Learning is fun for artists especially when he/she can practice hands on.  So, this holiday season, give a learning series of DVD’s filmed in high definition with jewelry expert Dale “Cougar” Armstrong teaching her techniques.  The DVDs, along with the widest range of wire jewelry making supplies and tools, can be found at http://www.wire-sculpture.com.  There are many to choose from including buying an entire series for beginners or for creating many different styles of rings.  Each DVD introduces the artist to materials, patterns, and complete instructions to create various jewelry pieces.

As a stocking stuffer you might also add some wire jewelry supplies or tools that your creative friend or family member will want to get started creating wire jewelry.  You might also call Wire-Sculpture to inquire about recommended products or tools that would complement the learning DVDs.

Magazine subscriptions are always a nice way to introduce a new hobby to someone – consider signing up him or her for one.  Books with pictures and instructions are also a good way to go.

Whether your gift buying is to help someone find a new outlet for their artistic talent or add to an existing collection of wire jewelry supplies, be sure to check out the specials available on the website.  Wire-sculpture.com provides a 100% product satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

Finally, there are pre-packaged kits to buy as well including the materials for making wire wrapped pendants, earrings and/or necklaces.  All the materials and instructions are provided.  Be sure to check to see what tools are also required.  These make great stocking stuffers too!

Happy Holidays!

First of all creating wire jewelry is easy and it’s fun.  You can create beautiful pieces from pattern kits that include all of the materials, instructions and tools that you need.  Visit wire-sculpture.com to find a wide array of wire jewelry making supplies.

Secondly, this type of gift is unique in that it is handcrafted by you with the love and care you have for the person you are making it for.  I have been given wire jewelry as a gift, made by a friend that knows me well.  It’s a very special item still in my collection of favorite pieces.

Thirdly, you will save time shopping from store to store looking for the perfect gift.  Instead, spend the time making that perfect gift.  Be sure to do a little research before you launch in by looking at what types of jewelry pieces these special friends of yours currently wear.  While you might want to do something “different” you might not want to stray too far from their style.

Finally, order your jewelry supplies in plenty of time so that you have enough time to get them done.  Each piece will take you several hours depending upon intricacies.  You may even want to adventure beyond a kit and find a pattern in a book or magazine.  If needed, you can reach out to someone to ask specifically what the best materials to use will be, in the event the book or magazine doesn’t spell it out.

All in all, creating wire jewelry for holiday gifts will be wonderful for your friends along with the added benefit of learning a new skill.  Hopefully after the holidays you will find time to make yourself some pieces!

So, I recommend that you find a wire jewelry pattern kit with instructions to create your first piece.  With this success under your belt you’ll have the confidence to try out new things.  But, keep on learning, one piece at a time, adding in new materials / supplies and techniques you learn along the way.

Be sure to learn the terminology as well so that when you do read books or articles you understand what is being discussed.  Study how wire jewelry making supplies are used, such as the size and shape of wire – which specifications are best used for the jewelry you want to create.

Finally, stick with a plan on each piece after your first.  Taking a pile of leftovers and trying to make jewelry will probably not have the result you want.  It’s best to plan, purchase wire jewelry supplies, and then set aside the time to do it.  Why not stick with patterns and then do some modifications to them to learn more.

Take a class from a local expert or invest in your jewelry making hobby by purchasing a DVD or eBook on the subject – there are many!

The key however, is to have each creation be an enjoyable experience and not one of frustration.  This approach is important in any new hobby.  You can always buy a bunch of supplies to get started, but without a plan and pattern to follow you will probably be disappointed with the outcome!  Happy wire jewelry making!

Hobbies, by definition, are purely for personal enjoyment.  This means that there is no goal of gaining monetarily or knowledge-wise.  It’s just for the fun of it.  So then, why have fun?  Fun is a stress-reliever because when a person is in the act of fun, he/she is not dwelling on problems or worries.  So, to start off, a very high intrinsic value is found in stress relief.

Beyond stress reduction is the boost in self-esteem that a hobby can give the partaker.  When a skill is mastered or a new level of experience is reached, the resulting emotion is that of achievement. This then in turn makes a person improve their opinion of themselves.

Finally, the type of hobby you may choose is what delivers the greatest value by providing a medium for expressing inner thoughts, feelings, and talents that a person may not even know exist.  As an example, selecting wire jewelry making as the hobby, it is a craft rooted in ancient civilizations that suggests the person is inspired by beauty and adornment.  This is a hobby that provides artistic stimulation and jewelry pieces that can be worn by the hobbyist, shared with friends or given as gifts that will be cherished for a very long time.

So, let’s look deeper at why selecting wire jewelry making is a good hobby choice and then jump right in.  First of all, let’s look at the “costs too much,” objection.  If you are a beginner, start with instructions first; read books and watch DVD’s on various wire jewelry making ideas.  This will cost you very little.

Next you will want to graduate to buying a starter kit that will get your hands into the work of making wire jewelry.  Starter kits are all under $100 and will supply you with materials, instructions and tools to further your learning.  And of course, learning never stops – so be sure to read free blogs and get tips that answer your questions.  After you’ve reached this level then it’s time to invest in wire jewelry making supplies.  Be sure to buy your supplies from a company that has a 30-day money back guarantee in the event you buy something that you want to return or exchange.  Take your time and get advice about what to buy as you begin your hobby.  Taking a class locally is always great fun and a good experience as you’ll meet other wire jewelry hobbyists that share your passion.

If you have the objection that you don’t have time then the best thing to do is make time by eliminating something in your life that is of less value to you such as “sleeping in,” or watching TV.

Finally, be sure to keep it a hobby by immersing yourself in it for fun, relaxation, joy and personal growth.  There really is no excuse not having a hobby – they are always around us, pick one!

This article is to help you make the leap, albeit small in comparison to many other “startup” businesses that require capital, an office or store, and probably other people.  This business is more of a shift of focus from what you love to create to “packaging and marketing” what you love to create.  And on top of this you will need to account for the expenses of doing so and for the income derived from your wire jewelry making activities.  Beyond that, it’s pretty much the same as you’ve been doing before.  You may decide to make more pieces faster, streamlining your processes but still, it’s pretty much a replication of what your hobby required of you to design, create, and share with your audience.

You will still have to buy wire jewelry making supplies.  You will still need inspiration.  You’ll also still need to do the work itself and then make sure someone is going to wear it.  So, given that these are natural to you as a hobbyist, let’s focus on the new things that will be required of you.

Packaging and marketing are often scary elements of “going into business.”  Yes, it can be intimidating but the best way to learn how to do it is to look at your competition.  See what they are doing that you like and what they are doing that you don’t like.  Decide how you want to sell your pieces.  Do you want to sell online, at events as a vendor, or through retail stores / boutiques?  Do research to determine the requirements of doing each and figure out what fits your style the best.

You may need to hire someone to create packaging for you, designing also your logo, business cards, and product information as well as publishing a website for you.  You may exchange help from a friend or family member for some jewelry pieces.  After you have created your packaging for marketing, you’ll need to market yourself and your jewelry.

Discover what your competition does to “get out there” and design your own plan.  Ask for help from others and learn about low cost methods to get found (if you are going to sell direct).  Hire a marketing consultant for a few hours to get advice.  If you are selling wholesale you will need to learn how to find distributors of wire jewelry but in this case you may have to produce more pieces than you are willing to do.  But again, this is up to you about how you want to proceed with your business, in your own way that fits your personality.  Some people like to go out big; others take it one step at a time.  Do what works for you.

Finally, the accounting piece is very important.  When you begin, start with accounting software or hire a bookkeeper on an hourly basis.  Meet with your bookkeeper prior to starting your business so that you set everything up right from the beginning and know exactly what kind of paper trail he/she is going to want from you.  Get advice about establishing your business properly with required license(s).  Being organized will save you time, money and stress.

So, all in all, starting a business rooted in a hobby is not hard to do as long as you are open to asking questions and getting help.  There is SO MUCH free help out there if you just do a little research.  Take your time in your startup and most importantly, retain the joy of wire jewelry making throughout the process!

Scrapbookers also like vintage images for Mother’s Day. Whether the scrapbook is traditional paper or digital, vintage images make them all the more special. For example, these vintage flower border scrapbooking embellishments. They were common in the Victorian era and could be found in the ubiquitous scrapbooks of the gentler class. They were often hand-painted and used to ring the word “Mother” as a way of honoring dear old Mom. That practice lives on as scrapbookers return to the past to find ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Naturally, the scrapbook embellishments that work so well to honor Mom can also make beautiful hand-crafted Mother’s Day cards. The gorgeous flowers, go perfectly in the center of a Mother’s Day card. Also, they are perfect as a 3D embellishment. By printing the border on card stock, the inside and outside edge details can be cut around and layered over another element, such as a photo of Mom. The photo will show through, and the result will look like a fancy picture frame.

Those who don’t consider themselves crafters can also make a free Mother’s Day gift. Just choose one of these free Mothers Day certificates, download and print. The certificate blanks are pre-designed and in PDF form, so there isn’t a lot more to do than print one and sign it. Of course, the certificate would also be nice framed. The frame doesn’t have to be fancy. Any mom would love to have it. These are great alternatives to otherwise more expensive presents such as a new orthopedic bed, dozens of roses, that new car mom wanted and other similar gifts!

So this Mother’s Day, make it at home. It’s a piece of cake, and the final effect will be beautiful If you do your mother will surely be thrilled, which will give you extra brownie points. She might even ask for the same thing for next Mother’s Day.