ccdesign

Handy Everyday Tips With Everyday Home Products

2008-10-23T11:04:00.017-05:00

Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear...Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Kills fleas instantly...Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor ...Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Did You Know that drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-- even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes ... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail f ungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Balm for broken blisters... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine, a powerful antiseptic.

Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer ... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover. Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure ...cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Vinegar to heal bruises ... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply i t to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief... It's not for breakfast any more! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Artisan Beaders Street Team's Holiday Giveaway

2008-10-20T22:26:00.002-05:00

The Artisan Beaders Street Team is having a weekly giveaway during the holiday season on our team blog. The team blog website is www.artisanbeaders.blogspot.com. and we hope you will stop by for our giveaways to enter for a chance to win some beautiful jewelry by our talented artists.
All you have to do to enter this giveaway is stop by Patty's shop find your favorite piece of jewelry in her shop and post it on our team blog.

This week, we have a gorgeous pair of earrings from Patty of Broken Teepee Designs. These sweet beauties feature prasiolite (green amethyst), mystic blue topaz, and gold filled findings. They measure 1/2 an inch long and are darling!

A Craft Fair Day

2008-10-19T22:01:00.007-05:00

Saturday, I did a craft show for the 3rd year in a row for me. I worked hard to streamline the setup and perfected my display tags for days. I was excited for a successful day. Despite the economy, I knew sales would be lower than what I really wanted. I had hopes to at least make my booth space and pass out some cards for hopefully future sales. I was so surprised to see 2 or 3 people stop by my jewelry and notice they were wearing jewelry of mine. Wow, what a great conversation starter and the feeling of seeing people wearing my work is one of my joys being in this business. I love that part of the business!
I sold 2 pieces that really surprised me. One piece was in my shop for a long time and was one of the first wire wrapped pieces, which was an agate wrapped in copper wire.

The other was a bail I had just wrapped in sterling silver wire with a blue lace agate cabochon. It was only in my shop a couple of days. I wish I could find another stone like it to make another, but unfortunately some pieces are just a one of a kind.

Calming April Showers Bracelet

2008-10-17T20:44:00.005-05:00

Calming April Showers reminds me of that spring day where the sky is such a pretty blue and then the darkness comes thru the sky, pours down and then the sky is white and blue again. This gorgeous bracelet design was inspired by eni oken's design tutorials. This bracelet has smokey quartz, amazonite oval and coin shape gemstones, grey quartz, bali silver beads and freshwater pearl and silver bead accent.
Finally finished! I purchased the focal beads last year to make this bracelet. You are probably wondering why does it take me so long to finally get to it. It was because I really wasn't entirely positive that I would have the color scheme perfect. I'm glad I waited. I'm so impressed with the results again! I had trouble designing the bracelet to fit a smaller person, but the size of the beads command a larger wrist. My next one I design will be smaller. I have the design already in mind, but there are so many other projects that are in front of the line. I'm hoping that soon someone will find this piece a treasure they cant live without. Stop by my shop and see some of my other wire wrapped pieces, and thanks for visiting my blog.

Turquoise Cabochon With Copper Basketweave Bail

2008-10-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

I really like the effects of the basketwire weave. It's also a really easy wire wrapping technique to achieve. The effects using 3 frame wires are even prettier. My first attempt on the piece I took up to the "At Home Outlet" where I consign my jewelry. Laura was so excited with the new piece she almost wanted to keep it for herself. I also wire wrapped a second one for sale in etsy shop. I bought a few of these cabochons thinking I would sell more of them, but I haven't sold one yet. I do have one listed in my etsy shop also.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a look around my etsy shop. I have a large variety of jewelry to choose a special treasure for the upcoming holidays.

Blog Feature Esty Seller- Zemphira

2008-10-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

Zemphira has a really cute shop with handcrafted items that include aprons, coffee cozy, headbands and baby bibs. I think my favorite items in her shop is the coffee cozy, what a great idea. Stop by a take a peak at what Zemphira has in her shop.

I am me! I was a teacher in Eek, Alaska but now I stay at home with my 3 babes. I sew when I can (and even when I can't). I have been crafting forever - My favorite doll lost her legs (and fell into a duck pond, but that is another story) and so she needed a dress. That dress started out as an old purple sock - and then I got a sewing machine! I got to make Mindy dresses - she was better of with the sock! Anything and everything feeds my imagination, I can't help it. I love to create, and give gifts, and friends and family always tell me that I should sell my stuff. I came accross an ad for Etsy, and I thought it was a safe enough setting for me to give the business world a go. I have been published in Sew Somerset, Stampers Sampler, and Somerset Memories. I have not found an effective marketing venue yet. I'm not very good at setting or keeping goals - I would like - I tried, but I can't think of anything. I am pretty happy with how things are going right now. I have not sold my products to other sites.

Blog Feature Bliss Candles

2008-10-08T08:37:00.004-05:00

Bliss Candles is my newest shop up for a blog feature. She has a large variety of wonderful candles to choose from. She also packages her candles giving you a price break when you purchase more than one. I found her top selling candle, so you might want to stop by her shop and check out what she has to offer.

Who are you? I have a wonderful handcrafted soy candle business out of Grand Haven, Michigan called Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts. I focus on providing an exceptional quality product while offering items that are decorative and beautiful at the same time.

How long have you been crafting? I have been in business since 2004 and continue to grow by leaps and bounds!

What feeds your imagination? I have always loved decorating and am a professed candle addict. Those two things along with being crafty by nature are what drive me to come up with new lines. I like being different which is one thing that distinguishes me from the rest. My obsession with offering the best quality product around is also a major contributor to what I offer in my product line.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business? It is rather humorous. I actually starting making candles for myself and made too many. Yes, I go a little overboard with things in my life! I started giving them away to friends and then I just plain had too many. Everyone was raving about them and I had a mountain of candles in my house so I did a craft show at Garfield Park to get rid of them. Well..the response was overwhelming! People ranted and raved and it was clear they liked the fact that my product was different and of a higher quality than others. So I kept on going until I established such a “fan base” that I couldn’t stop! I have thousands of customers now, wholesale accounts, fundraisers, and the whole bit so now I’m really on a roll

How did you find etsy? My friend Anne – http://anneball.etsy.com - told me how well she does on Etsy. I was skeptical at first and actually tried it out briefly, finding that it didn’t work for me. I came back this year in April and worked hard and voila…I’m doing quite well! I find if you put the time into Etsy and follow all of the tricks that people put out there, you can be extremely successful. If I didn’t work full-time, I am convinced I could do ten times better – seriously!

Have you ever been published in a magazine? No, but I keep trying to figure out ways to get to Oprah because she loves soy candles. She uses Beanpod and while they are great, mine are so much better. I just have to get it past her staff – ha!

What is your most effective marketing venue? Blogging, the forums, and treasuries. Up until three weeks ago, I didn’t have a clue about what a blog really was. If you keep them updated and you market, they are an incredible tool. I am getting orders on my main website now which rarely happened unless it was someone local who saw me at a show! With the forums, you really need to get out there and help others out. Participate in conversations. I do whatever I can. Treasuries are another fantastic tool to get the word out and let people know you are out there.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now? Like most, to still be in business. One goal is repeat business. While my time is limited, I do my best to get orders out within a week and I always try to communicate as much as possible with my customers. Customer service is huge for me. I would love to see 500 sales by this time next year! Etsy is such a huge venue that I would also like to see 200 new customers by the end of 2009.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? I do! I have my own website – http://www.blisscandles.com and I do have my candles in stores! I have a list of stores on my site but I have sold to establishments in Grand Haven (Michigan), Pennsylvania, Canada, and California. I am also working on getting into fundraisers.

Two New Pair of Wire Wrapped Cabochon Earrings

2008-10-07T14:16:00.004-05:00

I really love wire wrapping cabochons, and I just finished listing these in my esty shop.I finally received my sterling silver wire in the mail and I was able to create these two new pair of earrings. I have a collections of cabochons and deciding what to wire wrap next is a lot of fun. I usually lay them all out on my work station and fondle them and try to decide how I will wrap them. I like to design them each a little differently. The first pair is a pair of wire wrapped cabochons with
turquoise ovals.

The second pair is also an oval cabochon in black onyx. Each pair measures 1 1/2 long not including the ear wire. Thanks for stopping by my shop and taking a look around.

Soap Deli - Giveaway

2008-10-07T09:33:00.005-05:00

This is really a great giveaway by Rebecca at Soapdeli.
She is giving away a bar of Lemon Verbena Salt Bar, so stop by her shop and find your favorite and come back here to comment. The giveaway ends on October 21. The winner will be chosen by random.org.

Enter to win a bar of Lemon Verbena Soap from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen! This bar is Rebecca's favorite. It's a nice hard bar that lasts a really long time. This is the perfect soap for dry or troubled skin. Great as a facial bar or all over, this bar contains both shea and cocoa butters as well as an abundance of skin loving oils such as Olive and Rice Bran, both known for their moisturizing properties. It also contains sea salt, known for it's healing properties. It leaves behind a bit of excess oil to smooth and rehydrate your skin. Leaves you feeling moisturized, not oily or greasy. It also makes a great shampoo bar.

The Lemon Verbena Salt Bar is naturally scented to smell like Lemon Verbena. It contains no artificial fragrances or colors and is all natural. This bar is scented with a blend of Lemon, Orange, and Grapefruit essential oils. Bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. All natural except for fragrance. Vegan. To enter to win this soap just comment with your favorite item from Rebecca's shop. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents ages 18 and up.

Feature on Etsy Seller SoapDeli

2008-10-07T09:21:00.003-05:00

I just love the bath and body shops on etsy. I really love the way their soap look like pieces of art, and they are so wonderfully soft and smell great. Here is a seller that has handmade bath products. Here shop is Soapdeli . Take a peek at her bath products, because I'm sure she has some you might want to try or buy for some on your Christmas list.

Who are you?
My name is Rebecca and I am a full time soapmaker. I have a BA in fine art and I love to read. I also have a soon to be 12 year old boy who is too smart for his own good and a super tech geeky husband. I also struggle with agoraphobia.

How long have you been crafting?
Since I was little. I used to love to draw little cities on paper with lots of roads for toys cars to drive on. I'd tape a bunch of them all together so I had lots of play room. I have dabbled in a bit of everything. Drawing, painting, pottery, graphic design, and photography.

What feeds your imagination?
Scents that make smell heavenly. I love to try new scents in my soaps! I hope to always carry scents that will make someone happy even if it only is in the shower!

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
Really I don't know. I just decided to start a biz one day out of the blue. My doctor just diagnosed me as bipolar - which explains a lot - so it was probably a a positive side effect of a manic outburst.

How did you find etsy?
Through the craftster forum a LONGGGG time ago. I signed up while etsy was in its infancy, but didn't start selling until much later. I started out selling art work and note card sets. This is my first year I've focused selling on etsy full time.

Have you ever been published in a magazine?
A really really long time ago. I was part of a feature article about 'zines in a girl's mag called Blue Jean Magazine. They're not around anymore.

What is your most effective marketing venue?
Face to face. I talk to people I see and give them my business cards or a sample. Also word of mouth from happy customers has brought me a whole lot of business.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?
I hope to make sell at least $1500 - $2000 a month on etsy a year from now to match what I make now in offline sales. Of course, I'd also like to double my offline sales as well.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
I sell regularly at least three days a week year round on my local city market. I also have my soaps in two local shops.

Randi100 Blog Feature

2008-10-06T09:20:00.005-05:00

Randi has photography, name signs and few other assorted items in her shop. Take a look around her shop to see what she has that you might be interested in.

I am Randi Eccleston and I love in NC. Married for 11 years and a mom. I have been crafting for about 7 years, when my first daughter was born. My children always feed my imagination. Really, life in general inspires me, I never know when or where my next idea will come from. I decided to make my crafting a business when I left teaching this May after 15 years. Now, I have more time to devote to the business. I found etsy after doing a search on how to sell crafts. I have never been published in a magazine but it is on my list of goals. I have found that word of mouth is the best way to do marketing. One year from now I would like to have a highly successful etsy business and I would like to be in some retail stores, right now I am just selling on etsy.

Tutorial- Wire Wrapping Cord Ends

2008-10-05T10:18:00.015-05:00

In this new tutorial, I will be demonstrating how to wire wrap cord ends. The technique is used to wire wrap a coil to end a necklace using different types of cords such as leather, ribbon or satin.

The tools needed are cutting pliers, round nose pliers, needle nose pliers, and duck nose pliers.

You will also need about 12" of wire. I'm using 24 gauge in this tutorial. It's easy to work, and you could use 22 gauge wire also, if you want a little heavier wire. You will also need a clasp, or you could make a hook clasp.

The first step take your wire and make a loop using your round nose pliers about 1" from the end.

Step 2- take your cord that you will be using for your necklace and slide the
about 1/2" of the cord end through the loop. Position the wire so that the short piece of the wire lays straight along the cord. You will see in my picture that the short piece of wire in laying under the loop. So when you wrap the long piece it is held in place.

Step 3 Use your duck bill pliers to hold the end with the cord end and using your needle nose pliers to wrap the wire around your cord.

Here is how the cord and wire look after a couple of wraps.

Continue wrapping the wire and pushing the wire against the other wire to keep them tight. It's easier to push the wire when you use this gauge wire. After you have 6 wraps cut you short piece of wire off and continue to wrap until you have around 10 wraps. Then cut off your wire, and smooth the edge against your cord.

Next you are ready to wire wrap the other cord with with the clasp. You will need to take your wire and wrap a loop about 1" from the end just like the first cord and put your clasp in the loop.

The next step is the same as before when you add your cord, slide the cord end through the loop making sure the short piece of wire is under the loop. And wrap the long end of the wire around your cord. Make sure you keep your wire snug against your wire while wrapping, by pushing the wire as you wrap.

Wrap your coil the same amount of wraps in the first so the cord ends will match.

When finished, cut your cord end of near the top of loop. You can burn the ends or cut them wire scissors.

My Promotions For The Little Black Box

2008-09-30T14:54:00.005-05:00

This is my second month I sent my promos to the Little Black Box. I had first seen the post several months ago and thought about the concept for a while. I had finally realized why not and gave it a try. Well, today I woke up to a sale from a person who had purchased one of the boxes that had received a pair of my earrings. That really made my day! I didn't get any sales last month, so I was wondering if I would ever make a direct sale resulting in my promos and hard work. I'm so excited that people like my earrings enough to visit my etsy shop and make a purchase. I really noticed an increase in views last month and that was a great feeling too. This month I'm also working on something different than last month. I don't want to tell what it is yet, but they aren't earrings. They are even better! So I hope if you purchase a little black box this month and receive a pair of earrings from me that you will love them enough to come visit my shop and make a purchase. I also include a coupon for 15% off your next purchase and that should help you out for those gifts you might even be purchasing since the holidays are so near.

Knit One Pearl Two

2008-09-24T22:26:00.002-05:00

The Artisan Beaders Team is one of the teams I'm a member. Kaskaad curated this gorgeous treasury. I"m confident that this treasury will make the front page. Stop by and give this treasury some love.

Banana Ana

2008-09-18T16:44:00.003-05:00

Yellow is becoming a new favorite color of mine. So the only title that could come to mind when I saw the box was banana ana. Thanks for stopping by.

New Hair Comb Design

2008-09-18T11:32:00.005-05:00

I have finally ventured into making bridal hair combs. I decided to give them a try and I was really pleased with the results. I want to try a new design soon that will add some vines spray on the top of the comb in addition to the already existing pearls. I have a couple more colors of glass pearls that I will try to make a couple more in the next few days. I have already made a wide comb with pewter color glass pearls and two smaller combs with white glass pearls. So if you know of somebody looking to purchase combs have them check out my shop. Here is the link to my bridal section. Thanks for stopping by.

Featured Item Sale

2008-09-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

I have decided that I would like to have a fun sale in my shop. Here is how it's going to work. I usually like to change out my featured items every day or every other day. So I decided it would be a good idea to put those 3 items on sale while they are being featured. The sale will be for 15% off the original price and I will send a revised invoice. Just put message to seller "Featured Item".

Here are the 3 items that are on sale now. Hope you enjoy the sale and will stop by again.

Earrings Winner

2008-09-16T10:43:00.004-05:00

My first blog giveaway was a lot of fun. I really found the feedback on my shop informative and was able to correct a couple of the problems. My photography really isn't as professional as I would like. Compared to when I first starting taking pictures it has improved more than 100%. I really didn't even know how to resize a picture or know what a pixel was then. Sometimes I find a really neglected picture every now and then and work on it, but some colors never seem to cooperate. I really appreciate all of the people who stopped by to play my blog giveaway and I hope you will all stop by again for the next giveaway.

My next giveaway will be coming up soon and I will post again when that will be. I'm still deciding on the prize, and I have already decided what I will be asking of all of the contestants.

The winner of the earrings is Erika Jean. Her blog is also having a contest for her 700th post. So stop by her blog and check it out to win a $25.00 gift certificate. All you have to do is link your blog to her blog and comment.

A Couple of Jaded Pieces

2008-09-14T22:32:00.006-05:00

I designed a couple new pieces of jewelry with some new jade cube nuggets and blue aventurine gemstone beads. I have coordinated these gemstones with copper findings. I really love the results of the earrings and bracelet and also have bead caps adorning them. So take a look a my shop on etsy to see all of the jewelry I have to offer.

Don't forget the drawing on my blog is tomorrow. I will also post the winner in my next post. I'm also planning my next giveaway for a shorter time period.

MissKarina Blog Feature

2008-09-10T09:48:00.003-05:00

Here is a really neat shop I ran across with very interesting Mardi Gras themed items. Check Out MissKarina's shop to see all she has to offer.

Who are you?

My name is Karina Nathan. I just turned 30 and am away from my home in New Orleans for a year of teaching in Korea. I am almost completely self-taught in fashion design and can't imagine a life without it.

How long have you been crafting?

At least since 5 years old. I had a children's weaving loom that I loved. My mother and father were artists in their spare time so they made every possible material available to me. I can't think of an art form we didn't try. I always loved sewing and drawing clothes the most. I liked being able to show off my creations once they were completed.

What feeds your imagination?

Almost everything that's happy or funny. I love things that are eye catching which is obvious in my creations. I love bright colors because they make me happy. I love to recycle, so upcycling materials excites me. My process usually starts with a material rather than a design or pattern. Then I imagine what I could make the material into. I use all kinds of materials in my work from recycled fabrics to mardi gras beads.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business? When someone offered me money for a costume I was wearing. That was about 6 years ago. From there I started wholsaling to boutiques almost immediately.

How did you find etsy? Two years ago I started noticing other crafty friends with the word "etsy" in their website addresses.

Have you ever been published in a magazine?
I've had several small New Orleans based magazines feature my work including DIY, Anti Gravity, and Southern Woman.

What is your most effective marketing venue?
I network through facebook and myspace. I blog a little. I make videos for youtube. I post sporadically on flickr and photobucket. I make a lot of trades so my work gets seen. I donate a little to charity auctions. I give gifts of my work whenever appropriate for holidays and celebrations. I hand everyone business cards and sometimes postcards of my work. I wear my own work or other etsians' whenever possible. I run a big dance troupe in New Orleans that dances in Mardi Gras Parades called the Bearded Oysters---they get a lot of attention. Honestly, it is so hard to figure out exactly what is working. My marketing philosophy is just keeping doing it anyway you can figure out. I also listen to a lot of podcasts about internet marketing strategy, SEO, and ecommerce. I try and be conscious and consistent all the time with marketing.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now? I return to America on Monday and I plan to hit the ground running. My goal a year from now is to be a full time fashion designer with health insurance. I will try to find a new store each month to begin a wholesale relationship with. I also would like to have a full calendar of work all year, not just being bombarded at Christmas and Carnival. My other goal is to create a more balanced work day. Where I work M-F 9-5 on this stuff, not just when I'm in the mood. I also plan to organize my work schedule better. Time blocks set aside for creating, but also sales, marketing, market research, and photography.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? I sell my work through craft fairs, craigslist, and two small boutiques that carry my work.

Cold As Ice

2008-09-09T09:14:00.005-05:00

Doe the weather seem to be changing? I'm starting to see a change in the weather. Just last night it was so windy and rainy. I'm not really ready for the season change, but it's coming. Here is a feature of a few of my friends on a couple of my teams and some other pictures that fit my theme.

Bagladee Blog Feature

2008-09-09T08:59:00.003-05:00

The bagladee
shop has all types of handbags, coin bags, makeup bags and more. Stop by her shop and check out her variety of beautiful bags.

Who are you?--->>

My name is Emma, I'm 28 and I live in Nottingham, UK. I'm originally from Newcastle, so that makes me a certified Geordie. I live with my fantastic other half and my 2 cats Nell and Oliver. I work full time in an office but try to spend as much time as possible concentrating on crafting.

How long have you been crafting?--->>

For as long as I can remember I've always been making something or other, I was a huge fan of knitting and cross stitch when I was younger, this progressed into making clothes & accessories. Which led to completing a Degree in Fashion & Textiles so I would definitely say most of my life.

What feeds your imagination?--->>

Everything! things I see on my way to and from work, my garden, magazines, films, books, music, experiences, just life in general really.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?--->>

I started making handbags for myself as a hobby. Some were given to family members and then friends started asking me to make them various types of bags. I made a clutch bag for a friend of a friend who wanted it to match an outfit she had for a wedding. She was so pleased with her bag and she told me that I should start selling them. I didn't really start thinking about it until a year later when I thought, Yeah, why not, lets have a go at making it a business!

How did you find etsy?--->>

I found Etsy through a friend who was already a member, and thankyou to her!!!

Have you ever been published in a magazine?--->>

I have never been published in a magazine but it is definitely a dream to have one of my bags featured. I'd love to be flicking through a glossy magazine and see one of my creations staring back at me!

What is your most effective marketing venue?--->>

Since I have only really been promoting myself seriously since April this year I would have to say the internet (Etsy and Craft Chat forums). Oh and word of mouth promoting is very effective!!

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?--->>

To have steady orders coming in, to have been featured in a glossy and to be seriously thinking about giving up the day job to dedicate all my time to my craft!

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?--->>

I am also a member of Folksy, which is a UK version of Etsy on a very small scale although it is growing. And of course I have my own website which was launched in August this year www.bagladee.com.

Kattfive Blog Feaure

2008-09-08T09:13:00.003-05:00

I found a new seller to feature who has very pretty greeting cards, photo albums and scrap booking supplies. Her shop name is kattfive. I hope you will take a look around her shop for what she has to offer.

Who are you? My name is Julie Gastelum. I have a love for all things paper crafting.
How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting steadily for about a year. Off and on for many, many years.
What feeds your imagination? I have more inspiration when I am listening to music. It just depends on the day as to what you will hear coming from my craft room.
What made you decide to make your crafting a business? I thought I would give it a try as a way to fund my crafting hobbies. I am also a consultant for Close to my Heart, which also funds my stamping hobby.
How did you find etsy? I was looking on a scrap booking forum one day and saw someone post about Etsy. Of course I was curious, so I went searching. Now, Etsy is somewhere I search daily.
Have you ever been published in a magazine? No, I have never been published in a magazine. I have a couple of entries in to a magazine but nothing yet.
What is your most effective marketing venue? I have a blog that I list a lot of my items on www.creationsbyjulie.blogspot.com I also use the promotions forum on the Etsy site to promote and have had a couple of sales off of that. I have done a couple of Alchemy request and one is a possible return customer.
What is your goal for your business 1 year from now? My goal for my business in one year is to have more consistent sales. I am hoping to do some additional digital work in the future which would make it easier to make the cards and items on my Etsy site.
Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? Mostly on Etsy, I have posted some on Ebay. I have done really well with taking things into my work and my mothers work. When people can see my work first hand, that is when they can really see how well it looks. Much better than pictures.

MorningStarArts Blog Feature

2008-09-05T09:46:00.003-05:00

Amy has an etsy shop called Morning Star Arts and has some lamp worked beads. Here are couple of pieces in her shop. Take a look around her shop to see what she has.

Who are you? I'm Amy Giannini, a wife, homeschooling mother of four sons (two in college now), and transplant to rural MN, originally a Californian.

How long have you been crafting? All my life; my family was very supportive of creativity in all areas. I have been making jewelry for about five years now, ever since my husband started making lampworked beads and convinced me to take a "beads and wire" class!

What feeds your imagination? Everything, but especially the beads themselves. Like all the beaders I know, I have quite a stash and I love to go through them looking for a combination that "clicks".

What made you decide to make your crafting a business? Too much inventory! It has to go somewhere, right? I'd given everyone gifts, and had more than enough jewelry myself, so thought maybe I could branch out and try supporting my hobby.

How did you find etsy? It was mentioned in a newspaper article. At this point I can't even remember what the focus of the article was, but I'm sure glad I read it.

Have you ever been published in a magazine? No, but I've recently been contacted by a catalog company about marketing through them.

What is your most effective marketing venue? So far art fairs and stores, both consignment and wholesale.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now? To actually sell as much jewelry as I make!!

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? Not online, although the catalog which may carry a couple of my products in the future is both paper and online.
I do sell at several boutiques as mentioned above.

Samantha17 Blog Feature

2008-09-03T10:39:00.004-05:00

Audrey has a shop here on etsy called Samantha17 where she makes jewelry. I found a couple a really pretty pieces to show you. Take a look around her shop to see all she has to offer.

Hi my name is Audrey, I love creating new pieces of jewelery, a little different and colorful. I have been making jewelery for about two years and have enjoyed every moment of it, its like i get lost in my own wee world twisting, turning and adding beads. Sterling silver with gemstones and swarovski crystals just seem so elegant and sparkly. My friend introduced me to etsy, and I thought why not. Chatting to people all over the world is great fun. Etsy and jewelery are my hobbies,hope to sell loads and make great friends.

A Day In Etsy

2008-09-02T10:23:00.004-05:00

All of us sellers on etsy spend our days pretty much the same way I'm starting to think. We all obsess over our shops just like a brick and mortar shop would. We start our day by checking to see if we had a sales during the night and if we did, the dance begins and our days seems even a little brighter.
Most of us spend the rest of the day creating new pieces and again checking to see if we had any sales. Pretty much the daily ritual of the checking our email to see if there is any emails that need to be answered. We take many photos of our new pieces to add to our shop hoping that it's just the perfect angle or composition of pique a buyers interest.

Well, here is a treasury with some of my favorite brown pieces in the shops of the fellow team members of Artisan Beaders Team and the One A Day Challenge teams that I belong.

Freshline Blog Feature

2008-09-02T09:47:00.004-05:00

Colleen at Freshline has really cute greeting cards. Here are a couple of cards that I found for you to preview her work. Make sure to stop by her shop and take a look around at the rest of her beautiful greeting cards.

Who are you?
I'm Colleen Johnson owner/designer/illustrator of Freshline Illustration. I enjoy creating new prints, greeting cards, and other paper goods every day!

How long have you been illustrating?
I've been illustrating as long as I can remember. It's always been in me to create. I went to design school and am a professionally trained Graphic Designer and Illustrator. Freshline Illustration was started will I was in design school.

What feeds your imagination?
I find inspiration in so many things. Going to a bookstore to browse through the magazines & books, card shops, trips, being outdoors, people watching, and so much more.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
During college I started accepting freelance illustrating projects and haven't stopped since then. I enjoy working with so many different clients and working on custom projects. Etsy is a wonderful place to showcase your work to many people.

How did you find etsy?
I heard about it from a friend.

Have you ever been published in a magazine?
Yes, my illustrations have been published in a few magazines as spot illustrations. I hope to do more work in the future.

What is your most effective marketing venue?
Etsy, my blog (http://freshlineillustration.typepad.com/) and word of mouth.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?
To keep creating new and fresh paper goods for my etsy shop.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
Etsy (www.freshline.etsy.com) and my blog
http://freshlineillustration.typepad.com

Allieart4children

2008-09-01T10:51:00.003-05:00

Allie has the most gorgeous photos in her shop and she donates a portion to local charitable organizations. I chose a couple of photos in her shop, but it was really hard to only choose two. Take a look at what she has to offer in her shop. I believe you will be in awe of her photography.

Who are you? I am a stay-at-home mom of four terrific children, which is quite a change from being a full time pediatrician. I have been home now for two years, and am really enjoying being with my children. Something didn't quite make sense to me about being in the hospital, taking care of other children, while I was missing putting my own children to bed. This change has given me the opportunity to focus on my photography, which is a joy in itself. I am trying, through this Etsy shop, and through local charitable organizations to continue to be an advocate for children - one of my favorite parts of being a pediatrician. I am working on developing relationships with additional charities so my etsy customers will be able to designate which group their purchase will benefit.

How long have you been crafting? I have been taking photographs since I was about 12 years old, and have been actively pursuing this dream for about the last two and a half years.

What feeds your imagination? I am in awe of the beauty all around us. And love to experience the diversity of people and cultures. I am also inspired by the joy, innocence and spontanaeity of childhood. I get a lot of inspiration from the books my kids and I read together and their incredible imaginations. You can see several items in my shop directly inspired by their stories! Check out Jazz Mizzell and the fox!

What made you decide to make your crafting a business? The opportunity came to me when I started staying at home. Also, at about the same time, I received encouragement from friends and family.

How did you find etsy? A family member has a shop here (lillitutu - Whitney is my cousin's very talented wife.) She introduced me to Etsy.

Have you ever been published? Not yet!

What is your most effective marketing venue? So far, Etsy has been, but I am beginning to participate in local art shows as well.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now? I would love to continue to develop relationships here on Etsy and to become a more active member of the groups I have joined here: Photographers of Etsy (POE), Etsy for Charity, and Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM). I learn so much from Etsy's talented artists!

Shiny Adornments Blog Feature

2008-08-31T09:46:00.005-05:00

Kristy is a friend of mine on the Artisan Beaders Team. Her jewelry is really awesome and I know will want to see all she has to offer in her shop shop.

Who are you?
Kristy Smith aka ShinyAdornments

How long have you been crafting?
Well, crafting? All my life. I’ve sewed, knitted, woodworked, love to create stained glass panels, faux painted, LOTs and LOTs of home improvement projects, and most recently acquired a love of jewelry creation. I discovered wire wrapping a bit over a year ago and dove head first into learning all I could.

What feeds your imagination?
I find inspiration in the wildflowers I drove past this morning on the way to work or the suit I just bought that needs the perfect accessory or the strange dream I had last night. I am also inspired by art and COLOR. I love color. :-)

I like jewelry that makes a statement. So when I wear jewelry, I WEAR jewelry. :-) Those that know me would say I am definitely NOT a shrinking violet (ok, no comments from the peanut gallery) and my jewelry generally reflects that attitude.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
It seemed a sensible step, although my friends and family might not say I was the most sensible person at all times. LOL I started selling to my co-workers, and since they are not all in the same state, it made sense to post images of my work online for them to see. It just sort of grew from there.

How did you find etsy?
I belong to the Starving Artists forum http://www.starvingjewelryartists.com/ , and many of its very talented members have etsy shops. I really love the camaraderie of SA and found a similar experience with folks I met on etsy. Its nice to know that those of us of a ‘certain’ age can find other like minded individual artists in pretty big numbers. It’s a nice community to belong.

Have you ever been published in a magazine?
BeadTrends
Also featured on several blogs, including Cuteable

What is your most effective marketing venue?
The smart and talented women I work with purchase most of my creations. They are a fabulous group that inspire me every day. I’ve discovered blogging and included Project Wonderful and entrecard space on my blog. By far, this has been my best non-coworker marketing avenue. I’ve sold quite a few things to wonderful customers that discovered by work via my blog.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?
I would like to spend more time creating and less time marketing, but, realistically, I don’t know that it is possible.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
I am experimenting with Ruby Lane http://www.rubylane.com/shops/shinyadornments in addition to my etsy shop http://shinyadornments.etsy.com.

You can find more about me on my blog at http://shinyadornments.com/wordpress

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shinyadornments/

My First Blog Contest Giveaway

2008-08-30T12:44:00.012-05:00

I'm hosting my first blog prize giveaway. I'm giving away these earrings to the lucky person that will be picked by putting all of the names in a hat.
My requests for you to be eligible are for you to visit my shop on etsy.

(1.) I would like a critique on my jewelry. I would like one good comment and one bad comment. I will work on the bad comments to make them better. Everybody wants their shop to be as best as they can right?

(2.) Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner. You may email me at cportalatin@gmail.com if you aren't comfortable leaving it on my blog.

I will be holding this event through September 15. I will post the winner on September 16. I will also be holding a give away each month until the end of the year. So make sure to come back again.

HKExpressions Blog Feature

2008-08-30T10:17:00.005-05:00

Heather has her shop as H K Expressions. She creates drink coaster, hand painted glasses, and wine glass charms. Here is a bit about her and a couple of my favorites in her shop.

Who are you?
My name is Heather, I’m 29 and live just outside of Boston, MA with my husband Matt

How long have you been crafting?
Forever! Honestly, probably since I was able to hold a crayon in my hand. I have tried or wanted to try everything out there. Always been involved in art classes since I was very young. I used to have craft stands when I was little. Instead of a lemonade stand, I would try and sell my handmade ornaments, magnets ect to the people driving by!

What feeds your imagination?
Etsy for one. I’m inspired constantly by the amazing things I see people making. I also work in the design field so the creative juices are always flowing. I get inspired by fabrics, patterns, color, you name it!

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
I had been making these items as gifts for people for a couple years. For a time this past year I was unemployed due to company I worked for going out of business. I thought it was a great chance to see if I could do it and jumped in!

How did you find etsy?
Complete luck! I couldn’t even tell you how, but I just found it one day. Was blown away that there was this online world where people were doing what I had always wanted to do!

Have you ever been published in a magazine?
Not yet! Wouldn’t that be a trip!

What is your most effective marketing venue?
The forums I think. Those and word of mouth, family and friends.

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?
To still be going strong, hopefully even stronger! To introduce new items ( I have a list of all the things I want to try and add) And to just be happy and loving this adventure!

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
No, etsy is enough for me to handle right now. We’ll see down the road though, I’m always open to something new!

AllieBeans Feature

2008-08-29T08:23:00.004-05:00

Allie has some really cute tissue pouches and fabric coasters in her shop. She also is a new seller on etsy this month.

Who are you?
I'm Allie from San Francisco, California. I'm an architect by day, and a crafter by night - my newest obsession is making fabric pouches and pencil cases! There is just something so satisfying about holding the finished product! I have a newfound love for fabrics, and wish I had the time to sit and stare at fabrics all day!

How long have you been crafting?
I've been doing artsy things ever since I could hold a pencil. A neighbor still has one of my drawings from when I was 2 years old, insisting that someday the little doodle would be worth something. I took art classes all throughout my childhood, and never failed to leave a paper placemat without a drawing at any restaurant we visited. I almost took the route to something related to medicine, but ultimately chose the artistic route (though somewhat too technical for my taste...). So, to satisfy my creativity and love for crafts, I make and create in the evenings as part of my relaxation ritual!

What feeds your imagination?
The city that I'm surrounded by, my friends, family and all the lovely creations on Etsy.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
I could make fabric pouches/pencil cases/coasters all day long - but soon had too many to keep for myself and give away to friends. I wanted to share my love for the pouches and cases with other people! Selling my creations will also help feed my need to buy more pretty fabrics!

How did you find etsy?
I found Etsy through a link via a design website, promoting a beautiful gocco print by treetopstudio. After purchasing the beautiful print, I found myself addicted to the website - I was in complete awe with all the handmade creations people were selling - there was so much to see and be inspired by!

Have you ever been published?
I am a featured seller on http://pleasureartsblogs.blogspot.com. I'm fairly new to Etsy and the business of selling crafts online - but I hope to be published a lot in the near future!

What is your most effective marketing venue?
I hang out in the Etsy promotion forum once in a while to promote my items and see what other people have to offer. Other than that, word of mouth is what works for me so far! It's a tough job to promote a business with so many other competitive businesses out there, but I hope my soon-to-be buyers will help me spread the word too :)

What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?
I hope to have a steady flow of business at my Etsy shop! I also hope that my shop will contain a wider variety of products, made with all the beautiful fabrics out there!

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
Nope, just Etsy!

Vidia2be Feature

2008-08-28T10:04:00.004-05:00

Vidia2be has an etsy shop with paintings and vintage clothing. Here is a favorite of mine to share with you. Check out her shop
to see what she has to offer. Heather has been an etsy seller since July.

Who are you? My name is Heather and im 30 a single mom of 2 girls Hailey who is a cancer survivor at 5 and Belle, the most charming energetic autistic lil girl you could ever imagine.
How long have you been crafting? Seems as long as I can remember back to my plantation days on the farm in Alabama.
What feeds your imagination? My children are truly inspiring along with my own events in life from Back home to the time I served in the US Marine Corps and beyond through every day no matter a desert sunrise to being suprised by a freak thunderstorm
What made you decide to make your crafting a business? I never treat it as a business really, I treat it as a passion I am lucky enough to share with others.
How did you find etsy? Actually I found etsy to post an alchemy request spent a little time in chat and was encouraged to open my own shop and to this day I stil speak to those lovely encouraging people
What is your most effective marketing venue? WOMMA otherwise known as word of mouth mass marketing
Have you ever been published? NO
Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? No but I do keep a facebook with updated links.

Marge54 Shop Feature

2008-08-27T09:05:00.005-05:00

Marge has really great photography in her shop. I found a couple of favorites here to highlight. Giraffes are one of my favorite animals to check out at the zoo. Marge also has great photos of flowers and this purple coneflower is very pretty. Purple is my favorite color.

I am Margaret from Little Rock, AR. Married for 25 years to a wonderful man; we have two daughters, 20 and 16. I am part of the ARetsy (Arkansas) group and POE.

I've crafted for twenty years or so; sewing, knitting, cross stitch, and now photography and notecards.

My imagination is fed by nature; love to garden and do macro shots of flowers, insects and birds.

Well, I'm not sure I'd call it a business quite yet; being in my fifties, with children leaving home, I wanted to expand what I create.
I found etsy by doing a google for a product; it is a wonderful site.
I have never been published.
I have my photos on flickr and facebook.

ElizaLeigh Feature

2008-08-26T09:16:00.004-05:00

Here is a sister team named
ElizaLeigh that I met and knew you would enjoy checking out their shop.

Who are you?
ElizaLeigh is actually me and my sister. We live in Louisville, KY. The name comes from a combo of our middle names. I am Eliza and she is Leigh. I sew the pillows and blankets and she is in charge of the aprons. I think we really compliment each other.

How long have you been crafting?
Wow. Ever since I can remember I have been creating something. I learned to crochet at a very early age and also loved to make things out of paper. I created a whole town out of notebook paper when I was about 10. That was fun. I have only been sewing for about a year and a half. I wanted a Christmas quilt, figured out it would be cheaper to sew it for myself and it just kind of blossomed from there.

What feeds your imagination?
I get a lot of stimulus from many places. I never know when something is going to be triggered. It could be a book, or a tree or a conversation. The Sunny Daydream blanket in our shop, for instance, is an interpretation of lying in the grass looking at the sky on a bright sunny day.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
My son's French class is going to Paris and Barcelona in March. I'm trying to make enough to pay for the trip!

How did you find etsy?
A friend asked me one day if I had ever heard of it. I don't exactly remember why. I was hooked from the first second.

Have you ever been published? Only in blogs. So far.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses? Not yet, but I really would like to be in some shops here in Louisville. We have a very active handmade community.

Please let me know if you need anything else.
Dawn
Eliza

Timeless designs

2008-08-25T13:26:00.003-05:00

I just love Esty. It's a really great place to meet people and see the great things that they create. Today I met Annette from Timeless Designs . Here is a little bit about her.

Who are you?
Annette from Timeless Designs; a creative and passionate person who enjoys every moment that life has to offer!

How long have you been crafting?
I started crafting officially about 20 years ago. I opened a floral and folk art painting business. A year ago I started Timeless Designs and designing my passion in jewelry!

What feeds your imagination?
Just about anything, nature, my kids, my family, friends…and even my customers have given me great ideas.

What made you decide to make your crafting a business?
A couple of years ago, I bought several beautiful pieces of fused glass jewelry. I took a few classes to learn how to make it. In the class we learned to bead, and then I took a wire working class, this is were I figured out my passion for the jewelry. I loved working with the wire, there just isn’t anything you can’t do with wire! So, I decided to open my own business to share the designs and offer high-quality jewelry at inexpensive prices.

How did you find Etsy?
I was consigning in a shop here locally and the shop owner and I got to talking one day about advertising and marketing. She mentioned Etsy and that I should check into it as another avenue to sell my jewelry.

Have you ever been published?
Not yet, but I did purchase a spot in the Handbook to Handmade Vol. 7 and waiting for the book to come out. My turquoise and silver link necklace was chosen for the front cover, so I’m pretty proud of that! So, if that counts, then I guess you could say I’m sort of published.

Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?
Yes, I have my blog which has links to both Etsy and DaWanda. I also have a few pieces listed on my in-laws website as marketing with links to my Etsy shop. I also do local craft shows and festivals.

Two Wire Wrapped Pendant Necklaces

2008-08-20T20:39:00.003-05:00

I have created two new wire wrapped cabochon necklaces this week. I have a collection of cabochons to wire wrap and here are 2 that I wrapped that are a pear shape cabochon. I really like the look of a wire wrapped pear shaped cabochon. I have twisted the wire to give it a great look with little swirl accents on the top of the pendant. These necklaces look great with any attire whether it's casual or dressy attire. Check out my etsy shop necklace section to see my complete line of necklaces. Don't forget to check out my wire wrapped pendant section also.

My New Bracelet!

2008-08-15T13:16:00.007-05:00

I have been wanting to design this bracelet for about a year. I admire Eni Onken's talent of wire wrapping and all of her designs. I had purchased her tutorials and finally got the confidence in my skill level to go ahead with the project and here is a bit about the bracelet.
Garden Party Artisan Wire Wrapped Bracelet. This bracelet has all of the makings for turning heads at your next garden party or special occasion. I have always admired the wire artist Eni Oken and had learned this technique from her tutorials. Garden party has been wire wrapped in sterling silver wire in different gauges to give a unique look. The base of the bracelet is on memory wire to give it a bangle type fit. This bracelet adorns fancy 14mm bali silver beads, agate, a 30mm by 22mm new jade oval bead,and 25mm x18mm carnelian beads. The accent beads wire wrapped along this bracelet are 2mm and 3mm sterling silver round beads, 4mm camel jade, moss agate, and rhodonite beads To end the bracelet is a hook type clasp. This bracelet measures 9" end to end and 2 3/4" in diameter. This bracelet will fit comfortably up to an 7 3/4" wrist.

NoraKaren Feature

2008-08-13T12:56:00.004-05:00

Nora is on the "One A Day Challenge" Team that I'm also a member. Her shop is filled with great hand painted clothing with peacocks and other beautiful art work. Here is the link to browse her
shop.

Here are some interesting things about Nora and her business.
1. How long have you been crafting? I believe art runs like blood in my family members.My dad was a very good designer and painter. I used to sit close to him just to observe him draw.This family bond led to a more creative path in my career. After high school I needed to choose a career and I went for graphic design but I always wanted something more crafty. So I finished my career and I opened a printing store. But still wasn't what I was looking for. I found my dream when I worked for a fashion designer here in Florida, USA.
2. What feeds your imagination?I get inspiration from nature and today's fashion trends. I translate creation in everything I can . That's part of my nature. But probably the areas that help me express more are related to painting, fabrics, drawing, sewing, crocheting, singing, music, raising my kids (that really needs inspiration!)
3. What made you decide to make your crafting a business?in 2007, I was blessed to find out that I was pregnant. With news like that, I decided to quit my full time job and reopen my business. " It's all for good for those who believe in God!"
My business gives me the freedom to express myself and do what I feel to do, and create and fullfil a purpose in life. It is also a channel to show to others and to receive feedback from other artist. One thing is create and other one, very different is to sell what you create. And your business puts you to the test of seeing yourself not only as a designer/creator/artist but also as someone willing to manage/promote/carry the consecuences. So I really like having my own business , it opened my mind to the rush I feel everytime I have to handle any of those areas. What a feeling!
4. How did you find etsy?My wonderful sister in law Fern owns a very sucessful shop on etsy called thirtyonedesigns and she introduced it to me....and I loved it...since then I can't sleep anymore without thinking of Etsy.
5. What is your goal for your business 1 year from now?my goal is having my business running smothly after all the promotion and hard work
6. Do you sell your products on other sites or businesses?You can find my work on etsy, ecrater, dawanda, redbubble, and a number of other small web pages. Locally, I sell in stores around Boca Raton , Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Deerfiled Beach (all in Palm Beach County) and participate in shows and fairs in Florida, most recently at Miami and Island Fest -TAMPA.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
norakaren.etsy.com

Aren't You Glad?

2008-08-11T22:08:00.003-05:00

I finally got to curate a treasury. I decided that I would mix it up a little and add other items that are orange from other sellers. I figure that will help increase my chances to hopefully make a front page treasury. It's still a goal for me as it is for many etsy sellers. The chance to make the front page is really slim, but it's always a goal for us when we curate a new treasury. I included jewelry from the awesome and talented Artisan Beaders Street Team. Hope you like the treasury and thanks for stopping by.

Custom Wedding Set Order

2008-08-10T20:57:00.003-05:00

I've really been enjoying the opportunity to set up my jewelry at the "At Home Outlet" in the past couple of weeks. This has helped me sell quite a few pieces of my jewelry and I also have received a couple of custom orders. This set is one of the custom orders I received. I really love to design bridal jewelry. I met this girl and she saw a piece that I had made and wanted me to redesign it into a set for her. I made a necklace, bracelet, and earrings for her. She picked up her set on Saturday and was really pleased with the set, I designed it slightly different than what she requested. The design just looked a little off so I changed it up a bit. The bracelet has a small briolette dangle that matches the earrings. I really liked her idea for the bracelet.

Pearl Dreams Gets A New Home

2008-08-05T22:57:00.004-05:00

I sold one of my favorite necklaces today. I made this necklace only a couple of months ago when I was learning a new technique from one of my tutorials that I had purchased. I had gotten many compliments and also a lot of views in my shop. I had been doing a trunk show at the shop on main street that I consign my jewelry. Well, on Saturday a lady was trying it on and said she would be back later in the day because she had forgotten her credit card. I left the necklace at the shop for her to come back and she did today, which is the first day the shop was open again since their weekend is on Sunday and Monday. I was really happy and it made my day. Well, I'm planning a new necklace, but just don't know what gemstones it will be yet. Here is the necklace. It was named "Pearl Dreams".

Promotional Items

2008-08-03T18:44:00.005-05:00

Recently I stumbled upon the threads in etsy about the Little Black Boxes. The Little Black Boxes is a website that you can buy boxes that include promotional sample items that sellers donate to her. There are many different types of promotional items that you could receive for a great price of only $23.00. There is approximately 15 to 20 items in the bag. Some of the items include samples size candles, soaps, greeting cards, bookmarks, jewelry and other items.
Well, after a couple of weeks of trying to decide what to donate I finally came up with my promotional item. I have been working on my earrings and will have it ready in a week for the mailing. I'm making earrings and my goal is 75 pairs of earrings for the opportunity to get exposure to my shop. I'm hoping that I will get a lot of new buyers attracted to my shop in time for the holiday season. Boxes go on sale monthly. Here is the link to the Little Black Box.

Update on trunk show.

2008-07-27T20:32:00.004-05:00

I wanted to write an update on my trunk show that I did yesterday. I was at the "At Home Outlet" in Troy yesterday for a trunk show. The At Home Outlet is a home decor shop that has a lot of local artist's work on display. She also has other artist's work from going to the wholesale shows. I was happy to have the opportunity to be able to take all of my jewelry for a show that didn't cost me a lot of money. I was the only local artist and the owner advertised the event for me in the local newspaper. I was hoping for more sales, but I was really happy with the sales I did get and the buyers were very enjoyable to talk to. I love to tell buyers about my jewelry and let them know what gemstones are in the pieces. The day was long and I also helped Dawn move the store displays around. I also have to opportunity to leave my display set up for a couple more days. I'm really excited about the possibility that I might sell some more jewelry.

New Supplies!

2008-07-24T09:49:00.004-05:00

Well, I broke down and bought new supplies. the challenge for the summer of not buying any new supplies to use what I have on hand ended. I did really well for about two months on the challenge, but I was really get bored of my beads and I was almost completely out of sterling silver wire. I now have it organized and put all away. I did design a new pair of earrings from some of my new supplies.
I some swarovski chatons that I ordered a while in error, and didn't want to send them back since I made the mistake. I found some chaton settings to put them in and it is a link with 2 loops. I added a wire wrapped link of swarovski briolette below the link and they look great.

Having a Trunk Show

2008-07-23T09:02:00.004-05:00

I'm having a trunk show at one of the shops I consign my jewelry. This Saturday will be the first trunk show that I will be doing. I have a lot of jewelry that I have made, so I know that buyers will have a very large assortment of jewelry to choose from. The owner of the shop also advertised the show in the newspaper, so that should help get some needed exposure for the sale. I'm also giving out a coupon that is good for free shipping in my etsy shop. I hope that will help with the upcoming holiday shopping.
In the picture is one of my newest pieces a copper chainnmaille bracelet. I started getting more serious about learning chainmaille.

New to project wonderful

2008-07-21T21:01:00.005-05:00

I'm somewhat computer challenged so it takes me a couple of hours or even days to figure new things out. Well, I had been reading about project wonderful and how it can help drive traffic to your blog and increase your traffic to your etsy site. So, I had signed up for project wonderful weeks ago and couldn't figure it out so I never returned again until last week. I was determined that I really wanted to start putting some ads on people's blogs, so I checked out some of the threads on etsy about project wonderful to find some free and cheap ad space. After a short while I figured it out and starting putting some of my ads up on their blogs. I think it's a great way to advertise on a small budget. It's even more exciting to check out the stats on the sites you advertise on. Today I got approved to have ad space on my blog. I was really excited, because I really didn't think I would get approved.
If you had been thinking about increasing your views and advertising I think you might want to check it out. Here is the link- http://www.projectwonderful.com/

Chained Necklace

2008-07-20T09:22:00.003-05:00

I finally decided to sit down and create a piece of jewelry using the chainmaille technique. I had tried a very basic pattern a few years ago and found out it was very time consuming as well as costly, if done in sterling silver. I found out some of the patterns were really confusing and thought it would be really challenging to try some of the difficult ones. I don't fully understand the term AR, but have a book to learn more about this. I have decided I really want to learn the box chain and thinking I will try that one next, if I can master it. I also found it difficult that the tutorials are done for right handed people and of course that makes it a challenge being left handed. I spent the last couple days making this new necklace which is a basic chain in artistic brand copper wire. It started out to be a bracelet and I really didn't like the way it was turning out so I decided to make it a necklace. Well, I really love the results.If you get a chance stop by my etsy shop and take a peek.

Sale on Earrings

2008-07-17T09:40:00.003-05:00

I have extended my sale for this week to include a larger discount for earrings. I have them buy 2 get one 1 FREE! The lowest price s the free pair. I have 90 pairs of earrings in my shop for you to choose from. Take look and see. You might want to do some early gift shopping for birthdays or Christmas.

Low On Fuel?

2008-07-16T18:52:00.003-05:00

Our team is having the " NO Fuel Required" Sale. It is going on through July 19. We decided this is a great way to save on gas and shop for new treasures. I was able to curate this treasury and feature some of our teams members items. They are on sale, so take a peek here.
Thanks for stopping by.

No Fuel Required

2008-07-12T10:21:00.003-05:00

The Artisan Beaders Street Team is having their debut sale. The new street on etsy has quality jewelry and supplies. We are offering you a sale to help you save on purchasing those new treasures at a discount price. No Fuel is required to shop for these items in these shops. The sale starts tomorrow July 13, 2008. I haven't decided what amount the discount will be, but will probably be at least 15% to 20% off of all items in my shop. So please stop by my
shop and see what I have on sale.

New Wire Wrapped Jewelry Additions

2008-07-07T23:00:00.004-05:00

I have been absorbed into making some new jewelry that I haven't posted here to tell you about any of my new pieces. I have wire wrapped a couple of new pair of earring, some new rings a a gorgeous new necklace. First off my new rings I wire wrapped are in copper wire. One of the rings has a malachite stone and the other has a dalmation jasper stone. I also made three new pairs of earrings. One pair has purple cats eye beads that is a chandelier pair of earrings. The second pair has gold tone chandelier findings with brick red cloisonne beads, and the third pair of earrings are wire wrapped with gold copper colored wire in a herringbone weave with white agate beads.
The last piece that I made is a cherry quartz necklace with a cabochon bezel pendant. Here are pictures of all of them. I do hope you will browse my etsy shop.

Two new Wire Wrapped Cabochon Necklaces

2008-06-29T19:17:00.003-05:00

I have been getting my inventory built up for a shop that I consign in that is located in Warrenton. I was able to get into a Florist/ Gift Shop and have been trying to create some new pieces of jewelry that the owner requested. I'm happy about having another consignment shop to have my jewelry in, with the opportunity to make more sales with my jewelry. I have decided that I would like to find 1 more shop for my jewelry, but I need to concentrate on getting this one ready first. I also have a shop near my home that I also consign my jewelry. I have been in the "AT Home Outlet" in Troy for about 8 months. I really like the owner and I feel we have a good working relationship. I also have put my trust in her and always take her advice on what type of jewelry to bring and how much. Sales are slow there also, but I still remain positive that it will get better.
Here are the 2 new necklaces that I'm taking there tomorrow. One is a brown goldstone wire wrapped cabochon with brown goldstone nuggets and have been wire wrapped with gold filled twisted wire. The other necklace is a 1 1/2" long marquise shape coral cabochon that has been wire wrapped with sterling silver wire and has coral nuggets.

Maya and Red and Gold Bracelet

2008-06-25T21:28:00.005-05:00

A couple of new bracelets added to my shop. I have going strong on my goal to create new pieces from existing supplies. Since I have been hoarding beads for so long, it's not a hard task. I have been getting week in the knees when I see a bead shop or link. I can't wait to buy some new beads. I'm hoping I can make it another month. I have a really long wish list when I'm ready. I'm dying to wire wrap some new cabochons. I will most my new creations of those in a day or two.
My new bracelets are all glass beaded bracelets. One is the maya bracelet with copper links and red glass bicone beads, and the other is a red and gold bracelet with gold tone beads.

2008-06-21T21:46:00.005-05:00

I was commenting in the thread with the group I joined about 2 months ago called One A Day Challenge where they were posting pictures of their work space. I added mine to the post and decided that maybe some of my readers would care to see where I actually make my jewelry. I actually have only had this space about 6 months, since it used to be my son's room. Well, he moved out and there was no reason for me to keep my little closet with no windows as my office space. I moved into a new space to call my new office, a room with a view. I feel a lot more productive as well as happy to see the outside. People passing by, the mailman delivering mail, neighbors walking their dog and the trash man. Although I think all dogs hate the trash man or maybe its just that you can hear them coming all the way down the block, because that is about the only time my dog barks like a fool.

This is it I took 3 pictures, one has my bookcase, one has a really clean desk, because I'm anal about people seeing my desk dirty. And the 3rd is my computer desk.
I guess I will get my nerve up soon and take a picture of a messy desk. LOL

New Wire Wrapped Pendant

2008-06-11T19:06:00.005-05:00

This is a new wire wrapped pendant that I wire wrapped today. I have been using many of my existing supplies as a goal and challenge. So, every couple of days I dig into my treasure of supplies drawers and containers to see what looks like I want to create next. I have been collecting beads for more than 10 years of over spending with big eyes in supply catalogs. I definitely am a bead hoarder. I have even been selling off some of my extra beads to destash some of these little lovlies so I can buy more. What a great vicious cycle.

Well, this wire wrapped cabochon pendant is wrapped with fine gauge copper wire in a basket weave, I have been dying to learn this technique and found it to be easier that I had expected. My fingers got really tired and sore from all of the wire wrapping to keep the wire tight. The cabochon is a banded agate that is 40mm x 30mm. The combination is very striking.
Stop by my shop to see all of the views or to buy.
Thanks for stopping by.

New Treasury!

2008-06-06T22:51:00.006-05:00

I just love being able to curate a new treasury. It's almost like a game of hide and seek, except you just have to wait for the magic box. If it doesn't come up you don't get to create the treasury. Well, anyway maybe that was a dumb analogy. Our theme sale on etsyBEAD team is "A Day At The Beach". This is one of my personal favorites. I lived in Florida for most of my adult life while being a military wife. I really loved beaches in Florida. My favorite was just walking the beach for treasures that washed ashore. I have quite a collection of sea shells. I used to collect bottles that washed ashore, but my last move from Florida they didn't make the trip due to the weight factor. I sure wish I had them at times.
Here is my treasury featuring some of my friends on the etsyBEAD team. I wanted to choose jewelry that incorporated sea shells in their designs. If you get a chance stop by to see the treasury with the clickable link in the title.
Don't forget to stop by my shop to see my sale! I just made a new necklace today.

300 Hearts

2008-06-03T22:48:00.002-05:00

I finally got my 300th heart on etsy. I have reached a new milestone in my shop on etsy. If someone would've asked me when I first started selling on etsy if hearts mattered. I would have said no, but that isn't true. Hearts really do matter, even though they don't equal sales. I do know that I have had hearts disappear only days after a sale. I'm sure I was only hearted so a buyer would remember me and be able to find their new treasure that they wished to purchase. Those are the ones I'm sad to see go, I wonder why they don't keep my shop hearted so they can find me again. Does it mean they will not stop in my shop again. I really don't know, but I also love a return buyer, which I'm finally starting to see in my shop sales.

A Day At The Beach - EBTW

2008-06-02T21:02:00.005-05:00

Well, this time of the year has everybody thinking about a day at the beach. That is our etsyBEAD team theme of the week. Our sale is until June 13 and all of my items have been reduced already for your convenience. This time I have decided to mark my jewelry down 15%. Currently I have 2 pieces of jewelry on sale. I'm planning on adding a couple more beach pieces, but haven't completed adding them to my shop yet. I have a really great necklace on leather with a seahorse and I have a pair of earrings that are sterling silver that have sea shell in them and coral.
This is my sale section.
Thanks for stopping by.

A couple of treasuries

2008-05-25T10:33:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I was able to curate a new treasury. Last night I was lucky to stay focused to sit and watch the clock for the magic box to appear. Sometimes waiting for 10 or 15 minutes seems like an hour, but I patiently waited and then it appeared. I decided to highlight the girls in the one a day challenge team. We have a lot fun, as well as, motivate each other to create new listings for our shop. It has helped me a lot to belong in this group. I did even make a couple of sales which makes it even nicer. I am also in a treasury so I thought I would post both of them. If you get a chance to shop on etsy or stop in my shop, try to visit these 2 treasuries. This is the other treasury

My Muse In Copper

2008-05-23T22:22:00.003-05:00

My new muse has been in copper this week. I designed a couple new pair of earrings with the herringbone weave one with rose jasper oval twist beads and the other one with yellow turquoise beads. I oxidized the yellow turquoise earrings and left the rose jasper bright bare copper. I also wire wrapped several new copper rings with a trio of gemstone beads.
Stop by my shop to see all of my new designs.

New Theme for etsyBEAD team

2008-05-18T22:45:00.004-05:00

The new theme for the etsyBEAD team is "Grads and Dads". For this sale I have chosen a unisex leather necklace with a wrapped pendant. The nugget is a tumbled agate stone wire wrapped in 14kt gold filled wire. Here is the necklace . Thanks for stopping by.

New Wire Wrapped Pendant Necklace

2008-05-16T23:03:00.003-05:00

I have been wire wrapping more pendants, and this one is another double cabochon pendant. I had a couple of mahogany obsidian stones one an oval cabochon and the other a free form stone. I also had a limited amount of the color of copper wire so to use up all of the wire I added a leather necklace and wrapped the cord ends and the clasp in the matching color of copper wire. I wanted to try another one in copper wire, since the last one looked so great. My last cabochon in copper sold really quickly, which was a bonus.

One a day challenge

2008-05-14T22:45:00.005-05:00

I really love this new group that I belong to, because my motivation level has increased. I have been trying to improve my photos on my jewelry on a new item each day. I feel like my pictures are really improving so much. This is one of the bracelets that I took new pictures of today. This is a red memory wire bracelet that is called "Red Days. Another piece of jewelry that I added to etsy today was a bridal hair wrap in white glass pearls. I also created a new pair of earrings that are also whit cats eye beads on a silver tone filigree chandelier. Yesterday I made a pair in turquoise cats eye beads. I still have another pair of chandelier findings, but I can't decide on what color to make them.

One A Day Challenge

2008-05-13T11:12:00.005-05:00

One a day challenge is still going on, and I have 2 new items that I have added to my shop. There are 2 pair of earrings, one pair of earrings are wire wrapped cabochons in amethyst. The other pair is in gold filled with agate orbs.

Thanks for stopping by.

Day 22 One a day Challenge

2008-05-09T15:18:00.007-05:00

I have been trying to decide how to wire wrap these 2 cabochons together in a pendant for what seems like months. Well, only two months but these two little cabochons have been laying on my desk just staring at me on a daily basis. I know they have been trying to send my messages begging to be made into something new. I could only just pick them up and wonder what and how I will make it happen. Last night the was the magical night I had a dream on how it should look. So today, I picked up those 2 cabochons and began working on them. I'm so glad I waited until the right day to make this beautiful cabochon pendant! The cabochon in this is sterling silver twisted wire pendant is Tree Agate and Moss Agate. Thanks for stopping by and looking. Don't forget about my sale until May 31. Buy 1 get 1 half off sale!

Day 21 One a day challenge

2008-05-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

Today is a bracelet with topaz glass, acrylic beads, and bronze rose beads. It is a bit longer than the usual length at 8 1/2" long which makes it great for people who have problems finding bracelets that will fit. It could even work out for an anklet for a smaller person. Here is the bracelet . Thanks for stopping by.

Day 20 One a day Challenge

2008-05-08T20:14:00.003-05:00

One a day challenge. This challenge started out with a group of etsians who wanted to create some self motivation for themselves and create a bond with others in the threads. Well, I have been really enjoying the challenge and we have decided to continue the challenge longer than the one month we originally decided on. I didn't realize the month was almost over. I went back to my shop and counted the challenge pieces that I had posted in my shop. It turns out that I didn't post all of the challenge pieces here in my blog and we are almost to 30 days. My challenge piece that I'm posting is "Cotton Candy Earrings". I hope you will stop by and see my sale I have going on in my shop which is buy 1 get 1 half off. It is going on until the end of the month. Thanks for stopping by.

Sale in my Etsy Shop!

2008-05-07T13:27:00.003-05:00

I need to have a sale, so it starts today and lasts until the end of the month. Buy one regular priced items and get the second piece at 50% off. What a great deal. I'm sure you have seen something you want. Well here it is. Take a peek at my shop to see if there is something you would like to buy.

Day 19 One a day challenge

2008-05-07T11:16:00.002-05:00

Day 19 One a day challenge is another anklet that is almost the same as another one of me anklets. This anklet also has 14kt gold filled chain. It has wire wrapped links with 4mm green glass beads. The beads are very light green and will make a great everyday anklet. So here it is. I hope you like it and thanks for stopping by my blog.

Day 18 One a day challenge

2008-05-06T10:53:00.004-05:00

Day 18 one a day challenge is all about adding more anklets to my shop inventory. This one is a chain anklet is gold filled with cobalt glass beads. Thank you for stopping by.

Day 17 One a day Challenge

2008-05-05T15:43:00.005-05:00

Day 17 challenge piece is an anklet with rainbow flourite hearts and amethyst beads with a front puffed hearts dangle. The anklet is adjustable with a chain dangle in the back. Warmer weather is coming our way in the Midwest, so I have been thinking about getting my anklet inventory pumped up. I hope some of you have bee thinking you might like to buy a new one. In case you didn't know this already I also do custom orders. I have a large selection of beads, just let me know what interests you and I will design one for you. Here is my newest addition. Thanks for taking a look.

EtsyBEAD team theme of the week sale

2008-05-04T14:55:00.005-05:00

EtsyBEAD team theme of the week sale is also going on. Today is the start of our new theme "Flowers for Mom". I have quite a few pieces of jewelry that will into that category. The deciding is always the hard part. I wanted to put a few pieces of jewelry that haven't been on sale in my shop. So I have come up with a few to start off the sale. I know I will probably add more as the sale goes on. Here I have a necklace and earrings set with amber glass flower bead caps with amethyst gemstones and my chips and flowers memory wire bracelet. Here is my sale section, and thanks for stopping by.

Day 16 One a day Challenge

2008-05-04T14:50:00.003-05:00

I didn't realize I didn't post my addition to my blog yesterday. I guess some people might have thought I gave up on the challenge or I was just getting behind. Fooled ya! I have a really pair of post earrings that I have made for the challenge. They are called Oh So Blue. They have sterling silver chain and shades of blue swarovski crystals accenting the 8mm royal blue agate gemstone in the post.

Day 15 One a day challenge

2008-05-01T16:13:00.004-05:00

Well, today was a real challenge. I think sometimes wire has a way of being obnoxious. It just wouldn't cooperate for anything today. I really thought I was going to have to give up on today's project and create something less of a challenge. I just couldn't let the wire win so I took a break and finally made it happen. Oh my, Am I so glad I continued on the project. It is one of my most favorite wire wrapped cabochons I have ever wrapped. It is so beautiful! It is a 1 1/2" round in diameter Chrysanthemum gemstone cabochon that I wire wrapped in copper coated artistic brand wire. I love the swirls on the bottom. Here is the pendant.

Day 14- One a day challenge

2008-05-01T10:22:00.002-05:00

Well, it's now halfway through the challenge. I have made a lot of new pieces of jewelry. I was hoping to have more luck in the sales part of the challenge, but that's going to get better hopefully. I was lucky enough to sell my "Pretty Pearls" earrings the same day I listed them. I was really happy about that. So I didn't get a chance to post my ring that I made yesterday for the challenge. It's a sterling silver ring with amethyst beads. I really love amethyst, since it's so close to my birthstone. I really love the color purple, which is one of my most favorite colors. I have a lot of favorite colors. Here is my amethyst ring. Thanks again for stopping by and checking out my challenge piece.

Day 13 One a day challenge

2008-04-29T14:53:00.004-05:00

I finally got caught up with the challenge. I have been lagging a day behind for several days. there were so many personal things in my life that had been keeping me from working during the day. I know that I get behind again, but I think that is only natural. This challenge has been a great inspiration for me in more than one way. I have been able to stock my etsy shop, create pieces of jewelry that have been waiting for there turn to be completed and other pieces of jewelry will be making a debut out of my storage bins. Some of the beads are now laying on my desk just looking at me with those wanting expectations of becoming a new piece of jewelry. Today is a pair of pretty pearl earrings. While these will be great for any occasion, I think they would also be great for a bride. Here are my "Pretty Pearls" earrings for day.

Day 12 One a day Clallenge

2008-04-29T10:43:00.003-05:00

I have a pair of chandelier earrings that have shades of blue oval cats eye beads that graduate in color shades of blue to the darkest of shades of blue. Each dangle is accented with a blue crystal. I really love the ways these earrings turned out. Stop by my etsy shop and check out my "Noches Azules Earrings" .

Day 11 One a day challenge

2008-04-27T11:02:00.004-05:00

My challenge piece for day 11 is a wire wrapped cabochon pendant. I also decided to include this pendant in my etsyBEAD theme of the week sale . I'm still running a day behind so I hope to catch up later today. Thanks for looking.

etsyBEAD theme is "D is for Delicious"

2008-04-27T10:34:00.007-05:00

I have a few delicious pieces of jewelry that I have decided to put on sale for our theme. I marked them down 35% for your convenience. That's a savings! So here is a sample of a few of my sale items and the rest can be found in my Sale Section". I have a couple of pairs of earrings, and a pendant.

Thanks for looking.

Day 10 One a day challenge

2008-04-25T13:57:00.003-05:00

I'm still trying to catch up. I'm still a day behind in the challenge. I have been working very hard getting ready for my craft show this Saturday. I have been putting new tags on my jewelry so that they have a description of the components along with my website address. It is a chore that is finally done. My earrings that I have today are called beach comber . Thanks for stopping by.

Day 9 One a day challenge

2008-04-24T09:58:00.003-05:00

Well, I forgot to update my blog last night with my new piece of jewelry for the challenge. I have been getting ready for a craft show that is this weekend and I have been focusing of getting my jewelry ready. One thing I really want to do when my show is over is create some more challenging pieces of jewelry that include a couple of mosaic pieces. My challenge piece that I have is a simple pair of earrings with a dragonfly called "dragonfly blues".

Day 8 One a day challenge

2008-04-22T21:59:00.003-05:00

My challenge piece today is a pair of earrings. They have smokey quartz teardrops that hang from a filigree link. They are called smokey teardrops. Thanks for stopping by to look.

Day 7 One a day challenge

2008-04-21T16:09:00.003-05:00

Today, I have a simple bracelet that would be perfect for even a bride to wear. This bracelet has white cats eye beads and clear fire polish beads. Here it is and thanks for stopping by.

Day 6 -One A Day Challenge

2008-04-20T17:28:00.003-05:00

I finally decided on the beads to make this bracelet. I have been looking at this focal bead for a while trying to decide what beads to use to compliment this bracelet. This challenge is really helping push me into creating new pieces of jewelry. I sometimes just sit and never decide. This is my coral cubes bracelet with sodalite cubes in sterling silver.

Day 5- One a day challenge

2008-04-19T16:38:00.004-05:00

Day 5- today was a toughie, well at least for me. You should you have more time on the weekends to complete something more complex. So I decided to wire wrap these cabochons that have been staring at me for weeks asking when their turn was. Well today I told them it was their turn to be turned into something new. I have been wanting to wire wrap these little white howlite cabochons for a while and finally did it. I love the look of these earrings. I have some more cabochons like them that I also plan on wire wrapping into earrings the same way. Thanks for stopping by.

Day 4 One A Day Challenge

2008-04-18T16:50:00.005-05:00

Yeah, it's day 4 and I'm still keeping up with the challenge. I did notice it is taking longer each day to complete my piece. So, it will really be a challenge for the weekend. At first, I thought I would just make earrings. Now I have decide to mix it up a bit and make a little something different everyday. If you like rings, I have a Lapiz Lazuli ring in sterling silver. Thanks for stopping by!

Day 3 One A Day Challenge

2008-04-17T17:39:00.003-05:00

Today, I have a pair of earrings called "Rose Petals" earrings. These have glass flower bead caps with 6mm siam ab swarovski crystals. I really love the way they turned out, because it took me quite a while to decide what crystals I would like to adorn these little babies.

Day 2 of Challenge

2008-04-16T17:21:00.003-05:00

It is day 2 of the challenge. My challenge is to make and add a new item a day to my etsy site for 30 days. Well, today I have a sterling silver and crystal anklet. It the perfect time to start thinking about wearing an anklet with the spring weather approaching. Many people are already starting to think about get their tanning sessions going so they have that summer glow. Of course, those people wouldn't be seen with a naked ankle. I hope you have time to browse my shop and thanks for stopping by my blog.

New Challenge- new item a day for a month

2008-04-15T16:29:00.006-05:00

I found a new challenge that is going to be fun and hopefully profitable. I saw in the forum Bittersweet wanting to start a challenge that will last a month. In this challenge we will each create a new item and list it in our shop, post it to flickr and the thread.
I was really up for a challenge and thought it would be fun. I need to add some new jewelry to my shop, so this will help with my motivation. I want to start rotating some of my jewelry around and take some of my older listings to the shop I consign my jewelry. So this will work out perfect.
Here is today's piece. These are a pair of chandelier earrings in gold tone with hematite beads and glass ivory saucer beads.

Very Blue Earrings

2008-04-13T12:34:00.002-05:00

These blue crystal earrings are one of newest additions to my shop. I designed these with the idea of blue shades always coordinate well with many wardrobe accessories. I know a lot of people enjoy wearing blue jeans and some added sparkle is even better. Well, they are made in all sterling silver with an oval wire design and 4mm swarovski crystals are wire wrapped up the length of these earrings. More views can be seen here. Thanks for stopping by and browsing my blog.

etsyBEAD "charmed"

2008-04-12T13:05:00.004-05:00

We are still having a "charmed" theme sale. It will be until April 19, so if you haven't had a chance to check it, you still a time. Here is another treasury I was able to curate featuring some of those favorites of mine. I think this is a great theme and we have so many talented jewelry artists on our team so click on it so see

You Rock Bangle Bracelet

2008-04-09T19:38:00.004-05:00

My newest bracelet is a bangle style bracelet in gold tone wire with a variety of about 15 different gemstones. This bangle measure 1/2" wide in rows of gemstones. The total length of the bracelet is 7 1/2" long and the clasp is an easy to hook type of clasp. I really had fun choosing which gemstone to choose next. I had so many gemstones chips in my inventory to choose from. I have tiger eye, snowflake obsidian, coral, turquoise, garnet, rose quartz, black onyx, hematite, green aventurine, peach aventurine,blue lace agate, amethyst, labradorite and many more. Here is the bracelet to see more views.

"Charmed" Im sure

2008-04-07T09:19:00.003-05:00

"Charmed" I'm sure, is the etsyBEAD team theme for the next 2 weeks. Our theme sales will now be running 2 weeks at a time to allow our members extra time to get ready for each sale. I think it will also make it easier on everybody. It takes a lot of time to change tags and update listings each week. I have 4 pieces of jewelry that I have tagged for this sale. Two of the jewelry pieces are charms bracelets, which I really love these charms bracelets that I have. I have an anklet with a charm and a necklace and earrings set with moons and stars charms on sale. I hope you would like to stop by my shop for all the other photo views.

Charmed

2008-04-06T10:52:00.005-05:00

The etsyBEAD theme for the next 2 weeks will be charmed. Members of the team have picked their charmed items and have put them on sale for you. I curated a treasury, which has been somewhat harder to do lately, but lucky enough so here it is. I'm sure you will find something that will interest you. This treasury will be up for the next 2 days so just click on the title and you will be in the treasury.

Don't Ya Just Love Tax Day!

2008-04-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

All right, well today is my day to go get my taxes done. I really hate tax day. Unlike most lucky folks, I always have to pay. I'm really hoping this year I don't have to pay. I guess I will soon find out. I spent a lot of time this year getting more organized so next year I won't be dreading getting them done. I have my bead and product inventory on Excel. Finally, I noticed it is already making things easier for me.
I can't wait to start creating some new pieces to put in my shops! So be on the lookout for something new.

Here is an amethyst bracelet that I really love, because the amethyst beads look like carved flowers. Check it out to see additional views and buy button.
Hope you like it! And thanks for stopping by.

Chips and Flowers Bracelet

2008-03-31T12:14:00.009-05:00

I made a bracelet with multi gemstone chips and some green gemstone carved flowers in a wrap around style bracelet. Memory wire bracelets are so easy to put on and take off, especially if you have problems with your fingers or finding that right size. I just love the way they hug your wrist and have that great cuff style look. This bracelet is sure to go with any attire and the gemstone colors that I used are great. Some of the gemstones that I used are lapiz lazuli, green aventurine, rose quartz, tiger eye, and rhodonite pink. I really liked the way it turned out. Sometimes I almost don't want to sell some of the pieces I make, but then I would have too many pieces of jewelry. Here is the bracelet for you to see all of the views, and the buy button if you would like to purchase.

Stormy Weather

2008-03-24T10:24:00.006-05:00

This week my sale is "Stormy Weather". The etsyBEAD team has picked this theme for the sale of the week. I like this theme for this time of the year. April showers bring May flowers is the old saying for the coming month. Well there will be a lot of stormy weather coming our way, and I really don't care for lightning or thunder storms, because they both make me nervous. I have a few pair of earrings with a zig zag wire design that is really fitting for this theme and added a few more that I thought would be great for the sale. My infinity earrings seem like a great choice and a sparkle copper bracelet, and a smokey quartz necklace. I hope you will take the time to browse my etsy sale section to see if there is something you might like.

Mystic Chandelier Earrings

2008-03-19T12:58:00.003-05:00

These earrings are my newest creation and I'm so tempted to keep them, but I'm going to sell them so someone can enjoy them. I wire wrapped all of those small turquoise cabochons with gold tone wire and they really took a long time. The hearts are brass and they are accented with orange swarovski crystals in the dangles. The end result just makes me want to look at them again and again. I think I will separation anxiety when these lucky earrings go to their new owner. I have been listing some new jewelry pieces on this new site.

Sunny Days

2008-03-18T10:50:00.005-05:00

This week our etsyBEAD team is featuring the theme of "Sunny Days". I have a few pieces of jewelry to add to my weekly sale. A couple a these jewelry pieces are still on sale from last week because they have yellow in them. It has been raining here for the past two days and I'm really in the mood for the sunny days. My topaz linked bracelet, and my sunset dreams earrings are tow new pieces that weren't on sale last week. I hope you find something you like on sale in my shop .
Thanks for looking.