Organization and Storage

Organization and Storage

So it's always hard to figure out the best way to store earrings and charms once they are made until they sale. I started thinking about this a lot after the last vendor show that I did in November, because I found myself going through stuff two and three times looking for the same things. I knew I needed to figure out some better ways to make things work.

Wandering through JoAnn's the other day I cam upon these storage containers that were on sale 40% off, and I was sure they would be the correct size to store and organize earrings. So I bought one and it turned out perfect. I ended up going back and getting three more. I still think I need at least one more.

Now that I had the earrings under control, I got to thinking about my charms and circle printouts. I also am thinking about transporting necklaces. So I knew I liked that I got at JoAnn's but at the same time I needed something smaller and cheaper. So I was walking through Walmart and found two boxes.

The smaller box was perfect to store the circle printouts that I needed to make my charm necklaces and earrings.  Once they are printed and cut out, the smaller box allowed me to keep each type in a separate area. I ended up getting three boxes. One has all my NFL circles, another has all my NCAA circles and the third has varied circles. I think I might need one more of those boxes, but at only $3, I can handle that!!

Now this larger box is the perfect size for the charms once they are made.  At the moment I only have the one box, and I almost have it full and that is just with different holiday charms. I love it! Not only will this make a great way to store there charms, it also is a great what to display them at a show, so people can see the whole variety that I have ready to go, instead of only being able to show a few selected charms! I do know that I will need at least one more of these boxes. But since I got these at Walmart, the larger box was only $7. This makes the storage and organization affordable and worth it.

The bigger box I got at JoAnn's for the earrings was $15 on sale 40% off.  Which, that wasn't bad, but that means I have to make sure I have the 40% coupon every time I need to get a new one of those. I am thinking one more will work. This way I organize the earrings in each box.

I do need one more size box. I think I will be back at JoAnn's later this week to look, but I need one to store and organize the charms that have already been made into necklaces. That will need to be aa much bigger box, and they only have the two very small sizes at Walmart, so the larger earring size I have to get at JoAnn's and finding something bigger will have to be at JoAnn's as well.

I'm really excited. I have a vendor show coming up Saturday and so I am looking forward to seeing how the new storage solutions work for transporting them and displaying!

Pouring Resin

Pouring Resin

I got a couple of molds for pouring resin the other day.  Now, when I am looking at new ideas for my shop, sometimes I might buy a few pieces to try something from the local craft store, but then I am ready to make it a big piece of the store and I am looking for supplies, I always look to Etsy, to my fellow store owners and crafters to find the items that I need.

When it came to molds, I knew from testing with things from Hobby Lobby that I did not like the hard plastic molds. I didn't like how hard it was to get anything out of the molds and I didn't like the finish on the resin. So I took to Etsy and did a lot of browsing and I found a great number of different types of molds for resin. I started with a few and I have found what I really, really like best to make my items.

This mold is a silicone mold, and this one in particular has a variety of small molds on one sheet.  I love the silicone.  This is the first and only mold of this type, with a wide variety of shapes on one sheet that I have, but I found that the silicone makes the easiest to pop the finished piece out of, and it leaves a shiny finish on the surface of the resin that looks perfect.

Last night I poured this tray full of a medium pink glittered resin and they turned out so cute. So tonight I mixed up a batch of clear green resin and poured it into this mold.  Looking forward to finishing them into earrings tomorrow and getting them up and onto the website!!

This mold is traditionally for clay, and I bought two of these because I have been working with clay molding to make earrings as well as the resin at the moment.  I used one of the molds and tried it with the resin that I had made up last night, and they turned out wonderfully. So now I know that this mold will work for both clay and resin - just need to keep my molds separate.

My current goal is to move to making all the earrings on my website completely from scratch, be they clay bases or resin bases, and then embellishing them as needed to make a finished product.  Just one of the things that I have as a future plan.

www.etsy.com/shop/atammcreation

Introduction

Over the years, the things that have been produced under the a TAMM creation label have changed and grown as my children have changed and grown and as my own abilities have changed and grown.  That is all the process of life.

I've not used my blog for this business to talk about the changes, but more just to show the products and talk about them. That has always been fine for me and I have never really thought about it that much until lately when I realized that I was missing an opportunity to let my buyers and followers know more about me and how I make the decisions I make.  I'm a writer at heart, and so why not blend both loves together and give you all more insight into my thoughts and processes in making the choices to add products to the TAMM creation line.

The more I thought about this over the last couple of days the more I realized that this was the perfect mix of my passions. I could write more about my creations and give people more of an insight into me, and also give readers a way to leave message and feedback about things they would like to see me add to the line.  I get to write and release some of my pent up writing passion, as well as create new items for the line and promote them and show them to you with more detailed information.

I hope you all find it informative and fun and that you enjoy it as much as I think I will enjoy it. I look forward to hearing from my readers and followers!!

`Mell 

a TAMM creation - Arthritis No More - Roll On

Arthritis No-More

Given my long history with Chronic pain, that does not respond to traditional medications anymore, I have researched and studied a great deal on pain formulas. I have come up with what I call my Pain Series, a set of four oils for the different pains that I have to deal with on a monthly, weekly and sometimes daily basis.
As someone who suffers from Chronic Migraines and Chronic Pain, I have always been looking for relief, and I have tried a number of essential oil blends out there. After researching and studying, mixing and testing myself, I have finally come up with a blend that I like the best. It takes the best from the blends I have tried, along with those essential oils best suited for headaches and blends them to make a roll-on that helps better than any other I have tried.

Arthritis No-More Essential Oil Blend Roll-On has been blended especially to help alleviate severe joint pain that you might be feeling. Part of my Lupus condition is that it acts like Rheumatoid Arthritis in my body, so when I have a flare I have severe muscle pain and joint pain. This can be rubbed into the joints, and I find much more relief than from any of those store creams out there! 

Now, I am not going to say it will alleviate every pain, that's just not possible, but at least for me, it is a great trick. I get very severe migraines, such that if I don't take medicine immediately I am in bed and most of the time throwing up. With Migraine No-More, I can take my medicine, roll-on a little on my temples and actually go about my daily routine. That is a big deal for me! Nothing else has ever allowed me to function while the medicine was working. With my joint pain, I haven't found a cream, gel or rub on the market to date that will do anything for my pain, so blending this was a necessity for me to be able to function. This gives me relief and allows my medications to work, and it also is able to be used more often than the medications, so I can continue to write, blend and be a mom to be kids.


Roll-Ons come in a 10ml blue glass bottle.
To use, roll the bottle over the joints that are in pain, and massage the oil into the joint. Can be repeated every four hours if needed. Start with a small amount and adjust upward as needed.

All my blends are made in Fractionated Coconut Oil, as this is a great carrier oil with no color or scent, and a very long shelf life. I find it doesn’t effect the blend the way other carrier oils can.
For Arthritis No-More, I have blended Lemongrass, Frankincense, Eucalyptus and Myrrh Essential Oils. Each selected for their best properties. By blending these in a select ratio, I have come up with what I like the best.

INGREDIENTS:
Lemongrass - is known as a migraine and headache relief agent, as well as being used for stress, anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain and cramps.
Frankincense - is an anti-inflammatory, which works well on joint pain and arthritis, as well as headaches and migraines.
Eucalyptus - is known to reduce stress and cause relaxation, but rubbing it on the forehead or temples can produce pain relief, and rubbing it on the bottom of the feet can reduce a fever.
Myrrh - is an anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation of the joints) and an anti-spasmodic (calming muscle spasms), along with being a circulatory stimulant (getting the blood flowing).
Fractionated Coconut Oil is also a great carrier for essential oils. It readily absorbs to soothe dry skin making it the ideal oil for topical applications. It has natural antioxidant and disinfecting properties and does not clog pores. . Unlike Other Unrefined Carrier Oils Fractionated Coconut Oil Will Not Go Rancid And Is Extremely Stable. It won't become solid like regular coconut oil but keeps all the great properties we love about coconut oil!
Fractionated Coconut Oil is a super purified MCT coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides, and any impurities, are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides creating the perfect MCT oil.


Disclaimer: Please note that all statements of effectiveness are based on my own personal use. They have not been studied and tested by any other facility or group at this time.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

a TAMM creation - Baseball Earrings

Baseball Earrings

It's that time of year again, opening day of the Baseball Season was just here in the Major Leagues, the traveling teams have started playing, and the local parks will be full of kids soon. So why not have a little fun with it this year while you are sitting there watching your daughter or son, niece or nephew, granddaughter or grandson, brother or sister, or maybe just friends from school. So them you are supporting the team in a fun and whimsical way this Spring.

The white baseballs with red indented stitching measure just about 1/2 of an inch across, which makes them just the right size for any age! They are extremely lightweight so they will not pull on your ears no matter how long you are wearing them.

The baseballs are attached to silver stud posts, and, as with all my earrings, come with a pair of regular silver backs and a pair of silver disc backs.

 Etsy Store

a TAMM creation - Lemongrass Cucumber Lime Lip Balm

Lemongrass Cucumber Lime Lip Balm

As I have researched and studied Essential Oils I have found so many things that I love about them and they lend themselves to so many creations, and I am enjoying creating these for myself, my family and friends and for you all as well.

I make my lip balm in small pots, mostly because of personal preference. I prefer the pots to the tubes, mostly because I feel like you are able to use all the lip balm in the pot and not have to throw away the ends of the tubes used to hold them together.

To make my lip balms I have tested and come up with a blend of beeswax and coconut oil that is stable yet still smooth and spreadable.

In this lip balm, I have added Lemongrass, Cucumber and Lime Oils. This give it a fresh and light scent.

Lemongrass - has been used to relieve stress and anxiety

Cucumber - is a skin rejuvenator

Lime - has been used to relieve anxiety, apathy and nervousness. It also refreshes a tired mind, is uplifting and stimulating.

Pricing for the lip balms are:

$3.00 for one, discount for multiple pots - $5.00 for 2 pots.

If you are wanting more than that, please message me and I will work out a qty discount with you.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: Please note that all statements of effectiveness are based on my own personal use. They have not been studied and tested by any other facility or group at this time.

a TAMM creation - Yellow Frog Earrings

www.etsy.com/shop/aTAMMcreation

Yellow Girl Frog Earrings

These are cute, lightweight, acrylic yellow girl frog earrings. They are on silver post studs, with two sets of backs, a regular set and a disc set.

The Frogs measures 3/4 inch across and 3/4 inches in height. They are lightweight, so they will not pull on your earlobes, even at this size. They are large enough that they cover the earlobes and look nice.

Making earrings are my new favorite stress-reliever! My daughter loves to have lots of earrings and so do I, so this has been fun for us, being able to make things that we find fun, cute and pretty. Passing along those same items to you!

Etsy Shop Listing

a TAMM creation - Migraine No More - RollOn

https://www.etsy.com/listing/269966377/migraine-no-more-essential-oil-roll-on?ref=shop_home_active_1

Look what arrived in the a TAMM creation etsy store today!!

Migraine No-More Essential Oil Blend Roll-On has been blended especially to help alleviate those stubborn, hard to get rid of migraine headaches. It is “stronger” than Pain No-More, and formulated specifically for headaches.

As someone who suffers from Chronic Migraines, I have always been looking for relief, and I have tried a number of essential oil blends out there. After researching and studying, mixing and testing myself, I have finally come up with a blend that I like the best. It takes the best from the blends I have tried, along with those essential oils best suited for headaches and blends them to make a roll-on that helps better than any other I have tried.

Roll-Ons come in a 10ml blue glass bottle.

All my blends are made in Fractionated Coconut Oil, as this is a great carrier oil with no color or scent, and a very long shelf life. I find it doesn’t effect the blend the way other carrier oils can.

For Migraine No-More, I have blended Peppermint, Basil, Grapefruit and Ginger Essential Oils. Each selected for their best properties. By blending these in a select ratio, I have come up with what I like the best.

INGREDIENTS:
Basil - is known to stimulate circulation and aid in relaxation

Peppermint - is known as a pain reliever, it is also said to reduce stress.

Grapefruit - is known as a headache reducer, plus it is said to help clear mental fog

Ginger - is a known anti-inflammatory, given world-wide for aches, pains and nausea of all types.


Fractionated Coconut Oil is also a great carrier for essential oils. It readily absorbs to soothe dry skin making it the ideal oil for topical applications. It has natural antioxidant and disinfecting properties and does not clog pores. . Unlike Other Unrefined Carrier Oils Fractionated Coconut Oil Will Not Go Rancid And Is Extremely Stable. It won't become solid like regular coconut oil but keeps all the great properties we love about coconut oil!

Fractionated Coconut Oil is a super purified MCT coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides, and any impurities, are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides creating the perfect MCT oil.


Disclaimer: Please note that all statements of effectiveness are based on my own personal use. They have not been studied and tested by any other facility or group at this time.

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

a TAMM creation - Re-emergence

a TAMM creation

For awhile now I have NOT focused on my own creations.  Mostly because I got divorced and moved! That was a huge upheaval in my life after 21 years of marriage, but it was so worth it!

I have always used my crafts as a way to relax and manage stress, and after the mess of the divorce, I had a lot I needed to manage.  You also should realize that my ex wasn't real supportive of my craft business.  Come to think of it, he wasn't real support of my direct sales business or even my writing. So in a number of ways, I was extremely shy about my crafts again.

As is always the case for me, my daughter asked for something that couldn't be found! This time is was a hippo necklace or earrings or something for her Show Choir Secret Buddy (I can write this now because she gave them to her awhile back).  Every time I have started creating something that goes into the a TAMM creation line, it is because a daughter asked.  So I got creative, made a cute pair of hippo earrings. Then with the support of my family, I started posting them in my shop again.

This time around I have more support, my kids think its great and there is a pretty awesome guy in my life who supports and encourages me in every thing!! 

So, now that I am back to working on a TAMM creation, along with everything else, you can plan on seeing more blog posts about it and what is going on!!

There is a Facebook Page for a TAMM creation:

https://www.facebook.com/A-TAMM-creation-287096398006038/ 

There is an Etsy store for a TAMM creation:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/aTammCreation?ref=shopinfo_shophome_leftnav

*originally posted February 2016 on the TAMMommy Blogs for Business site

a TAMM creation - Facebook site

Facebook Store

Facebook has the ability to host a store site, where I can also write posts and promote the page.

It is linked to my Etsy Store, so that everything listed on the Etsy store is also listed in the Facebook store.

It just gives me another site, another audience and another way to reach people with my items. I also promote Do You Bake on the Facebook page as well.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-TAMM-creation/287096398006038?id=287096398006038&sk=app_149696141763776

I am mentioning the Facebook store here and now, but I will probably only continue to talk about either the Etsy or Facebook store, because they are the same items and same prices. Still at the same time, knowing that I am able to offer my items in different places to different customer sets helps me in what I am doing to be a good stay at home mom, working to do the best she can to provide extras for the family.

*Originally posted May 2014 on the TAMMmommy Blogs for Business site

a TAMM creation - Etsy store

My Etsy Store

Way back in 2007 I first opened an Etsy store. Etsy.com was developed to allow people who had hand-crafted items to sell a forum to do that without huge fees and commissions.  Over the years the things that are being sold on Etsy has changed, but I have still maintained my store.

What is in my Etsy store is ever evolving. When I started my girls were really little and I had a lot of beaded socks and barrettes in the store. Later I added a number of hand-knitted or hand-crocheted scarves.  No matter what is listed at any given time in the store, you have this one guarantee, it was made by me!!

My about me page, which tells the history of my store, what it has featured and what is going on can be found at this link:  https://www.etsy.com/people/aTammCreation?ref=si_pr

The link directly to the store is this:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/aTammCreation?ref=si_shop


There are a number of sections in the store. One of those sections is called Custom Orders.  Right now in there are pictures of two items I made for my own girls, but that can be made for anyone you might want to purchase them for.  I may have more items in there, but I am not sure.  So far the Custom Orders are not selling too well.  If there is something you would like to see on there, let me know in the comments and I will see if it is in my abilities to make it happen!!

*Originally posted May 2014 on the TAMMommy Blogs for Business site.