News
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Behind the Scenes: Applying for a Business Grant
If you aren't one of those fortunate startup business owners who have unlimited resources at their disposal, applying for grants and business loans is a must. Unlike the SBA and other small business loans, grant applications don't require an elaborate business plan, profit and loss analysis, and a lot of jumping through legal and accounting hoops. However, they require a lot of effort and thoughtfulness on the applicant's part, as well as some creativity and ability to tell a story that tugs at the right people's hearts. -
Separate, Different, Holy?
What do you usually think of when someone says, "holy?" A holier-than-thou attitude? St. Francis of Assisi? A goodie-two-shoes? As a matter of fact, "holy" simply means different or separate. Separate from the backstabbing ways of the world... different than the hateful, jeering and mocking attitudes of the day... separate from cheaters, criminals, and evil-doers... different than pretenders, deceivers, and impostors. -
Behind the Scenes: Cowboys, Poets, Country Musicians... And Buckaroo Bling
Have you ever been to a cowboy poetry gathering? Do you even know what cowboy poetry is? What happens when cowboys, poets, musicians... and Buckaroo Bling get together? Read on to find out. -
Behind The Scenes: Designing For A Rodeo Queen
If you're too old to become a rodeo queen, design jewelry for one! That was my thinking when I approached Kayla, the reigning Miss Rodeo Montana 2019.
Kayla is the first Kalispell rodeo queen in a lot of years, more than anyone cares to count. So, the whole community rallied around her to support her quest in the Miss Rodeo USA pageant. There were fundraising galas, big company donations and sponsorships, but what could a small, independent jewelry designer do to help support the local rodeo queen?
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Behind The Scenes: Preparing for an Outdoor Show
Oh, the things that can go wrong with an outdoor show! Wind that blows your art away, rain that soaks your jewelry down (hello, tarnish!), sun that burns you, the artist, to a crisp... That's why I've been avoiding outdoor shows like a plague for many years. -
Behind The Scenes: Designing A New Collection
Some days, when I'm at an art show, I secretly listen to comments of visitors passing by my booth. I can often hear them say, "How does she do this?" or, "How does she come up with all these ideas?" So, today, I'm taking you behind the scenes in my studio to show you exactly how. -
Behind The Scenes: Shipping Is Not An Afterthought
How do you feel and what do you think when you order a pricey leather bag online, and when the package gets in, you discover your bag wrapped in old newspapers and stuffed with used Walmart plastic bags? Right! Me too.
With that in mind, I set out to create a pleasant unboxing experience for everyone who orders jewelry or accessories from Buckaroo Bling. Today, I am letting you peek behind the scenes to see what goes into creating suitable branded packaging.
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Behind The Scenes: The Birth of Boot Bling
What do you get when you combine a hoop earring design with the demand for unique cowgirl boot accessories? Why, you get Boot Bling (TM), the latest product to come out of the Buckaroo Bling studio. -
Behind The Scenes: Preparing for a Trade Show
When you visit an art show, can you even guess how many hours the vendors spend preparing before the show? If you have ever wondered what goes into preparing for a show, today is your day. I am taking you behind the scenes to show you what I did to prepare for Made In Montana Wholesale Trade Show. -
Behind The Scenes - Product Photography
Makers generally have a hard time photographing their own products, and I am no exception. I know that the background in those product photos has to be pure white, but I have a hard time getting it that way. Don't even get me started on lifestyle photos! -
Behind The Scenes - The Mystery of Color Matching
Many of you are curious to know how I choose colors for my designs. The process has several components to it. First, when I am initially designing a collection, I sometimes look at color trend forecasts for the coming year. I don't do it too often, as western designs usually include a rather limited number of colors that don't bend much to the fashion trends the rest of the world follows.
