Contemplation


The last few weeks, I have been really contemplating the start up of a new venture. Making and selling bead caps.  I don't know if it stems from the rise in jewelry component sales vs. the fall of jewelry sales- or if it's my over-zealous nature to want to just try it and see how it turns out,  my absolute obsession with working working working.  It could be a little bit of everything. I keep trying to weigh the positives and negatives, and I just can't seem to come to any conclusion. 
I also don't really want to be making them all the time, so I think if I was to do this, I would make them in large batches and do a shop update maybe once a month. Seems manageable when I think of it in these terms.
I then worry that no one will want to buy them, and then I'm stuck with a  bazillion little bead caps. But the interest that I received when I first started making them, was very positive, and leads me to believe a few might want to buy them. 

This post was just meant to allow me to think out-loud. I'm not looking for answers from readers- I just want to use this as a way to put my thoughts down. Kind of like a diary of sorts. That's what I can do on my blog, right? I mean, that's what it's meant for? 
Seems that everytime I sit down to blog the past month, I worry about offending someone, saying the wrong thing, coming off braggy... so I've kept blogging to a minimum. I'm hoping I get over it and just get back to it and stop worrying about everyone else. But that just wouldn't be like me, I guess. I'm a worrier. I get it from my Dad.

Comments

  1. First Amendment! Say what you will! No one is forcing me to read you, I do, because I want to. So there! Happy Monday!

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  2. So as not to comment specifically, new ventures are always a good idea if they give you fun and pleasure. And a rest from the day to day, I think.
    Love your blog any way you do it.

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  3. Glad you are thinking aloud - speak your mind!

    I had no idea you made bead caps. I always wondered where you acquire them because they are really cool and you do use lots of them - which give your pieces a super special look. Test the waters - I'll buy some! : )

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  4. Brenda1/10/2011

    I would buy some. Start with small batches, maybe 3 kinds or sizes. See how you like making them in volume and go from there.

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  5. Regardless of what you decide, that bracelet is GORGEOUS! Congrats on your Designer Highlight feature in Bead Trends!

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  6. Honey, don't worry about what you put on your blog - it is yours to put whatever content you want on it. I get those thoughts too thought - especially about my last post where I was giving my opinion on how I live in this tech filled world. Oh, and I would love to buy some bead caps!!!

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  7. I understand what you're saying Lorelei; I'm a worrier too. But after reading those past childish posts from "Anonymous" and after all that my niece is going through, please don't let the bullies get you down. That would mean they won. You are far too talented and informative to hold back! I've learned a lot from your blog and would hate to see you hold back for fear of someone taking it the wrong way. That said, I find your bead caps to be the shizzle and I say go for it!

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  8. Wow, what a gorgeous piece! I love the bead caps and I say go for it. Maybe list that they are made when the when ordered which might ease your worry of having a bunch laying around (though I really don't think you will have to worry--they'll get snatched up).

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  9. I would absolutely purchase some of your vintage tin bead caps... go for it, maybe starting with small batches, to get a feel for the demand.

    Huge congratulations for your Bead Trends Designer Highlight... I'm off to search for a copy :0)

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  10. We are ever shifting, morphing and restlessly seeking creative expression and when we trust our intuition and follow the road signs (especially the ones that challenge us a little) we find joy. Your jewelry is stunning and your components are so smart and lovely, no matter what you do it's beautiful. Keep following those instincts!

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  11. Hello,
    If you can reserve then I would like to reserve because I would like some!
    Jewelery sales may have dropped because from the Big Cartel store the shipping to Canada and maybe others is now $13. That is a lot from the good old under $2.00 that was charged in the past. Just my thoughts! But..I love your bead caps!!!
    Cilla

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  12. That's such a happy bracelet ..i love your bead caps. i know you are not lookin' for comments..BUT,
    what's to lose if you start and then change your mind later..we would still get too see the caps on your cool jewelry :-)
    On blogging, there are some people who just have to rain on other's brighter day,just do the best you can, don't give the grumpers any extra time.

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  13. If You love to make them DO IT !!!
    don´worry about the rest
    The Universe will sort that out for You :)

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  14. Looking at the list of comments above me I say"DIDDO"! Love you blog, you do not come off as bragging in fact I have learned a lot from your sharing of all your processes. Especially helpful this past year was your art fair display ideas. I come to read your blog because I want to. I have never found anything offensive. Be Yourself- you are beautiful just the way you are. Inside and Out!!

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  15. Oh forgot to say- I would love to see some of the bead caps and I most certainly would be interested in them.

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  16. oh boy! I really have not ingested enough coffee yet today. I see that your bead caps are on the bracelet- DUH!! Love them! Please make them and sell them.
    Next time I will wait til the caffeine kicks in to make comments.

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  17. I would certainly give it a try and see how it goes. You have really made alot of wonderful jewellery Lorelei and sold wel. You have earned the right to be excited! Some of my fave jewellery is what Ive bought from you too so shine on and be happy!

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  18. I'm always up for new ventures! Best of luck with your decision!
    Michelle-

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  19. I love your bead caps!! That's all I'm saying. And I also love your blog, always have. My Fusion beads arrived today also - very exciting! They are so much prettier in the flesh. Just waiting on my owl clasp from Green Girls now.

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  20. Your beads caps are lovely. Follow your instinct, who knows what future treasures those little bead caps can lead to? I have been creating some beads for a while that I plan to put on my blog hopefully soon. It is following your blog that inspired me to do so. Thank you!

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  21. I think they'd sell out in an instant! I'd be shocked if they didn't. Who wouldnt wanna play with those? Especially us etsians.

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  22. Lorelei, I had to comment because you remind me so much of me and how I can be when deliberating about things and worrying. Boy can I find things to worry about and I can have the work work work issue too. I went through some of the same thoughts in deciding whether to sell some of my custom jewelry components. I did decide to do it, but I have also reminded myself that the decision is not permanent. That I can close the shop any day it starts to get in the way or become a problem.

    Your bead caps are adorable. Say what you please on your blog. Happy creating!

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  23. I love those bead caps. I really enjoy wearing my earrings. So fresh!

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  24. I am possitive that you should try the bead caps. With your beautiful jewelry, how could you go wrong?
    As far as what you say on your blog, I hope you feel you can say anything with us, were all friends, right?

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  25. I love your blog. I love your bead caps. I love your jewelry! I now, dang it, if I don't feel like going and getting my hands on those that turned one of your "loves" into a worry! You talk/write out loud anytime you want girl! It is your damn blog! :)

    Warmly,
    Leslie

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  26. and what he said, and she said and... Your bead caps are beautiful and to not try something you've got a gut feel about would be a shame. Go for it!

    I struggle with the blog thing, too.. going from am I being preachy, braggy, uninteresting... This year I'm focusing on being authentic. This means sometimes I'll probably be all those things, but it's our blog and we have no idea (unless one comments!) who is reading us and why. Make it yours.. truly yours... and I bet you'll connect even more.

    Good luck!

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  27. As has been stated before, if people don't like your blog, they don't have to read it. I think you should blog about whatever you want. I enjoy hearing your thoughts about the process, and would actually like to hear more. I like hearing about your struggles with organization (I think we all have them) and dealing with shows, etc.

    Even though we've never met and are not likely to, I think of you in the same way I do my friends - I'm here for the ups and downs, for the frustrations and the joys, and all that stuff. Whatever you care to share with your readers is part of that. I suspect that those who are critical of you, but keep reading and making the occasional nasty (anonymous) comment, treat their friends the same way.

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  28. You go girl! I was thinking that you should be doing this sort of thing!

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  29. I would very much like to buy your bed caps. They are wonderful I think. Please go for it!

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  30. so glad that you said you made them! they were the first thing i noticed in this picture and i thought "i hope she puts a link to those bead caps". :) they are awesome!

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  31. I would love to buy your beadcaps! Would it be possible to join the fusion bead challenge? I was waiting for my owl toggle from GGS before I joined the challenge. I understand if it's too late. My Blog address is christinec3@blogspot.com

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  32. you should absolutely make the bead caps available! People will buy them, no doubt.
    And I say you're entitled to a little "bragging" (even though I've never thought of it that way). You've gathered a following because your designs are unique and you share interesting finds. Everyone wants to see what you'll show us next. That's why I check in! Keep doing what you're doing!

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  33. Oh YES please! Please please please! I will break my bead diet! Thank you for the magazine too! I loved the designs!

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  34. Lorelei-
    It grieves me that some small people have made you feel small or inadequate or braggy or whatever. It is their smallness, their problem. I know how easy it is to say that and how hard it must be to let go of their judgmental comments, but truly you must. You are so talented and many of us have learned so much from you and have been inspired to follow our dreams too. Does making the bead caps add to your joy? If so, then pursue that. You are more likely to regret what you never tried than what you did.
    My favorite saying? "Life is too short to be small."

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  35. Lorelei, never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about.

    I love your bead caps. I think you're on the right track not to mass produce them...for now.

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  36. I just heard this some where ( sorry I foret where ) but it said , " the only voices you should be paying any attention to are the ones in your own heads" - LOL - Don't let anyone steal your mojo!

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