I thought I’d snagged my first sale, until I got to thinking about it…
A couple weeks ago, I got a message on Etsy requesting a custom order, even though I’m not offering them yet. I was initially excited for the challenge and came up with some cool ideas, but ultimately the project just wasn’t feasible. However, I still tried to put the inspiration to good use.
So, the conversation began in reference to one of my current listings, this unique macrame piece. The gentleman said that he was part of a crew who were doing a something special for the season finale of Survivor : Ghost Island, & he was trying to find a bunch of custom made macrame necklaces for about 25 people. He said they had a really cool pendant being made, which features the skull in the logo, & he wanted two-toned macrame necklaces with purple & orange beads, embedded pebbles, and/or a “nature” theme. He said he had a budget of up to $8 per necklace, but said he was willing to pay extra for any special beads. And he said he liked the simplicity of this necklace, which makes sense since the pendant is obviously the focus of the piece. He seemed to be getting irritated with my ambition (I just wanted to make sure I could help him! LOL), so I figured I’d continue the conversation after a good brainstorm & scavenger hunt…
After looking at the logo & contemplating what he requested, my boyfriend & I came up with some great ideas. White then black hemp, with wood tiki beads, an orange & a purple bead on either side, white pebbles netted in beside the pendant hanger, & an adjustable chain & lobster clasp closure. That would’ve been perfect! So, I went to four different stores, and couldn’t find anything suitable!! Especially not for such a low budget, which was a concern my boyfriend was very adamant about. Figuring I was one of several people contacted with this request, I let it fizzle.
But the ideas were just too cool to not try as one of my next series of listings (which I’ll start listing in my shop soon!) Voila : a reject!! Rather, a lesson in techniques. I didn’t even bother adding closures because it’s just going to have to be scrapped, even though it’s still kind of cool. I don’t like how I switched the colors; none of that turned out right. The beads are kind of lame, but kinda cool in how they go along with the logo colors. And I can’t net pebbles in hemp. Just not gonna work. Otherwise, I almost like it LOL, but it’s still definitely a reject!
“Success is a series of mistakes” ~ Billie Joe Armstrong
Even though this project didn’t pan out, it was a fun & educating process. At least I know I’ll be better prepared for future challenges.
What do you think?
- Was $8.00 each for 25 necklaces reasonable?
- Do you like what I came up with?
I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments below, or shoot me an email at ZenBlitz@yahoo.com
Have a great week! (And don’t forget to visit my Etsy shop!) ❤
In the midst of my devastation, I turned to some family members, who inadvertently introduced me to a friend of theirs. He & I fell for each other instantly, despite my hesitation considering my recent heartbreak. We’d actually met a few years back, at a store I’d worked at for a long time; he stood out to me a lot for some reason, like our souls were meant to know each other (as corny as that sounds!), yet I’d never seen him before & hadn’t seen him again for years. He says I’m like an angel dropped out of the sky into his life; and he’s turned out to be my sweet angel too hehe *gushes* We’ve been together 8 months now!
Not a great picture of a neat looking Steampunk inspired necklace featuring a length of leather, stone skull beads, a centerpiece made of gears, all backed by gold chain, & a dangling handmade key charm. It looks way better in person, but I wasn’t too worried about it because of its flaws. I was having a little trouble with the beaded section at first, and so the wire on one side is a bit kinked. Also, the 3 gears didn’t turn out quite as I’d hoped, and it’s a bit longer than I intended. Again, this first series was all experimental, so I know I shouldn’t be hard on myself. I’m not sure if I should scrap it & create a new one, or if I’m just exaggerating.
I do like this piece as well, & I’ll likely put it up for sale, but I just don’t know. It’s quite long, overwrapped in macrame, & the closure isn’t quite ideal. The rock should be showcased more, as it’s hand pulled from the family creek & glossed; but I do think it all goes together well. It turned out quite well considering my lack of appropriate clasps, & having been my first attempt at macrame wrapping an item. Perhaps this will be a redo, or a discounted item.
I’ve made these wire rings in the past, & worn them regularly. To my surprise, they’re actually pretty durable & never stained my fingers, so I guess I did a good job! LOL! The one on the left is a bit wonky. And I just wouldn’t know how much to sell these for… Although I see something similar on Etsy selling for $21; same material, slightly thicker wire, slightly more complicated design. And people have bought them. So I guess I have some thinking & practice to do! 
I tried to make a similar bracelet, but it turned out a bit wonky too. Not bad for a first try I suppose, but not good enough to sell. I know that much, lol!
…after he made a gift for my teenage cousin. I was having a lot of trouble coming up with an idea for her; I know she likes peace signs, so he suggested he make a copy of the giant peace sign wreath he has hanging way up out front of the barn. So, he stripped all the lights off of several branches & wove the branches together to make a decoration I hope she enjoys for years to come. Maybe even throughout the year! Watching him make it was quite incredible; this man truly has the patience of a saint!
And he really loves to create. He browses the internet for all kinds of fun things to try. At work, he cut a few slices of wood to make a wall hanging, & blackboard notepad.
here were more that went around, including this cute fake tealight holder. (When the lights are off, it casts forest-like shadows on the walls!) I’d always wanted to make gifts, because I think it’s the right way to celebrate the holiday. Plus, I’m poor & trying to start a craft shop 😉 I’m really happy with everything, & I hope you enjoyed all these random ideas. Stay tuned, I’ll hopefully be opening up shop soon…!
zen BLITZ 