Jewelry Blog

Rings are great to make because they are smaller jewelry projects than something like a necklace or bracelet, and therefor normally take less time and materials. That may be what went through Sharilyn Miller’s mind when she thought to create her DVD ring workshop, Rings of Beauty ($29.95). The DVD is 150 minutes long and covers tools needed (such as a metal ring mandrel and stand), reaming bead holes, resizing rings, polishing and antiquing wire, and of course, 8 ring projects with possible variations.

Sharilyn talks you through as well as demonstrates techniques and projects. One issue I’ve always had with making wire rings is sizing, so I liked how she showed how to properly use the ring mandrel and then also provided some instruction on resizing. This always seem to be a concern with rings more so than most other types of jewelry.

If you’ve wanted to expand your jewelry skills and start making more rings, this DVD is a great way to learn. Obviously, you’ll see that she’s a major pro when it comes to working with wire, but there really is a range of skill level in the ring designs she demonstrates. For example, her pearl wraparound ring, would be a good beginner project, and because you can use all kinds of different beads, you can make a large variety of rings using this same design.

So, I’m already convinced that weblogging is a great way to promote yourself as a jewelry designer. I talk about that in Promoting Your Jewelry Business via Blogs. I also keep a fairly good size list of jewelry webloggers here. But now there is something else on the Internet that I’m checking into that may have some additional benefits to jewelry designers - social networking.

A social network is made up of a group of people who connect to one another and normally have some kind of common interest. You may even be a member of a social network now such as LinkedIn, Myspace, Ning, or Facebook. There are tons of other social networks on the web, and there are many different reasons to join them. But, what about using one to promote your jewelry business? I’m researching this right now, and I’m interested to hear from anyone who has done this already, so feel free to leave a comment about it.

For those who want more information about social networking, here are a few articles I found around the web:

Crossing the Social Network Chasm
Leveraging Social Networking Sites to Generate Business
4 Social Networking Tips for Bloggers (a video)
How to Use Social Networking for Business
Social Networking in Plain English (a video)

I am totally freaked out and totally happy.

My pictures are too blurry. I dont have everything up yet. And I am nervous…

www.bubblybaubles.etsy.com

Here is my favorite piece…

I have a million things that I haven’t finished on my bench… AAACK

With a sparkling selection of colorful gemstones, this collection is all about choices! Our popular gemstone earring sets are back this year, along with the coordinating sterling silver earring enhancers that let you change up your looks.

We’re also offering a seven-earring set–that’s a new style for each day of the week.

This set features a variety of cuts and radiantly colored gemstones from deep garnet to sunny citrine. This collection also features a first for Jewelry Television–interchangeable pieces with loose gemstones. Coordinate the gemstone to match all your outfits!