favorite shops? new purchase shares? anything you're making?
What do you think of the new/replacement crescent moon wands from kumacrafts? or their new stuff in general?
I'll be honest, I really dislike the new material they're using. It's a lot more transparent. I ended up gifting away the 2 mini compact necklaces I got from them, because you can barely see any color in real life! It's a shame they'll probably redo all of the old designs with these new materials since they're now making them in-house instead of having a third party make them.
For classic/historical inspired stuff
https://www.etsy.com/shop/damesalamode
Time to drop some Japanese Etsy up in this bitch. Use a shopping service like Chibitenshi to order these.
https://minne.com/chimilabo
https://minne.com/rain-maker
https://minne.com/setukanituki
https://minne.com/migratory0
https://minne.com/rikoharry
https://minne.com/rocoparty
https://minne.com/pyokotto
https://minne.com/majonorecipe
>>8886912
>no knotting in between beads to keep the entire strand from spilling if one happens to break it
This bothers me.
>>8887009
I don't think I've ever bought a pearl/beaded necklace with knots in between
>>8887074
My real pearls are the only thing I've seen knotted like that.
>>8887003
Fyi, you don't need a shopping service, just a forwarding service.
>>8886379
another sneak peak they posted today
>>8886379
I haven't bought any in about a year or so now, but I think that the new moon stick is cute. The old one was more screen accurate, but I've heard horror stories of them getting broken in transit.
Do you have any in-hand photos of the new acrylic, btw? The stock/shop photos have a sort of glow to them that I like, but I'd rather see how they look without the whole "we have to sell this" bias. You know what I mean?
I also think this style >>8887243 is fucking adorable, and would happily buy one of each of the cats. (though this is missing the forehead moon mark, so is it part of their Sailor Moon stuff? Or just their generic cute line?)
>>8887003
Oh, nice. Thanks for those.
>>8887243
Does anyone even buy their non sailor moon stuff?
>>8887251
not my pic, but this is a pretty good representation. The necklaces I had were only a tad bit darker, but not as dark/matte as they look in the stock photos.
The new stick is cute, but I wish they would have given a heads-up that the old design would be retired because I definitely would have snagged one up.
>>8887259
Not usually. I think some of their newer non-moon but still magical girl looking stuff sold okay.
I recently started making jewelry to accessorize my coords. It's not particularly original and I'm not sure if I'd open up a shop, especially now that some accessory brands are reopening, but either way I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions.
Sorry for the cheap background but helps my phone pick up the color better.
>>8887538
I think the top two look alright. The laser cut crosses on the bottom two look very out of place and cheapen the look of your jewellery. Either get more detailed looking crossing or just cover those up with the flowers.
Not sure if this is an option for you, but maybe use a bit of gold paint to paint highlights on the edges of your flowers? sorry for the tiny picture
>>8887573
Thanks for your input- I'll definitely look into experimenting with gold paint.
I'm working on wire wrapping some of the stones I have around, the left is a shell cameo though. The stone on the bottom (willow creek jasper, it's more of a dusty rose than the photo shows) is the one I'm wrapping next, in argentium silver
>>8887635
how long does it normally take to wrap pieces like that?
a question for you all; what kinds of themes in jewelry do you think are over done and what do you want more of?
I've been kind of in a rut lately when it comes to art stuff and I've been thinking about branching out into lolita and jfash related jewelry, but I don't want to try and sell things that are over done or that no one wants.
>>8888447
Cameos are a fine line for me. On the one hand they can be a classic lolita staple on the other they're so overdone especially those skeleton ones, that trend was tacky before it even began.
>>8887538
I agree with Anon on the crosses they just seem so out of place among so much filigree.
>>8888447
If you just want to experiment and not care about making money, then price low and make:
- cute resin rings/pendants (hearts, stars, etc)
- bead bracelets in all colors
- headbows in all colors
- cameo necklaces
- simple ribbon chokers
- bow brooches
If you want to make non-overrated items priced higher (these will draw in less buyers though):
- decorated bracelets (more than just a string of pearls or beads. Even a gold chain with pendants is a major improvement over most of this market.)
- ear cuffs (well liked, but little variety in the jfashion market in the west)
- fancy necklaces/chokers (four strings of pearls = OTT classic crowd pleaser)
- gothic rings that aren't bones/cameos (there was a brand that did a stabbed heart)
Overdone things are overdone because there is a constant inflow of people who want to buy basics like cameos, flower or star cabochon jewelry. But it's all fairly low-quality and only cheaply priced items really sell.
>>8887538
If you want to use the crosses, paint them gold. They look cheap as they are.
>>8886368
making.... so much stuff
I have 2 weeks till con and I'm so behind. Still haven't got my silver order into shop so I have no silver made at all. The last 4 or 5 days before con I will prolly not sleep more than an hour or 2
pic somewhat related.
>>8888437
An hour or two usually
>make gothic jewelry
>have trouble finding components (charms, etc.) i would like to use in my designs
just watched a dozen resin tutorial videos. no more scrolling through Taoabo reseller listings hoping for something dark, but not aggressive or corny or cutesy. it is time for me to craft my own charms.
Hahahah I read the fahrenheit instructions instead of the celsius ones.
T-thanks, Sculpey.
>>8890603
>>8890603
call it "Cancer Bat the Tumescant"
>>8886379
>kumacrafts
The new stuff definitely looks cheaper, especially with the weird hot pinks. I like the detailing more, but that's about it.
Also, I always see so many people do Sailor Moon items from these indie brands. Couldn't this be seen as a copyright issue? There used to not be many modern SM official items, but with shitty Crystal, they've been pumping out official jewelry in full force. Usually when this happens, there's more creeping on Etsy's and fanmade stuff to get take down. Has anyone seen indie creators having problems with this, regarding Sailor Moon specifically?
>>8890603
Is that a mole shaped as a heart?
>>8890603
sculpey's cooking instructions get me every time
>blah blah cook it for this much
>k
>>8892030
and here's a pic of it after the reccomended time of 10 minutes (was on fire after 7). outside. burning sculpey smells like shit, most invasive and awful smell i've ever had to deal with in my lifetime.
in the future I just cooked my stuff in the toaster oven for 2-3 minutes and have never had any problems.
learned my lesson.
>>8892031
yikes
>>8887009
it also keeps pearls from rubbing the patina off of each other but okay. Turquoise doesn't exactly need it, though it still is a softer stone and needs delicate care.
>>8892028
bro
>>8890603
I made a rather nice chibi slenderman a few years back and overcooked him, it stank and made him look like he took a shotgun round to the back of the head.
How do you feel about acrylic brooches? I want to make some for lolita but I'm afraid that acrylic would look too cheap since many existing stores only use wood or resin.
>>8892489
lolitas will wear anything that goes with a print. your crowd may be on the sweet side so design accordingly.
>>8892026
I haven't. I've always been shocked that kumacrafts has been allowed to run unchecked DESU. Epsecially since, as you said, they're now releasing so much official merchandise.
>order a generic metal charm in bulk
>order arrives, but it is entirely wrong
>inform seller, ask for exchange for correct charm
>get refunded instead
>ask if they have the correct charm in stock
>no answer
apparently i get to keep a bunch of charms i do not need. what are the ethics when it comes to this kind of thing? is it fine to just resell the stock since i cannot use it?
>>8892031
rubilax never deserved this
>>8886368
Did she ever update?
>>8887538 here, just wanted to make a small update. I went and colored the crosses gold so hopefully they dont look as cheap (compared to blue rose cross). I may try experimenting with texturizing or embossing to make the overall piece more coherent. Also worked on a couple designs since you guys seemed to like the top two from the original post. Thanks >>8888484 and >>8889219 for your replies!
Adding a few other things I've been working on. Feedback welcome!
>and sorry for weird background again
>>8895190
No. Last I heard she was having some sort of allergic reaction to resin and she couldn't work on any of her pieces.
Also, kumacrafts posted another new item that will be up later today. I'm really not digging the new style at all. Too cutesy. Shame, I think the old designs will just be retired. I wish she gave people notice and one last chance to order them!
>>8895439
Sorry, but the crosses still look cheap. You can get metal crucifixes for seriously cheap on eBay. If you don't like the look of that, look into resin or clay casting. They will look better than painted wood.
>>8890582
Frames and silhouette type themes should suit you well. Print out some black and clear transparencies and they should be pretty gothic for your liking with a few (if any) embellishments.
>>8895460
I've actually been trying to make some resin copies but they all turned out too translucent or a weird color. I'll work with it some more over the weekend. Thanks!
>>8895468
I think making the mold deeper by gluing several of the wooden ones together and sealing those for a smoother appearance would help eliminate the issue of transparency.
Best of luck anon! Looking forward to the results.
>>8895472
Thanks so much for the advice! I'll definitely try it out!
>>8895448
They just updated. Old Crescent Moon, Old Cutie Moon, and all of the old Moon compact brooches are gone.
>>8895439
The gold cross is too bright. Try antique gold embossing powder and see how that works out, it'll look more cohesive. The gold/purple one does look a lot less jarring than the blue/wood one, though.
>>8895439
I am really digging the bug ones! please link your shop when they are available!
Just got me some Voodooodolly fuck yeaaa
>>8895627
Her new designs are cute but so damn generic. Maybe they look better in person, but something about her old stuff just looked better.
>>8897743
They're not as well made in my opinion. The stuff made exclusively with her in-house machine isn't nearly as good as they stuff they had made when they were using a third party company.
The material itself is thinner/feels cheaper (and likely is, considering that they can pump out 837894 colors of every thing now) and they're using less components... before the pieces had engraved sections, most if the items had actual layers of material to add texture and an overall professional look, now the pieces are less detailed. (Yet it's the same price, or sometimes more.) They're also much more cutesy than they used to be, they almost look like "chibi-ified" versions of the designs.
>>8892031
Whoa, whoa, what kind of sculpey are you even using? Every time I've used it it tells you to bake at a fairly low temp (250-275 degrees F) or a half an hour+ based on thickness. Catching pieces on fire after 7 minutes is insane...
Pic related, made the "stone" out of polymer clay, though it was mostly Primo, not Sculpey. Temps aren't much different though.
>>8897881
Not that anon, but mine says ~220 Fahreinheit or ~160 Celsius..
And 220 Celsius is real fuckin' hot.
>>8892031
It doesn't just smell bad, it's toxic as fuck. You really need to be careful about breathing near burnt polymer clay items. They actually recommend you don't do it in ovens you use for food because if you burn it, the oven is then contaminated.
>>8898604
do you yourself have two ovens?
or is a toaster oven fine?
>>8892031
holy shit rip rubilax
>>8897881
That's really cool! How did you get the "stone" to look like an agate? Also, how did you do the setting? Is it all beaten copper or did you cast it?
>>8898647
When I used to use sculpey, I did. But it wasn't on purpose, I'd love to be rich enough to afford double kitchen appliances, the kitchen where I was staying was being renovated and they let me keep the old oven in the "utility room" for a while. A dedicated toaster oven is perfectly fine.
>>8887635
Anon your stuff is gorgeous, I have completely forgotten the correct term but do you hit out your own wire to get it so wide and smooth or is there wire pre existing like that?
>>8898980
I've got a pasta roller for clay, I used it to get a sort of soft swirly gradient effect (just sitting there running it through, folding, trying again til it looks 'good') then for the last pass through the roller I sprinkled crumbled clay scraps (if you don't condition some of the harder clay brands first, they make crumblies.)
It's pretty much trial and error. Once I have a clay sheet that looks good I lay it over pre formed cabochon shapes and squish it down. After it's baked I fill a big dish with water, and use Testors model sandpapers to wet sand it, and finish with one of disposable nail sanding/polishing blocks. It gives the finished piece a pretty realistic smooth satin finish.
Setting: cut two identical thin sheets of copper
Cut hole in top sheet to match cab, anneal.
Put over cab and tap with hammer to start shape.
Tap, anneal, repeat. attach top to bottom (flat sheet) with rivets.
(Sorry for how long this post is. Yikes.)
>>8899029
thanks! it's just square wire and half round wire
>>8896331
£29 for shipping two rings makes it just not worth it for despite how beautiful her stuff is.
>can ship entire hauls for that price
>>8886368
>>8895190
>>8886532
Sauce?
>>8903184
And I'm going to be at work when they drop. My piece of shit phone better cooperate.
>>8903427
They're Mossbadger, anon.
>>8903184
HELL YES
glad to hear she's doing better (and it wasn't a resin allergy) too!
>>8893426
Usually if a company sends you the wrong order, you get to keep that order anyway. I've had it happen with fabric before, although obviously the store couldn't just sell the pre-cut fabric on to another customer anyway.
You should be fine to resell them, but it might be worth trying to incorporate them into a new design.
>>8901677
>£29
Fuck. She must have a cheaper shipping option ..
Mossbadger update is live.
I don't mean to sound ungrateful but um? Where are all the portrait brooches and rosettes she kept posting in her work-in-progress photos, this one from January just being one example? I've been waiting months for these... and all she posted was one portrait necklace which she's used before, and one portrait rosette.
>>8904443
Yeah, I know... I did grab a few things though! Very excited!
>>8904443
Lolita Collective has some events coming up so I'm assuming most of them went to Nakakon and maybe C2E2 this month?
>>8904443
She posted on her personal fb that when she put them away because she thought she was having an allergic reaction, some of her resin pieces got fucked up somehow. She said it would take a little while to fix them and asked people if she should update with what she had or wait until those were done, and people told her to update with what she had.
>>8904452
That's great! What did you end up grabbing?
>>8904457
Probably. It really sucks that it's impossible to get so much of her stuff unless you travel to these events. Especially since half of this update was ouija stuff she's already sold online in big batches twice, and there's a few "working on!" photos where you can see the portrait brooches WIP... just never make it online.
>>8904443
What a disappointing update.
>>8905924
I'm on a phone so I can't cap but she just posted on FB about the portrait brooches. I wonder if she is a gull?
Also even if we are tired of the ouija stuff it seems almost all of it sold out in a day, so someone still wants it.
>>8905998
The ouija stuff disappoints me because in the last few updates she posts so much of it compared to her unique pieces. But you can find ouija necklaces and ouija brooches in abundance, mass produced and otherwise, whereas you can't find pretty rosettes and nicely made portrait jewelry (aka hand cast frames, properly coated etc).
>>8906058
>pretty rosettes
I got you anon
>>8906058
Yeah but look how many of the ouija items have sold, vs. how many of the rosettes are still in stock. If she puts so many ouija things up and they all sell, you can't blame her for wanting to make those dollars.
>>8906330
Oh I don't blame her for wanting to make money at all! I'm just feeling down because after waiting so long for an update to the shop, it's 50% items she's posted in abundance, and I already have a ouija necklace and brooch from her. To be honest some of the rosettes she updated with this time don't seem up to her usual quality, pic related. I wonder if she ended up rushing a few because of how late the update was due to getting behind because of the skin reaction.
>>8906183
This is more well-made than I expected it to be.
How much you guys want to bet the portrait brooches are going to cost more and everyone begging for them is going to use the price as a reason to not buy them. Like no one here is ever happy with anything, there's always something.
I dunno, I'm pretty happy with my Mossbadger gets. Definitely wish there were more portrait thingies and rosettes. Forever dreamin' bout one of those mushroom rosettes.
>>8887003
Bookmarked all of these, thanks anon! What is this site though, some sort of Japanese etsy?
>>8907873
>>8907873
I mean in this case there is a reason to be annoyed, because the portrait brooches and portrait rosettes have been in multiple sneak peek photos, then what we got was 50% ouija stuff that's sold in bulk by mossbadger standards, then a bunch of crown rosettes, a few substandard rosettes, and misc stuff like a leg necklace. It's also been brought up on the past how mossbadger trends to make oodles of stuff for conventions, but only upload a handful of things online, making it frustrating to buy her items, so yet another update round without items she's become known for is a bummer.
I can't imagine why they would cost more, when she said on her Facebook that they were defective and she would be discounting them. I could see people deciding not to buy them if they're defective, because not everyone wants to pay for something that's lesser in quality.
>>8907881
>filename
>ouji-a
careful pls, the ouija trend makes it even harder to find ouji related items due to that specific typo
>>8907939
oh shoot, thanks
knew it sounded too close to oo jia too, wasn't even thinking about that. my bad!
>>8907892
Dude, we get it. You're disappointed. Didn't someone in a previous thread say they just messaged her and she custom made them what they wanted? Complaining here repeatedly that she didn't upload what you wanted isn't helpful. Message her or post on her Facebook.
>>8908152
>Complaining here repeatedly that she didn't upload what you wanted isn't helpful
Calm down. I'm responding to someone else's comment, which suggested that the only reason there's complaints is that there's "always something to complain about" and that when she does upload portrait stuff people will just find a reason to complain and "not buy them." In this case, the reason people have complained is that it took forever between updates, there was an expectation of what items would be sold, and some people are disappointed because what she uploaded wasn't what was expected. That's a legitimate reason. She flat out said the portrait stuff will be defective and discounted, so "they're going to cost more and then people won't buy, there's always something!" doesn't hold up.
>Didn't someone in a previous thread say they just messaged her and she custom made them what they wanted?
No, IIRC, they said that they contacted her saying what type of pieces they liked and she showed them pictures of what she intended for her online updates, and sold them the stuff they picked out before uploading for the public.
>>8908167
She custom made prizes for an event in my comm so she does take custom orders at least sometimes. On Facebook she said she would make more portrait items after the discounted stuff too.
>>8907873
Nah, she could make them more expensive and still sell out. People might complain but they'd still buy.
>>8901677
If you have any friends in America she's willing to ship to them
does Moss Marchen only sell at cons now?
Shameless self post WIP. There are never enough stained glass accessories, so I'm going to make a bunch. Found my kit, and these are only a couple minutes of adding a backpin and melting the top ring away from being brooches instead of pendants where desired.
Complete newbie to making jewelry, where should I look for supplies like those little frames, chains, etc? Is anything on ebay worth looking at?
I'm not looking to sell straight away or anything, just want to tinker a few bits together for myself.
>>8914733
Do you sell these?
>>8907885
>dropping some Japanese etsy!
>what is this, some sort of Japanese etsy?
....
>>8915361
I plan to open an etsy store when I finish some pieces. I'm still waiting on a lot of supplies though, like stickers, jump rings, chains, and keychain hooks. Also wanting to liven the colours up with mylar flakes to give the impression of real stained glass.
>>8915477
Awesome! Do you have any ideas of other images you'll be using? Is it all stained glass/religious type stuff so far?
>>8915485
Mostly that, but I've got a fondness for forest things, so I have a lot of cute autumn backgrounds that I will be adding cute stickers of mushrooms and little animals to in the resin foreground.
Hey. Can somebody tell me how much MossBadger's portrait brooches normally cost on release?
>>8915490
Sounds divine. I'll buy anon
Are Mossbadger's rosettes sewn or glued, does anybody know?
>>8919272
Both. The metal middle part is glued down and the ribbons are stitched. My dog tried to eat mine and I pulled it apart to try to salvage the unchewed part of it. I can report that sucker was sturdy too.
>>8919256
Out of curiousity, what would you pay for it? Making a shop listing right now. I have them at 12 USD roughly, and a little extra for pendant or ring options.
What sort of amount would you guys want to pay for a pretty detailed rosette? I've been shopping around and I can't tell when people are overcharging. I can understand things will cost more if they're all handstitched and details like chains and attached charms are handmade, or they have things like embroidery.
>>8919289
Probably about $30 absolute maximum.
>>8919215
usually $8 or so
>>8919286
not that anon, but I'd have to see clear photos of the finished product
>>8919286
$12-15 for a necklace, $12 for a ring, $10 for a brooch. It looks sturdy and well made, and if you have more details or add more finishing touches the price can definitely go up a bit more.
>>8919289
Mossbadger overcharges, imo
>>8922840
That's not really helpful if you don't say what you think is a proper price.
>>8922840
>>8922880
Not that person, but I think it depends on the rosette, for me anyway. like the Little Red Riding Hood one here >>8906378 is way under her normal quality, so I wouldn't pay what she was asking. But then there are other rosettes which are more complex and better quality. Personally I limit myself to about $18 or so. I usually only pick up mossbadger stuff on sale or as part of special sets/lucky packs.
On that note, mossbadger uploaded several new rosettes today--mostly easter themed--and has the rosettes from the previous update on sale.
>>8919976
Readjusted the price and shipping on my listing, should be more reasonable now.
>>8897843
This is such a shame. I never bought the things I wanted, assuming that given more time she would perfect the process and they would be easier/cheaper. Looks like that bit me in the ass
>>8924139
You're not the only disappointed one.
Anyone got links to cute frame brooches like pic related? Mossbadger is sold out, I've had a look on Etsy but I can't find much.
I would ever support her business but fuck me do I really want this
>>8930067
I would make some if my molds were here.
>>8930657
Don't feel too bad. You'd probably never receive it, by the reviews I've seen.
These slap-bead bracelets (as I call em) are kinda easy to make. At first I thought they were difficult but after hours of staring at the construction pattern I finally figured it myself. So its kinda like 1 bead at first then branch out to 2 beads then 3 on the next one then 5 and so on. However making them by hand is such a slo0o0o0ow process. Its sunrise when I started doing it and it is already nighttime when I looked out the window again. Perfect for those "needing to chop the boring clock". Doing these stuff makes time fly. Really.
>>8930704
I don't understand the appeal of this or perler shit. It just doesn't look aesthetically good to me. Do you like it for the quirkyness? The fun in making it?
>>8930705
If you look closely at the patterns of >>8930704
its totally different compared to perler shit. Perler is shit because the bead arrangedment is just "stacked" unlike that one.
>>8930067
I'm making some but I suck at it. Maybe in a few months.
>>8930067
When my molds arrive I'll make some.
>>8930067
Check the resin thread, you can probably ask someone to make one for you!
>>8904461
Late but I heard she's going to the Under the Sea event in Europe. So if you're in that area, hopefully she'll have some of those limited pieces that everyone wants!
>>8931017
That's a good shout anon, I'll do that
Sage for no contribution
>>8930705
I'd never wear perler jewlery with lolita, but I do love making it and wearing it with like normal clothes and nerdy stuff 'cause it's so easy to translate pixel art.
>>8931810
Check the archives. Basically, all her stuff is shit irl, she takes centuries to ship, and when it finally arrives it reeks of smoke.
Hey does anybody know if Loctite Ultra Gel works on acrylic? I need to attach a metal charm on laser acrylic. I hear Loctite is good but i'm not sure if it dries clear and works for metal on acrylic.
>>8938050
Wait what? I've never had a single problem and I own like 20 pieces from her.
I'm just getting into wire wrapping and it's a lot of fun. I need a hell of a lot more practice before I start using nice wire and stones, but I figure I've got to suck at first before I can get decent at it.
One thing I haven't figured out is how to not scar the hell out of the wire. I bought some nylon ripped pliers but the damn things are too slippery to be any use. Any tips, gulls?
>>8942673
*tipped pliers, not ripped. My pliers don't work out.
>>8942676
Use something rubbery on the end that'll have some non-slippery grip?
>>8942673
Try wrapping them in electrical tape. They also sell things like tool magic that you dip your pliers in to get a rubbery covering that can be peeled off pretty easily when it gets all worn down and gross.
>>8938474
Pics for proof?
>>8938474
You're in the minority, anon.
>>8930067
This mold just arrived for me. Any of them tickle your fancy?
>>8943487
Not that anon but source please? These look really nice.
>>8945074
I got them here. Using them for my creepy Bloodborne portraits.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/3D-Mirror-Frame-Silicone-Fondant-Mould-Cake-Decorating-Chocolate-Baking-Mold-Kit/32448610080.html
If you are a creator, does anyone have any stories of tabling at a con or sending items to the lolita collective? I'm an new-ish indie maker and I would love to attend specific lolita related events like rufflecon.
I attend local cons and do fairly well, but have never traveled for a con so breaking even for the traveling expenses are a little intimidating.
Would love to hear from anyone ! Or just general stories of indie makers and their booths at these events are totally welcome too.
>>8945241
Thank you!
>>8945329
I don't know how far you're willing to travel or how much you make at cons on average, but I'd say you need to focus on making more at local cons until you have enough money to justify not breaking even, just in case. If you're planning to travel to a large, well-known con and all your local cons are tiny with barely any different customers, it's worth going, but if the numbers are about the same it's best to wait.
If you're unsure how to get more people to your table at a bigger con, bring something to make while you're at your table, it tends to draw people in and you're less likely to run out of stock. If you're good at working quickly and don't mind interacting with people, consider doing commissions. Even something as basic as a simple custom bracelet or quickly sewing ribbon roses onto a premade pair of wristcuffs will attract people.
>>8945699
Thanks for the suggestions anon. My city is pretty bouncing with cons, but I feel its almost a problem since there are so many that people get sick of them here. I've done lots of 1 day events and only did one 3 day in a neighboring city (although that one went awesome).
I'm trying to register for 3 day cons this year unfortunately the largest one has been pre-sold out for the last 2 years since they do a weird "if you were here this year we will let you come back!" thing where its now impossible for new tables to join the flock.
I've honestly never really thought it would be possible to do commissions for jewelry/accessories but you have some great ideas! I'll brain storm more on how to set up a commissioning system that would be manageable. Again thank you so much anon
I've put together some cute little book locket charms, but I'm not sure what to put inside them. The spaces inside are so tiny. What do you think you'd rather find inside? Images? Little dried flowers? A folded up passage from a book or some sort?
>>8946842
Maybe do something like this?
>>8946868
Sadly, the oval bits are about 15x9mm, so I might only get 1 or two words in there. I might get away with printing tiny pages and flattening the clasps, but it wouldn't be able to stay shut anymore.
![HTB100tmIXXXXXa4XVXXq6xXFXXXg[2].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/M2araQh.jpg "HTB100tmIXXXXXa4XVXXq6xXFXXXg[2].jpg")
>>8946842
>>8946875
If you take requests you can do initial letters -- download one of those decorative curly fonts, print them out, modge podge them and add them to the books, on both sides or one side. (both sides would make for a cute subtle couples' jewellery, imo.).
Considering what you described is roughly the size of a nail, I'd suggest taking a look at nail stickers, and the beads and things designed to go on nails. If you have the height for it you can try to fit a nail charm into one of the ovals, otherwise stick to stickers and really thin things.
>>8946910
Those are both fantastic ideas. Thanks!
I finally got to put some of my book lockets to use. My assistant manager at work wanted me to make something for his GF, who likes Beauty and the Beast as much as I do, but more because she's the smartest Disney princess. Found a nice custom Kingdom Hearts style Station of Awakening design and coloured it.
>>8895439 here, hope it's okay to keep posting. The resin threads have been really helpful and I've been experimenting with using and making molds, embedding charms, etc. so I definitely want to work with resin more these days. These are mostly works-in-progress and test pieces but concrit welcome!
>>8954007
Oh gosh, I love these! Especially the gold cross pieces and the lone bee.
>>8954007
Your pieces look so much better! Congrats on the improvement, anon, please keep posting!
I think embedding silver flakes in some of these would really make them look amazing.
>>8954007
I really like your work anon, especially the coffins and the bees. I would buy in a heartbeat.
I'm less sure about the frames bottom left though. Ir's hard to see the image details on my screen but the contrast between the solid black frames and muted colour images (esp. sepia) seem a bit stark - not sure if highlighting frames, using a softer colour for them or bolder images would help? The frame design is super pretty though, so I hope you can compliment it somehow..
>>8954007
Those little filigree bird cages are adorable. I'm really fond of your cross stuff, and the bee with the crown!
I made this today. I really hope I get my other frame molds soon.
>>8954007
Hey anon, drop your etsy shop, I want to buy shit from you.
>>8954007
Would you mind dropping a link to your etsy/blog/whatever? I'd really love to buy these from you. The trapped insects are so beautiful!
>>8899029
is the term "work hardening"? ive heard that used when someone smacks a wire in-between 2 things to make it harder/wide
>>8954188
I would add a couple extra small flowers to the top corner so it hides the green part. Lovely!
>>8954188
This is really lovely.
>>8954007
I'm just going to be honest here- while it does look like you've improved, the crosses in round backs look excatly like voodoodollys rings and the frames look exactly like mossbagder. also, your doming resin is spilling over in the moth one, so watch that
Does anyone have suggestions on where to buy nice gloves for summer? I'm looking on etsy and a lot of them don't list sizes, why??
>>8954007
Anon, I really need some of your insect and cross pieces, drop links (gull discount please)
>>8956267
>the frames look exactly like mossbagder
>only one person is allowed to put pictures inside generic resin frames!!! YEARS AND YEARS
Yikes
>>8955232
>>8956224
I'll keep that in mind, thanks!
>>8956319
Not that anon, but I took that to heart, and SEAGULL is now a 10%off discount coupon at DreamCathedral.
>>8956365
>>8956491
Not trying to start anything here really, I just gave my opinion because anon asked for concrit. Also, isn't it always a little more exciting and fulfilling to do something that you don't already see everywhere? Try somtehing not already heavily available in the resin jewelry community? If your pieces are easily reminescent of work that been done and is currently being made, why not work on developing something new? This resin anon obviously has skill and can learn and improve, so maybe this will push them to make even better things
>>8956564
There's a pretty big demand for frames, and Mossbadger is only one gal who can't keep up the supply all by herself. I would argue that some people might appreciate other options.
Does anyone knows a shop with gold chandelier Accessoires or jewlery?
>>8956564
>Also, isn't it always a little more exciting and fulfilling to do something that you don't already see everywhere
Saying someone's stuff looks "exactly like Mossbadger" is you saying that Mossbadger is the oooooonly person to make frame jewelry like that or that her frame jewelry is somehow distinct enough to not be "copied.". She's not. And she rarely updates, and when she does it's maybe with 4-5 items at best, which is not nearly enough for the large market of people who want that style.
>>8954007 here, I didn't expect so many responses! Thank you to everyone who replied, I appreciate all the critique and suggestions.
>>8956267
>>8956365
I'm definitely aware they look like Voodooodolly and Mossbadger items. It had been suggested to use more ornate crosses in place of the wooden ones I had been using before so I went and made some test pieces... and I do agree they look too much like VD. I'll just continue using wooden crosses for my personal jewelry instead. The frame pieces were tests and I should have a couple new things to post later this week that aren't quite so similar to MB.
Also I'll work on setting up social media and maybe a shop later (once I can consistently come out with good quality pieces). Thanks again for the feedback!
>>8956267
Mossbadger only uses pre-made frame molds (the most people ones available on AliExpress) and printouts of other people's paintings. There's nothing unique or original about them whatsoever.
>>8956426
This looks awesome!
>>8957036
Whatever anon, your stuff looks good. I might buy from you soon here if you get a shop up. Do you do bangles/bracelets?
does anyone have a good method for making deco cream? I don't have access to silicone or paper clay, and I don't have the funds at the moment to order some online...
http://creamyalamode.storenvy.com/
Self-post. It's pretty much all pastels, but I think I'm going to start making the frame brooches in black. I never do enough black. Concrit welcome, but I already know my photos suck butt, so please don't remind me. Custom items welcome. I have resin and dyes on hand.
>>8957293
Just put silicone caulk in a pastry bag. Costs like $5-10 for everything.
I need a new laser cutting company...I love the one I'm currently with but they don't offer any glitter acrylic sheets and they don't accept custom material.. Ugh . Any suggestions?
>>8957321
I saw some neat looking silhoutte laser cutting machine at Michaels for less than $150 CAD.
>>8957293
Daiso makes something the deco girls are really crazy about. I can't remember what it is though!
I'm sooo helpful!
>>8957293
There were some tutorials in the last few deco threads iirc, there was a good one for making glittery whip.
For solid colors I'd say buying the ready made whip is best.
Sorry about your financial situation but there's not much you can do without silicone or online ordering. Please don't try things like the glue+shaving foam crap, it's going to turn out shit and you'll have wasted your money on something that looks like a deflated marshmallow. Wait until you have cash to get into deco because you will end up regretting it otherwise.
>>8957253
I did these for myself a couple of weeks ago, but they're pretty basic "put a cross on it!" stuff. Is there anything in particular you'd like me to try?
Also, I went and made an instagram account but apologies if I post and delete things while I get used to IG (I don't really use social media).
>http://www.instagram.com/hexengarten
>>8959008
I would love to see more rosary bracelets. I'm really fond of what you've made so far. Do you have a good supplier for crosses? I am having trouble finding good bulk quantities for a reasonable price. Also, if you plan on starting up an Etsy shop, use this link.
http://etsy.me/1Siwjbf
It gives us both 40 free listings, as opposed to paying 20 cents every time.
>>8954188
I thought this was Honey Boo Boo Child at first and am actually kind of disappointed.
>>8886912
Wrong type of end/clasp, the strands will not stack correctly in a necklace like this without at least end spacers. This is the reason I don't like much indie/amature pieces. They often over-charge for what is usually crafty-store quality materials and very basic construction. There are indie artisans who are exceptions but there aren't very many in lolita, I mostly see craft-level.
>>8962037
>Google honey boo boo child
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
>>8959008
What are you using to attach the pearls to one another? Are they eyepins?
>>8962031
I actually bought these crosses from a local jewelry and beading store. If you have a store near you I encourage you to check it out and see what kind of trinkets they have. It's worth it to see the items in-person, and afterwards you could probably find similar pieces online for cheaper. Thanks for the link, hopefully I can decide on a shop name soon.
>>8962126
Yeah, they're eyepin chains. There's lots of YouTube tutorials available, although they take a while to get the hang of. Eventually you can sort of eye the length of wire you'll need. I would definitely recommend you buy a set of pliers with a needlenose, round tip, and wire cutters when you're starting out. This is a slow thread but let me know if you need any help or advice!
>>8946842
I'm a little late, but tiny pressed flowers would be adorable! Maybe like these (but pressed flat of course)?
>>8959008
Please make a shop, or just sell something to me. I need one of your rosary bracelets and a queen bee in my life.
>tfw just filed federal taxes as a business for the first time
oh my fucking brain. save ALL your receipts, gulls, and record everything as you go. keep separate files for materials, online listing fees, storage, supplies, internet/data plan, literally anything you can think of that you pay for to get your business running. divide into categories and itemize the fuck out of everything.
i wish i was more organized about all this, scrabbling last minute is not fun. but damn it feels good to get it done. fucking A.
>used to have a mediocre resin etsy shop, did okay in sales but nothing
>closed it down because life
>give up on resin
>two years later someone messages me saying they wish i would open up again
Well, shit. Maybe I can try again. made me feel nice to see that message.
>>8968804
>nothing substantial***
Oops
>>8968804
you can do it anon!!
I made fake sweets jewelry (well I'm still in the process, they have to completely dry before I'm gonna add the findings), is anyone interested in seeing them?
>>8968842
I would lile to see them, anon!
>>8968869
here they are! it's my first attempt at this sort of thing, and i'm not entirely happy with how the biscuits turned out texture wise, but theyre still ok1
i'm a little bummed i made the chocolate on one of them a bit wonky, but it's alright since they will be kind of covered by hair anyways because i made them to be earrings
>>8968869
>>8968928
here's the large biscuit, it's going to be a broach or a necklace
theyre all made out of paper clay except for the chocolate which is glaze+acryllic
>>8968928
If it helps at all, looking at this picture immediately made me hungry. There's room for improvement, but damn. They look pretty tasty to me, anon.
>>8968928
Now I want chocolate biscuits.
Still noodling around with wire wrapping. This one is so tacky and craft store-y and I'd never wear it...and I can't remember the last time I had so much fun making a piece of jewelry. I'm definitely making the type of jewelry I'd like to make, not the type I'd like to wear, haha.
This thread and the resin thread is making me want to get into casting for sure.
>>8968970
Do it anon, resins pretty rad.
>started during spring break
>now back at college in a dorm and can't do it since there's nowhere for that shit to cure
>just wanna get home even more
>>8943487
Anon looking for brooches here, I really, REALLY like the one on the right. What were you thinking of putting in the frame?
>>8969830
I've been making a lot, and putting all sorts of things inside. Mostly baroque/edwardian/victorian portraits, but it seems my most popular is the paintings from Bloodborne. (Going by the views in my shop) I'll be adding Boy With Apple (From The Grand Budapest Hotel) later today, and a couple from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. (Round one at the bottom right is a custom request).
I'm always open to requests.
Any good places to get hats or bonnets suitable for lolita? I desperately need more in my life.
>>8970056
Since I asked I'll share a few that I know of
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MissDangerShop
http://apatico.net/millinery-headdress-headpiece
http://lolitabutiken.se/index.php/accessoarer/hattar-mossor-bahytter.html
>>8970053
Anon, PLEASE let me know where I can buy those Dio/Jojo's frames. I would absolutely love them!
>>8970053
the jojos are wonderful for private use but using modern pieces and fanart is kinda not cool at all if you're selling
>>8970053
Link to your shop?
>>8970083
>>8970103
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamCathedral
>>8970088
Like I mentioned, the fanart one was a custom request that someone had shared. I wouldn't be putting it up for general sale in my shop. Using official art/screenshots only for fandom stuff as to not be a dick to awesome artists.
>>8970123
>Using official art/screenshots only
That's still not your art
>>8970129
And I'm not claiming that it is, but welcome to the general reality of framed brooches, and Etsy.
>>8970135
only cunts trying to make a buck do that shit. make your own or get off. just because it's the 'reality' of it doesn't mean you need to contribute. it's the worst when people make dumb excuses for this shit.
>waaah but everyone else does it. it's not myyyy fault, i just do it too to keep up!!!!11
>>8970135
I don't really get this logic. You don't have to own a shop or make anything, so why try to pass this off as talent? All you did was buy the pieces and assemble it. This isn't work or talent or even creativity. Why not instead of taking art that isn't yours, contact artists you like and make some sort of deal with them to do this for their items and charge an assembly fee.
>>8970137
If I could paint a classical masterpiece anon, I probably wouldn't be dicking around with little resin crafts to begin with.
>>8970146
the point is you don't need to even be making little resin crafts. like, what even is the point if you're just putting shit together that doesn't belong to you. like, you literally printed out some disney screencaps, cut them out and then set them in the frames.
>>8970146
If the cutest part of the thing you're making is the part someone else made why are you making anything at all.
>>8970152
This. Or like I suggested, collaborate with an artist you like and see if they'd want your charms made. They're not bad, they're just not creative...
>>8970145
>why try to pass this off as talent
I'm not?
>>8970148
>>8970152
This is just a fun little hobby for me. I make things for my own tastes, but don't want to stop just there. Assembly and juxtaposition is pretty much 95% of resin crafts. I don't make my own stickers, molds, or findings. I just arrange stuff until I find it aesthetically pleasing. I could make my own art, but I don't feel like my own drawing talent is up to par, or would translate well to that kind of craft. Especially since it doesn't look good coloured. It's not even a worry for me if people don't buy the things I've arranged, but if I put my own art up for sale in those frames, I would probably be disheartened by the lack of views or purchases after a while.
>>8970166
That's not the point. Licensed artwork and fan art used without permission are not findings. you're stealing to make your own stuff which you're selling. It's different if you just enjoy making it but selling it is in really bad taste. There are tons of things you could use instead, try scrapbooking sections, there's tons more opportunity for creativity and they would still be unique in a way that people would buy. At present you're just riding on the artwork and not so much the arranging you claim.
As said, no one is forcing you to make artwork so your excuses seem really selfish since you're at present, selfishly selling other's work.
I've asked before but I'll ask again because I'm a dummy who forgot to screenshot the comments:
Starting my Etsy this summer so I'd like to hear if you guys have any wishes for accessories.
My only criterion is that it involves relatively small beads/pendants because I work with delicate wire and the little heart links can stretch out if the pendant/earring's too heavy.
Also, any concrit on what I have now would be much appreciated!
>>8970173
I like frame brooches, I like making said brooches, and I noticed other people want them too. All of the ones I make that I enjoy but don't have outfits for, will be given away to local friends or put up in my shop in case it just happens to be the right thing for someone else. Maybe it's selfish and in bad taste, but I'm not scrutinizing or analyzing it as deeply as that.
>>8970253
>Tons of people do it so it can't be bad!!
Do you even hear yourself
>>8970253
someone has been stirring shit in generally nice threads. i would ignore anything that is hyper critical and full of profanity as a rule, but lately there has been a pattern of it that feels inauthentic and trollish.
>>8970253
It's probably someone that hates mossbadger but doesn't have the guts to say these things to them, so they go after the similar stuff anonymously.
>>8970267
It's just HF-chan. She's trying to stir shit with literally everything from Meta "sucking" like the ita she is to random ageplay comments. She's ruined the past few lolita generals.
Relevant to all the salt:
How would you go about commissioning someone to do artwork unique to your store that you want to use to create pieces with.
I'm not talking super detailed, but think HelloBonesJokes or PepFox stuff.
Do you pay them a cut of the total sales, or do you pay them a large price for your exclusive rights to use the image? I know you can do both, but does anyone know which is better?
>>8970277
pic related. no need to engage trolls.
>>8970295
Artists are more likely to take the money up front, because even if the royalty option is *more* money overall, it's money over time.
Whichever you do, be sure to get into writing which option you'll use. Also be sure to put it in writing that while they own the IP, you have the exclusive rights to produce X-types of merchandise with that image, or exclusive use of said image for a pre-established period of time (or indefinitely, as the case may be).
>>8968759
I'll try to open sometime this weekend. I'm still working on adding hardware, making some nice sample pieces, and getting a decent camera. Thanks for the support!
>>8968928
These look adorable! Maybe add a cute stamp to the middle so it looks like one of those embossed cookies?
>>8968970
I love how detailed this piece is, and the charms you included. Maybe try going for a theme in your next piece? Resin is a lot of fun, please post if you decide to get into it!
>>8970166
I actually really like this drawing. You could add a sepia tone in Photoshop or go over it with watercolors.
Oh jeez, my comment started a salt fest
Anyway! Question, when looking at shops do you prefer for there to be ONE set theme for instance, only cute stuff, only gothic stuff etc
Do you find it unprofessional if someone does more than one style?
>>8970274
Mossbadger uses public domain art though, not
>Licensed artwork and fan art used without permission
>disney screencaps
I think there is a difference.
>>8971311
This, putting renaissance/victorian paintings in frames in no different than JetJ putting them on dresses
>>8971336
is there a difference between using printed licensed art and stickers?
>>8971511
Not really. And that's going to make a lot of cute resin projects technically illegal.
>>8971517
is there a difference between using stickers and other trademarked/licensed components, i.e. chocolate Hello Kitty-shaped sweets deco cabochons?
>>8971300
diversity is good. it is like any other brand. Alice and the Pirates makes clothes and accessories that suit the whole range of lolita and ouji styles, for example. Metamorphose is even more all over the place. so it seems fine for indie brands to experiment as well.
however, a unifying theme is still present in the above examples: they are lolita/lolita-family brands. and even in indie shops that have a range from dark and elegant to cute and poppy, that range usually speaks to a theme: street fashion, Asian-influenced fashion, etc. it is rare to find a shop that has both jfash-ready pieces and normie-tier pieces, you know?
>>8892026
I think Bandai has tried and cease and desist in the past but I'm basing this on what gulls have claimed in the past I can't find anything official. I think all KC has done is make her own site and gotten off of Etsy to get away from their policies. Though today pretty much everyone with a laser cutter is doing something Sailor Moon related.
>>8897843
As a laser cutter I can tell you it's really hard to find a good matted gold. Suppliers usually only want to sell industrial sized sheets and charge you for cutting them down. Places like Inventables that sell smaller sheets usually overcharge but her gold definitely looks like theirs. Which is why I find it weird she switches from mirror to glitter on the orb because it's not a hard plastic to get.
>>8970177
Depending on the coating on the hearts, you could temper the metal so it doesn't distort as easily.
If I bought one, I'd hate to have it snag on something and get pulled out of shape.
Are those resin or glass beads?
>>8971593
Most are resin, the little pears are glass though. They're not super fragile, but I think they'd snap if yanked on or if you ran with a super heavy pendant hanging from the necklace. I was thinking of sealing the hearts with a very thin coat of transparent resin to make them a bit stronger, not sure how well it'd work though.
