Most and Least Favorites

I think we all have our favorite parts of the jewelry business.  In addition to actually making the jewelry, learning about new tools, and techniques, and getting to meet nice people with similar interests, I've had one part of it I never expected to enjoy.   Photography!

My, how awful my photos were in the beginning! I've written multiple bog posts about it and my progress along the way.  (I had a period where all photos looked yellow, and another when they all looked blue.)  

For quite a long while I was in a macrophotography group and we shared our close-up photos each Sunday.  

I really enjoyed from that and learned a lot.  (I love taking photos of flowers, but also practiced on jewelry photos, furniture, buttons, all kinds of objects!)  And I've learned a lot from Facebook groups, blogs, books, and more.   There's always room for improvement and hopefully, I'll keep improving at photography as well as my jewelry and bead making skills!

My light tent for indoor jewelry photos.
Most of my photos are taken this way
so I can photograph in the night and all kinds of weather!

I'd love to hear hear what YOU enjoy most!   The feel of clay between your fingers?   Getting to pound on metal?    Jewelry displays and shows?  

I have 2 "least favorites"  too.   One is listing items ready to sell in my stores.  

My laptop stops smiling at me... 

and looks more like this during listing times.  I have piles of beads and jewelry that need listing.  I'll be trying to do more of that soon!    I am liking "copy" feature in Etsy rather than having to recreate every entry from scratch!   If any of you have other special tricks, procedures, or routines for listing products in your store, I hope you will share!


Finally, my absolute least favorite thing about the business is figuring TAXES.  I don't mind paying them nearly as much as I dislike preparing them!   UGH...   In fact, that is the task I've been working on lately and finished today... just in time to meet with the accountant.  




Now if any of you have found a way to keep good records throughout the year so you don't have an annual (or quarterly) nightmare, I would FOR SURE love to hear your secrets! For now, the good news for me is that hard part about doing my taxes this year is done--Oh happy day!

Please drop and line and share your most and least favorites and any tips you'd like to add!  I love hearing from you!

~Sharyl

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Images:
Photograph of Light Tent by Sharyl
Clip art:   wpclipart.com

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This-n-That, 6/17/14

I brought back a nasty little bug (virus-type, not as cute as one in image) from Europe but I'm slowly improving.   While I continue to catch up on things, thought I'd share a few bits of "This-n-That" with you today!

1)  For fun, let's start with flowers currently blooming in my yard!  :-)

Large hosta in bloom in the front yard.

As many of you will know,
hydrangeas are one of my favorites each year
and keep their blooms much of the summer!
These grow on the North side of the house
and provide me with color inspiration!

2) I've been working on metal components for the store recently.   I did a custom order for altered metals last week and made some extras for the store.  These and more are already listed.

Samples of newly added altered metals.

Items in this section are typically raw brass pieces

I purchase and treat with layers of color patinas & sealants

for a unique look.

Now I'm at work on handmade metals and hope to get those sealed, photographed, and added to Sharyl's Jewelry this week.   Below is a "sneak-peak!"

Items in the Handmade Metal Components section
start with metal disks or sheet metal I cut,
then emboss, punch, shape, colorize, and seal.

If you would like to see how other designers have used my components in their own handmade jewelry, please visit my Pinterest page!  

Here is a sample of what you'll find there--a recent pair of elegant earrings made by Catherine of ShadowDogDesigns:

Turquoise Brass Fans Handmade Earrings Czech Glass Swarovski Jewelry

3) Finally, for those who can't get enough fix-up ideas for workrooms, visit the Art Bead Scene post on storage from 6/16/14.   There are some wonderful, artistic storage ideas there!

(If you missed our own "Clean-up/Fix-up" Challenge, 3/1/14, click here to see the results! Thanks again to all who participated!)


I'm hoping to post more vacation photos soon! In the meantime, have a great day!

~Sharyl

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Images:

Bug: http://www.wpclipart.com/animals/bugs/a_bug_icon.jpg

Photographs by Sharyl, 2014

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Are you "slipping?"

Those of you who just cleaned up your work spaces, do you find yourself slipping back into old, messy habits already?   I know I do.   (Ugh!)  

Well, this is your reminder that you may need to do a daily and/or weekly quick clean-up to keep things tidy.   Which do you think would work best for you?   

I've had times in my life when I set aside time on Sunday evenings to take a quick look--but I mean take a REAL look--around my workspace to see what's where that doesn't belong there!  Then, I took a few minutes to clean-up and return things to their designated spots.  It worked great,...as long as I did it.   I'm going to try that again.  

What ideas do you have for keeping work spaces tidy?  Drop us a line!  (Anyone can reply, whether you were part of the blog hop or not!  Those who are ALWAYS tidy, we need to hear from you too!)

And, to re-inspire us, I have an updated link to one of our "Clean-up, Fix-up" blog hop participants!     Check out Swaarda's new BEFORE and AFTER photos!   

Please keep your photos, ideas, and comments coming!  We (I) need continued inspiration!  

With thanks,

~Sharyl

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Image Credits:

Woman with Broom:  http://www.wpclipart.com/working/people_at_work/cleaning/housekeeper.jpg

Cleaning items:  http://www.wpclipart.com/household/chores/cleaning_tools.jpg

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"Clean-up, Fix-up" Wrap-up and Giveaway Winners!

See Sharyl juggle...

Go, Sharyl, go!  

You see what happens when I juggle?  And the next thing you know, balls are all over the ground!   ...Thank goodness I was more timely in getting the blog hop page posted 2 weeks ago than I have been about blogging since then!

I want to SINCERELY THANK all who participated in the "Clean-up, Fix-up Your Workspace Challenge and Blog Hop!"   I'm glad that the idea resonated with you and you took the time and effort to join in!    Thanks to those who cheered us on with comments too!   Every bit helped!  You saw those tidy, creative work spaces re-emerge, and hopefully all found some new, inspiring ideas!  

GIVE-AWAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

  

I promised give-aways of some of the goodies unearthed during my clean-up!   While tidying my tables, I unearthed single beads, packets of beads, components I had made, and more!   I've divided those into 3 groups and added ribbons and something made by a bead artist to make sure you each had something special in your packet.  

Everyone who posted for the blog hop was eligible for the random drawing.   The following 3 people have won a package:

Heidi Kingman

Helen Simon

Natalie Pappas

Please get back in touch with me by Friday to claim your prize.  You can just leave me a message here with your mailing address and I'll ship you your winnings.  I WON'T post your address on the blog!   I'll draw again if the prizes are not claimed.  

Below are photos of prizes, but I'm not telling which one goes to which person, so there's still an  element of surprise!  ;-)

I hope the winners will have fun with their bits of this and that!

BONUS: 

Items will be packed in a small plastic storage container, so the beads don't scatter all over clean work spaces!  ;-)

Thank you again!   Best wishes to all!

~Sharyl

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Sharyl's Jewelry

20% off everything in store through March 17th!

Use code:   CELTIC20

A few of these are Easter-themed and I'm in the process of listing.
Coming Soon!

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"Clean-up, Fix-up Your Workspace" Challenge & Blog Hop Reveal!

The count-down is over and it's time to reveal our new shiny clean, reorganized workspaces!   (....Or well, our tidied up, not-quite-as-messy-as-they-were workspaces!)   Whatever approach each person has taken is fine.  This has been an opportunity for those of us who felt it a good time for a quality-cleanup in our studios to get busy!   Whether you tackled a messy table, organized beads or tools, or took on an entire room, I'm anxious to see the results!   

Since I began this event as a way of hopefully encouraging a few folks to join me in my own cleaning activities, (and was thrilled when so many decided to do so), I'll show you some before/after photos of my own work area.

Then, I'll list all the participants and links to where they have posted.   I hope everyone enjoys hopping from blog-to-blog to see the fabulous results!   Comments on blogs or Facebook are welcomed and encouraged!   Thanks for participating, whether by cleaning or following our exploits!   ~Sharyl

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Sharyl's Mess & Clean-up:

I showed you a table of mine before the event.  
 I was too embarrassed to show you the whole room!  The truth is, I have a computer desk, 2 antique table/desks (this being one), and a work bench,.. in addition to bookshelves, 2 chests, and other storage.   The problem is, it's all jammed into a tiny little room that used to be "the baby's room" 20+ years ago!  

As you can imagine, one of the biggest problems is finding a path to walk in there!  

If there's a flat space, I'm naturally prone to cover it... with anything and everything.  But tonight at least, I'm seeing bits of bare wood again, and a few open spaces.   I'm telling you, it wasn't easy! 

Bead Table:  Before and After

(The black wood piece, far left, has 4 drawers.
It was my first storage for art beads.
I grew out of that and added the yellow tool-chest type storage.
And now have several more storage units for art beads.
The gray unit with bins stores metal findings such as earwires,
metal spacer beads, bead caps, chain and jumprings.)

Left:  Before =  "Catch-all table"
Right:   New "Mailing Station" (left)
and "Items to be Listed" Section (far right)

White Wicker Shelves:  Before/After
Stores metal embosser, large cutting board, etc.

Top Row:   Photo Light Tent:   Before/After
Bottom Row:   Photography and Metals Work bench:   Before/After

Gray wooden chest (family heirloom) full of beads and items for sale, 
tucked inside closet.
Black chest holds paper and stamping products
(Top left, before.  All others are after.)

I have a few more, but think I'll stop for now and save them for another day!  I want you to have time to explore the other blogs!  

Thanks for stopping by!  (Participant list follows!)   ~Sharyl

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Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings 

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar at http://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com 

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com     

Linda Landig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/ 

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … 
http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/3/post/2014/02/neither-ship-shape-nor-bristol-fashion.html

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/ 

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/  

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com 

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell 
... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com   

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/ 

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

Natalie Pappas ...  http://blog.nkpdesigns.com/

Mike Flint ...  https://www.facebook.com/bagomag

Please return again next time when I'll announce 2 winners randomly-drawn from among the participants--beady goodness collected from my tables!    Thanks again to all!   ~Sharyl

Blog Hop List Participants:

This is not fancy, but hopefully it will get the job done! 

·      Please see if I have your blog link correct.  Some I looked for because I didn’t have your address.   Some were Google+ accounts and I’m not sure if that is where you intend to post.  

·      A few mentioned you do not have blogs.  Please let me know if you would like to post on Facebook, if so which FB URL, or want to me to post on my blog.   If you want to post on my blog, please leave me a way to contact you.  I’ll send you details.

·      If your name is not on this list and you wish to participate, please comment with name and blog address.  Apologies for anyone who wanted to be on that I missed.  I tried to compile several lists and get everyone!   Many thanks! --Sharyl

·       P.S. I’ll update this list tomorrow so you can have the corrected, properly formatted version to add to your blogs!   Thanks! 

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Participant List:

Host: Sharyl McMillian-Nelson … http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com

Donna Millard http://fyrebeadz.blogspot.com/

Ann Schroeder… http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com

Pamela Rachelle… http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com

Kristin L Oppold… http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com

Heidi Kingman ... http://heidikingman.blogspot.com

Andi ... http://strungoutjewelry.blogspot.com/

Patricia Buchanan Click “Blog” on the menu bar at http://www.braceletstoo.artfire.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.com/

Kashmira … http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

somethingunique ... http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca/

Renetha ... http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Kathy Lindemer ... http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.com

Swapna Dinesh … http://www.swardaa.com

lindalandig ... http://lindalandig.wordpress.com/

Ann Schroeder ... http://www.beadlove.wordpress.com/

Beti Horvath ... http://stringingfool.blogspot.com/

Sam S ... http://samsbeadshopandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Christina Miles ... http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/

Islandgirl ... http://islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

macmillanmarie ... http://www.macmillanmarie.blogspot.com

Emma Todd … http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Neena Shilvock … http://www.capriliciousjewellery.com/

Dee Clark… http://biz-e-bead.blogspot.com/

motidana ... http://kalaabhushan.blogspot.com/

Here Bead Dragons ... http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/

Carol D. ... http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/

Pam Sears ... http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Nan Smith ... http://wirednan.blogspot.ca

AliMc ... http://northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com

Beda Hendrix ... https://www.facebook.com/SasijuhlsThings

Kari Asbury ... http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com

Shirley Moore ... http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

PyxeeStyx ... http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com/

Jayne Capps … https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Louann Elwell ... https://plus.google.com/117746558861718110652/posts

Rain ... http://honeyandollie.com/

Lori Bergmann ... http://www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com

Helen Simon… http://helensharvest.blogspot.com/

Arlene Dean ... http://aglassbash.blogspot.com

Sandra... http://city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.de/

Alicia ... http://www.allprettythings.ca

I’m so pleased that so many of you joined in this blog hop and that we participants from India, UK, Canada, as well the U.S.!   (Did I miss your country?  Please let me know!)    Many thanks to all for making this a fun experience!   ~Sharyl

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Sorry, removing Janice and Sy.  Not sure how to reach you or where you would like to post.  Apologies.   Feel free to add a note to comments if you see this and I'll add you in! --Sharyl