trying to keep myself from sliding too deep
As I have mentioned before I am currently unemployed. Even though I am one of the lucky ones, I have state and union unemployment available to me, it still gets to me. My mood has not been all that great, it does not help matters none that we have had so many rainy days here in the Midwest lately. When I first was laid off I was working on my beaded jewelry in and effort to keep my mood up and with the thought of selling it as a way to make some money. Unfortunately I have not really been doing much with that either, I just was giving in to the blah feeling of it all.
In an effort to break out of that mood, I have been taking pictures of the jewelry that I do have made. (even though I do not like the quality the camera gives me, that is for another post). Last night I started working on editing for upload. I do not have much done yet, but it is a start.
I just uploaded some pictures of one piece that I have repaired. I showed the piece to both WPG and Country by Design when I got to meet them, but unfortunately it was broken at that time. So I wanted to post that one first so that they could see how I repaired it.
The necklace has a glass heart pendant and when I originally made it the pendant had a glass loop on it for suspending it from the necklace itself, but I broke it when I was storing it away to take with me on vacation. I have since repaired it using some copper wire to make a cage and loop for the pendant. I will probably not sell this item because even though I have filed down the sharp edges of the glass where the loop broke off of the heart, I do not want to take the chance that I missed anything. I am not sure what I will do with it now.
Comments
Very lovely jewelry there!
I'm sorry that you are still unemployed. Unemployment SUCKS!!!
When you collect Unemployment, it is for a limited time, and it pays only about 70% of your last wage. (-been there, done that, don't want to do it again...)
Running your own business is a great idea, but it's VERY HARD to get one going, and it's going to be harder to be successful with the economy in the current shape it's in.
However, I wish you well with it, and/or I hope you are able to find satisfactory employment soon!!!
70%?! I wish. Between my state and union unemployment it is only about 60% of my wages, that is the two combined. it is probably because I was making union wages and I do not think that unemployment is based on it.
I do not really expect to do a whole lot with my jewelry, business wise. I just figured I would try to sell a little of it to help keep the bills from getting further behind than they would if I didn't.
Nice work Country! Hope you find a great job very soon. It must be hard not working and trying to keep busy. I'm finally feeling a little better now but it seems like there is always something to do here. But we have no rain so I can do outside stuff. Not sure I could stand to live where it rains a lot.
Take care and keep up the great work on your jewelry!
WPG
Hang in there: I know it's tough sitting at home, waiting for a call, but we all are rooting for you!
thanks for the encouragement
I really like the cage for the heart? Have you ever thought about picking up junk costume jewelry at resale shops, etc, and trying to remake it into something new?
Since recycling is such a big thing right now, it might be another angle. Try to get those photos edited and get some stuff listed ASAP! Your photos that you posted with this blog are nice. Look at the way the shots are taken on Etsy. Some of them are very artsy.
And every day make an effort. Apply to something. Lower your standards - in fact, rid yourself of them entirely! This is a season and economy of survival. Fight to keep yourself alive and safe. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
As for the jewelry, perhaps you could offer it at a reduced price "as is." With so many people unemployed and struggling and watching their pennies, someone might be all too happy to purchase it "flaws" and all. I know that I would be (if I were a jewelry wearer).
I am in a kind of 'catch 22' situation. My combined unemployment from the state and union are much more than most any job I may be able to get out there right now. So 'lowering my standards' would actually net me less than I make being unemployed. (I know this makes me much luckier than many unemployed, but my mood is still affected) Unfortunately this is just under 60% of my normal wages so I struggle with bills and expenses that I normally would easily pay.
I have considered that I might be able to sell the repaired necklace 'as is' and I may still do that but right now I need to figure out if I really plan to sell any pieces much less a repaired one.
I know it can be hard to make any decision, especially one that involves spending money. Hope you get that call you are waiting for soon!