Sometimes I am a little skeptical with all of the books out there on business and jewelry making in general, so I am pretty picky about recommending something.  I would definitely recommend Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry by Viki Lareau.

I actually read it a while back and gained some great business ideas. I need to make it a “must read” again soon to recharge my thinking in promoting my jewelry business.  I may be re-reading it along with you!!

It’s a short read (95 pages in all), and Viki has wonderful step by step advice and ideas on tricky issues like pricing, selling and marketing. This book takes a lot of the guesswork out for those who are starting a home based jewelry business (along with those like me who have been at it for a while … I love it when a book can excite me and change my thinking on things!).

The appendix in the book also includes wonderful resources for finding craft fairs in your area along with listing resources and websites for small businesses, so definitely check it out on your favorite book website.

I know that a lot of us are trying to better utilize our money with the economy and all, and I am also trying to make better use of my space. I tend to be a packrat (self confessed, that is), and at times I need to push the reset button and go through things … both in my home and for my business.

I am getting ready for a yard sale that we are having in May, so I am in the process of decluttering. When I checked my email a few minutes ago I had TWO emails waiting for me that dealt with the subject. I wanted to share them with you to renew and give you fresh inspiration to declutter this spring.I make jewelry so that I can have fun, make others feel good by having that perfect piece and also to earn a little bit of extra money.

I am actually enjoying going around my house looking for things that we don’t use that I can turn into cash via ebay or our yard sale (or even being able to pass items along to those in need).  I hope that these articles and tips help you with your quest to become clutter-free (it is a constant battle for me).

Check out the site Small Notebook for great ideas on how to pare down your belongings.

Today Money Saving Mom also had some wonderful ideas for simple clutter control and making decisions.

I hope that these websites and their tips will help you around the house and in your business … I know I need to tackle the project of organizing my jewelry and business supplies soon. My jewelry area is currently a mess, and maybe I will be brave enough to show you pictures of both before and after my attempt at organizing it all … we’ll see!! Thanks again for stopping by The Bauble Market.