Hi there, I spoke in my last post about obtaining a gallery space. I moved in and didn't open the gallery portion until three months later. My top priority was getting the studio part of the space up and running. It was a lot of work getting tables, equipment, and storage in the right place for working. Once things were running as smoothly as possible, I could focus more on the store.
Your store needs a "look". That look encompasses your logo, your sign, your bags, your work, your displays, etc. If you're starting from scratch this is probably a lot to think about. If you are already making jewelry to sell than your work most likely, already has a feel. You'll most likely want to expand on that. My work is bright and whimsical. I always have some lime green, black, and white in it somewhere. I wanted the work to be the focus in the gallery not the walls. I choose to go with a light blue-ish purple for the walls, of course a black and white checkered floor, and lime green accents.
My signage is all black, white, and green as well.
My bags, tissue, and tags are the same too.
See where I am going with this post?
Pick two or three colors and use them consistently. Pick a font and use it again ad again. Get a logo and use it again and again.
Consistency is the key to getting customers to know your work and your style. It also shows that you are stable for a lack of better words. Customers want to know when they come shop with you that they will be able to get the same thing again and again.
Stay tuned for more....
Jennifer Heynen a.k.a. Jennifer Jangles
, along with a whole slew of art beads from Elaine Ray - check out 
- I think I would get this book for the cover project alone. What I love about the project is after looking over the directions I realized - hey I could actually make this. I know how to do each of these techniques! And what is covered in the book? 20 awesome cold connection projects (meaning no flames or soldering) from some of today's top metal and wire instructors. The project range from organic and earthy to modern to completely whimsical with found objects. If you haven't jumped into metal work this book covers lot of the basics with great photos and a thorough technique section.
by Brenda Schweder - This books offers modern designs using this inexpensive hardware wire. The designs look like they belong in a high end gallery, yet the author provides techniques that a beginner can grapple. The book starts out with a handy guide to using steel wire and great step-by-step directions and photos showing the basic building blocks used throughout the book.
by Jaonna Gollbery and Nathalie Mornu - This a fun and inspiring book covering 25 chains from various artists with designs ranging from wire work to metalsmithing. Some of the projects require a soldering set up, but there are enough designs in here featuring wire work and cold connection projects that I think someone who plays with mostly beads would find this a nice addition to their jewelry bookshelf. The projects themselves are all metal, but it is easy to imagine a glass or clay bead as the focal for many of the chains used in the book and what a great way to showcase some of your favorite beads. What I love about this book is the way it breaks down the designs and really expands how I think about jewelry construction. Even complex looking projects are made accessible. 
by Candie Cooper. She mixes in beads with basic metal techniques in creative designs. If it's not already on you bookshelf - I suggest getting this one first!
