The task of selecting the right color to paint a room can be a daunting task.  There are a few people who have the insight to be able to choose the right color on the first try. They seem to be able to know what would look best and where.

There may be more than one color that fits in your space.  Remember too, that if in the beginning you paint a color and decide later it just was not the best choice, it can easily be changed.  This is one of the greatest qualities when selecting to paint as opposed to wallpapering a space.  Another benefit of painting is it can be less costly if you decide

later on, that you want to change the design and colors in your room.

Do not be fooled by the experts who specialize in painting.  They often struggle in the area of selecting paint colors too.  This is not a fact they willingly share with others. Many times you will only be exposed to their finished project and not be allowed to view how they achieved the finished room.  Therefore, not allowing you to see what the level of difficulty completing the room actually was.

It is recommended that you purchase the small samples of paint in colors you want to try. Apply a patch of each color on the desired walls and live with them for a few days.  Pay close attention to how the different light throughout each day, affects how the color

looks in your room.  Lighting plays a major part on how a color looks and will help you determine if you like a certain color or not.  If you are not up to painting the color on the walls, another way to go is to paint the color on sample boards.  Display the boards in different places throughout the room.  Make sure you look at the boards at different times including the evening when it is dark.  You will see that as the light changes so will the appearance of the paint.

The best way to test the paint is with the furniture and accessories that you will be using in your room.  Other colors that are in your room will also have an affect on how the paint appears.  Do not be afraid of color.  It really adds life to a room.  Now get your paint samples together and try it!

Have you heard of Etsy.com?  It is a great place to sell your handmade items.  This is a very economical way to have presence on the internet.  They only charge .20 cents per item listed or renewed.  You cannot beat that!

It is very user friendly and easy to list your items online.  You do not have to be computer savvy to be able to set up your shop and begin to do business.  However, it is not just a matter of setting up shop and sitting back to let the funds roll in.  You have to market, market, and market to be successful. 

Some suggestions for great ways to market are to write blogs, click marketing, and joining forums.  These of course are just a few suggestions.  You definitely can learn from other people's experiences.  Do not limit yourself to just marketing online.  Pass out your business cards with your shop's url.  This way you are able to be found on the web.  Make sure you pass this information out to everyone your meet.  Socializing is a great way to market.  Another suggestion is to email your shop to everyone you know and ask them to pass on your information like they would for any other email they would receive, such as chain letters and jokes.

It takes awhile to build up your business online and is a daily effort to market and get your site out there infront of others.  Do not get discouraged, keep focused and be determined to be successful.  It will payoff in the end.  You will see.  Good luck!

To visit Etsy click here: www.aressa.etsy.com .  Feel free to contact me with any questions or to place a custom order at: 614-530-0219 or by email to: aamilou@aol.com.

Thanks!

The “French Wires” or “Fish Hooks”, are often names given to this type of earring wire.  They only require a few inches of wire and a limited amount of jewelry making tools to complete.

The materials needed to complete this project are 3 ½” of the wire of your choice.  You will need round-nosed pliers, wire cutting tools, and a jeweler’s file.  Round-nosed pliers are a great tool for making a small loop in your wire.

The first step in this process is to cut your wire evenly in half.  It is recommended you file the ends to ensure their smoothness.  This may only be necessary on the cut ends and will give your piece a more professional appearance.

Next you will need to grasp your wire on one end.  Begin wrapping the end around the small part of your round-nosed pliers.  The object at this time is to make a small loop on the end.  Do one piece at a time.  Compare the wires to each other to make sure they are uniformly created.

Now hold both wires together at the same time and in the same spot.  With the thickest part of your round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ “ past the loops just made, grab both wires.  Use your fingers now to make a bend in the wires 180 degrees around the pliers.  It is crucial they both look the same.  Make sure you compare the wires before

moving on to the each step.

The next step will be a slight bend and will help the wires look more rounded.  Again, you will do this part with both wires at the same time.  Place the larger part of the round-nosed pliers ¼” from the curl.  The nose of the pliers should point up to the ceiling and the curl in the wire should be horizontal to you.  Very carefully squeeze the curl part and the flat part toward each other, making a slight bend.  This will be about a 5 degrees bend.

Once this is complete, hold the wires next to each other and make sure they are still looking the same.  To finish the wires place at the middle point of the round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ “ from the ends.  Slightly bend the ends at the same time. This bend will be about 25 degrees.

Your piece is now ready to add your beads and accessories to.  As you can see, the basic earring hooks are easy to make.   You may find even if you do not always make your own, it may come in handy knowing how to do it yourself.  You just never know when time constraints and lack of materials may warrant the need for you to do it yourself! 

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

The beginning basic components of most earrings are the part that hooks into the ear and a headpin, which is used to string your beads on.  Many refer these pieces as “findings”.

You can easily locate earring findings that are already manufactured.  They are often sold at your local craft stores and of course online.  The come in a variety of metals ranging from silver and gold plated to fine silver and gold.  It is a matter of preference and affordability.

You may also decide to make your own findings for your handcrafted earrings.  Earrings are easy to make on your own.  You may find yourself in a crunch and needing to make your own finds due to time constraints.  If you learn how to do this it could keep you from having to make a special trip to the store or place a special online order and delay

the completion of your piece. 

You can cut the cost of your supplies by buying bulk precious metal wire.  It can end up being less costly to purchase it in this manner.  This is a great way to keep your costs down and not have to pass extra fees on to your customers.  This is an important factor in making a larger profit, for those of us in business.

The jewelry business is very competitive.  To stay alive in this field you must produce quality work.  Creating unique pieces is another good way to attract customers to your product.  This also may allow you to charge more for your pieces, since your buyer knows they are not going to be able to find it at the next stop!

Learning how to create your own earring findings will also allow your creative side to emerge.  You will have the knowledge and flexibility will producing your designs. This is also a great way to achieve a since of accomplishment.

There are a variety of wire choices on the market.  Not only do you have to choose the type of metal, but the gauge that works best for your project.  It is popular today to even mix the metal types using different colors together and different gauges.  This adds more interest to your piece.  It is recommended to use 21 gauge half-hard and soft round

sterling wire.   The 21 gauge fits well in the hole of pierced earring wearers, while being able to support the additional pieces strung on the wire.  20 to 22-gauge wire is also a good type to use for earrings. 

So, I would suggest you start collecting your wire and preparing yourself to learn how to make wire earrings.  My next article will focus on a basic earring wire instruction.  Stay tuned for future articles.

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

Jewelry makers like any other craftsman needs tools to do their job.  If you are new to jewelry making, it is not necessary to start with a large amount of tools.  You do need a few to start off with, and then add more as you go.  This will also allow you time to research and try a few different types of jewelry before putting a large sum of money in to tools that you really do not need.

A few tools to add to your beginning collection as you start off are, wire cutters, flat or bent- nosed pliers, round nosed pliers, jewelers’ files, crimping pliers, beading awl, nylon-nosed pliers, polishing cloth, pencil, ruler, and jewelry glue.  You probably could hold off on getting the beading awl.  You also might want to add a few dowels of different dimensions to your toolbox also.

Wire cutters are essential to your collection.  The best type to purchase, are the flushed-cut wire cutters.  This type will allow you to make an even cut.  This makes a much nicer finished project.

The flat or bent-nosed pliers are selected solely on your personal preference.  Both types of tools do the same function.  It do not really matter which piece you choose to use, but the important part is to remember to choose a piece that has a smooth surface to work with.  Do not get a type that has ridges or a textured surface.  Another name you might hear the flat-nosed pliers referred to as the chain-nosed pliers.  They are one in the same.

Round-nosed pliers play an important part in jewelry design.  They are used to make hoops, loops, and wraps for attaching beads and making designs in the wire.  Solely jewelry makers use this tool.   They are sold at most craft stores and jewelry suppliers.

Jeweler’s files are use to smooth your wire ends.  This will make your finished product look nicer.  They typically are sold in sets of 10 to 12.

Crimping pliers are used to hold your wire to the clasps of your jewelry piece.  It is very important to use this tool properly.  If you use it incorrectly, you more than likely will not tighten the crimp and this will allow slippage of the wire.  The ends will come loose and the beads will slide off.  Another concern when using this tool is over working the crimp. If you squeeze and pinch it too much, the crimp will become brittle and fall apart.  This also will allow the wire to slip.  The proper way to use this tool is to flatten the crimp in ridge that is close to the handle part of the tool.  Once you have done this, make a ¼ turn and squeeze the crimp in the ridge closer to the front of the mouth.  This should fold the crimp in half making a nice finish.  Some jewelers choose to use flat-nosed pliers and just flatten the crimp.  Using the crimping tool will make a more professional crimp and will

be a nicer finish.

Another jewelry technique uses knots to the beads in to place.  The tool used in this process is a beading awl.  It has a long pointed piece of metal and a wooden handle. This tool allows you to make secure knots against each bead. Nylon-nosed pliers are used to flatten wire without making marks on the metal.  Flat-nosed pliers can be used instead, but cover the metal with a cloth to avoid damage to the wire.  This tool is one that can be added later as you build your business.

If you are going to be working with wire to make jewelry, a polishing cloth is a must.  It may not be noticeable, however the wire is dirty and often tarnished.  The wire needs to be cleaned prior to beginning your design work.

To aid in your design process, it is important to either have a dowel or a pencil to use for coiling and circular designs.  These can be purchased in different dimension if you are making your own jump rings.  This will allow you to make different sizes.

A measuring tool is necessary too.  It is your preference if you use a ruler, yard stick, or a tape measure.  My preference is a tape measure.  It is easier to keep in smaller spaces.

Jeweler’s glue is another product that can be added later.  It really depends on the type of jewelry you are making.  Many styles do not require glue.  Some jewelry makers will add a touch of glue to their beading wire when they string bracelets or necklaces.  This helps

to make a stronger hold and eliminates breakage.  The glue is also used on nylon knots if you are using this type of material.

Starting out as a jewelry maker is so much fun.  There are many varieties of jewelry to make.  Be open-minded and try the different types to find your niche.  It may take while, but do not be afraid to jump in and learn.  It has taken me over two years to determine the material I like to work with the best.  The main thing is to relax and have fun!

Happy New Year!

Amy

If you fall in to this final category you would be considered to be above average in height.  Lucky you!  This would cover anyone who is over 5’7” tall.  Just about any length would look great on this individual.  If you are thin along with being tall, chokers look great on you.  This will draw attention from your height by cutting the line of your neck, thus de-emphasizing your physical appearance.

Necklaces made of similar sized beads actually look the best on you.  Gemstone jewelry or pearls are the best selection for you.  There is such a large variety of stones to choose from.  They also come in many different forms such as chips, nuggets, or smooth round stones.

The woman who falls in to this body type also has a larger range they can select from when choosing bracelets.  The main thing to remember is to stay away from pieces that are too dainty.  They will only get lost on you.  If you like the look of a thinner bracelet, then by all means wear them, however consider grouping several of them together.  This will enable the bracelets to stand out on you.  If you do not wish to wear several smaller bracelets, then you could wear two larger pieces together.  If you are a fuller figured woman, the bigger the better in most cases.

Dangling earrings are very attractive on the taller woman.  This is due mainly to the amount of space that is found between the ears and the shoulder area.  Stay away from the smaller round earrings.  They will not look nearly as nice as the larger pieces.  Any shape or design would do.  Look at your wardrobe to make the final decision on the jewelry accessories that would look appropriate.

Do you have more length than width on your facial space?  If you do, then you would fit in the category of having a rectangular or oblong face.  Basically, this means that the area of space is about the same width at the forehead as it in the chin area.   Your face shape would need help adding the appearance of width to your face.

To give the appearance of a wider face, consider wearing a choker necklace.  This actually will aid in making the neck look shorter.  If chokers are not for you, then a 16” or 18” necklace that makes a “U” shape would be attractive on you.

As for your hair, the style should also be one that adds width to your face.   Parting your hair to the side with a low part, sweeping across your forehead is a nice look for you. You can also wear bangs that are straight and blend with the hair that rests along your face.  The perfect length for you would be above the shoulders and hit the middle of your neck.

Ladies, avoid the v-neck sweaters and shirts as well as vertical lines.  These will just add the appearance of length to your body type.  The higher necklines the shorter and wider your face will appear to be. 

Certainly, you may wear the jewelry you feel most comfortable with.   Just like fashion statements when choosing your clothing, there are some suggestions you might consider when choosing your jewelry.   There are some general rules to follow that will assist you while selecting jewelry that is right for you.

Take a look at your bone structure and your height.  If you are Petite, or under 5’4” your best length for necklaces would be no shorter than your collar and could go even longer.  To make your appearance seem to be taller, you should consider V-shape necklaces that

are below your breast, but above your waste.

For a petite person, narrower bracelets are more appealing.  Instead of one wider bracelet wear a few smaller ones together that compliment each other.  Bangle bracelets will look nice also.  Stay away from the wider bracelets.

The earrings worn by a petite woman should encourage the eyes to look upward.  This is especially helpful for the fuller figured petite woman.  This helps take the focus off of her body weight and focus more on her face.  Look for more geometric designs.  This will look the best on you if you fall into this category.

What is your facial shape?  There are four shapes to consider.  The shapes are oval, round, heart, and rectangular.  The best way to determine your shape is took look at your face with your hair pulled back.  What do you think it resembles?  If you are having a hard time you could even draw on the mirror the outline of your face.  This might be an easier way to determine where you fit in.

If you have the oval shape, you are considered to have the perfect shape.  Lucky you! You can wear any style of necklace and it all looks great on you.  The earrings that you wear well, are triangular in shape.  You can pull off wearing other styles, be careful that your dangles are not too long. 

The hairstyle that would best suit a woman with an oval face would be pulled back or actually in an updo hairstyle.  If you choose to wear you hair longer, why not go for a to the shoulders look with either a middle or a to the side part? 

Stay tuned for more on this subject matter in my next article.  The next size I will cover is the Average, which will cover people who fit in the range from 5’4” to 5’7”, and the round face shape.  I hope this helps you whiling making the important choices you have to make while selecting a piece of jewelry.  It is important that you pick pieces that you will wear for many years to come, and that make you feel beautiful each day!

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219