Silver Clay -- Learning On The Job

Though I haven't posted here in a couple of week, I have to tell you that I've been extremely busy. Craft show applications have been arriving and a couple are due in February. As I want to have some fantastic pictures of fantastic pieces of jewelry, I've been hard at work making new silver clay designs.

If you look online at any of the handmade venues you will see lots of people making jewelry from silver clay. Mostly, however, these pieces are small and stamped or a bit larger set with fused or dichroic glass. Silver clay is very expensive so the more you can make from one pad of clay, the better.Going against what's practical and the cost effective, I've chosen to create a few pieces in a style similar to Art Deco. I like the geometric lines and simplicity of that style. I like to layer smooth shiny parts and textured oxidized pieces. This means more clay and a higher price. I also have been working for weeks on a hinged bracelet. Having only taken basic classes in silver clay, I'm really learning as I go. Layering means sanding & waiting for each piece to dry before "gluing" on the next one with a bit of silver paste. So I've actually lost count of the number of hours I've spent on this piece not to mention the amount of clay it has required.

I am well aware of why people make smaller, less elaborate pieces of jewelry with this relatively new product. I also found that while I like the look of faceted stones set into the silver, the flat-bottomed cabochons are a lot easier to set as they are shallower. The glass many people use instead of gemstones can be set into wet clay and fired in the kiln. The druzy pieces I've used need to be set afterward.




Not all of my ideas have been successful. While the bracelet and purple druzy pendant worked, I won't be selling a black druzy pendant with pearls that I also made. The bezel setting was problematic as the clay shrunk around it in the kiln. The final outcome looks messy and is not up to my standard. So I'll be wearing that one.




Getting great color when oxidizing has been pretty much hit or miss. I've tried various amounts of liver of sulfur, water, and ammonia getting different results each time. The consistency of the clay also seems to matter. Once fired, new, fresh clay turns a nice color and keeps it while clay that has been worked too much absorbs the chemicals and quickly turns black.



I have made great strides, however, in reconstituting dried clay. Sometimes the greenware breaks and is beyond repair. Sometimes bits and pieces dry out. There's also all the dust from sanding. I've gotten pretty good at turning it back into workable clay. Less waste. But this is the clay that doesn't bend or oxidize well so I have to remember to use it for flat pieces that will remain shiny.

The weeks since Christmas have been productive and educational. Now I just have to hope that people like my designs well enough to wear them.

Applying to Craft Shows

It's snowing like mad outside. Hubby is trying to clean the driveway for the first time because once we get over a foot the snowblower has a hard time with it. And there's already an inch in the area that he cleared.

It's a great day to do paperwork. So I'm sifting through craft show applications to do the ones with the earliest due dates. I like to do from 12 to 15 shows per year; most from June through November.

I have a spreadsheet of shows that lists show dates, application due dates, costs, requirements and, when I have it, information on traffic numbers. Maybe that's a little obsessive but I like being organized. (Another consequence of being in the library world for so long.) And since they all have different due dates, if I don't get into one I can quickly find another the same month or even the same weekend with a later due date.

I also keep a notebook that includes printed off information from the show websites and copies of applications from last year along with the pictures that were sent. This allows me to redo what was successful and change applications that weren't.

I spent part of yesterday photographing my newest silver clay pieces. I have a couple I'm particularly proud of and wanted to try for great pictures. I think that pictures are probably the most important part of the application process. After all, they're worth a thousand words. Although I've never been on a craft show jury, if I were, I'd want them to be crisp and clear and show as much of the work as possible. It's a contest after all and the best work wins a spot.

In some shows all jewelry is put into the same pot and in others there are categories such as metalsmithing, strung jewelry, alternative materials, etc. I have learned that lots of work gets lumped into the very large category of strung/beaded jewelry. So last year I applied using pictures of our steampunk pieces. There's not so much competition there. This year I'll do the same but with the higher end shows I'll send pictures of my new silver pieces. While I do see silver smiths at some of the shows, I think my fine silver is a bit different. Well, I guess we'll see.



A few quick thoughts about craft show applications--
--Every show that you want to get into is important. Treat every application with the same level of professionalism, whether it's a large juried show or a small local one.
--Make sure the application is filled out completely right down to your car model and license number, if requested.
--Any essays should be neat, legible, well written, and grammatically correct.
--Descriptions of pieces should be like advertising sound bites. Rather than "necklace", tell them what it's made of, how it's constructed, etc., as succinctly as possible.
--Send the best pictures of your best work.
--And send it out so it gets there before the due date.
--If you have questions about any part of the application, don't wing it or skip it. Call or email and ask!
--Don't forget to include the check. Read the application carefully as some only want the jury fee, and some want the check post dated.

It's important that the show organizers get whatever information they need. If something is missing they might just toss your application.

Firing Up the Kiln for the First Time

Finally. I've had this new toy since August and have just had no time to create any silver pieces. But with the new year I've had fewer obligations and more time.

With my stash of clay ready to go and pages of sketched designs I began with a few simple things. I stamped a couple pair of earrings and a simple pendant. These are similar to designs that have sold well in the past and a good way to get my "fingers wet".


I moved on to a couple of layered pendants. I like the contrast of combining dark oxidized areas with sleek, shiny silver. And I'm trying to do more in the Art Deco style--simple geometric designs. After molding about 100 grams of silver and was ready to bake it.

I have to say firing up my first batch was a process. I won't go into all the details but my husband couldn't get far enough away from me that afternoon. I've never owned a kiln so I had no idea what all the codes in the digital program were for. The instructions sent were all about firing potter's clay complete with "cones" to test the temperature. They also sent me a pyrometer. Why? I have no idea since I purchased a digital kiln that already reads the inside temperature. I spent a couple of hours just trying to find out how to program it for a simple 30 minute firing. The kiln is in the garage and since the manual I got was no help at all, I ran up and down the stairs, to and from the computer, looking for information...anywhere.

Thank you YouTube!!
What did we do before people started posting instructional videos? While the first video I found was for the Paragon SC2 and none of the codes matched what was on my kiln, I later found one specifically for the Firefly. I took a few notes and ran down to give it a try.

Although my practical husband thought I should just put a couple pieces in to try it out, I laid out my whole first batch. Some instructions said to fire at 1200 degrees, others at 1300 degrees. So I split the difference and fired at 1250 degrees. Presto! Pure silver!! I'm so excited.

So here are some of the pieces after firing and polishing. Some have been oxidized and others I'm leaving shiny. There are a few pieces that still need to be partially oxidized. It's a tricky process that requires the liver of sulfur to be put on with a small sponge or paintbrush.





But I have learned how to get those nice rainbow colors on silver. I love how this ring turned out.

Now that I've gotten the basics out of the way, I'm working on an Art Deco style bracelet with hinged components. I've never done hinges and can't find a video to show me how so I'm learning as I go. But here's what I've done so far.

The next challenge I'm going to take on is soldering. I'd like to solder the rings I use to attach my components together. But I'm not worried. I'm sure there's a video somewhere.

So What Craft Shows are You Applying to for 2011?

It might depend on whether you are creating as a hobby or trying to earn a living with your craft. As a hobbyist you may not have a state resale number or a federal business ID number (EIN). If so, you may not be able to sell at the bigger shows that actually ask for that information on the applications. Although very few of the Mass. show applications ask for my state tax id, every show I've applied to in Conn. asks for it on the application. And while I've never had anyone come to my booth and ask to see my Mass. resale number, the possibility exists. And every show I've applied to in Conn. asks for your Conn. tax ID number on the application.

Registering as a business and getting a tax resale number also allows you to buy supplies without paying sales tax and often lets you to buy at wholesale prices. On the other hand, you will have to charge tax on your products and send sales tax payments to the state. You'll have to keep records of income and expenses and file income tax. In my town I also pay property tax on my inventory and equipment.

So whatever your situation, you have now compiled a small list of possible craft shows for 2011. Some you attended and feel they would be a good fit and some your friends have suggested to you as possibly a good fit. But you still need to find a few others to fill in the time in between?

Do you apply to the local church bazaar because the table fee is only $25?
Do you shoot for the the $300 arts and crafts show because it's big and should bring a large turnout increasing your chances for sales?
Do you do the high school show because it's indoors and you won't need your tent?

As this is a "learn as you go" business, any of the above could work. And any of the above could be a total waste of money. The additional pages of this blog (on the left) where I have reviewed several local 2010 shows may help you out.

Whatever you decide...

--Do start early looking for shows and information about them even if applications aren't yet available.
--Don't do first time shows. They don't always have their act together yet, may not have advertised enough, and don't yet have a customer following to rely on for traffic.
--Don't do any shows completely blind. Think about your product and if the show is the type or in a location that will attract potential customers. Contact the show promoters and ask about traffic at previous shows. Find out how big a space you'll have to display. Ask for names of vendors who have done the show before and contact them. It's a shame to waste even $25.


Crafts Shows are divided into two categories, juried and non-juried. The non-juried shows are usually easier to get into. Organizers want to fill the spaces and aren't selective about who shows up. They're usually less expensive and loose about the application deadline. Some do try to limit each category so if you sell jewelry, apply early.

Juried craft shows are more selective and usually require photos and detailed descriptions of the crafts that you sell. Entry fees can range from $50 to thousands of dollars and often ask for an additional jury fee of $10-$30. Many have craft show websites where you can download their applications. Some require photos of your craft display in the form of slides or as a CD. They are strict about getting applications by a certain due date.

Finding "your " craft shows is a process and takes time. And even once you've found some great shows, there's always the possibility that you won't get accepted the next year. So always have a Plan B--other shows you can apply to.

Jansjems has a Website!

I feel so official! My youngest daughter's Christmas present to me was my very own website. It's just a front page for now but you can link to my Etsy shop, this blog, or contact me. And prominently listed are the shows I'll be attending in 2011. Check out Jansjems.com.

Also.........

JANSJEMS IS HAVING A SALE!!!

In an attempt to clear out the last of the 2010 gemstone jewelry designs and make room for new products, I'll be having a 20% off sale beginning tomorrow (Dec. 31) and running for the whole month of January. Stop in to my Etsy Shop and have a look around.

Are You Ready for the 2011 Craft Show Season?

With the holidays now over and 2011 only a few days away, I'm working on my craft show schedule for next year. You think it's too early? Not really. Last year I applied to a show in Virginia and the application deadline was Jan. 2.
I learned to start early a couple of years ago. I had heard good things about the Mattoon St. Festival in Springfield which takes place in September. I looked for an application online but didn't find one. So around the end of January I emailed the contact on their website. The jewelry category was already full! As it turns out, Mattoon St. only juries you the first year. Once you're accepted you only need to send in the next application with the booth fee. And they send you that application 2 weeks after the show. If you sell jewelry you need to return it immediately or they quickly find people to fill your spot. So I have already sent in my check for the 2011 Mattoon St. show. Live and learn.

After 3 years of research and experience I now have a pretty good idea which shows I want to apply to. But if you're new to all this, here are a few things to think about when making your selections.

How do I find shows?
--Talk to friends and fellow artisans to get suggestions
--Go online and google "New England Craft Shows" or "Massachusetts Craft Shows" and you will often run across websites that list shows. Some want fees to give you more information. Instead, write down the show names in the list and then search for their websites or information about them in other places. If they don't have a website, there might be a phone number listed for information.
--Join a local artisan group. They share information.

How do I know if it's a good show?
Well, often you don't. But if you're unable to attend the show to check it out and don't know anyone who has already sold there, you need to consider your product and your expected customers when you're making your best guess.
--If you're selling inexpensive, fun items that appeal to children or teenagers, you need to find a show that attracts them. Perhaps a fair or music festival. Will your product also appeal to mothers and grandmothers buying for children? Then maybe a church fair or high school craft show is a good choice .
--If you're selling higher end products like gold jewelry, quilts, or handmade clothing then you need to find shows that attract professional women who like to dress well and decorate their homes--and can afford to do so. Shows in or near major cities would be my pick. Or shows in wealthier neighborhoods.
--And with fine art, you might want to consider "art shows" rather than craft shows as they will attract customers who are looking specifically for paintings and sculpture.
--Are you creating for a niche market? Steampunk art and jewelry is one example. And while that would sell best at a steampunk show, I have found through experience that my steampunk jewelry also sells well anywhere there is a young crowd or tourists.
--Stay away from economically depressed areas where factories have closed or people are still struggling the make ends meet. And while I admit that this is true almost everywhere, some towns are doing much better than others.
--Some products just sell well almost anywhere. Canvas bags, silk screened t-shirts, fabric purses, and hand painted, holiday inspired, wooden home decor seem to do well at many of the shows I attend.
--And the fall (September & October) seems to be the best time to do craft shows, at least here in New England. People have started buying for Christmas, they have their Christmas Club checks, and they're not yet fully involved in the holiday party/family dinners chaos.

For lists of shows in Mass. & Conn., check out the websites below frequently as they update often.
http://www.jaminmark.com/eventinfo/states/MA.html
http://www.eastcoastartisan.com/index.html
http://festivalnet.com/events.html?fn00077
http://www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/shows.aspx?state=CT
http://www.indiecraftshows.com/events

Getting Ready for Santa and the Family

Yes, I've been busy since the library craft show. Christmas is coming fast and I spent a few days decorating, baking cookies (dozens of cookies), and cleaning in preparation for Christmas guests.

Mom & my youngest daughter are both coming in on Thursday. So here I am 3 days before Christmas getting ready to hit the grocery store for supplies for the weekend.

We still celebrate the traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner called Wigilia. My sister-in-law and I switch off and each year provide pierogi, kapusta, zur and other meatless dishes as well as pastry. It's one of the days that the entire family comes together and we wish each other good things for the New Year.




As I'm really hoping to get started after Christmas on some new silver clay designs, I've also been shopping for a few little things I still need--long handled tweezers, fine silver wire for jump rings, a bezel pusher and burnisher. I can't wait. Yes, I'm even going to attempt to set stones. Now I just need a large block of time to set up and roll out the clay. So while everyone else is anxious for Christmas, I'm actually more anxious for the week after Christmas.



Wishing everyone who finds the time to read this blog a very Merry Christmas!