Jessica N King asked:




A wedding band is the most valuable piece of jewelry. It is the symbol of commitment for the bride and groom. On the day of marriage, the bands are exchanged in the presence of family members and friends. Unlike other jewelry, a wedding band is worn every moment of everyday. Therefore, a wedding ring should be comfortable and should match the style of the couple.

A ring made by hand is considered an art, which is as old as the wedding ritual itself. Handmade wedding bands worn in the hand keeps reminding of the person, who is very special to us. Wedding rings are also famous for the variations and the thickness that make them unique. They also have a great shape along with wonderful designs.

Handmade wedding bands are made of 14k gold plated bands and are available in the market in three different colors such as white gold, rose gold and yellow gold. They can also be found in some rare colors.

Wedding rings made by hand are very common among couples who want their wedding rings to be unique and different from the rest. Nowadays, more and more people prefer rings that are handmade than ones made by machines.

Both women and men can use handmade wedding bands of 14k. It is perfectly handcrafted, so that it suits every hand and looks trendy on the hands of women and men.

There are also many advantages of wedding rings that are handmade including the fact that it goes very well with the engagement ring without overpowering it and the other is its resizing. The size of a handmade ring can be altered without weakening its metallic characteristics.

Handmade rings are more expensive than the ones made by machines, but they are worth buying. People purchase wedding rings once in their lifetime and they want to ensure that it lasts for many years, so they do not mind paying for expensive handmade bands.

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Christine Gierer asked:




Pricing handmade jewelry seems to one topic that jewelry artists never agree on. There are lots of different viewpoints and philosophies. This article will discuss some of the things to think about as you consider how to price your jewelry, and some of the common pricing models that jewelry designers use.

Keep in mind that you do much more than make jewelry as a business owner. In order to cover costs and overhead it is essential to charge more than your hourly rate + material costs, or keep your hourly rate on the high side (i.e. $18/ hour is much more realistic than $10/ hour) if you want your business to be profitable.

One mistake that new jewelry designers often make is to price their work too low.

Here are a few pricing tips:

-Don’t compete with imports on pricing! Your quality is better, and you can never compete with those that make $2 a day. Instead, position yourself as the high quality artisan that you are, and command reasonable prices.

-As a newcomer, you can start lower if you would like, and move your pricing up as you become more well-known.

-Lower pricing also can work against you because it cheapens the perceived value of your work. People tend to think that you get what you pay for, so if you charge too low, people tend to think you make garbage.

I have another reason for not charging too low. This is kind of my personal soapbox:

If you charge too low, you are not only cheapening the perceived value of your own work, you are also cheapening the work of others because the public learns to think that some artisans who charge what they are worth, are charging too much.

Those artisans that charge what they are worth then have to work so much harder to convince customers that their work is worth the cost.

That said, as a jewelry designer, you need to consider 2 types of pricing: wholesale and retail.

Wholesale and Retail Pricing Models

Common wholesale pricing models used by jewelry designers:

-3 x the material cost

-3.5 x the material cost

-$18/hour-labor plus 1x materials plus 50% (or whatever you want your hourly wage to be)

-Eyeballing i.e. guessing at what it should be worth (not recommended, but common)

-$35/hour-labor plus 1x materials

-$26/hour-labor plus 1x materials plus 50%

-$20/hr.labor + mat. + 5%overhead + 20%profit

Common retail pricing models used by jewelry designers:

-1.4 x wholesale

-1.5 x wholesale

-1.6 x wholesale

-1.7 x wholesale

-1.8 x wholesale

-1.9 x wholesale

-2.0 x wholesale

-The ever common but not recommended “eyeballing” method

Feel free to use any of the wholesale or retail pricing formulas to price your own work.

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Jamie Hollier asked:




Handmade gifts stand out and mean more
A wedding, the birth of a child, a new home, an important birthday… All of these are events that mark our lives forever and should be celebrated with a gift you can cherish for a lifetime. Although mixers and vacuums are invaluable tools in our society (as I learned while trying to clean the house with a broken vacuum and in-laws on the way) they just don’t do justice to the important milestones of a life. Items that are handmade don’t usually end up in the trash bin in five years once they break or become outdated. Handmade goods, like a beautiful clock I once received, become heirlooms that hold memories of special times and people.

Handmade goods also have a personality that a toaster can’t really match, even if it is hotrod red. When an item is handmade, a little part of the creator of that piece goes into it. Artists put their ideas, personality, style, and often blood, sweat, and tears into their work. When you find a handmade gift that is just right, you find a gift that speaks volumes about who you are, who the recipient is, and the connection between you.

Society benefits when it supports handmade goods
Supporting artists creates a stronger community and makes special bonds. Being able to send a personal message to someone that created your favorite vase is immensely different than grabbing someone with a nametag and telling them how much you love your new iron. Owning work to which you can put a name or a face is an amazing experience that creates a very personal connection to an item. When something can stop being stuff and start being art, the value of it shifts.

The arts have been a part of all societies for as long as man has existed, from cave paintings of centuries ago to a hand-knit scarf that your friend got you. Showing your support for artists by owning their work goes a long way in helping to create a world where are does matter and there is a place for beauty and craftsmanship in every home. As a child my mother dragged me to art show after craft fair to museum, and I believe that for me, that has made all the difference. A world that is devoid of art and people that make a living with their passion is a sad one indeed.

Handmade goods tend to be more green
Have you seen the story of stuff? It is a cool website with a short but immensely educational presentation. The presentation talks about the consumer cycle and how its linear nature is detrimental to our world on many levels. From big box stores destruction of the environment for raw materials, to planned obsolesce, poor working conditions, and pollution in goods and the processes used to produce them, the consumer cycle created by larger retail operations often has much bigger effects than their customers realize. Handmade goods are different. They are made with more traditional and environmentally conscious methods. Many artists are conscious of the impact their work will have on the environment and strive to create green items with green techniques, often utilizing recycled or recyclable materials. Also, handmade goods are not planned with the idea of becoming obsolete; these goods are usually meant to last a lifetime at the minimum. In opposition to many mass produced goods, handmade items don’t tend to end up in landfills or incinerators.

Vernice

Phil Rorrer asked:




Manufacturing of handmade gemstone jewelry in intricate designs is a craft that has been around in different parts of the world for over a thousand years. This technology has been passed down from generation to generation and is preserved and practiced in many different countries, including Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has been renowned for its gem stones and gem studded jewelry since ancient times.

The gem stones of Sri Lanka have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty around the world for many centuries.

The wedding ring given to princess Diana by prince Charles was set with a large blue star sapphire from Sri Lanka.

A Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye of Sri Lankan origin, weighing 105 carats was purchased for the British Royalty from a reputed London Jeweler around 1900.This Cats eye was cherished by four British Monarchs-Edward VI, George V, Edward VII and Queen Elizabeth II-due to its exceptionally fine quality.

The Great Aqua of Sri Lanka, with a weight of roughly 1,890 carats is the largest gem found in Sri Lanka. This aquamarine yielded a sparkling gem of 946 carats, which became part of Saudi Prince’s royal collection.

The antiquity of the gem trade in Sri Lanka is clearly established by the fact that two technical terms used for two popular gem stones, Tourmaline and Padparascha are of Sri Lankan origin. Tourmaline is derived from the Sinhala and Tamil word “Toramalli’ and ‘Padparascha” is a Tamil word used to refer to a pinkish orange Sapphire found only in Sri Lanka. These terms were also used by the early Moor traders who were the descendants of Arab traders who settled in Sri Lanka in the eighth century AD

(1) Hopes cats eye- over 500 carats. It is the largest chrysoberyl Cats Eye in the world previously owned by Thomas P.Hope,the wealthy British banker and gem investor. This enormous cats eye is carved to represent an altar surmounted by a torch. It is hemispherical in shape and measures about one and a half inches in diameter.

(2) Blue giant of the orient-466 carats This is the largest blue sapphire in the world-466 carats. Is was mined in the Ratnapura (Gem City) District of Sri Lanka in 1907.It is a treasured possession of a famous American Gem Collector.

(3) Logan Blue Sapphire-423 carats It is the second largest blue sapphire in the world. It has a rich deep blue colour and is completely flawless. It was gifted to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC by Mrs. John A Logan.

(4) Rosser Reeves Star Ruby-138 carats This is the world’s largest star ruby, and it combines the rare features of excellent colour,good transparency and a well defined star. It is one of the outstanding exhibits of the U.S National Gem collection at the Smithsonian Institute.

As you can see the people here know what they are doing and offer the best handmade gemstone jewelry that you will find. all natural gemstones are of course the best they are getting more popular by the day.

So whether you are a serious collector or just want quality handmade gemstone jewelry that you can brag to your friends about.

Erlinda

Brian Fong asked:




Do you always feel envious of the guest who presents the guest of honor with a handmade baby shower gift? The ability to handcraft such a gift is truly a gift itself. Unfortunately, it’s a gift you don’t possess. Or do you? You may not think so, but just because it’s a handmade baby shower gifts doesn’t mean it was hard to make.

So you’re not a sewer. Or so you think. If you know how to thread a needle and you can sew a straight line, one handmade baby shower gift you can probably create is a snuggly baby blanket. A couple of pieces of fabric, thread, and some batting are all you need. If your sewing skills are good, you can try tackling baby clothes, bibs, pillow-soft baby blocks, a play mat, diaper bag, changing pad, holiday ornaments, stuffed fabric letters for decorating walls, or any of the other essential or cute baby things that can be sewn.

Good with wood? Then why go to the store to get the gift when you can show up with a handmade baby shower gift? If you’re really good – and ambitious – you could try creating a rocking horse. That’s something every baby needs. So are wooden building blocks. Even something as simple (or elaborate, depending on your skill level) as a wooden picture frame is a gift that’ll surely be appreciated.

There’s even more you can do with your own two hands if you’ve got the time, the determination and of course, the ability. But if you swear you have none of this and there’s absolutely no chance of giving a handmade baby shower gift, there’s still hope. Just turn on your computer or get out the fancy paper, markers and stamps and try designing a card to go along with whatever gift you do end up giving. Personalized with your own words, a custom-designed baby shower greeting card something the new parent is sure to treasure forever!

Alina

Gary Harbin asked:




Unique handmade jewelry ranks right up there as one of the wonders of modern day. In fact custom jewelry takes the heart of yesterday and makes it the beauty and wondrous grace of today’s beaded jewelry.

Some of the most amazing necklaces, bracelets, earrings worn by today’s top names are actually handmade beaded jewelry crafted from the naturally formed stone and elements that have been present on the earth for centuries. It is this tie with nature, with a greater power, that makes handmade jewelry so attractive to so many people.

Gemstone jewelry is often used to symbolize or signify specific qualities the wearer hopes to enhance and accent. Handmade jewelry – perhaps a ruby – accenting a cross may signify the blood of Christ, the sacrifice, while jewelry containing turquoise may symbolize the traditional association of being at one with the sky, or freedom.

In these ways and many more, handmade beaded jewelry can often take the form of the latest style of fashion jewelry while having a meaning that is so much deeper, so much more intense than any trend.

When it comes to gemstones one of our most treasured traditions is the wedding ring and very few are as impressive as the diamond. While diamonds aren’t normally used in beaded jewelry we would be remiss if diamonds were not included here.

A diamond is worn on the wedding ring due to its reputation for loyalty and continued love. It is placed on the ring finger of the left hand because it was thought that there was a vein that ran from that finger directly to the heart.

Handmade beaded jewelry artists create magical combinations of natural gemstones, beads and precious metals into one of a kind treasures. These beautiful works of art come to life and are to be cherished and passed along to generation after generation.

Custom crafted gemstone jewelry designed with care and attention to detail by a jewelry artisan, is really special. Whether it’s handmade jewelry adorning an antiqued pendant or pearl drop earrings or a unique diamond set ring or an exquisitely crafted gemstone and silver necklace to rival any you would find at a big-name jeweler, handmade beaded jewelry captures the hearts of all who wear them.

Renae

John Braun asked:




There are a few basics you should know about rugs. Once you understand how to identify what makes a rug valuable, you’ll have a greater chance at purchasing a better rug.

Rug fibers usually consist of wool in most mid to upper end rugs. High-end rugs may also have silk. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, nylon, and olefin (polypropylene) can be found in more economical rugs. Cotton, sea grass, and sisal rugs are often moderate rugs. Your most stain resistant rugs will contain synthetic fibers, but won’t feel as soft and luxurious. All other natural fiber rugs are susceptible to staining if spots aren’t cleaned immediately.

What do you look for in a rug? Quality of wool, type of dye, and knots. Simply because a rug is expensive, doesn’t mean it has good dyes or is constructed well. Make sure you know what it is and shop around first. Above all, be extra cautious about purchasing a rug outside the United States.

The quality of a wool fiber depends largely on the type of dye used. Fine wool is vegetable dyed with fruits, roots, and plants. Cheaper wools and nylons can be dyed with synthetic dyes. A rug should always be tested for colorfastness by taking a damp white cloth and gently rubbing it into the fiber. If any color transfers on the cloth, the dyes are unstable. Also look closely at the fiber to check the integrity. Make sure it isn’t unraveling. Very fine wool fibers can often look as soft as silk even to an experienced rug professional.

The construction of a rug is also a key factor. To determine if the rug is handmade, turn it upside down and look at the back. If you cannot see the pattern as clearly as on the face, the rug is not handmade. If the rug passes this first test, look at the fringe. The fringe should be an extension of the yarn inside the rug and should not look like it was sewed on separately. Many rugs that claim to be hand stitched are stitched by hand with a machine. You can expect to pay at least $500 for a small 3×4 hand made rug.

BEWARE of rugs with cloth backings. These rugs have something to hide. The cloth is covering either flaws in a handmade rug or even worse, glue that is holding the backing together. Glued backings have a tendency to get torn when the rug is moved or cleaned.

If you are looking for an alternative to a handmade rug, you might look at a Karastan. These wool rugs closely resemble hand made rugs, are cheaper in price, and rarely have the problems associated with cheaper wool rugs. If you aren’t ready to invest several thousand dollars in a rug, these will be your best bet.

Ask the right questions. Educate yourself. Good luck in finding your perfect rug.

Velia

Jack Harmon asked:




A BAG is mostly used for storing something. For example bag is used as a second option to putting things in pockets of clothing (“like lady’s bags”, “School bags”) to large for use in traveling purpose like a traveling bag.

Shopping bags may be taken to the shop, or be of a cheap paper or plastic variety supplied by the shop for free or for a small fee. A bag may have one or two or more handles.

A bag may be closable by a zipper, buttons etc., or simply by folding, e.g. in the case of a paper bag. Sometimes a travel bag has a lock.

These are handmade products of any particular countries and can be shipped worldwide.
It is used to give special gifts to your dearest and loved ones. Handmade leather handbags are sold through retail outlets, Malls, designer boutiques, on the street and online also. These bags are always in fashions.

Handmade leather handbags are available in the hottest designs, textures, and even colors. Leather linings and bound edges are distinguishing traits of his superb leather creations of handmade leather handbags.

These handmade articles made by skillful artists, these handcrafted bags are incredible, unique and of good quality. Handmade leather handbags are available in different designs and features.

Handmade handbags are better option for all occasions from everyday use to a special day or a wedding. You can take your books, sunscreen, mirror, spectacles, and cell phones with you very easily.
There are many companies that are making handmade leather bags for you to meet the customer’s requirement and interests.

There are different handmade leather handbags [http://www.replicadesignerhandbags.org/handmade-leather-handbags.htm] fall into the following varieties:

Hand stitched leather handbags: If you are looking for a gift for your friend and relatives, then it is a good option for you to have a hand stitched leather handbag that is a wonderful luxury that will keep its value. Suggested price of this bag is for $1,425.00.

Hand knit or crocheted handbags: Crocheted granny square bags have very trendy look and nice look it is available in lime and aquamarine blue. Suggested price of these handbags are $ 900.

Hand embellished evening handbags with beads or embroidery added to the handbag: It may be a versatile part of your personality. You may buy it online easily. There are a thousand of handbags available in market or internet.

Hand sewn vintage handbags: these bags are very good looking. These are available in the hottest designs and textures.

Handmade Indie handbags: You will get these handbags in small boutiques, streets. However, these bags made in vintage fabrics. You may consult internet to meet the artisan near you.

Nowadays, Handmade Handbags and Purses are very important for every one like students, Ladies, working professionals, executives. Every one has a different requirement to have different type of purses.

These are available online. These handmade purses are those designer purses that we all love. Take them out for special occasions and use them with care. Have fun finding a purse that fits your personality!

Breanna

Alison Cole asked:




Purses are bags that are carried mostly by women. These bags are used mainly to carry money, keys, and other personal items. Most of the women carry purses when they venture out of their houses. Various types of purses are used by women. There are leather purses with exquisite designs available at designer stores such as Gucci. These purses have a high cost value. Each piece is custom made and there is no other purse made of the same kind. Handmade purses are also very popular among women. Many of the smaller towns have small-scale industries where a few people make purses using their hand expertise.

Handmade purses can be made out of fabrics too. Each purse is then embroidered with a unique design. Beads or other decorative articles can be used to make these purses look exclusive. If leather purses are made by hand the cutting and stitching of these purses is done individually by hand. The finished product would have the expertise of its creator etched on it. Handmade purses can also be customized for the requirement of the client. Color and material of the purse can be selected by the client. If the buyer wishes, she can also specify a particular traditional design.

Handmade purses are available in separate sections at malls. Most of the people from Europe and America find handmade purses fascinating though the finish does not have a perfect look as the factory made ones. Purses that are made from leather of crocodile skin are very expensive as the skin of crocodile is very rare to find. Crocodile skin purses have a rustic appearance and an exclusive look. Cheaper handmade purses can be made out of artificial leather.

To obtain the real handmade purses it is preferable to visit local shops that direct people who design and make purses. Before placing an order for a purse, it is necessary to see some of the designer’s sample finished products.

Almeda

Pauline Go asked:




China is known for many things and one such thing that it is world-renowned is for delicate handmade fans. These fans are part of Chinese culture and tradition, and it is quite common to see characters in Chinese opera using fans in a particular way to reveal their inner character.

It is believed that the first fan was invented by accident when primitive man picked up a big leaf from a nearby plant to fan away flies and mosquitoes. Much to his delight, the man figured out that the leaf besides driving away pests also provided him coolness.

In ancient China, handmade fans were used for keeping cool and swatting pests. However, the handmade fans of China played a bigger role. Over 3,000 years ago, the royal families of China used long fans made from bird feathers in court performances and ceremonies. The fans were shaped to resemble the colorful tail of the mythical phoenix.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD), China saw plenty of fabric and this led to the introduction of silk and satin handmade fans in China. Scholars and artists started drawing and writing poems on the fans to demonstrate their talent, and before long, fans became an integral part of the elite and learned.

Folding fans were introduced into China from Korea and Japan some 1,000 years ago. These fans were made from wafer thin paper, which was mounted on bamboo sticks. Because of their portability, even today these delicate and beautiful fans are used all over China, especially during the travel in hot summers.

Today you can get a variety of handmade fans in China. Sandalwood fan is preferred by ladies because of its light delicate fragrance. This fan is made entirely from sandalwood and delicate designs are carved to make it beautiful and suitable for ladies. These fans serve to enhance the charm and elegance of a lady rather than cooling her or swatting pests.

Kiara