Buy Local - Buy Small Business - Buy American

I know that Friday after Thanksgiving is a big time for shopping. We all have choices to make when we buy gifts for our family and friends. I request that you consider buying from local stores - not big box stores. Buy from small businesses whether they are local or on the internet and buy products that give employment to your fellow Americans.

I have one of those small businesses that have chosen not to take my manufacturing off shore. I think that the quality that I offer my customers and the fact that my work gives employment to American workers is important. I want to know my sources and controlling them is a part of what I do for my customers.

I know we all need to be careful with our money at this time. A part of that is supporting the American economy. Please consider it before you buy.

3:00 AM Idea - new style of clasp

I don't know about you, but sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with what seems to be a great idea. I fumble around for a piece of paper and a pen so that I can scribble something down that I hope I understand when I wake up in the morning.

Some of these ideas remain in my files - what was I thinking? Some see the light of day. Using this blog to test run these ideas is a less expensive idea than taking the time to create the piece on my computer, sending it off to have the wax cut and then waiting anywhere from several weeks to over a month to find out if it was a good idea. Some of those ideas are still in my inventory - some have gone on to be owned by designers all over the world.

Here is a new idea. This is a 3 part clasp. There are two circles with a loop connecting them. It is a slot and is suitable for a bracelet or a necklace. Because of the links I think it will fit into the design of a piece and not necessarily shout loud - this is a clasp. It is also an easy to use clasp - all you have to do is slip the loop through the slot on one of the circles. I am thinking of creating it in different shapes and textures or patterns on the loops. Please let me know what you think. Virtual is much less expensive than reality.

Getting ready for the big rodeo - TUCSON

The beginning of February for over two weeks the biggest collection of shows associated with jewelry, gemstones, beads, and all things associated with them starts in Tucson. People come from all over the world to participate in the shows. Vacations are planned around the dates of the show. Some of the most glorious gemstones and jewelry design can be seen and some of the cheapest stuff you would never buy.

The unprepared can drop all the money they brought at the first booth that catches their eye. My job through the coming months is to get those of you that are thinking of coming to Tucson ready.

The first thing is to figure out how you will get to Tucson. If you live in the surrounding states, driving is a good option as an auto is a really great thing to have when going between shows. There are shuttles - but it is hard sometimes getting from point A to point B. Flying is another option. If you can fly Southwest Airlines - they allow 2 checked bags for no charge. You can fly to Tucson or to Phoenix which is 2 hours away. Get your hotel/motel reservation now. If you have a vehicle it doesn't really matter where you are in the Tucson area. Traffic isn't that bad and shows are spread all over town.

Do not think you can fly in on Friday and leave Sunday night. You will barely scratch the surface in that time. Try to give yourself 4-5 full days in Tucson.

So you have the approximate dates, the location, question of how to get there, need to make hotel reservations, and the fact that you need some time. I know that there are many unanswered questions, put them into comments and I will be glad to answer them if I can.

Here is a link to The Jewelry Showguide which will give you the dates, times and locations of the shows going on in Tucson at this time. It will also let you know that I am showing at two locations - one in partnership with Lisa Kan. The first person to email me the show names and dates of my two shows gets $10 off their next order.