Well, there is a lot going on here at the store.  The first big event is:

1.  Thanksgiving weekend Make and Takes!  What are make and takes?  well they are short classes teaching you a new technique to jewelry making and at a very inexpensive cost.  You can now sign up on line but class space is LIMITED.  You can walk in on the classes but only if there is space available.  If you have a large group, let me know and we may be able to work a special time for you.  Check out the website here…  Make and Take

2.  Midnight Bead Madness!  This is a first for us and I hope that it becomes a great tradition!  The first Saturday of December, the 6th, we will be hosting a bead party from 5pm – Midnight.  There is NO cost to you!  Just come on in and bring your projects, questions and holiday spirit!  We have bead parties every 2nd Wednesday of each month… check out all the information here:   Bead Party

3.  Christmas in the Village.  This is a street wide event happening December 12 and 13.  There are carolers, carriage rides, llama rides, puppet shows, lots of other entertainment and of course Santa!  This is fun for the whole family.  Here at the store we will have craft projects for kids of all ages and story times by Michelle.  Check out the website La Mesa Village Merchants Assoc. for all the details.

We have had a rotation of different bamboo bead curtains that could be ordered through the store and now you can see all your options and have the curtain dropped shipped directly to you or your loved one.  The cost INCLUDES taxes and shipping!  A one stop shop for that different type of gift!

I have wonderful news… Sherri Haab is returning to The Bouncing bead for 2 classes in January and you can now sign up on-line. 

The first class is Image Transfers on Sea Glass and the second is Mixed Media which is working with PMC and resin.

Be sure to check out all the details under “classes” on the website…

Lots of people ask my opinion about selling jewelry.  What usually happens is that you make a piece for yourself or perhaps a friend and others see it causing the inevitable question “do you sell your jewelry?”.  You may not have even though about it but when you do, you say “why not?”.

So, where do you start?  Well, one thing to think about is what to price the pieces at.  In this economy I am finding that if you price your pieces below $20 you will sell more.  Perhaps a necklace and earring combo for $18 or just earrings for $10 or less.  But how do know how much money you are making.?

The first step is to actually price everything in your piece.  You may have bought a whole strand of beads for $3 but how much for each piece?  Perhaps you only used 5 out of the 25 on the strand… well that puts your cost for those beads at .60.  Your necklace cost may be $7-10 after doing this type of breakdown. 

Buy in bulk.  Here at the store we do have many people make and sell their jewelry and to make things more cost effective for you, we sell in bulk.  Ear wires, headpins, chain, spacers, crimp beads… you get the idea.  The more you buy the more you save.  If you really want to save just call me if you want large quantities of something… i.e., headpins come in 1/4 lb up to 1 lb per bag and I give you a great savings… same thing on chain. 50 ft on a spool and I pass the savings on to you.

There are other aspects of selling your jewelry and many more questions.  Let me know, I’m here to help.  Always look at different magazines, shows and stores to see what is “in” and how you too can partake of the craze.

I love chain especially the plated because of it’s quality and affordability.  I had a woman call a week or so ago to ask about the difference between Sterling Silver and the plated.  She was concerned about the quality and durability of the base metal chain.   I understand the concern especially if you are planning on selling your product.

Base metal which I will also call plated chain has brass as it’s base.  The plating, silver, gold, copper, gun metal and antique brass is traditionaly electroplated onto the base metal.  This creates a stable and even look to the coloring.  Brass is a lead free metal and the nickel content is very low and meets California law.

If you are concerned about the product “tarnishing” I’m here to tell you that the chances of that happening, especially to the silver, is possible based on two things.  One, if a person has a high acidity to their skin and with that condition will turn the plating, even sterling silver.  The second is if it is not worn.  If a customer puts the jewelry in a box and doesn’t wear it, it will turn but usually a dull yellow color.  I’m working on trying to find a jewelry cleaner for the base metal.  I’ll let you know.

The long chain and multiple chain necklace styles are big right now and what’s even better is if you have loose beads that don’t specifically “go” together you can create a whole necklace using chain as the space between your mixed beads then your necklace can be worn with many different styles.

Check Nordstroms, Chicos and J.Jill and see what their style of chain necklaces are selling.  Isn’t it nice to know that you can make those styles… What?  You’re not sure you can?  Check our class listings for Wire 101 as that is the class that will teach you those techniques.

It’s Party Time! Michelle and I are hosting a combined party of her Barefoot Books and my Premier Designs Jewelry. What a great way to get a lot of holiday gift shopping done in one trip (especially for the men); Educational books for the kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids and fantastic jewelry for the wife, mom, girlfriend, sister, aunt, grandma, niece… Bring the whole family, even the guys, you might be able to help them out by showing them what you want in person.

Michelle will be having the following during the two days:

• A drawing for $30 worth of FREE Barefoot Books at the end of the event.

• Coloring activity sheets for the kids.

• A story time every hour.

I will be having the following during the two days:

• A Drawing for the hostess benefits at the end of the event. What are the hostess benefits? The winner would receive 30% of the total sales in free jewelry plus have the chance to buy 4 – 8 items for ½ price*. That can be a value of up to, or more than $300.

• Buy $75 in jewelry and choose one item for ½ price!

Stop by the store to see examples and look over our catalogs. Pre-orders will be accepted.

So here are the particulars

When:  November 14th 4pm – 8pm, November 15th Noon – 4pm

Where:

The Bouncing Bead

8323 La Mesa Blvd

La Mesa CA 91941

So come and join the party! If you would like to be reminded a couple of weeks in advanced just email me and I will put you on the email list. michelleketchem@mybarefootbooks.com or silverngoldfun@gmail.com