INVENTORY INSPIRATION

Swingtime... in Purple Velvet and Violet Satin... $27.00

Inventory is done and I have to admit that I have more beads than I thought! Surprise, surprise. I think I'm going to go on a bead buying freeze until I use some of this stuff up, especially as I cannot deduct it as a cost to my business until it sells!

As I shared in my last post, going through and counting inventory was very overwhelming at first, but also very inspiring for me. I found some findings and beads that I had totally forgotten about. I also didn't realize how many Swarovski crystals I have accumulated over the years. I absolutely love to work with Swarovski crystals because of the vast selection of color, shapes and sizes and how they sparkle... BUT I have to admit they don't sell very well in my shop! I really don't know why!

Still, I couldn't resist making some chandelier earrings which I thought were such a clever use of bits of leftover chain, 3 and 4mm bicones, and some sterling tube beads I purchased a long time ago. After I ran out of tube beads, I wired the crystals for the center bar. They turned out beautifully and I've decided to keep a violet satin pair (like the last photo) for myself! The others are for sale in my shop and we'll see if they find homes. Don't you think they would make perfect bridesmaids or prom earrings too? They could be made in any color!

Swingtime in Indian Pink and Rose ... $26

Swingtime in Coral Pink or Padparadscha... $24
Well, here they are. What do you think? Any tips/ideas for selling Swarovski jewelry from fellow bloggers out there? I'd appreciate any constructive comments or suggestions.

Meanwhile, I'm going to go back to digging through my bead/findings stash for some more ideas. If you need to add some "sparkle" to your step you can visit my shop on Etsy here.

OUT FOR THE COUNT...

I feel like I've been in a vortex these last few days while I've been taking inventory of every bead, finding, and foot of wire and chain in my possession! This is the first year that I will be filing tax forms regarding my jewelry business, so this is all very new to me. I'd thought I'd emerge into the real world for just a few minutes to share what I've learned from this seemingly daunting task.

This is not a "How to" but I found these steps helpful to getting started.

1. Organize:

Purge out old beads & findings that you don't think you will use. I've put these in a separate box labeled "Do Not Inventory" that I will hang onto for a while and then most likely give away or keep for personal use. These are items that I purchased before I started my business and they just don't fit in with my theme or style anymore.

2. Inventory software program or spreadsheet:

Get a good computer program to enter data. I bought an Excel spreadsheet program from an Etsy seller that seems to be working out very well so far. I had to tweak it a little but so far so good! Here is the link to the item:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=37795315

You can also make your own spreadsheet in Excel, but this program includes a jewelry cost worksheet that is linked to the prices of your inventory so that you can more easily figure out the cost of the goods you've sold. I'm excited to try that!

3. Just start:

Start counting and jump right in! I had all my beads mixed by color in a box, but now I've separated them into small ziploc bags to make everything easier for next year. When I receive orders from now on I have learned that I will keep it in the original bag with the coded label so that re-ordering the same bead/finding will be so much easier. I will also enter the price/code information onto my computer spreadsheet so I have all I need right there. You'll also need lots of small ziploc bags for storage and adhesive labels to label items for easier reordering.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE:

I dreaded this task but now after diving in I must say that I am so inspired! I have discovered beads and findings that I purchased and had every intention of using, that have long been forgotten. I have my sketchbook out and am collecting ideas for ways to incorporate stock that I already have into new jewelry designs. The best thing is that they are already paid for and if I use them I won't have to count so many next year!

Okay, back to my counting. I want to get finished so I can start creating again...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Debora

JUST A THOUGHT...

I know Christmas has been over for a week already and the tree is coming down today, but I wanted to share this thought I had on Christmas day with you. I woke up on Dec. 25th and I was giddy with excitement, not because of the presents that were under the tree for me; instead I was imagining all the people who were going to be opening little boxes like these on the right and receiving my jewelry as Christmas gifts. How cool is that?

As I reflect on my business last year, I have to admit that the most fulfilling thing about sending my jewelry around the globe is knowing the enjoyment that it gives to those wearing it. Adorning yourself, I know, isn't the most important thing, but it gives me satisfaction to know that it puts a little smile in someone's day.

Many thanks to all of you who have supported me as customers, blog readers, my family and my cheerleaders.

Wishing you all much happiness, good health and success in 2010!