Bags & Boxes

With ChickeeBoom I always try to do everything I can by myself.  If I can save a buck and be able to control quality and production then I'm figuring out a way to do it. If I don't know how to do something, I just go to Google, find a video and start learning! YouTube can be your best friend in the world!
 
Lessons learned
When I first started ChickeeBoom, I ordered these really sexy bags. They were almost museum pieces. Beautiful translucent bags with my logo printed in the perfect matching PMS color.  I'm sure women are still using them to carry their lunches to work.
After careful price analysis (Holy heck!), I decided that I needed to go a different avenue the next time I ordered my bags. But I still wanted the custom-printed look and feel. So, you guessed it! I Googled "how to print my own bags - cheap" and began my journey of screen printing my own bags and boxes.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am NOT a master printer my any means. Just enough to get myself in trouble. But I wanted to share some of what I have learned to maybe give you a little inspiration and courage that you can do this on your own and make some really great-looking marketing pieces for your handcrafted works of art.

I purchased the YuDu Personal screen printing machine. I bought mine at JoAnn's Fabrics Several places carry them on-line at better prices as well - but you have to wait. I was able to make JoAnn price match a deal I found so I was able to get mine quickly and get to printing! I have also discovered the Michael's (at least the one near my house in Dallas) keeps a better supply of the screens and other supplies - but it could just be a really good store manager.
You can also watch the sales flyers. The Yudu is one of those items in the super-small print that doesn't qualify for the 40% coupons - but I think the big holiday 25% off your entire purchase coupons work on it and there are quite a few out there this holiday season.

If you get the Yudu machine make sure to do the tutorials. They are really good. My intention with this post is not to do a tutorial - but just to show you some things I've learned and to tell you "you can do it".

Tip #1

Figure out what items you want to customize. After many failed attempts, I have finally got a "master" screen that I can use for just about anything. It has my gift box, gift bag & T-shirt design. I used to try and go the cheap route and re-make my screens each time I wanted something new printed. Don't do this. Figure out what you want to print, what you want to print on and just buy another screen if you want to make some one-time prints (about $25 each - but soooo worth it!). Keep your master screen safe and sound.  If you are printing on paper, make sure to get the 220 screen. This refers to the size of the holes that the ink is pushed through to make your design. The smaller the holes the more clean the print. If you are printing a bunch of t-shirts, go with a screen with larger holes (smaller number). But for paper, 220 is the best bet otherwise your designs will look "mushy".

Tip #2
Mark your box or bag placement on the bed of the Yudu printer. This will make sure that all your printing is consistent.  I'm sure there are high tech ways to make this happen if you are doing a two or three color design. I recommend one-color for your bags & boxes and to just use some tape to mark your box corner for consistency. It looks a little hoopty but it's cheap and it works!


Tip #3
Be sure to "flood" your screening with ink. They go over this on the tutorial - but make sure to do it. It makes a difference in your ink coverage. Flooding the screen is an initial pass of spreading ink over the design before you lay down the screen onto the product. It ensures an even distribution of the ink on your design.



Tip #4
Drying your product. For a while I was laying bags and boxes all over my studio and then tip-toeing through the Chickee bags for hours while they dried. It never failed, a kid or a dog would wander through and leave a print of some sort on the bag. Then I discovered - it's not necessary. The ink is so thin when it's being spread through the screen holes that it really doesn't take long for it to dry. I stack my bags up the side of my table and by the time I print enough to take me to the top, I can start layering them from the bottom up again. You might get one or two bags that have a little ink that isn't dry yet - but it's so much easier and cleaner in the long run.

Similar thing for the boxes. Just stack them up alternating the placement by 45 degrees. Works prefect and it's kinda like a personal game of Jenga.






TIME and COST analysis
I buy my blank boxes from Uline.com - I have found they have the best selection, pricing and customer service (plus there is a warehouse in town in case of a bagging emergency!) I was able to get 100 craft jewelry boxes for $36.00. The ink was $7.99 for my ChickeeBoom blue (100% cyan) ink from Asel Art supply. I have used this same container of ink for about 2 years. It just goes and goes and goes.

Yesterday, I went out to my studio (shed in the back yard) at 4:45. I was able to print 100 boxes and 50 bags and be back in the house just finishing washing out the screen at 5:30 when my husband pulled into the driveway. I remember even saying to myself "holy crap, that was really fast!" I think that is what gave me the idea to write this post. To tell you that with a little prep work, this is really easy!

You can have AMAZING and professional looking marketing items for not a lot of money - and not a lot of time! The best part is the impression on your customers that we aren't able to measure with quick calculations.  The look on the customers face when I am able to box their purchase right there with quality (and expensive-looking) packaging that is ready for gift-giving is priceless. AND when I'm doing a show and I can see my printed bags moving about the show floor screaming my brand for all to see - well, that just rocks.

Are you TRENDY or TIMELESS?

What type of jewelry person are you? Are you a Britney or an Audrey? A Ke$ha or a Coco? Is it trendy or timeless?

I run into this dilemma all the time when I am designing and making my jewelry.
One of my good friends (she is a jewelry designer too) went on some store visits in the North Dallas area over the weekend. I was left scratching my head and wondering about the state of women's jewelry morals.

The Britney
The first store we went to was in a really $$ high-end part of town. Very "here and now" clothing. It was nice and moderately priced. They had paired most of the displayed clothing with necklaces and other accessories. The jewelry was cheap but priced accordingly. You get what you pay for in this store. Or at least, you know what you are getting in this store.

The Ke$ha
Then we went next door. I'm not sure exactly who their customer was - the clothing seemed to be the newest styles but the price tags were crazy. $300 for a tanktop? Who has that kind of disposable income in this economy? The jewelry was even worse - it was about the same quality as we had found at the first store, but the prices were 3x as much. I suppose this type of store is selling image rather than items. If I'm paying $270 for earrings, they aren't coming from a boutique that is selling air.

The next stop was very interesting to me. It is the "in"store right now in Dallas. They sell it fast and cheap and don't pretend it is anything other than that. Charming Charlies. Wow.  The store is set up to be shopped by color. Not by style or sustainability, just by how closely you can match the color of your shoes.  The place was packed and the women were crazed.
I  really don't have any problem with this type of a store.  It serves it's purpose in the grand scheme of things. Designers design and overseas factories recreate the styles as cheaply as possible and put it on a freighter and get it to our US shores as fast as possible. In this store a woman purchases and knows that it is good for one wear. It is either too recognizable to wear again in similar company or it will break before last call. It is what it is.

Audrey & Coco

It makes me wonder where the modern woman can turn these days to find quality jewelry that isn't going to break the bank. These days the Tiffany's and Harry Winston's are for a very select group of household incomes.  What to do, what to do??
My self-serving opinion is - go outside, get some air and go to some of the local handmade craft shows. Now - not just any show, you have to do your research. Try and find shows in your area that are juried and require the items to be made by the person standing right there in the booth selling the jewelry.  There are absolute treasures at these shows without all the additional mark up needed to cover overhead at a Brick and mortar store in the mall.

What else can you do? Try Etsy.com. There are amazing items here as well. These pieces are made by designers that utilize the Etsy engine and its millions of subscribers to promote and sell their creations online. I will warn you, this site can get a bit overwhelming because of just how much selection you have. If you are looking for a "Silver Ring" you have 88,000 items to choose from. Be very specific with your search parameters and the site will narrow it down pretty fast for you so you don't get crazy-head.

I guess it all comes down to personal style in the end. Is it important to you not to have a green ring around your wrist at the end of the day? Maybe, maybe not. And that's ok. I think every woman should have a little of both in her closet. If you have quality, quality, quality - maybe its not so bad to put on some dark shades and a big hat and head into Charming Charlies for some feather earrings.  Same goes for you trendsetters out there. Every girl should have some "good stuff" tucked away for the important events in your life.  Do you want to meet his parents in pearls from Claire's or Mikimotos? Your choice - but I'd go for the Mikis every time.

Don't cry because it's over....

On one of my inscribed leather bracelets I offer the quote by Dr. Seuss that says, "Don't cry because it's over, smile  because it happened". I like that  - I guess it's just another way of telling people to see the glass half full and not half empty.  I'm trying to feel that way tonight but it's not working so well.

 I just finished reading a book and now I feel that same old empty pang that I get after I read the last page of a book I have really enjoyed. The sadness when you know that the story is over - it's like a good friend moving away. Tonight it was The Help by Katheryn Stockett. I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I usually don't want to read books that are getting a bunch of hype - but I really like the new actress Emma Stone and I knew I would want to go and see the movie. Just wanted to read the book first. Such a great book filled with great character studies that really give you a great insight into the relationships between the three main female characters.
Even now I wonder what Skeeter might be doing or how sassy Minny is being - I guess that is the sign of a good book.  I just wish it didn't leave me feeling so empty. 

I hope in a couple of days I can smile because I got a chance to read this great book, but for right now I'm just kind of content in being sad and remembering what a great time we had over coffee and 420 great pages.

I ♥ The Help.

You are my inspiration.

Inspiration.
Where does it come from?
Is it really a magical muse that comes to us in a dream and sprinkles brilliant ideas as she dances in and out of our consciousness? Or is it the magical thinking that happens when you are vacuuming or taking a shower - that's where some of my best ideas happen.  When my mind is occupied with something totally mundane and allowed to stretch it's legs and run for a bit. 

Or maybe it's a little bit of these two ideal all mixed together. Maybe some higher power leads us around until we are able to see the "secret sauce".  Maybe sometimes inspiration is like a good crockpot roast.  You have to let it simmer and stew for a while to really bring out the good flavors - all that good stuff has to mix and meld for a bit til it is truly ready.

I don't have the magic bottled and for sale.  I'd be super-rich and wildly popular if I did - but here's a little crazy example of what happened to me this last week in order for me to have the epiphany that I had this morning.

I'm sure you have heard that it has been HOT in Dallas for the last - well 43 days.  We were even on track to set a 20 year record of 100℉ days until last week.  Thank you Mr. 99℉ Thursday. Anyway, it's hot - egg-frying-on-the-sidewalk-hot.  My workbench happens to be located in a small 2-story building  in our backyard.  This sounds all sexy and quaint, but in reality, the building leans, it leaks, and it is not insulated.  This adds up for not so nice working conditions when you are torch firing and and trying to make silver do your bidding.

Because of the extreme heat, I have moved into our house, specifically the kitchen table, to attempt to get my fall lines finished to be ready for the upcoming shows.  Well, anyone who has done any kind of an "art" project will know - the supplies needed for a project seem to travel and expand as you are working. I soon was spread across the entire table and had begun to move into the formal dining room.

Night after night I found myself setting up TV tables for my 3 and 7 yr. olds convincing myself that it wasn't for much longer.  So, the days progressed. My "3-day tops" had turned into almost a full month of "Mommy working" at the table.  Yesterday, I had finally hit my wall of looking at all my supplies being strung all over the place and my understanding husband and boys having to "just deal with it".  I have realized that I was beating myself up more than they ever were.  I really don't think they could care less - they just adapt and more on - but all I saw when I walked through the kitchen and before I turned off the light to go to bed was "bad mom, bad wife." It didn't make for sweet dreams.

So, what did I finally do?
Yesterday I decided to re purpose an area in my "office" a.k.a. spare guest room.  It took some maneuvering to get everything sorted and in order - but I'm almost there.  It's not a sexy and cool studio - but it is functional and cool, but most importantly, last night we were able to eat as a family sitting at our table and not at four TV trays in front of the TV.  Not sure the boys are happy about the new arrangement but they will adapt :)
I know it sounds like a no-brainer, the solution that I finally came to - but it was a process. I should have done it 30 days prior,  but I think we all want to think we are super-women. Sometimes that just isn't in the cards.

OK - so where is my inspiration in all this?
I was thinking last night about what was happening to me. How I felt like I had to keep adapting and changing because of the heat,  because of my old rickety building, because of the start of 2nd grade for my 7 yr old, because of my husband's travel schedule.... so many things happening in my life just felt like I had to be a chameleon all the time - changing to what was around me in order to survive.  I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but I really believe that we all do this.  It's the people that have perfected the art of adapting that make it look easy. I by no means have perfected it - but I think I am getting better with all the practice. 

So that's it, there is my inspiration for my new charm design that I am working on right now.  The easy-going chameleon. Going with the flow, adapting to the environment and what nature throws his way.  I think if I wear this charm and think about it the next time that life throws me a curve ball then I might be able to handle it a little better.  I believe that finding inspiration is very similar to our time hear on earth.  It is all about the journey, not the destination.  You never know when those special moments or opportunities for greatness will pop up and test your ability to adapt and persevere.

It's still super-hot here in Dallas, and the weatherman isn't predicting relief anytime soon. But, hey, I'm OK with it. It might just be another opportunity for my muse to dance into my bedroom tonight and sprinkle some more inspiration my way :)

Don't forget the kids!

I think sometimes as jewelry designers we get caught up in making jewelry that is so focused for our demographic that we often forget a crucial demo - the little ones.  At most of the shows I have done, where ever Mom is - so is their little ones. Why not figure out something just for them? I'm not saying to totally change what is working for you.  You know who your customer is and you do a great job making beautiful jewelry just for them - I'm suggesting that you look at what you do from a slightly different angle.
Here's an example -

I make these really cool leather and silver custom bracelets.  My main target audience is women, ages 25-50.  These pieces are a bit more expensive because of the time and materials.  So usually if a woman comes into my booth and buys one for herself or as a gift, she normally won't ask her daughter "do you want one too?"  But, here is the dilemma. The daughter is ALWAYS asking for one.  So this leaves the Mom in a bad place.  Spend the money or disappoint her tween - hmmm.  Decisions, decisions.

But, why put them in this weird situation? Why not offer something similar but at half the price point?  My Persona silver bracelets have symbols and messages of strength worn as daily reminders of whatever is important to you.  Same with the Persona youth line. Important messages that resonate with the younger crowd.  They are fun and hip and tell the world what's important to the wearer, without breaking the bank.

So, maybe think about what you are making and who you are making it for - can you tweak your recipe just a bit with out sacrificing quality and your design sensibility? Offer your customers a great product at a different price point. This also goes the other direction as well - are you making a relatively inexpensive product that is flying off the shelves?  People love what you do - maybe step it up a bit and offer a "step above" what you are currently doing.  Start slow - see how it goes. Can't hurt and all you'll be doing is offering your customer base another great product.  They will love the options!

My friend the mouse.

I won't lie - if I were to see a mouse right now, I'd be on the top of this desk blogging to you with my toes. It's so crazy.  There is no way in the world that a simple little mouse could ever hurt a person - yet just their presence brings out screams and brooms with really long handles.

Poor little guys.  I think they have gotten a bad wrap. Throughout history they have been associated with destruction.  Eating crops, carrying the plague  - wow.  That's some bad stuff. What about the good stuff?  "Quiet as a mouse" if this is the case I know a 7 and a 3 year old that I wish were mice! Heck - look what our most beloved Micky Mouse has done for their image and most recently that master of culinary delights, Ratatouille.  I think our little friend has come a long way.

The reason I was thinking about the mouse today was because I am having some crazy trouble with my website. The programming is all off and the fonts look wonky on some web browsers. I am pretty new to website building - ChickeeBoom was my first.  I know just enough to be dangerous - but not enough to see this problem clearly.
I know I am just missing something. What could it be? I have read all the help forums but no one seems to have the exact same problem that I am having.  I know the solution is there - so close.  I'm just missing it. 

Enter our friend the mouse. He he actually helped me out tonight. While I was thinking about this situation I went and looked at some of the animal symbols and there it was. Mr. Mouse teaches us to be aware and pay attention to the details. He is also a symbol of intelligence - so maybe that is helping a bit tonight as well. But after reading that I really tried to focus on reading all the info (not just scanning for important big and bold words - you know you do it too!) I re-read document that I had only scanned earlier and took it step by step.  I can proudly say that I think my fonts are fixed!

I just finished uploading the new site and as I clicked the "refresh" button (with my right eye squinted and my lips all scrunchied up) with fingers crossed.... voila! success. Thank you, thank you, my littlest friend the mouse for reminding me that it's all in the details.

Need. Help. Please.

Ever feel like the world is getting you down? Feel like someone has their big ole foot on your head and won't let you up for a breath? Well, I'm feeling that way today. 
Two nights ago my 3-year-old had a bad dream or something and decided to headbutt my face at 4:00 a.m. Talk about a wake up call.  My mouth was bloody and my tooth loose... not sure how it will all work out cosmetically but my son didn't even wake up and only had a small bump on his head the next morning - so all is well, I guess. 

I was thinking about how I was feeling and wondered if any of my charms might offer me the little extra help I'm looking for these days - and guess what? There is. Our little cute friend the monkey is a symbol for help in child rearing and caring for the elderly. It's a total nurturing symbol.
In the wild, female monkeys help take care of all the family members - all of them-  from young to old.  I"m sure there is plenty that I can learn from them right now.
So today I think I will add my little friend "cheeta" to my charm cluster; cause Momma needs all the help she can get!

The monkey is also a symbol of intelligence, respect and communication.