Saving Bucks in the Studio

Unless you are dripping in profits from your jewelry sales, you probably need to cut corners where ever you can to cut down on spending....

Lord knows we all need just one more tool to make the most perfect designs ever...

I am so lucky to have a husband, father-in-law and apprentice son that appreciate the challenges I present...usually one a week!  So here's one that Tim & Austin made for me this past weekend...I've had a ring mandrel forever it seems...

but trying to hold it in my lap and hammer didn't work, nor did laying it on the workbench...

Metallferious  at  $30
Savings....$30 +10 shipping total $39.00

so they made me a ring mandrel holder from scrap steel

 (somehow my husband always has the right materials on hand) 

Now the next thing I needed was a bracelet mandrel...I found a wooden one online for at Cool tools for $14.00 plus shpg  Here's my solution...

Old wooden baseball bat cut in threes for assorted sizes
Savings $14 + $6.00 shipping  Total $20

Some other things I'm using....an old tool box found at the local flea Market for $5.00 and leftover Pergo floor boards for light yet sturdy shelves...also brick leftover from last years patio project to hold up the shelves.

So I hope I inspired you with some ideas for saving money using things around your home...
Now a peek  at my latest project

Have a great week! 

Anyone Need Packaging?

Anyone need packaging? Here are some great sites that have great packaging.

http://www.nashvillewraps.com/
http://www.labelsbythesheet.com/
http://www.yazoomills.com/
http://www.bagsandbowsonline.com/
http://www.natural-craft-supply.com/
http://www.eddies.com/
http://www.dickblick.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=43891§ion_id=5002951
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=43891§ion_id=5002953
www.uline.com
www.specialtybottle.com
www.sks-bottle.com
www.bestcontainers.com
www.clearbags.com
www.papermart.com
www.nilecorp.com
https://www.stewartspackaging.com/index.asp
http://www.jampaper.com/
http://www.fetpak.com/
http://www.gtbag.com/
https://www.stewartspackaging.com/index.asp
http://www.associatedbag.com/Default.asp

Nice to have them all in one place!

Handmade Box ...Ready To Give!

Here are a few more details to the box making video posted earlier. The total cost for this finished 2 1/4" box is approximately 15cents. Here are the steps for finishing it up!

1. Using a 12 x 12 inch cardstock sheet, cut it evenly into 4 squares. Each 12x12 makes two jewelry size boxes. It's not necessary to use double side printed stock, as you really don't see the underside. It will also save you a little $. Match together two different color schemes to make a fun combination!

2. Follow the video tutorial for folding your paper

3. Your box top and bottom should now be complete! Add rikrak or trim as you like. Cut a small piece of cardstock or fold your business card in half and tie on your jewelry of you don't have your own jewelry cards. Place in box on a small bit of tissue.

4. Your box should look something like this,

5. Place your mailing label inside the box top if you use one.

6. Fold tissue sleeves over the jewelry and close box

7. I added a little folder to the top for a little "thank you!"

They now have a cute little box to reuse or keep their treasure in! Handmade is always a warmer in someones heart! You're sure to get happy responses with this!

Thanks for checking out the box idea...

Visit Kwerner Designs for all their wonderful paper projects! Click here:

Make your own Gift Boxes! It's easy!

I ran across this wonderful video today and wanted to share. I have adjusted the size slightly smaller (1/4th of a page) for a jewelry box! All of my jewelry will be in my handmade box with a variety of prints and colors! The top decorations will vary! This is really easy and once you've made three, you'll have it down!

Check out the video! Happy boxing!