lost my confidence

[sunrise]

last year I decided to give jewellery making a go , I enjoyed it although I found it quite difficult to get the hang of some things ( like earring loops they drove me mad !! ) and although I prefer making cards I enjoyed the challenge.
The bookmarks sold well but the jewellery didn't and I lost my confidence a bit but at the weekend my daughter had a very pretty pair of earrings on and I kept looking at them thinking how nice they looked until I suddenly realised I'd made them for her lol
so I decided to have another go
heres the results
being an avid earring wearer I do like being able to make a pair as and when I feel I need a new pair , I made the pair on the first photo on the right to cheer myself up as I'm feeling a bit down and beginning to panic about our card party on sunday !!
the card with the earrings on I've made as a raffle prize for Sunday
please tell me what you think , do they look alright ???

[Louise88]

I don't know what that loss of confidence was all about because they are fab!!

[sunrise]

thanks louise I just look on here and people make such wonderful jewellery and mine never seems to look as good

[Louise88]

I know what you mean, I criticise my jewellery more than I should, but there is no need they are lovely Sunrise

[Fluffy Squirrel]

I don't know what that loss of confidence was all about because they are fab!!

Seconded!!!

They are all fab... you should be proud of yourself

[nettie]

Great sunrise, I think the lilac hearts are so pretty. Good luck for Sunday

[sunrise]

It's always the way! I don't think it's necessarily because they ARE better, it's just that you know you made yours so know the "faults" - you don't know the faults of the other jewellers so assume there are none. It's all psychological, I am sure!!!

It takes practice though, don't lose heart. I'm still not sold on my self made eye pins, or my loops at the top of headpins - they never match, which really irritates me with earrings! I've found it easier the more I've done it though. As with everything, practice makes perfect - you can't expect to be amazing at something without it. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses - I'm sure there's something you have or would pick up really quickly that myself or others just can't get their head around!

Don't assume the jewellery bombing means you're rubbish - it could actually just have been that those you were trying to sell to weren't interested in the style. I think that's an issue with them, not you. You just need the right people! I found some of my fave pieces didn't sell or even get touched at my first jewellery party, and it really shocked me - yet two people picked up things they wanted adapted into colours I'd never have made them in. (And not everyone will bother asking you to do this - some will just assume it's what's there or nothing at all.)

Anyway... I'm rambling... There's nothing wrong with the first pair you posted - I'm not keen but only because I'm not a fan of those colours but, technically, they look just fine. I love the ones on the card though!!! I'd be tempted to buy the card just for them! lol!

God, that was long... I hope I helped a bit?

thanks that did help
the earrings aren't normally ones that I would choose but once I started putting them together I really like them
its funny isn't sometimes the card orders that I get the ones that I find really difficult or that I don't think will work are the ones I fall in love with
the earrings on the card are like the ones my daughter was wearing at the weekend but hers were cerise pink hearts with little silver and pink beads as well
I've made her animal print ones as well and she loves those as well
off to find a photo of them

[sunrise]

again these wouldn't be my choice but my daughter loves anything animal print

[Madly Creating]

They're lovely! I really like long danglies that are delicate at the same time. Well done.

[beadydani]

RE: Lost confidence

Hey, don't give up, I have tried to so many times I have been making jewellery about the same time as you, I have just launched my second website. Like you, I have not made a sale, I have also found out that people don't take me seriously or expect me to make stuff free or at very ridiculous prices.

Carry on making jewellery, I have given a massive load of designs to various charities. I am still making jewellery, giving it as gifts or just storing them away, waiting for the day I start making sales. You also have to bear in mind, people are seriously watching their pockets which is why they will opt for accessories. The bookmarks are gorgeous by the way, hang in there, this is what I like about this forum we have a lot in common, we can share & encourage each. Look forward to seeing more photos of yr work & hearing more about yr work.

[boden girl]

they're all fab - my favourites are the ones on the card!
you should be proud!

[gbell]

they look fine to me, stop worrying so much and just do your own thing x

ps you should see me making a card

[ejralph]

I agree with everyone else - you have no need to not feel confident about your jewellery making. Just relax and enjoy it.

Its lovely how you have combined your two passions also with the earrings on the cards. I really like that. What lovely gifts those would make.

Emma

[sunrise]

I market them as a card and gift in one ! when the card is finished with the recipient still has the earrings to remember their special day
also making teacher thank you cards with bookmarks attached , the bookmarks can either say thank you or have the teachers name on as long as its not too long
that way the teacher has a gift they can use all year round

[justoneoff]

I agree, they are lovely!