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Favorite way to carry finished pieces

Jewelry Discussion
#1

Hello all,

Here’s a question for all you finished jewelry designers carting
your wares hither and yon. What is your favorite way to carry
finished pieces to show an individual or small audience? I’m not
talking about display–just transport. I design necklaces and
bracelets, and I have tried many devices, from fabricated “rolls” of
leather, etc. to a favorite pillowcase! I have yet to hit upon
something that I really like, and is practical. When showing pieces
to a prospective client I’d like to be able to carry my wares in an
innovative (translate–cool and artsy) way that is not bulky or
briefcase-looking, yet doesn’t appear to be fresh from my linen
closet. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

All the best,

Karen
http://www.beadkeepers.com

#2

hello Karen, I use a piece of heavy card that I covered with a layer
of foam, then black fabric, which fits into my art portfolio. I pin
the jewellery onto it, then slip the whole thing into one of the
clear sleeves, and zip it up to carry. This displays and carries in
one. (This is one of the A3 size display portfolios). works for me,
Christine

#3

Karen - After trying several different methods, the one I’ve stayed
with is a basket. I found a handsome 8" x 11" basket about 7" high
with a hinged lid at Marshall’s or Ross and I layer my pieces
inside that between sheets of white tissue paper cut to the same size
as the interior of the basket. For carrying, I wrap the basket in a
36" x 36" cotton furoshiki with the knot at the top, so when I go to
show my work to a shop owner there’s a bit of drama unwrapping the
basket. As I take the pieces out I can lay them on top of the white
tissues so the colors are shown to advantage. You can find furoshiki
on the web http://www.asahi-jc.com/furoshi2.htm or you could use a
large scarf or any kind of fabric that appeals to you. Also, I have
a zipped folder the same size as the bottom of the basket that holds
my receipt book, a calculator, extra tags and bags, etc. The basket
sits on top of that inside the furoshiki, so it’s always ready to
grab and go. It works for me. - Charleen

#4

I have a bit of a different take on carrying finished work. I love
the basket idea, etc, but it would not seem practical for me, due to
quantity, etc. I used to carry everything in divided trays in the
cardboard box my flexshaft came in. Sturdy, securely closable, and
very unlikely to be identified as the thing to steal. But it was
cumbersomely large. Now, I use a fabric tackle box. I bought a huge
one, at a sports store, that came with fitting compartmented trays
with hinged lids. It has two main sections that zip apart, each
about 15" x 10" x 7"or so high. I use one to carry supplies to where
I teach, and the other for jewelry. There are a number of extra
pockets and things, many of which can zip off. Very adaptable,
light, strong, with a shoulder strap and handles. My “worm-proof
cases” (remember them from a previous thread?) fit perfectly, and
flat pieces go in those. Earrings and other potentially crushable
pieces go in the plastic trays. It is less “camoflaged” than my
cardboard box, but it cannot spill, fits where I need it to, and
doesn’t scream “steal me!” like a traditional sample case.

Mine was made by “Tackle Station”. You can see it, or one much like
it, at http://www.camping-hunting.com/hunt/flambeau04.shtml. Have
fun!

–Noel

#5

I pack my smaller items in plastic boxes with hinged lids. The boxes
are made for hot wheel cars and can be purchased in most toy stores.
The box is about 10X13X3 inches. The box has a handle on one end.
There is a lid on both sides of the box. There are a total of 32
compartment per box. If push comes to shove you can cut thin foam
to fit each section and pack two items per compartment, one below
and one above the foam.

Lee Epperson

#6

people -

since so much of my jewelry is rigid flat display units don’t work
so here’s what does: jewelry is wrapped in a piece of ‘pacific’ or
’atlantic’ cloth (the commercial fabric in which silverware is
stored & the lining in sideboard/buffet flatware drawers sold at
most fabric stores) with serged edges. each is then placed into an
appropriately sized slide* type ziplock bag with several of the
anti-tarnish squares from rio. as the tire salesman says: “it ain’t
purty” but it is necessary as defense against humidity in florida;
customers appreciate having something that helps them store it. in a
pinch i also use sheets of anti-tarnish tissue paper when the cloth
runs low.

if your work is sufficiently interesting, you can worry more about
pragmatism than ‘purtiness’ in your presentation.

another suggestion: i stopped using commercial jewelry carry cases
to transport my inventory to & from shows and now use a
next-to-smallest travelpro roller bag - if parking will be a ‘far
piece’ i use the next larger travelpro roller which holds a personal
cooler with the jewelry stacked in a bin/box on top of the cooler -
zip it all up & no one guesses what’s inside - you don’t have to
juggle bungee corded stuff that takes your mind off of possible
danger around you; anyone doing shows in south florida knows it’s
safer to blandly blend in & be wary at all times.

ive
life is short - enjoy!