Barefootin' It

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Barefootin' It

by Tracy Martin
(El Centro, CA)

My, not a sandal, sandal?

as it looks being worn

On my lovely foot, lol

This has always been one of my favorite types of anklets. However, I don't see them around very much.

I am not even sure what this type is actually called. I have seen it referred to as barefoot sandal, foot lace and foot thong. Anyone have a clue what they actually are called?

I made this one using blue and clear(AB) seed beads, crystal (AB) flower beads, blue oval disc beads, blue bi-cone crystals and a toggle clasp. I, personally, really like it.

(I never really wanted my feet on display, but oh well, lol)

I could also use some help with the following:

My store is created with a simple template. Although extremely easy to set up, it allows for NO customization what-so-ever, therefore,I created another site I call my showroom where I showcase some of my designs that are available at my store. As it is my first ever website, I would really love some feedback.

Tracy Martin
Nutkittens Jewelry

Comments for
Barefootin' It

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Looking At Your Website
by: Maryanne Murphy

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for sharing your "barefoot sandal" so we could all enjoy it. I see you're from California, and I'm sure that they can easily become the rage in the tween, teen and college age (and beyond)...that perfect accessory to a little bikini.

I did spend some time in your shop and took your invitation seriously. I'm on Etsy and getting feedback is very important to us, which is supplied by a very large helpful community.

Rena has created a wonderful community here in Making Jewelry Now that I highly value.

First let me say that I think you did a splendid job in handling the websites customization limitations. It is obvious that you spent a great deal of time and thought in the design and content of your site.

Their are two suggestions I'd like to pass onto you that were once given to me.

First, when people want to shop they want the information easily at hand. As I mentioned, I loved all the information you supplied, but it took me a while to find out the prices (which are way to reasonable, and with free shipping. I suggest you check out Rena's articles on pricing)
and ordering information. If you are able, I would feature price and purchasing information pages first, and if someone wants more information they can hit the links to back track.

Secondly,photography. And we, who make jewelry have all been in this place. Photography of our items is always evolving. Great photographs are the most important aspect of our listings and what gets people to stop and look. Selling jewelry is difficult online because it can't be touched, tried on or closely examined. By giving our clients the best photographs possible, and from different angels we are giving them the information they need to make a purchasing decision. It is very common for a beautiful piece of jewelry to be passed up because the photography isn't appropriately highlighting the piece.

I found Rena's website because I realized how poor my photographs were (even though I worked so hard) and googled for information on how to improve them. Rena has everything you need to know right here and easily found on her websites.

You have created a wonderful start for your jewelry business. Congratulations and good luck!

Maryanne

Thank you Maryanne
by: Tracy

Thank you so much for looking at my site. I don't know why I didn't think to also put the prices on the items in the showroom, DUH! I would like to, eventually, have the site that is now my showroom be my actual store. The showroom site is done manually, one thing at a time, so it will take me quite awhile to move everything over. My photos, I am working on and replacing them one by one as I can.
I also have a page here about my store. Since I am on disability and could never afford the high-end prices of handcrafted jewelry, I wanted my jewelry to be affordable for people like my self that are on a limited income. (I make a lot of my items from old items that were broken or people donate to me, etc. and I use a lot of glass beads as opposed to gemstones). But, if I get established, then I may raise some prices just a bit.
Thank you very, very, much for you input.
LUVS
Tracy

Tracy's Website
by: Maryanne Murphy

Hi Tracy!

I wanted to really take the time Tracy to look at your website and pass along good advise that was given to me....but I forgot to click on the "tell me when something is published link."

Rena wonderfully wrote to me letting me know that you were trying to find me...and here I am:) I wanted to answer you publicly so that everyone can see what a wonderful community Rena has created here. Behind our jewelry designs and interneting we are all real people with hopes and dreams trying to turn them into reality.

I hope you were able to put the prices on your jewelry in your showroom. We can't all think of everything right away, so it helps to have another pair of eyes looking. I have had so many DUH! moments.

Join the passion for creating jewelry with a limited budget crowd! I to am on disability and totally understand your reasoning behind your pricing.

I'm doing a show at my daughters school (college)soon and am creating items to sell in the $10-$15 range so that the students have the opportunity to purchase something unique and handmade. I also love to donate my jewelry to non-profit organization fundraisers. That may be a way for you to get your jewelry into the hands of the people you are looking for. I just love the fact that something I made can be turned into money to help a cause, and someone gets a piece of nice jewelry too. It's a win, win, win. Keep your eye out for these opportunities in your community. People are so very thankful for your donations.

I'm glad that you are starting the process of improving your photographs. The process is never ending. The one thing I have found out in my jewelry making journey is that everything doesn't have to be perfect right away, or even ever. But taking the leap of faith and committing to the journey starts the process which is always evolving.

The ideas that you have today Tracy, will bloom into the new ideas of tomorrow.

With warm regards,

Maryanne

feedback
by: Michelle Schiller

Hi Tracy,

I checked out your web sites and I think you are off to a good start. I really like the Color Effects Showrooms!! Great idea! And the names you used for the jewelry is very creative; "Pinkies", "Pyrite Delight", fantastic!!

I do think you may want to work on the photography a bit. I have found that shooting outdoors during the day in the shade gives a more realistic representation of the jewelry - I tried shooting with halogen lights in a light box and all the pictures came out with a yellow tint and the shutter on the camera slowed down causing blurriness. ( I am a landscape photographer so I think everything looks better outside.) I agree with Maryanne - we are essentially selling the photos of our jewelry because the customer cannot hold or touch the item. So the photos have to lure the customer in.

Thank you Michelle
by: Tracy (nutkitten)

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for your feedback and for visiting my site. I have some photos that seem to be turning out pretty good, then some, (like purple haze you probably noticed) that seem to get worse and worse. But I'm not giving up!

I also wanted to have more than just shopping on my site but also wanted something different than the usually jewelry stuff and somehow came up with the Colors Showrooms. Right now I am in the process of adding an F.Y.I. section, and whatever else I can come up with, lol.

Again, thank you and I hope that you will revisit in the next few weeks or so and let me know if you see improvements.

Luvs Rena and all!!!

all colors
by: Anonymous

can you make the foot jewelry in diferent colors,like red/blue/yellow,multicolored or are they 1 color only?

colors
by: Tracy

Hi, I can make them in any color you like. There is a contact number on my website for custom orders. I would be happy to discuss it with you.

Custom order
by: Tracy (nutkitten)

Hi Rena and everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know that due to this posting, I received a special order for a customized barefoot sandal.

I am SOOOOOO happy I found Rena's site. Rena and her sites are the best!

Tracy
http://nutkittensjewelry.weebly.com
http://nutkittensjewelry.blogspot.com

Congrats, Tracy!
by: Rena

Tracy, that is so great to hear! I'm really happy for you.

Thank you for giving me so much of the credit - but remember it was YOU who took action by posting your barefoot sandal pics and writeup here! :o)

Woo hoo!

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