tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post4516119389276994275..comments2024-03-06T03:12:24.898-08:00Comments on The Cerebral Dilettante: Wha????lunedreamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-1113151640910062562013-03-06T14:10:35.392-08:002013-03-06T14:10:35.392-08:00Well, actually the only thing I did was stop spend...Well, actually the only thing I did was stop spending so much money on supplies I don't need and worked instead from what I had. Saved me a lot of money so of course no regrets about that. This post wasn't about quitting a job or anything, just being more frugal/intentional about buying supplies. I'm still working full time at my day job, just not spending as much money on supplies and trying to use what I already have.lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-74790461498081138972013-03-06T13:40:21.828-08:002013-03-06T13:40:21.828-08:00I think this is really inspiring - I'm in a si...I think this is really inspiring - I'm in a similar situation, although a bit behind you, in that I'm just getting started. I had to find a job that would let me be around for the kids when (middle) school gets out earlier next year, and with my employer unwilling to adjust my hours, my husband said I should try and turn my hobby in to a business. Money is tight, but I'm much happier.<br /><br />I was just wondering how you were feeling about your choice six/seven months on? Is there anything you would have done differently?Taranhttp://twopairsofmagpies.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-34901839757828445872012-09-27T03:55:24.831-07:002012-09-27T03:55:24.831-07:00Ahhh--makes total sense. That explains why these t...Ahhh--makes total sense. That explains why these types of components are nigh impossible to find. Necessity being the mother and all that may be how I one day pick up a torch (yikes!). But I still get queasy using my propane gas grill so it may be a while for me!JoyfulMusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03853189456300753751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-22038497521444104392012-09-26T18:32:42.430-07:002012-09-26T18:32:42.430-07:00Actually, I have sold some of my findings--a bunch...Actually, I have sold some of my findings--a bunch of toggle clasps, some cones, and a bunch of charms. I might do so again if I find I've made too many to use, but the way I make them, they're far too labor intensive to really be profitable. The bead caps in particular would be a real money/time loser for me, they take forever to make and you can't price them according to your labor or they wouldn't be affordable. And with my day job, I would either have to make components or make jewelry, I just don't have time to do both. Maybe someday...lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-66115923546801292002012-09-26T17:24:21.328-07:002012-09-26T17:24:21.328-07:00I don't know if this will fit into the rules o...I don't know if this will fit into the rules of your game, but would you consider selling some of the findings you make? (And, aren't rules made to be twisted until they shriek "uncle" in their tiny, high-pitched screams?)<br /><br />I just bought the Step by Step mag issue with your disc necklace tutorial and I'm not quite up to the hammerin', torchin', and what-not. Just yet. But I love your metal bowl beads and ball-end head pins. Whaddaya think?JoyfulMusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03853189456300753751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-86401321544598947692012-09-07T10:50:06.798-07:002012-09-07T10:50:06.798-07:00Good for you! Even if it's under compulsion, h...Good for you! Even if it's under compulsion, haha! Yes, I'm a fan of ancient Egypt too--what STYLE! so elegant, so cool, so classy. I love their stylized renditions of nature. I think I got those charms from Fusion Beads or ArtBeads, they have loads of the copper plated pewter Tierra Cast charms. I also got tiny paislies, gingko leaves, itty bitty fleur-de-lis, cute little funky hearts, frogs, fish, bugs...(sorry, now I'm just teasing you.)lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-25043477651663827572012-09-07T10:42:24.737-07:002012-09-07T10:42:24.737-07:00Hahah, I'm stuck to the same rules for this mo...Hahah, I'm stuck to the same rules for this month at least, possibly next as well, as I've got absolutely no money left ove to buy beads jewelry making supplies due to my move. *eyes boxes of beads and brass findings and wire* >><br /><br />Anyhow, I MUST know where those papyrus charms are from, I NEED them for living. Once I've got money again. XD I have that big, BIG weakness for anything related to Ancient Egypt. Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187467742028712865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-68454743781945312372012-09-04T21:39:55.584-07:002012-09-04T21:39:55.584-07:00I really need to start doing the same thing. I ha...I really need to start doing the same thing. I have so many beads and well I would like to start doing this as a business but unless I want to spend months entering everything I have into a form and trying to calculate out the cost I need to just use it up. Wow talk about a run-on sentence.Shai Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16625514249141386180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-61198805848183798522012-08-30T15:51:12.988-07:002012-08-30T15:51:12.988-07:00I LOVE this idea and have been tempted to do the s...I LOVE this idea and have been tempted to do the same many, many times. I think the owners of my local bead store might begin to get worried about me though. ;) Maybe I should amass some sterling silver wire first (I don't currently have any) and then jump on the band wagon. That's not the way it works is it? Hmmmm<br /><br />Actually, if I'm being serious with myself. I often think that the problem with my inspiration sometimes is that it's hiding behind all the junk I've collected. I'm just so overwhelmed with all the STUFF that I can't get a clear picture of what I want to create. Dang, now I might need to do the same thing as you. <br /><br />At least you're calling it a game. That definitely makes it more fun!!CraftyHopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-74968142595305030292012-08-30T09:17:03.848-07:002012-08-30T09:17:03.848-07:00"Voluntarily downwardly mobile" sounds f..."Voluntarily downwardly mobile" sounds freeing! (Hope so!) I have kind of always stayed at the downward end of things because I like CASH!! haha! I have interestingly gravitated automatically to making earrings with my new "use what you have" game, it seems to be working well. I have some ideas for simpler bracelets too, looking forward to that!lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-91713934203514109822012-08-30T09:07:17.373-07:002012-08-30T09:07:17.373-07:00Thank you for the inspiring story, Lucia! I can de...Thank you for the inspiring story, Lucia! I can definitely see an "earrings only" enterprise working quite well. I have myself been thinking I should have a much higher proportion of earrings in my shop. Congratulations to you on a successful venture! (and your new marriage!). Yes, I covet those beads out there--so much artistry and creativity! And thanks for the kind words about my work. Have fun with your new baubles!lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-52540184553823658672012-08-30T06:18:32.502-07:002012-08-30T06:18:32.502-07:00hi...if it's any "solace"..i was in ...hi...if it's any "solace"..i was in the same spot about TEN years ago, financial guy said same thing, ran my "earrings only" business for 6 years, at a profit, without re-buying,except for pins and wires,and still had enough inventory to SELL my business for almost total cost!!!!!i'm now retired from teaching,newly remarried (at62!!), and just recently(within only last year) have started just buying a "few" things! guess who needs to STAY HOME?!!? having said all that, aren't there just the most lovely,gotta-have,if only to touch and look at, beads and stuff out there?! including YOURS, young lady!! good luck! you're doing great!lucianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-57538070300564617142012-08-29T11:09:51.445-07:002012-08-29T11:09:51.445-07:00I seriously love your jewelry.
I seriously, seriou...I seriously love your jewelry.<br />I seriously, seriously love your blog.<br /><br />A couple of days ago, Hubby and I were talking about this tax year since we're voluntarily downwardly mobile. It made me think about my jewelry sales to supply purchase ratio...<br />Hmm... like a business?kbradsethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08717675793084524503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-75938953919693244522012-08-29T09:06:30.132-07:002012-08-29T09:06:30.132-07:00The larger sort of irregular green/brown one to th...The larger sort of irregular green/brown one to the right of the brown disc I got locally (I know, "gee thanks a lot"), and the smaller ones I got from Fire Mountain. I think I got a strand of graduated sizes, and a strand of smaller ones that were all about 5-6mm in diameter. (I think swaps are a great idea! All the thrill of shopping without spending more money.)lunedreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194017326383981105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-22519482187046181522012-08-27T18:16:26.170-07:002012-08-27T18:16:26.170-07:00You crack me up! I love your style of jewelry and ...You crack me up! I love your style of jewelry and writing. Those turquoise discs are awesome! Where did you find those?! I NEED some. Hahaha! I also need to do the same - stop buying and get busy with what I've got. We should have a big swap so we feel like its new but really just someone else's hoard. Ashleigh Beckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05720164076166368902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-39533838521135373842012-08-27T14:00:50.661-07:002012-08-27T14:00:50.661-07:00Isn't it amazing what you can create when you ...Isn't it amazing what you can create when you give yourself the permission (or the restriction) to use what you have? These are all wonderful -- can't wait to see what else you have lurking in those 20 containers!Bobbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18222000454834798087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-67944508569254531872012-08-27T12:43:07.592-07:002012-08-27T12:43:07.592-07:00Oh! I now have $80 to spend at Fire Mountain Gems ...Oh! I now have $80 to spend at Fire Mountain Gems courtesy of Bead Trends (was saving them until I got the last one--goes further with their pricing structure). Oh, joy!Cyndi Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05300974884525124898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-9074854565525698282012-08-27T12:41:35.373-07:002012-08-27T12:41:35.373-07:00Novel idea to use what you have. I guess that mean...Novel idea to use what you have. I guess that means you won't belong to the "She who dies with the most beads wins" club. Seriously, though, my mom has been telling me to use what I already have. But those dang beads just keep calling my name. I agree with the others that this new rule has not affected your fabulous designs.Cyndi Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05300974884525124898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-48285299660968504542012-08-27T12:07:48.186-07:002012-08-27T12:07:48.186-07:00I started out with a use-what-you-have rule - I lo...I started out with a use-what-you-have rule - I look back at that and laugh to myself, because I actually had so little and didn't know how to use what I had - still don't, really! <br /><br />But perhaps, inspired by your post, and seeing your beautiful work, I shall reinstate my rule - I do have quite a large stash now, after all! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15697264964471772928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-29119797944283553082012-08-27T07:26:06.168-07:002012-08-27T07:26:06.168-07:00You're doing this totally fantastic job of usi...You're doing this totally fantastic job of using what you have! Everything is wonderful! I think I'll play along as well. SueBeadshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11864619666721794935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-9432543024220710572012-08-27T07:21:51.904-07:002012-08-27T07:21:51.904-07:00Can I play this game with you? I have this new sto...Can I play this game with you? I have this new storage system that I am trying out, so it is bringing to light that my stash is more of a hoard and that the cameras will start rolling any minute as they trip down my stairs past all the empty boxes I have piled in the corner to get to the heart of the pile paradise. I have bags upon bags, and bins and boxes, and so many Michaels bags filled with stuff that I bought and thought was cool (and Hobby Lobby as well, only an hour away and now a new one is opening up 40 minutes away! Huzzah!) So I need to do what you are doing as well. Actually make with what I have and sell what I have amassed as well. I love all these and I am happy that you are letting them see the light of day! I am deciding right now to do the same. Enjoy the day. ErinTesoriTrovatihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12771359288546654791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-28489582024034874492012-08-26T18:25:20.885-07:002012-08-26T18:25:20.885-07:00I agree with the other posters - using what you ha...I agree with the other posters - using what you have hasn't limited your creativity. Those are very lovely pieces - esp. like the earrings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-39434264338150974992012-08-26T17:34:33.690-07:002012-08-26T17:34:33.690-07:00I'm totally where you are. I had no idea wha...I'm totally where you are. I had no idea what I have, as I have a huge problem with 'shopping'. I did not go to Beadfest Philly this year, because I'm just FULL. You're inspiring me to actually USE what I have. Thank you.BeadWhispererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16230949691683008257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-65866168112489321572012-08-26T17:31:26.545-07:002012-08-26T17:31:26.545-07:00I keep saying I have enough beads, and I do. Howe...I keep saying I have enough beads, and I do. However, I don't seem to have enough findings. I hope you are successful in using your stash.KJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02839682837427981888noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050381412636516903.post-74464378831647786562012-08-26T17:20:10.317-07:002012-08-26T17:20:10.317-07:00WOW! Way to go! Your challenge has not hindered yo...WOW! Way to go! Your challenge has not hindered your creativity at all! I need to take a page out of your book and use a lot of my stash as well. I don't even want to think of how much $$ I've spent on "stuff" that I'm just plain 'ole tired of looking at!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11615165119056187989noreply@blogger.com