Thanks Kimberli!

You know, I had the same thing going on in my head...in this economy too??? What I've found, and most know is it's really important to be on track with the type of market you want to present to. Being in Vail has helped a great deal. At first I really didn't think that the jewelry would move in an Gallery...I greatly under estimated!

Thanks!

Jamie Santellano

Thanks Jake for the advice!

I have been thinking about this for a long time, and have found that when I sell directly from my website I make tons more money than from the Gallery; however, I've also been struggling to keep up with the demand from the Gallery.

So the idea is to cast up some pieces mostly the Charms that dangle and things like that to save the time that it takes to cut each and every star charm out, and create from scratch. These I plan to sell straight from my website.

I will keep making one offs, but yes, I do need to market myself and expand to earn a better living...maybe at that point I won't have to juggle hair, the production of chains for another Co., and finally try to squeeze in time to create one offs.

I know what you mean about getting bored easily LOL! I do too! AHHHHHH!

Thanks!

Jamie Santellano

Ya I can see your point. Castings and such that one could do fairly easily in bulk(once the prototypes and molds are made) make sense being in a catalog type setting, especially if there is a demand for it.

Jake

Jake Balcom
Mettle Design
Lincoln, NE

Thanks Rob!
It's been good, and a bit chaotic! LOL! One crazy roller coaster ride...

Thanks!
Jamie Santellano

Great to hear from you and that you selling. Must be a good gallery with some traffic and good sales staff. Nice grouping of work. When you are selling at the gallery do you leave a portfolio of your work? Is that the type of catalogue that you are interested in?
Casting would help save some time but is not a cheap route. Too bad you do not have a press and a stamp and die to punch them out. Might be easier than casting the stars.

www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren

Hi Warren!

Well, the Gallery has all of my pieces now. I've got nothing left. I don't have a portfolio over there, but now that you mention it that isn't a bad idea. I may have to create one, and send it out to her.

Her staff has been great! We've been in touch at the very least once a week. Facebook has a great chat feature, so that has really helped with communication and our relationship.

I'll be meeting with her next month out in Santa Barbara. She's flying out on holiday to hang out with friends...

The type of Catalog I'm talking about is one that I can display a few pieces that I know are top sellers...these are the pieces I have found to be in popular demand. It gets to be a bit tedious cutting out those stars, and the Fleur De Lis each time one is ordered. It's those bits and bobs that take a lot of time. I make all my own chains so there is a lot of material making before I can actually start a project.

The purpose for the Catalog is to have it on my website like a store with the "bread and butter" line if you know what I mean. I will still be making my own pieces, but need to create more of an income, so I think this will help.

Your right Casting isn't cheap, but I have access to all that is necessary for the job. This is where making good use of clean scrap comes into play...saves on the fees for casting.

Thanks!

Jamie Santellano

Thank you QuiQue,

I appreciate the support immensely! Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture of it all especially when things seem to be a bit stagnant, and then when a step taken forward is met by the very thing one had only once dreamed of and it all comes together a sense of purpose and "aw" make it all worth the wait...

Cheers to the journey!

Jamie Santellano