Making Polymer Clay Beads for Selling Handmade Beaded Jewelry

A Reader Asks if it's Possible to Earn Extra Income From Selling His Polymer Clay Jewelry And Beads Online:

The other day in another post here at the blog, Jonathan (Jon) Williams wrote, "I work full-time but have been looking for ways to supplement my income and a way to feed my creative (polymer clay) hunger."

Jon… I promised you that I would write a separate article to address this topic, because it is an important one. I have actually written about it quite a bit over the last year. And by the end of this post, you will have lots of resource links to follow up on… links to articles that will give you many creative ideas to think about.

For the sake of everyone else who is also following along, see below for Jon's full comment which was originally posted at this article: Polymer Clay Image Transfer

Hi Cindy,

I just recently discovered your web site and I couldn't be more excited. I have always dabbled in artistic projects but just discovered polymer clay a few years ago and fell in love with the medium. I bought a few books, which I'm crazy about but nothing compares to your wonderful tutorials. What an incredible way to learn and what a generous soul you are for sharing your wisdom and incredible talent.

I get so excited every time I get your emails and almost get overwhelmed because there are so many techniques and projects I want to experiment with!! LOL

Also, I wanted to get your opinion on something. I work full-time but have been looking for ways to supplement my income and a way to feed my creative hunger. Do you think there is a good market for making/selling poly clay jewelry/items on the internet or in other venues? I've seen some really neat items made and it just seems that there would be an audience who would purchase these. However, being so new to this I'm just not sure.

Again, thank you for all that you do and share with the rest of the artists in the world. It is greatly appreciated.

All the best,
Jon

First off… thank you so much Jonathan for your kind words of support and encouragement. I really appreciate you taking the time to write.

To address your question about generating supplemental income by selling your polymer clay beads and jewelry, please allow me to take you on a bit of a tour of some article resources that I know will help you out.

Pricing Jewelry Focal Beads on Etsy – Tips for Polymer Clay Artists

This article goes into detail on how you can use Etsy.com as a research tool to help you price your handmade beads. Even if you don't plan on selling online. It also goes into ways you can educate your customer on your process of making beads and jewelry, so they can better understand the value of your product.

Bird Pendant Jewelry Trends on Etsy – Make Them with Polymer Clay

This article talks about how to find current trends in the handmade jewelry world by once again using Etsy as a research tool. By the way this article mentions the trend of all things 'Birdy'. Although written more than 6 months ago, the trend is still hot. Maybe even hotter as I see several more trend articles have been written about bird themed products!

Another Bird Necklace Pendant | Etsy Tips For Your Jewelry Business

This article is about an interesting strategy to get your listings seen on Etsy. Sometimes practically giving your product away can mean perfect sense!

Jewelry Photography Tips for Etsy | Homemade Lightbox Tutorial

Your jewelry will never sell online if your photos suck. Here is an article on building a lightbox for taking photos of your beads and bead jewelry.

Bracelet Making – Custom Bead Jewelry using Polymer Clay Beads

An article about pleasing your customer when making custom bead jewelry.

Home Based Jewelry Business Owners – 6 Tips To Beat The Bad Economy

Need to figure out how to sell jewelry even in a down economy? Here are 6 Tips.

Custom Beaded Lanyard ID Badge Holders with Polymer Clay Focal Beads

An article about how wearing a beaded lanyard to carry your YMCA Membership card can lead to multiple custom lanyard sales.

Selling Jewelry to Niche Markets – Polymer Clay Bead Making Tips

This article talks about the need to think creatively and consider selling your jewelry to unexpected niche markets.

Etsy Shop Success Story About Polymer Clay Artist missficklemedia

Want to know if others are succeeding in selling their polymer clay beads, pendants and jewelry? Here is a wonderful success story of a woman (a reader of this blog) who has done just that!

Pricing and Selling Handmade Jewelry – Valuing Polymer Clay Beads

This article reveals the importance of not undervaluing your beads and bead jewelry. Sometimes you can actually sell more by charging more. Go figure!