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How to Use Clothespins to Display Jewelry

If you are a jewelry rep, you know that we all struggle with ways to display our beautiful pieces.  If you have been reading my blog, then you know that I've created a pegboard display and use j-hooks to hang my pieces.

However, I have a smaller display I've created and wanted to have more of a shabby chic kind of feel, so I decided to use clothespins to hold my pieces on my board.  Yup! Clothespins. They look really cute too.

Here's what you need:

• Clothespins
• Paperclips
• Washi tape 

So, I opened up all the paper clips and inserted the clip into the metal spring of the clothespin. 

Then all you have to do is fold the paperclip so both legs are in back and pull it through one of the holes in the pegboard.  

Then in the back of the board spread the paperclip legs out to the sides, this will ensure your clip doesn't slide off the board when you clip jewelry to the pin. 

I decorated all the pins prior to securing them to the board. Make sure your washi tape is the same width as the clothes pin for a pretty finish. 

There you have it, a super easy and cute alternative to j-hooks. 

Making a Self-Promoting Video

I made  a short video to formally introduce myself and let my readers in on my business.

Let's face it, if you are in direct sales you aren't only selling product, you have to sell yourself as well. Video is one of the best platforms to do this, because it allows viewers to really connect with you.

So let me go into how I shot this video. In this post I won't discuss how to edit your video.

To get started you need to make sure you have your tools, you'll need:

1. Your smartphone.
2. a Selfie Stick or something to prop up your phone. 
3. Whatever props you are going to use in your video (don't be just a talking head).
4. Your BEST Personality - don't be shy!
5. Video editing software on your computer, on a Mac iMovie is the best solution, on a Windows machine MovieMaker is best - they come included with your machines  (Note: there are also video editing apps for your phone but they don't provide as much control). 

No worries, if editing your own video sounds super intimidating, you can hire someone to do the editing for your. There are a ton of pros on Fiverr.com that will do the task for you. 

It's time to plan out  your video, this shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to do:

1. Start by planning out what you are going to say in your video. You don't have to write it down word for word - an outline or some scribbled notes should do.  
2. Gather any props you are going to use - I'm big on providing visuals - you don't just want to be a talking head. 
3. GET DRESSED! This is always a challenge for me because I spend most of the day in PJs (I work from home as an Instructional Designer - no one sees me).  Make sure to put on some makeup - even if you just put on some lipstick it will make a world of difference. Also put on a nice top. Unless you are shooting a full body video - no one will know you are in your husband's boxers. 
4. Decide where you will shoot your video. Pick an uncluttered space with good lighting (you want lots of natural sunlight).  Remove any distracting items around the space where you will shoot your video. Create the ambiance. 
5. Practice what you are going to say in front of a mirror several times, so it's as natural as possible. 

Now, that you have your plan and are all dolled up, it's time to shoot your video.  This is the easiest part. Don't be shy, just let it roll. 

1. Put your phone on Airplane Mode so you won't have any disruptions during recording. 
2. Prop your phone up, you want it to be at eye level with you. Once propped up, take a photo of the background alone. Then set the timer and take a photo with you in front of the background so you can see where you need to stand. You don't want to be too far from the camera. 
3. Hit Record and just start your talking. If you mess up ---- PAUSE yourself, take a deep breath and repeat the line.  You'll want to repeat the same lines at least twice so you can get the best clip for the final edit. 

Once you have recorded your video, all you have to do is transfer your file to your computer. You can do that by either connecting your phone to your computer and dragging and dropping the file to your desktop or using dropbox.com and sending the recording there right from your phone. 

So your homework for today it to go out and shoot your own video! Next time I'll give you some tips for editing your own video. 

How to Make a Professional Looking Poster - Like the Pros

I am a "Gadget Girl".  I love any type of gadget that allows me to get as creative as possible.  There are times when a girl needs a very cool looking poster or print to use for a special event or just to add to a cool looking display.

Creating a cool looking print is easy these days, especially is you lack Photoshop or Illustrator skills. There are a tons of tools out there to help you create, print and laminate your prints.  So I thought I'd share a few tricks I have up my sleeve for getting these done.

Let's start with a cool tool that anyone can use, Canva.com.  Canva is loaded with cool premade layouts that can be altered to fit your needs. You can upload your own photos, add eye-catching text and then save to your desktop or share via social media.  You can then print your design using your inkjet or laser printer.

Here are a couple of designs I've created using Canva.com:


If you still have some hesitation about creating your own designs, then I have a solution for you - it's my other secret weapon - Fiverr.com where you can outsource someone else do complete a task for you for just $5 (the $5 dollar bill is my new favorite monetary fund - I sell $5 jewelry - I can get help for $5 buck - life is sweet)

I'm a Fiverr vendor myself but my time is limited and so when I'm in a crunch, I will hire other Fiverr vendors to help me out.  I recently needed a poster for my charity event fundraiser and I've been overloaded with work, so I turned to Fiverr.

I wanted a retro looking poster, so I turned to Artworkking on Fiverr.  What I got back was simply amazing and it was just $5.

The print was delivered in *.jpg format.  I then printed the flyer using my HP Envy Printer in full color.  Once printed, I laminated the print using my Purple Cow Hot/Cold Laminator (a very cool piece of inexpensive equipment).

There's a lot that can be done with this little laminator and a printer. I plan to share more in later posts. So for now, if you want to create a professional looking poster, give these resources a shot. 

I've love to read your questions and feedback, be sure to leave comments to this post. 

Who are the BEST Leads for Your Direct Sale Business?

Since the move is still in process. I thought I'd share this nugget with all of you.  
I tend to believe that the best reps for me are people who have been reps in the past and are now on hiatus.  

Why? Well because they have already been inducted into the world of direct sales.  The understand the work that needs to be put in to make the money flow in.  People who have been reps for other companies and who walk away after a lot of effort - tend to leave their companies because the products they are pushing are pricey. Let's face it, nowadays people are a lot more budget conscious than in the past - you know the whole recession thing. 

I also believe that people that are currently reps with another company that offers a product that compliments my offering are also completely awesome prospects.  Why? Because most already have a warm client base that they have built a relationship with. 

So if you are a Rep on Hiatus or are currently a rep with a cosmetic company, nail compay, handbag company - I want to talk to you! So let's connect! I have an opportunity for you.

http://5dollarblingfix.com

Who do you believe are your best prospects? 

leave a comment below. 

DIY Recycled Ring Box

I've been a on a display kick lately, I know. I like to have options and I like to prepare for events way in advance. I have a few community events coming up and I want to be ready.

So today, I'm going to share how to make a Ring Box from recycled items. This project requires NO GLUING, NO SEWING, NO COMPLICATED STEPS.  If you are a reluctant crafter - this is an awesome project for you.

Here's what you will need:

1 - old box or box lid - it should be a low profile box.
1 - felt or fabric - old curtains and shirts work well.
1 - bag of cotton balls - on hand or from the $1 store.

Follow These Steps:

1. Cut the fabric to the width of your box and make sure it's 2 - 3 times longer than your box. 
2. Lay your fabric down and place cotton balls in a line on the fabric.
3. Roll the fabric over the cotton balls, then place the fabric with the initial roll in the box.
4. Lift the fabric and place a new line of cotton balls in the box.
5. Lay the fabric over the new line of cotton balls.

Continue doing this until your box insert is complete.

For a visual on how to do these steps, check out my video:

Happy Crafting!

Ring Display Ideas for Your Jewelry Shows

I'm always looking for unique ways to display my items.  Jewelry is one of those things that lends itself to be displays in a ton of creative ways.  Since I created my portable display, I wanted to make a ring display that was also versatile yet inexpensive.

After a lot of thinking and testing out different surfaces I came up with two ideas. I'm only going to share one in this post as the second, I thought a video tutorial would be nice (so wait for that one).
My first ideas was inspired by the spools of thread that I have organized in my sewing room, on a thread rack.

I believe I purchased this at Joanns, it was originally $19.99  and used a 50% coupon ($9.99) along with a 20% off my entire purchase coupon so I paid about $8. 

I had some spray paint sitting around from some other projects I have worked on, so I decided to spray paint the rack black to go along with my display. 

 I had to give it a few good coats to make sure I painted all the surfaces.  But I'm pretty happy with the end result.  

The best part is that I can set this small display in a number of ways:

• It can stand alone on a table
• I can lay it down on a table, or
• I can hang it from my display rack on the back or front. 

As I mentioned, I did work on a different display for my rings, but I will be creating a video tutorial so you can create a similar display for yourself. 

I would love to hear your ideas for ring displays. Share them as comments to this post.