Thursday, August 23, 2012

Our first Give Away contest

Just held a contest on our Facebook page to win a choice of a fused glass pendant.  In 2 days we added 45 new likes to our page.  The pendants we offered were:
Photo: one of 3 pendants  you can choose from if you are the winner.Photo: Number 2 of the 3 pendants you can choose from if you are the winner of the give away.Photo: Pendant number 3.  Your choice of one of the three if your name is drawn from the list of people who like our page and leave a new post.

The winner was picked out of a hat by my husband.  The winner was Tina Ladlee Shaw.  She picked the the long gold and black one.  We asked people to like our page and leave a new comment to enter. We had about 25 entries.  I had such a blast running this contest.  We will be hosting another one next month.  I think this time we will give away a lampwork bracelet.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Substances Used To Color Glass

Many substances are added to glass to change it from clear to many other colors, from the colors of the rainbow to every color in between. Often times, metal or metallic compounds are used to change the colors. Colors often vary or change according to temperature, concentration, amount of oxidization, as well as many other factors. Many Glass Artisits, like me, buy the glass pre-colored, in sheet or rod form. Sometimes the colors do change when you reheat and cool them, so you should be aware of whether or not the glass will change.

Compounds and the colors they make in glass:
Iron Oxides---Greens, Browns
Maganese Oxides---Deep Amber, Amethyst
Colbalt Oxides--- Deep Blue
Gold Chloride---Ruby Red
Selenium Compounds---Reds
Carbon Oxides---Amber/Brown
Magamese, Colbalt, & Iron---Black(Deep Purple)
Antimony Oxides---White
Uranium Oxides---Yellow green (it glows!)
Sulfur Compunds---Amber/Brown
Copper Compounds---Light Blue, Red
Tin Compounds---White
Lead With Antimony---Yellow

Saturday, August 11, 2012

The Gypsy's Trinkets: Fenton Historical Society Craft Show: A Memorable ...

The Gypsy's Trinkets: Fenton Historical Society Craft Show: A Memorable ...: We were at the Fenton Historical Society today, and it was a wonderful show. Situated on the beautiful grounds of the Fenton Mansion located...

Fenton Historical Society Craft Show: A Memorable Crafter

We were at the Fenton Historical Society today, and it was a wonderful show. Situated on the beautiful grounds of the Fenton Mansion located at 67 Washington Street in Jamestown, NY, it attracted a good number of people with some of its historical artifacts and the lure of shopping. We saw a horse-drawn carridge ride, old cars, and the inside of the museum, entry was free for the day. The food was delicious as well.One man was doing leatherwork, another was using antique woodworking tools, while a third was displaying axes.



One Vendor's Abundance of Axes


An Old Chevrolet Car on Display
















One Crafter who stood out was Carly Mitchell, a new crafter from right here in Chautauqua County. Having been around only four years, her business, called imagineLOUDER, is quite small but of very good quality. She makes a variety of things, ranging from beautiful watercolor sewn greeting cards to photography and paintings to elaborate hemp jewelry to pottery bowls to drawstring bags of all sizes.This is her first season of craft shows, and she is very new to Etsy. You can also find her on Facebook, where she often posts pictures of her creations and leaves updates. When asked about her business, she told us that she is always trying to improve what she makes as well as constantly coming up with new ideas. Check her out sometime; like her facebook page.


A selection of imagineLOUDER's small drawstring bags

One of imagineLOUDER's Handmade Cards




















On a side note:
               If you're interested in attending the Fenton Show next year, drop us an e-mail, or look it up on Fenton's website, or contact Joni Blackman.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A quick Etsy update:

We have done our first few Treasuries this week. If you don't know what an Etsy Treasury is, let me fill you in.  It is 16 items that an Etsy member can pick to showcase. You can use most any criteria to create your Treasury. Stop by and take a look at them.
Butterflies
Coca-Cola
Dragonflies

Friday, August 10, 2012

Making A Glass Bead

Here is a short video demonstrating how to make a simple glass bead.



 
   

Its not my own personal video, but it has the same concept. Hopefully, I'll be making and posting my own videos soon, so you all can see me work.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Step Back In Time - post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal

Here is a nice artical on the Old Fashion days being held at the Fenton Historical Center. We will be attending this event for the first time this year. 

I love the Fenton History Center. It is a wonderful place to see how life has changed. Even if we don't make a dime on Saturday at least I know the set-up fee goes to the center to contiune thier goals.

Step Back In Time - post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Glass Ideas

We've made pendants, beads, earrings, barrettes, and cute little pins. Some things have sold better than others. We were thinking of making new creations, to try to draw in more customers, and to try to expand our experiences.

Some of our new ideas are:
-coasters
-small bowls
-bottle art
-snack plates
-magnets
-vases
-display art
-rings
-blown glass
-themed items (Hello Kitty, Mario, Wedding, Baby shower, etc.)
-pipes (for decoration, not actual use)


If anyone has any other ideas, please make sure to let us know.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Should have been our first post.

In the beginning, making jewelry was simply a way to help overcome a bout of serious depression. I was a married mom of 2. As my creations piled up, I started to run out of places and people for them. Then, one day, my mother suggested we set up at a small craft show. I toyed with the idea for a while, then decided to go for it; I had nothing to lose. That one show changed the whole idea of making jewelry, effectively turning it into a business. After a family incident in 2003, the business came to a grinding halt. For several years, all of the spare time we had was channeled into taking care of loved ones while trying to balance a job and two children. In late 2006, we tried to get back into the creative flow and restarting the business. After losing my job in 2009, I started to devote more of my time to the business, building it up, going more places, spreading the word. In April of 2010, we started the online business, reaching out to more peolpe, not only in the community, but from all over. now we have pieces in England, NYC, Canada, Australia, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, as well as many other places. We're hoping to spread evan further, with your help. We've taken The Gypsy's Trinkets from nothing to something worthwhile.

I started out with plastic beads and leather, creating American Indian inspired designs. From there I tried working with natural elements such as; deer antlers, coconut shells, horn beads and stone.  I also added in some dream catchers & my own creation Monster catchers, along with things for the house and body. These things included; bath salts & room fresheners that I called "Smelly Jelly" (those didn't hold up well in the summer heat, I tried to keep them cold in a cooler and kinda runined the cooler. OOPS). 

After a few years I quit making the bath salts & smelly jellys and stuck with the natural stone jewelry. Many of these were purchased pendants, I did make the cords I put them on. I really enjoyed working with stone chips and other natural stones. It helped some with the depression.

In 2003 I had a close family member become ill and required constant care. The depression returned, worse that before. This time I had to have medication and it didn't seem to help much. I felt lost, alone and as though my jewelry making was at an end.  I threw away all of my beads, stones, finding and stringing materials. Why not, I wouldn't be using them again.  By 2004 I had gotten a part-time job that took up all of my weekend time. No time to go to shows because of work. No time to create because of obligations at home.  Didn't think about all the beads and things I had thrown away. No reminders of my failed attempt at running my own business/hobby.

In 2006 my family member passed away, but I was still working.  I began thinking about beading again.  To my suprise, my wonderful and supportive husband had saved all my beading supplies. He actually went into the dumpster to get them the day I threw them out.  He had them in the garage and in his closet. He saved everything and now because of him I could start beading again.  The depression began to lift and within the year I was off my anti-depressants.  I was still working most weekends so doing craft show were still out of the question but at least I could start building up an inventory.  I was a happy girl.

In August 2009 my family and I took a weeks vacation to Ithica, NY and camped at the state park. We planned a day trip to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY and my love of glass began. My husband, daughter and I blew glass ornaments. My son did a fused glass picture frame. Everyone thought I would do the glass bead making. I knew before we went that someday I would be making my own glass beads at home.  I had no training or knowedge of how this was done, but I knew I would do it. By the way, by this time I was off the anti-depressant medication and have been free of them ever since.

In the beginning of October of 2009 I quit my job.  I had scheduled 2 craft shows by the end of the week. At that time I was using purchaced glass beads and stones in my jewelry.  Lots of pretty things but they were not truely mine. Something was missing. I did not see the art in what I was creating. All I saw were repeating patterns. To me anyone could do what I was doing.  That Christmas my mom bought me a dvd on making lampwork beads.  I put it on the shelf and didn't watch it for months to come.

Around May/June 2010 I finally watched that dvd. The last line in it was "I know you think you can't do this, but you can." My first thought was "Oh, I know I can do this!". I did research on the internet and decided to buy an all in one lampwork kit. At the end of August I placed my first order for glass and tools and the torch head. Ran to the hardware store so I would have MAPP gas when the glass and tools arrived and sat and waited for the UPS man to show up.  In mid October my supplied arrived and I fell in love with lampworking. It is not a fast process and I still have a lot to learn but I am a hands on kind of person and love to learn on the go. Don't get me wrong I do alot of research before I jump in to most things.  Now I could create my own glass beads and show my talent and artistry. Oh, what a wondrful feeling. That Christmas my mom, who got me started on the jewelry making path, recieved some of my first  bracelets and earring. She looked at them with such pride.

In June of 2011 my glass creations were introduced to the public at the Westfield Farmers' Market.  Of course now I am finding the lampwork beads at the local craft and department stores. Did not bode well for my artisan crafted beads. The economy is very sluggish are people going to buy by jewelry just because they want it? Will they be willing to pay the price of hand crafting?  I can't sell 5 beads for five dollars. It's not cost effective.  I have sold enough to pay for my initial investment.  I get so excited and feel so proud everytime someone buys one of these creation.  They don't sell fast or often so I think about adding some more handmade glass items.  I start thinking about doing fused glass but kilns are so expensive.  Well it was a nice thought. But hold on, MOM to the rescue again.  I had talked to her about the idea of fused glass, just as a sounding board, apparently she thought it was a wonderful idea because, unknown to me, she began searching the sale ads and comes across an inexpenive used kiln.  She bought it. She gave it to me. I bought sheet glass. I began making fused glass pendant.  Once again I had researched it on line and I knew I could add this wonderful art to my line of products.  My first fused glass pendants were ready for sale in November 2011.  Wow things really are progressing.  Thanks MOM. You are such an insperation and supportive person.

Now here we are the Summer of 2012.  I am doing less and less of the purchaced glass beads, just trying to make use of the inventory I have. I am debating whether or not to continue with the stone jewelry and wondering what else I can add to my product line.  I am expirimenting with bottle slumping, using pop bottles, (my kiln is to small to use wine bottles) and working on picture frames like the one my son, at the time he was under 10 years old, made when we went to Corning. If my child could do it so could I.

I want to say thank you to so many people who help to make this dream what it is.  My daughter helps with making the strung bead items and helps me at almost every show I attend. My son for putting up with mom showing him everything I make. My husband for his love, support and tolerance.  My mom with out who I would never have started on this journey. She is my sounding board, she listens when I'm down and think I can't do this. She gives me that boost I need to get back on track.  I couldn't ask for a better support network than my family. I thank the heavens everyday that I am blessed with the family I have.

Now we look forward to the new products and new shows. We shall keep you updated.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Find Us On Facebook!

Checkit out!
http://www.facebook.com/TheGypsysTrinkets

Hand-Painting Enamel Decals??

We made more pendants yesterday, many with the enamel decals on them. Someone the other day asked for a pendant with a hummingbird on it, and we didn't have any. Now we're debating where or not to try hand-painting some decals on, and I'm not sure if my hands are steady enough. We'll see though.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Funny Accident

We were making more pendants, when three individual pieces flowed into one another. We now have one piece tat is literally the length of my hand! Its huge.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Westfield Farmers' and Artisans' Market

Today we really at Westfield Farmers' and Artisans' Market, in the town park. It's a beautiful day, and there are many vendors. The McClurg museum is open. Come visit!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

It was a great weekend.  A wonderful new cultural event, for us. The 17th annual Juneteenth Celebration. I had heard of the Juneteenth Celebration but never knew what it was about.  A grand celebration of African heratige. We loved the dancers. I am so glad I was invited and accepted.  Where else but Chautauqua County can you, last month see traditonal Dutch dancing and this month see traditional African dancing. What a great place to live.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

In Dunkirk Today

Today we are in Dunkirk, showing off our jewelry. Its an inside show, so we won't get wet. Come visit us!!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Today we got a new shipment of glass, so maybe we can get some new pieces made, with different colors and patterns than the usual! We'll upload some more pictures as soon as they're made.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

For Sale

This kiln formed pendant is out for sale today. Anybody like it?


Come Visit!!!

Today we are at the Westfield Farmers Market, selling our handmade glass jewelry. Come visit us and see what we have!!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Summer is HERE!

The un-offical start of summer is this weekend, that also means that the summer craft season is in full swing.

Saturday, May 26th is the opening day of the Westfield Farmers' & Artisans' Market. We can be found here most Saturdays through the end of September.  The Market can be found at the intersection of Rt. 20 & Rt. 394, in Moore Park. It begins at 9 am and runs until 2pm, rain or shine.
Just got new supplies and display stands, so there will be new jewelry and possibly a new tent layout!
 Here are two more pendants we made and sold. A close friend actually fell in love with the top one.
Applications came in for the Busti Apple Festival, Fenton Historical Society show, and the Harmony Historical Society show, so we'll most likely be at all of those. This weekend, we're at the Westfield Farmers' and Artians' Market. Come visit us!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Here are a couple Lampwork Bracelets that we made and have sold.

Welcome!

Welcome to The Gypsy's Trinkets' blog! Its nothing much, but feel free to post thoughts and ideas about our business. If you haven't met us yet, visit http://www.facebook.com/TheGypsysTrinkets or https://www.thegypsystrinkets.etsy.com/