past me! Good on ya!
Tom
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Post by NatureNut on Sept 21, 2009 23:24:49 GMT -5
Whoo-hoo Girl! Got style going on there. Now you need to start showing the backs.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 0:22:46 GMT -5
I like the look! Not everyone is looking for absolute perfection when purchasing jewelry and your "loose" twists give it a real hand crafted look.
A good example.....I went to a local Saturday market and there was a man working with metals. He was hammering out these industrial looking, basic rings out of copper. He couldnt keep any on the shelves! Everyone loved them (including me) and I heard a number of people mention they loved how you could tell they were hand made and not absolutely perfect. That really appealed to everyone.
Great job! I like the one in the third photo.
Shannon
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Post by stonesthatrock on Sept 22, 2009 0:30:26 GMT -5
i think those look very nice. your doing a fantastic job.
mary ann
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Post by superioragates on Sept 22, 2009 6:51:57 GMT -5
Thanx Tom & Jo, & MaryAnn!! I appreciate your opinions more than you know. Shan, I have run in to this more than once here at the this little flea market. People are looking for something they can pick up, and know for a fact that you made it, and your not just claiming you did. I sit down there and do crocheting, or something, so they can see that I actually did make the stuff. The first thing they ask is " you make this stuff? ". They also want a cheap price, which is why I am thinking I will sell these for like 5.00 a piece or something. Lots of people like the "handmade" feel and look of things. Thank you!! I feel a little better about these now. Marie
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Post by Toad on Sept 22, 2009 7:47:00 GMT -5
I really like 1 and 4. The copper really draws out the pink in the unakite. Nice job.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2009 10:25:51 GMT -5
Just be careful about "too low" prices. I realize its a flea market but the same time and money is spent on each and every pendant, whether a flea market or a high end show. Its true what they say about targeting buyers. You can take the same pendant and price it out at $5 at a flea market, or $50 at a jewelry show. Its all about worth. If you make them think its worth $50, they will pay $50. Just dont short yourself. Think of it this way......they would pay more than $5 for a cheap pendant at Wal Mart, and theirs would look the same as 1000 others! Taking the time to explain the hand-crafted, one of a kind nature of the product helps create a customer base that appreciates those things, rather than catering to those just looking for something "cheap". Again, I realize its a flea market but customers can be molded somewhat if the right things are said. Ideally, have a few inexpensive pendants and a few high end ones....its good to have something for everyone, and you can explain the price difference.
Shannon
PS-I know a guy that makes really great chain mail jewelry. When customers complain about his prices, he tells them if they want a cheap $5 chain, go to Wal Mart and look like everyone else LOL. He also follows it up with an explanation and demonstration on how each and every ring is made individually and that the entire project took 2500 rings and 10 hours to create. He has lost a few customers because of his Wal Mart comment but in general.......customers are just not educated. By explaining these things, he has created a very loyal customer base that appreciates his hand-crafted items.
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Post by sitnwrap on Sept 22, 2009 10:48:12 GMT -5
Your twists look great and I love the different wire combo in the last one. You really got some great advice that I also needed.
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Post by superioragates on Sept 22, 2009 11:44:06 GMT -5
Thanks Shannon, I know you are right, in everything you said. I was basing my thoughts on the fact that I am not experienced, like many of you are, I am not using extremely expensive wire, it's good, won't tarnish or anything, but it's not sterling or Gold, and that I really didn't pay much for these little cabs. I paid like 7.00 for 10 of these 25x18 cabs, and basically bought them to practice on, the wire I only paid 7.00 for each roll of 130 ft. The original thinking being I needed a LOT of practice before I buy anything in the wire or cab department of high quality, and these items were perfect for that. So with shipping and everything I probably have 60.00 invested in my "practice" supplies, if I sold them all, I would end up with 200.00, and I think I am ok with that. It may not be a 50% mark-up, like most retailers get, but, in this economy, people will just not pay it, cuz they can't afford it, mostly. Around Christmas time there are a lot of Church craft sales, bazaars, and the like in this area, maybe at Christmas time I can put 8-10.00 on them...I guess I just don't have the confidence level you all have....I dunno. You have certainly given me something to think about though. I might even think about putting them on the blujay site....just to see what happens....for 10.00? What'ya think? Marie
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Post by frane on Sept 24, 2009 8:07:56 GMT -5
I think they are all beautiful and you have a real flair for wire wrapping! The only advise I would offer is to tighten your bails and crimp them when you have them where you want them so they look much tighter. You may want to try pounding the twisted wire to flatten it a bit before using it in the wrap. I have not tried it but I suspect it would give you a wonderful effect. Keep up the great work and trust me, there is not one of us bored with your wraps! Fran
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Post by Tweetiepy on Sept 25, 2009 14:34:14 GMT -5
I'm not sure if you posted them in the order that you made them but you can see the twists get better and better - if you have a pin vise that's the best for twisting wire.
You did a fabulous job on all of them - I'm very partial to copper wire - it,s just so shiny!
I love them all! great job!
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raqy
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 799
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Post by raqy on Sept 25, 2009 22:13:52 GMT -5
They are all really nice, but the 4th one is my fav. I really like the style you have going on there..
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Post by superioragates on Sept 25, 2009 23:24:00 GMT -5
Hey thanx a lot everyone! Tweetie....not sure if that is the order I made them or not, don't really think about it when I'm doing it. But the reason the twists are better? The difference between 2 hands, and 4 hands. The better 2 of the bunch I had someone hold the end of the wire for me while I twisted them together, the first ones I did alone. Fran....thanx for the advice I will try it in the future. I don't put the twists in them all, gotta have those extra hands ya know? Makes it easier on me!! Thanx again! Marie
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Post by montanamuskrat on Sept 27, 2009 10:33:15 GMT -5
Very nice work I like all of them.
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