Wire Wrapped for the Holidays!

When I first discovered a wire wrapped piece of jewelry I fell in love with it. Once I figured out how to do it myself I was addicted. Anything can be turned into jewelry with wire wrapping. I have even used marbles and turned them into pendants.

The best way to start wire wrapping is to watch some tutorials on youtube.com. Also, start with silver coated wire. You will no doubt need to waste quite a bit of wire at first, until you get the hang of it.

Etsy is a great place to view pictures of different styles and techniques. I have even ordered jewelry from there, because I found such wonderful unique pieces.

My favorite wire wrapping project is a fairly simple one. You need a large stone, preferably faceted. Six to eight inches of wire, depending on the size of the stone. Start by making a loop at the center of the wire. This is where the point of the faceted stone will sit. Next, wrap the wire around a corner twice. Find the opposing corner, and wrap that twice as well. On one end of the wire, cut it short, and using pliers, turn the short end so that it won't be poking anything. The other end is to be shaped into a loop for the necklace.

Keep trying new ideas, and feel free to share them here. Happy wrapping! Don't forget to stop by and say Hi at my Etsy page. etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns

Making Sales On Etsy

I have been dabbling on Etsy for a few months. It's a great way to promote your craft and get to know others who have similar interests as you. I have read quite a few blogs on the ins, and outs of Etsy. The first thing you need to know, is that it isn't easy to make the sales you want on Esty.com. You have to stick with it.

Learn to take and edit your pictures in a way that best showcases your product. Add new products daily; maybe even several times a day. Be sure to tag your new items appropriately, and with as many tags you can think of. For example, if you post a sterling silver necklace, with a red pendant, make sure you tag the color, pendant, sterling silver, and also the size, and type of the chain. If you wire wrap your jewelry, there is a tag for that also.

Surf Etsy as a shopper. See what's out there and always add shops and items to your favorites when you like something. Share with your Facebook friends! Just don't over do it. Business cards are a must! There are a lot of free templates out there and you can print your own. Leave them everywhere you go!

There is a lot of competition on Etsy. I like to think of it as fellow crafters instead. We can all learn from each other, and buy from each other. I have purchased supplies and tools all from Etsy sellers.

I haven't sold as much as I would like to, but I'm getting there, and you can too! Stick with it and remember, that you can't fail if you don't try... but you can't succeed either!

Feel free to stop by and say "Hi!" and add me to your favorites! etsy.com/shop/dietrichdesigns