Handmade stands for retail stores

Carol Dekle-Foss

I've been gun shy when it comes to displaying my work in stores or galleries. It could be the pricing challenge or that I feel my work isn't cohesive enough. Whatever the reason, it's time to get over it and pick up a few stockists.  I've started the process by making some handmade stands with some shadow boxes I had in storage.

I also used some floral microsuede fabric I fell in love with from Joann's, 6 gauge copper wire I scored from a suspicious looking biker dude, and some african trade beads. 

I really enjoyed putting them together. Let me show you how I did it!

First, I finished the wood using a distressing technique I learned how to do here.

Then measured where I wanted the copper wire to go and drilled holes in the side of the box. 

I cut the fabric to size and just used double sided tape to attach it to the back of the box.

I then straightened the copper wire using a raw-hide mallet and a steel block. I also sprayed the copper with a few coats of lacquer.

I cut the wire 1mm longer than needed on both sides and riveted the the trade beads in place. I used a riveting hammer and a vise for the first rivet and then placed the box with wire attached on top of a steel block and riveted the second bead in place. 

So far I've made two boxes, one for earrings and one for necklaces and bracelets. I've figured out the pricing for my work using the Jewelry Manager Deluxe software, and now it's time to find the right stockist!  Wish me luck!

Also, I've been thinking about the David Bowie blog hop. He was such an amazingly creative soul and he has left a permanent mark on our culture. He touched us in such a profound and unique way.  For the jewelry I make in his honor, I'm going to just let my imagination run wild and not be too specific on what I create. Anything goes! I think it will be fun to just let go for once and explore with different mediums! We hope you will join in and celebrate David Bowie and his life with us.

Thank you for reading!