Some things that I have learned the hard way:
- Don't bother using cheap crimp tubes. I've heard people say they don't hold together and it's worth investing in good ones - but what they heck. I have them, might as well try - right? Well, I tried and both bracelets I made with them came apart - after they were completely done. In some ways, it's my fault. I didn't give a very vigorous 'pull test' before I trimmed the beading wire ends. Good sterling silver and gold filled crimps are worth the money in the time they save you from redoing your work.
- Don't swap jewelry with someone who has a different jewelry style unless you are prepared to be sucked into it. Yes, I'm talking to you Shelley Gross! Since we swapped, I have been playing with seed beads and brick stitch. I really want to (think I can) make something like these Miguel Ases Earrings. Love them!! I really like the colors and geometry of seed beads, but my eyes are hating it!
- Reading glasses are your friend - and you're not really old if you were them. It will save you from lots of squint lines and foul language. (I'm chuckling because I originally wrote fowl language and I just knew it couldn't be right! D-oh!)
- All work and no play makes a boring blog. I hate not having time to gather my thoughts, create something and chronicle it. It's such a great habit and brings me joy to be able to page through it now and then. The lesson here is to find what you love and make time for it - whatever it is!
Some things I knew, but was reminded of:
- Friends are always your best customers. Thanks for the custom ring order Erma! I hope you enjoy wearing it, cause it looks mah-velous on you! Here's a link to my blog entry with more information about this ring and the one I made in silver for myself.
Reading glasses? Hah! I have to use heavy duty visors to see what I'm doing. And I've been using all my time to learn about marketing that I haven't made any jewelry in over a month (maybe more). So sad.
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