Navajo Rug Blanket Purses By La Luna Ranchwear Santa Fe New Mexico

Ottomans Runners Cushions Leather Tribal Native American Decor By La Luna Ranchwear

Santa Fe NM Jewelry La Luna Ranchwear Tribal Zen

Check The Opening Of La Luna Gallery

From Ebay To Etsy To Small Craft Shows To Our Own Gallery In less than 2 Years!!

Friday March 2 at 5:00 PM, 2012 we will be opening our gallery-studio in Santa Fe. Located in historic Rout 66, on 533 Old Santa Fe Hwy.  We will be having live music, drinks and munchies.

Adriana a photographer from the area will be exhibiting some of her photographs, I will be unveiling my new silver jewelry line. And my husband will be formally opening his guitar studio.  We finally have a place that we can work in together.  It was a series of events that could only be coordinated by the grace of God. :)  We found the perfect space without looking, in a great area, lot's of traffic, affordable rent a great landlord a parking!! A must in Santa Fe!!


So for the past month we have been working to get the place together.  Keeping it low cost, for many reasons was one of our concerns.  But also making it comfy and pleasing to the eye is a must, and that so my pieces do not get lost in the sauce is not easy!! Plus my new silver line has to be a mayor focus! I have a very high tech desk, one medium size display case and 2 side open display ends. A few narrow tables with display busts.

I also have a little area where I will be able to work on my pieces and make jewelry repairs, such as sizing rings and soldering. There is a specific wall space for his handmade guitars, for photography, a folklore area and my pieces are displayed through out. I have taken so much advantage of this little space by dividing it with the sliding doors from a closet that belong in one of the only other room in this is a one room 1600's authentic Santa Fe adobe home.  The space also has a kitchen in back :)

When in Santa Fe please stop by and say Hi!!.

Getting your Jewelry or Art into Bona Fide Shows :)

I have just been accepted to the Salida Colorado at the Riverside Park located on the banks of the Arkansas River a gorgeous background to exhibit my jewelry.

Exhibitor booths will be placed all through the park. So the setting will be awesome, this is the second week of August. So it will be hot!!  Very excited to be there, I have applied to 3 shows, and this is the first one that has accepted my application.  

It was real...It was happening as I logged into my account at ZAPP, the system allows you to apply to multiple shows, and it keeps all your information and pictures stored for a nominal fee.  It was hard to choose only 6 pictures that will summarize your work...I got sooooo many different lines!!!  Zapp serves as a go between juried shows and artists.  I highly recommend them! If this is your goal, you need all the help you can!!  

They usually ask for a booth shot, if you do not have one set up your merchandise as if you did take a pic and that will do.  I paid for a corner booth for more visibility and traffic it was about $400 for a 10x10 tent (I supply it) they also supply electric.   It should be a very exciting time.  This will be a task for 2, so my husband will be coming with me.   

Taking A Turn For The Better With My Jewelry

I decided that I wanted to do more, to take my jewelry to the next level, coming from so many generations of jewelers it should be easy right? But they are all fine jewelers, meaning they deal with precious metals, diamonds and the like.  And here I am making jewelry with semi-precious stones, adding brass, copper, natural and or dyed stones, and beads.   So for many months I have been researching into learning how to make silver jewelry.  Silver is very big here, so I am in luck :) 

By pure coincidence, but I know there was no one but God behind this casual encounter, I met a local free lance jeweler who had the time and the patience.  His name is Jorge, he is in his late 60's from Uruguay and has about the same experience my father has!! Bingo! My dad living in Florida and me here in Santa Fe made it impossible for me to learn from him.  ( I should have shown interest earlier in my life, but it is never too late :) )  I met Jorge while at a local consignment shop.  I told him that I wanted to start making jewelry in silver, and he offered to help me and allow me to use his small shop, located in his own room :) proof that you can create jewelry anywhere so space is not an excuse!.

Short of a month later, and dedicating about 6-7 hours a week for this, investing some cash on different types of silver, sheets, wires, etc.  I am using his tools, so I have saved some cash on that, I do have pliers, hammers, cutters, and the smaller stuff, but you need to set up a different kind of shop for this purpose.

There is a local jewelers supply, where I get the majority of my findings, and the rest we make.  I have been able to finish a few pieces,  learning how to solder, how to make a bezel around a stone, how to shape a raw stone, mainly turquoise,  make my own small clasps, polish, and basically how to be comfortable using a total different medium.

These are some of my first very simple pieces, as I go along I get more bold, and creative....we are making some awesome pieces for my jewelry store gallery!!  Now I am having fun designing really unusual and interesting pieces.

But I need to get my own silver studio/bench/workshop, and another blessing, my father has some extra equipment that he is sending me so I can start my workshop....you need a lot of equipment, and it is not cheap ;(  Just found a great long vintage bench where I can set up a sort of an assembly line so I can save time. So it is never too late to learn and give a new twist to your favorite craft.

From Art Shows to Art Gallery In Less Than Six Months!!!

• After a few months of doing local, Santa Fe NM shows, at the Artist's Market on Sundays, my husband (the guitar maker, Kath Guitars) started to get a lot of publicity with a local newspaper that wrote a piece on him.  After that, he has met and work on a lot of local musician's guitars.

I continued to sell, while he stayed home working on repairs on Sundays.  I did pretty good considering I am the 'new kind on the block'.  But an opportunity arose for us to rent some great space on a very busy street, right on Old Santa Fe Trail, also known as the historic Route 66.   The space used to be a small one bedroom adobe house, in great condition!  My husband had been toying with the idea of getting a shop, elsewhere, meaning other than in our garage for his growing business.  While walking around looking for some beads, I went into the Milagro Gift Shop, and met the wonderful owner, Connie.  17th Generation Santa Fean!! Very famous and wonderful person.
 
She suddenly remembered that she had a space to rent, mind you I was not even inquiring, not did I think I could afford it, but she was so nice, I could not say  no.  I actually loved the place, it has a great room as an entrance, another room, where the bedroom should have been and a separate kitchen an bathroom, and it's own portal with PARKING!! In case you don't know parking is the most annoying thing for tourists in this town.

I liked the place enough to tell my husband, but I did not even considered it a possibility, when he saw it he was very excited!!  But instead of just placing his workshop, he allowed me to have the front room to set up my jewelry!!   We signed the lease at the beginning of February and we are planning on having a grand opening March 2!!  I will also have local artist's work :)

I always wanted my work to be in a gallery, never expected  to be a gallery owner.   Thank you God :)  

At The WEEMS Art Show in Alburqueque New Mexico Show With John Corbitt!!!

A lot of these shows are juried, so if you are interested in applying for any of them I recommend that you join something called ZAPP,  (for a nominal yearly fee) you can file your applications and upload/save the pictures there and send them directly to the jury.

A lot of them want the actual hard copy pictures, which I find out that Walgreens does a great job and super fast.  Usually they need four size 4x6's all in clear plastic protection sleeves with 3 holes, brief description of medium and price.  You have to keep your 'resume' to a minimum!!  The first application you put together is very stressful.... deciding what pictures, and some demand a picture of your booth, if you do not have one like me, I just sent a picture of my regular set up, making it look as streamlined (black colors not too many items) as possible. Later it will get easier to send these apps.  I have placed 3 so far at the beginning of the year, they are very strict when it comes to dates!!!  However not heard from any yet! ;(

If you miss your chance trust me, there are 10 other artists waiting for that spot, and that is for the newbies. The ones that are regular get preference of course.  Zapp will advise you when the deadlines come for your favorite shows.  Also with this economy some regulars drop out of the circuit, and some others might share the booth (10x10) with you!!! As long as you are not competitors, this works great in case any of you needs a break. Spaces can run from $300 to $500 for a weekend, try to choose one close enough for the first time so you save on extra expenses, hotel, food, and others.  Also if they are indoors, you get protection from wind, dust, rain, snow and what nots...

I decided to throw my hat on the ring and applied to one of the most famous in the NM area, the Weems show, it has a local buzz, parking and it is indoors!! Prices where from low to high, so there was a range for every buyer.

And it was just my luck that I ended up meeting Hollywood actor John Corbett, from Parenthood, Sex In The City and of course when he played the hottest DJ ever in Northern Exposure!! We got into a conversation, he now paints, and also plays guitars, so my husband offered to make a guitar for a charity even in the future...he is a cool dude.  I pray I am accepted to this Art Festival, it would be my first, and perhaps I can get a space next to him :))

STEAMPUNK.... Other Interesting Jewelry Line Cold Connections

 Steampunk style jewelry is very HOT.  In some cases, it is also called cold fusion, since you really do not need to solder anything,  Although it helps if you do.  It is also great for your creativity, and if you have little things here and there in that messy drawer we all have, with some of those, nails, dice, broken clocks, watches, children toys, screws, and wire, all you have to do is buy copper and or metal sheets (Michaels), and a good pair of metal shears.  Also very popular and in high demand are words, little designs or names that are stamped (hammer and anvil) like old fashion tags to your jewelery.  

Basically create organic, interchangeable pieces!  Either used with a chain or a choker style wired necklace.  All the components are basically inexpensive, at least 2 rolls of wire, either silver tone, or copper, if you have colored ones even better a thick gauge and a thin gauge.  A good hammer, preferably one with heads that you can exchange for texturing metals, if you can afford to buy thin gauge silver...go for IT.   It will add more dimension and color to your pieces, mix them up with stones, and findings such as wire, spacers, get your tools to do the  work. A hole puncher is also a great investment as it is an anvil, there are more interesting tools out there if you want to spend the cash, but you can start with a small investment of $50, and most likely get it all when you sell your first piece :)

Now for the actual meaning of the word : Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art!

My Magazine Article On Making A Memory Wrapped Bracelet

A British On-Line magazine (Creative Crafting) contacted me a while ago, to teach their readers how to make a simple memory wrap, or coiled bracelet with my signature charms!   I could not believe it!!  so I set up the theme being Halloween this way I could get very creative and the colors would be amazing.   I set up the camera and took pictures of the whole process! It was a HIT!  I loved it, and of course the bracelet SOLD!  Getting yourself on an on line magazine is not that hard either.  I was approached by them through ETSY, but you can send emails to local or international magazines with your crafty ideas!! It is a great promotional tool.   Plus you can get a hard copy and put it on your table at your artists or craft show!

First step get all your tools wire and jump rings

Get colorful beads, either for a specific holiday or colors you like

Get your charms ready, mix matched earrings, old dangling little things

Place jump rings on all charms and alternate charms and beads.

Start with a small loop at the end so the beads don't fall. Cut about 3 wrist sizes

Finished bracelet

1.  These are actually my best sellers... they take no time to time to make and while you are selling at a market, you can be working on them. People are always interested in artists that are working their craft.  I placed these at the end of the table closest to the entry point, right next to the 'Cash And Carry' section, along with all my colorful earrings that are very inexpensive to make, and I sold them at about $6 each or 2 x 10. Basically, you have to think about it this way, you can sell a $100 piece, or 2 bracelets at $25 each and a couple of earrings, and it is still the same amount of $, plus you are giving someone that might not have the same amount of money to buy one of your more formal designer pieces, something to remember you by :)

Sundays at the Artist's Market in Santa Fe New Mexico

What a great experience this has been, I started with so many things, now I am streamlining, my husband (the guitar maker Jim Kath) made these great screens for me, they fold and they have a metal mesh, from which I can hang all the lariat pendants that I have recently designed. 

I have also decided to change the pieces every week, and place some on tilted velvet trays, on each of these I place one of my larger postcards or my business cards.  I am showing fewer pieces, I find that buyers won't be overwhelmed  with the merchandise.  If I see that they are interested in a particular stone but can't seem to find what they want, I take some of the extra inventory that I keep on a handy tray cart (jewelers case).

Trying to set up is always the worse, no matter what I do still takes me more than an hour, not a good thing, if I am accepted by any of the 3 local shows I have applied for!!   

I have 3 large folding tables, purchased the black straight table covers (I keep my mess under them) and in between the area I have created I also added a runner, a good 'warm feeling' plus if anything falls or if anyone drops a piece it is saved!

Don't forget to place a lot of signs showing that you take credit cards!!  

My husband's guitar on the cover of Creative Crafting

Recently my husband was asked to write a piece and be in the June cover of the online UK Creative Crafting magazine! 

It was a great honor!!  I will be teaching a project for the August edition!  We both were chosen as the artist couple to contribute.

Here is a link to the magazine! Thanks Creative Crafting for your support!!


http://issuu.com/CreativeCrafting/docs/june2011

At the Show!!!

Shows are so much work!!  We were very excited when friends from our church volunteered to go with us to our first show.  Good thing it was sort of local...about 40 min away.  I did not realized how much stuff we need to make an eye catching display, even with a tent rehearsal!! There are so many other things to consider...where to store the buckets or boxes used, who are your neighbors, getting electricity without having extension cods everywhere.  We are going to have to have separate tents for shows that we book after we make some $ from the ones we have already scheduled.

Made a pretty good impression, but next time I am going to streamline a lot, place some of the necklaces on flat trays that are tilted and behind them place the neck displays, this way I will be able to display more items!  Also I want to make some of the necklaces a 'one price' ticket, so not only is it easy for pricing purposes but also for buyers!

Can I Make An Income From Art Shows And Craft Fairs?

'Tent Rehearsal'

My husband and I are taking these art shows as a serious way to support ourselves in the near future.  After more than 25 years in software, he has decided to go back to his love of hand made guitars and has become a luthier.  And with my background in jewelry we look for art shows where we can both share a 10x10 tent.  Most shows do not allow 2 different mediums under a tent.  These spaces can be costly, normally, between $200-$800 +.  We have been able to book about 4-5 shows for the summer time, and paid $200 for one in Sta Fe, 2011 (that is a deal), a few local ones for about $100 and some $50-60.

Since we are just starting, we are trying to get a 'feel' for what these art shows are.  Over the past 3 years we have done our research, 2 years ago we both started creating our products, and last year we actually started to buy everything that is needed for the shows.   We are planning on kicking it up a notch, after the end of this year, provided that do as well as we expect.
About every show we have been, and there are many just here in CO plus we go to NM frequently,  we  always speak to many sellers/artists.   Most of them are doing this year around, every weekend to support themselves.  And it is true there is at least one art/craft show going on in any given day in the whole US.

A lot of these artists/sellers travel in pairs, husband and wife teams,  that are or went through the same 'there is something better to do with my life' stage.  We received a lot of useful information and been told over and over again, that YES you CAN have a comfortable life, or make enough money on one show for you to live comfortably for 6 mos or a year!  These artists are the ones that are paying about $1000 to have a 10x10 spot in places like Venice Beach FL, Coconut Grove FL, Sta Fe NM, Cherry Creek CO and more.  Most of them are painters or sculptors, but even they started small, their talent had to be recognized and it took time and a lot of traveling for them to sport the 'best in show' ribbons. :)

But for 5 of the top recognized artists, there are many, many regular people like you and us, that know in their hearts that what we make with our hands can be sold.   I know I can sell, because I have sold on line, not on my website, I want to keep that just for stores that want to carry my items.  I want to generate most of my revenue and sales from shows.  I have sold through ebay and etsy, mostly ebay, and from these sales I have been able to fund more supplies.   I have been able to sell my pieces to a local store, and these sold very fast.  Come June, I will be taking some of my jewelry to another store in Boulder.   My goal is to get a few stores to carry my jewelry, so we can make the transition from a full time job (husband), to a part time, and perhaps a lifetime of selling our art!

On another blog I will let you know about how much to start putting aside to make this dream a reality.

Keep on creating!

Married And Together Making Art To Sell!

My work station

My husband's workshop

From day one, my husband and I decided to work on our craft/art with the purpose of selling it.  It has been a little over a year, but we are finally ready to set up a tent at an art show.  I have sold my jewelry through stores, ebay, etsy,  but we wanted to join the 'arts/craft/ fair community'.  See if this is something feasible, and make sure we will be able to support ourselves in the near future. 


We have a 3 bedroom house with a 'partial' basement, my husband took it and made a small work wood shop where his custom made guitars are designed and born.

 I have a spare bedroom where I set up my computer desk, jewelry display and workbench.  We calculate that we have spent together about $5000.00 in supplies tools, wood, beads... and everything needed to go to the art shows.  This investment was done over time, and funded with some sales that we made on the side.  I sold on ebay many of my personal items that I was not using :) 

Right now we are out growing our assigned spaces,  but we make do with the space we have.   It is a good thing that the two of us, went back into our craft about the same time.  We give each other support and ideas, and of course we are our worse critics.

I can't imagine what would have happened if he dove into this venture and I had not started to make jewelry.  I would have been bored out of my mind, and most likely it would have cause friction in our marriage.  It is also a blessing that we will be sharing a space/tent in upcoming shows.

A spouse or partner that supports, shares and joins in the fun of the creative purpose is great.  But if you don't have one in your life, a family member or a friend will come in handy too!

So share with someone else all the fabulous things you create!

Name Recognition.. YOUR Business Cards Should SELL YOU!!

This is very important!! When we go to art or craft shows, we all pick up so many cards, so many that when we get home, only a few will spark a memory!


 I decided to do something about that.  I figured, I am the product, what I make design and sell should be a part of me, and people should be able to remember me. After all, they have my product, it will end up somewhere in their home, (I also make belts, paint, and use a lot of other media).  But when they are gone, I want them to put a 'face' or an image be it subliminal or on in 'your face' of the artist they met.
Even if they do not buy something, they will probably keep the card for a while...and like a friend of mine always says...Who knows?  Her 'who knows' have taken me very, very far, because I have dabbled in different things, and took chances just on those 2 words! 

I spent some extra $, it was less than $100 on a professional 'mega store'  picture pack promo.  I brought all the clothes that I wanted to use to create the image that I want to convey, something that tells 'my story' and that is unique to me.  I also made sure I used my jewelry as well.  Some say that when you first see the card they don't always think jewelry until they read it, (I have very little text too, I believe YOU have to be your product).  But every single time some one gets my card they always, always compliment the picture.  Plus it makes me look better than in person :).   I had them made in the best quality glossy paper, this is the color version, I am know using the same one but in sepia tones, and as you see is vertical!.  I am getting ready to re-print some with my etsy info and I am doing those in color for my upcoming Tri-Cultural-Show in Santa Fe and just for variety!  I got a great deal, I got 2 poses, in different widths, the one I currently use on this blog, and this one, and both in color and in sepia tones.  

So keep on creating and start re-inventing yourself.  Remember YOU are your product, GO out and make money with your art and sell your talents!  Read more on 'dressing' or accessorizing for the part, with your art!

You MUST Display Items At Eye Level So They Are EYE CATCHING

I have seen many art shows craft fairs, tables where the seller, just lays it's merchandise flat on the folding table.  One of the appeals of a 'real' jewelry store or an art gallery is that your eyes are basically 'forced' to look straight ahead, then you look down, but your first impression will be at eye level. Most likely something, bright, shinny, unusual or colorful.

I had previously mentioned that there were so many items that you could use, or buy inexpensively that would double as displays.  Not only are they visually appealing, but they create height.  It is important to set aside some funds for this.  After all, if you do not display your items properly, they will not sell, and your efforts will be in vain.  I will blog later how to make the $ to invest on these 'props'.  (Easy things that worked for me and funded most of my business operation).

In the picture above I found that wire sort of pyramid thing that I still have no clue what it is, but it serves a double purpose.  I display earrings on it, and create height for one my neck displays.  And I am able to secure the display to the 'pyramid' in case of high winds. Every exhibitors nightmare. ;(

About everything that is here, other than the velvet bust and the hand, (Michael's with 40% coupon about $12 for both) have been purchased at local thrift shops. I scout these at least 3 times a week, & go to flea markets and yard sales.   The little box is a perfect primitive background and also serves as a source of height!  Remember build your display UP! (But make sure is secure). Then you can place some of your merchandise on a table, (not too many pieces) in pretty silver trays, bowls, natural rocks, bamboo place mats, small rugs, picture frames, paintings, mirrors (here I found a SW mirror that matched perfectly my decor, plus a great Day Of The Dead cross.  All of it for about $20!  It is also extremely important to keep a cohesive theme and stick to a few colors for your display, this way is easy to pick up matching display items.  It makes a BIG impression, it looks polished and it looks like the seller cared.  I just didn't show up, unfolded a table, covered it with a sheet and threw my lovingly hand made items there.

If I treat my 'store' like a flea market, I can only get flea market prices.  If I treat, design, and display like a gallery, I can charge and will get gallery prices.

Of course, I have been getting ready to do shows and collecting 'decor' for about a year.   But this might be the principal difference between you and the tent or table next to you that seems to be generating some sort of 'buzz'.

So if you are getting ready to start selling in craft/art shows, scout for interesting items, preparation is key to create a lasting impression.  More on how YOU can become part of that impression on another blog.

Get cracking to get selling and keep on creating!

Group Your Items To Give Your Buyers MORE Choices!

This picture shows another idea on how to place displays on your craft fairs/art show table making your items more appealing.  A large silver long bowl ($4) with polished river stones ($2 or 2 bags at the $1 store) makes a great setting for silver jewelry.  The smaller black base ($4) has been set on a plain black cube displaying a silver charm bracelet.

Sometimes a buyer is not sure how would they wear or with what colors your merchandise will go with.  Of course this is your job, you must engage them, not only describing the piece, but how versatile it can be.  Usually approaching the all black or white outfits appeal to all.  We all have pieces that we use with those 2 basic colors.  And black is always regarded as the 'interesting, elegant, and evening-ish' look.  White, reminds people of summer vacations, sitting on the porch and sipping tea.

I have a multi colored line, and although I specialize in folkloric, and South West pieces, I also have regular pieces of jewelry that are big and bold, made with gemstone. I mention gemstones because there is a great and interesting way to engage your customer in another conversation.  Whatever medium you use, keep a piece of the raw item, or pieces of the unfinished product displayed.  I do this with the natural stones, if I am using coral, I place a piece of coral (aquarium plastic) and a huge chunk of turquoise, to create that familiar two tone SW look.  I also group the jewelry together by tones, and add earrings, rings, bracelet and hair accessories that compliment the look.  That gives your customer not only ideas, but perhaps a lower $ alternative to your lovely line!

If I am using gemstones I keep them raw, in crystal forms next to the piece or pieces I am selling.  This way you can approach and start a conversation with your customer as to what the original stone, paper, wool looks like and it's origin!  Perhaps an anecdote of that trip you took to a mine, a sheep farm, whatever it is, tie it with your product.

Continue creating and making lovely stuff, but while you are in the process, think of a way to keep your buyer engaged and interested. :) 

Using Frames And Shadow Boxes For a Gallery Look To Your Displays

 I am always looking for interesting and cheap ways to display my items. Regardless of what you sell, you can create the 'Gallery' look to your on line store, craft table, or art show booth.

On the first picture I took a lovely original signed print ($4) in a great heavy wood frame, at the same store I found a heavy clear glass frame, that slides right off!  If I glue the together, it would create a gallery effect to any piece, plus I can set it down on top of the table, without that 'thrown' look.  And it will be want to make it easy and accessible to a buyer, I can leave it unglued.

 Recently I was at a show in Santa Fe, where we are planning to move in October (God willing)!.  It was an indoor show (GREAT for sellers and buyers!) One of the artists had a gorgeous setting on her table, her handmade jewelry ($350+) consists on delicate rose buds tied together with fine silver.  As a couple with kids went to see her higher set/displayed pieces, their child, started playing, picking up and touching the delicate necklace.  The parents where oblivious.  If your pieces are delicate and you only want adults handling them, find a way to place them on a higher shelf or display, and the pieces   that are sturdy on your table. I like to have a combo of both but protecting the heavy and expensive is a must.  I did mentioned to the artist, she also told me that the majority of the damage incurred to her pieces where made by adults!  So her most expensive pieces, rosaries, was displayed on the wall, in a vintage frame.

I did mentioned to the artist, she also told me that the majority of the damage incurred to her pieces where made by adults!  So her most expensive pieces, rosaries, was displayed on the wall, in a vintage frame.  Setting some of your work on interesting frame, not only adds dimension, put keeps the kids away from them.  Mix and match these, and don't forget to add something interesting  around them.   Basically eye candy for all.

Deep framed shadow boxes with either paper or fabric liner that compliment your product are also very professional looking.  These are always available, they usually come in sets, or the square open big frames that are used on walls for decor, can be stacked and your pieces can be displayed there as well, plus you create height! 

Continue tweaking your displays for that professional, but fun and interesting look that will have people looking in various directions, and finding your items even more appealing.

Continue creating, your goal is to sell, sell, sell :)