Are diamonds forever? Curses, myths and facts
This blog post talks about the history of the phrase ‘diamonds are forever’, cursed stones and facts about these beautiful gemstones.
Sam Self
03/02/2025
Hi! Welcome back to my Self Made blog.
This blog will be about how I’ve developed and adapted my skull jewellery business in positive ways to cope with the current pandemic.
How are you all coping with this current situation? Every day is different for me. Sometimes I wake up full of creative beans and some days I’m all about a duvet day and TV re-runs.
I’ve been furloughed from my full-time job and decided I would channel my work energy into developing my own Self Made skull jewellery business.
I did some small business training…
I had some fantastic business coaching from the lovely Nikki Matts. She really helped me focus my ideas, work out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go with Self Made.
I also invested in a fantastic “Instagram for Business” course with Bloom Content Creation & Andy Greenacre which I discovered via Makers Market from Home (more about that in a bit).
From there I was introduced to Georgia who runs Bloom Content Creation and invested in a blog writing course and she’s been great! You may have seen the testimonial I re-posted on my Instagram page?
I think all courses have really benefitted me. What do you thinkf
I sold skull jewellery at makers markets…
Obviously, us makers can’t do real markets at the moment so many of us have now decided to take part in online versions. They are super fun AND it doesn’t matter where the market is in the world. You could take part in a market on the other side of the world if you wanted to (time difference withstanding!).
For me it all started with Makers Market From Home run by the fabulous Andy (a.k.a. Unruly Print). The first market took place back in March and there have been 2 more since. Every time I have become more involved and you may have seen the live chats I did with Andy during the markets? I was even involved in their newest initiative #MiddayMakers last Friday!
Last weekend I also took part in Leeds Steampunk Market on Facebook and this Friday I’m doing the Bluebirds Handmade Market online market from 7-10pm. Make sure you pop by and say hi!
Makers Markets aren’t all about sales, sales sales! They are about making friends, supporting fellow makers and getting your products out there for the world to see. I love them and it keeps me linked to the in-person market side of things which I think all makers are missing at the moment.
It’s so simple to shop in virtual markets! You search the relevant hashtag (i.e. #makersmarketfromhome or #bluebirdsathome) and check out what wonderful products are for sale by lovely makers. I have found so many different items! Check out this Instagram post to see what I’ve purchased.
Will you be joining me this Friday evening? More info about the market will be on my Instagram page over the next couple of days and I may even have some new products to debut. In the meantime, why not check out my current products in my shop.
Sam Self
Author
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