Friday, October 27, 2006

Pins and more pins



I told you I have been busy!! I loved the idea of bottlecap pins and set out to make them last year and quit in frustration. I originally covered my stamped images in Crystal Effects, which I had read of others doing. After they sat overnight to dry I found the images had bled and were unsightly. I tried coloring them with different mediums, even permanent Sharpies and each time the result was the same. I tried embossing them first and then the glue underneath would bleed through. I pulled more than a few hairs from my head last year. I thought I was doomed to be a bottlecap pin loser!! All hail the queen, Julie Ebersole, one of my stamping idols. She has moments of pure genius. She posted a bottlecap pin awhile back and her solution was to use a 1" page pebble on top. Do you know what I mean? Those clear, domed epoxy stickers that are for scrapbooking. I bet she didn't go through all the mess I did, LOL!! I bow before the master!! I did have a bit of trouble finding the right size stickers but now I am golden!! To eliminate the glue problem I just adhered my images with red sticky tape, these babies are in there for good. The pin backs are the tie tack variety which I glued on with E6000 glue. For a fun presentation, I made little tags to attach them to. I used my SU stamp on the back of the tag to cover their angel policy. I am discussing with hubby a display I would like him to make me with dowels so I can hang them for better viewing at the craft fair. I am a snowman gal so I mostly did those but there are a few santas and snowflakes thrown in for good measure.

If anyone has any suggestions for price I welcome your input. Materials cost is around 1-1.25 each. I even used coupons to get my supplies but those bottlecaps and stickers are not cheap.

Last night I worked on lunch tins but they aren't ready for show yet. I hope to finish them soon and post pictures.

Have a great day!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those are sooo cute. I would try pricing them to start around $2 maybe $2.50 and see how well the sell then adjust accordingly. I think they would make adorable gifts for a teacher to get for her students or even vice versa. Thanks for sharing!!!

Dale Anne Potter said...

I would think anyone would pay $5 for a pin!
These are GORGEOUS!!!

Taylor said...

These are sooo cute, Tracy! They're going to be great sellers! I would price them at $5.00, but you know your market best!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Taylor. Price them at least $3, but I think you could get away with $5. It's hard to judge what people will pay, but I've charged $5 for a card, let alone a gorgeous pin like yours! Good luck!

Unknown said...

I just couldn't understand what the big deal was on the bottle cap thing, that is until I saw yours. They are sooooo cute. You are such an inspiration and I just love that you share. Thank you!! Kit (Sheryl's bud)