Spring Cleaning Sale!!

Spring has sprung here in Sunny Florida, and I'm itching to renew my inventory with some fancy new items I've been wanting to make for a long time. SO...in the interest of fiscal responsibility, yours and mine, I've decided to have a Spring Cleaning Sale! For the ENTIRE month of March, I will take 20% off of every item in my shop. When you browse, if the headline says "SALE" in it, you'll know that the price reflects the 20% savings you'll receive when you purchase any item in my shop. AND, if you'll take a look in the right-hand side bar on my blog, here, you'll see links to Dr. Weiman's Marketing Jewelry.com, and if you're a little slow on the selling side, he can give you tips on how to turn that around. People are still buying jewelry. We just have to place ourselves where they can find us. I find the greatest satisfaction when people want to make my jewelry creations their own, and wear them. Dr. Weiman shows you how to accomplish this! Let's have a successful and profitable spring!

Gift Certificates available in my Etsy shop

OK guys and girls, I know there's some of you well-meaning folks out there who are very busy, like me, and who still need to do Valentine's Day Shopping. So I have an answer to all of your gift-giving woes -- for ladies, that is.

I'm offering Gift Certificates in my Etsy shop in various denominations -- $25, $50, $75 and $100. Any combination of gift certificates can be spent like cash in my shop.

When you purchase a gift certificate, you will receive a .pdf from me with the numbered certificate by email, and my assurance that your purchase will be handled with the greatest care and for the greatest satisfaction of your intended recipient. I have over 53 items listed in my shop (including treasuries of earrings and bracelets), and can also do custom orders to your beloved's exact specifications. If you'll check my feedback, you'll see that I have happy customers on 3 continents. I will also ship your beloved's choice within the United States for free, and internationally for $5 (seperate listing, make sure you put that in your cart, too.) That's the same deal I'm offering in my shop for shipping.

So browse today. Your loved one will be thrilled to receive THEIR CHOICE of items from my shop. No guesswork on your part, and no stress. Just print the Gift certificate and enclose it in your card, that you gift them on Valentine's Day. Hope yours is a happy one!

Jaspers by any name are just as sweet!

The endless variety and beauty of semiprecious stones gives me a lifetime of possibilities for creating jewelry. One of the broadest varieties is Jasper. My most recent Jasper creation is with Leopardskin Jasper, Poppy Jasper, and handmade Copper coils. And here's what I found out about Jasper, specifically, Leopardskin Jasper...

From Wikipedia, "Jaguar Stone" :
Jaguar Stones are created from a type of mineral known as Leopardskin Jasper -- an opaque tan, brown, and ochre form of impure quartz. This variety of Jasper is most often found in South America, and gets its name from the leopard-like spots covering its surface. The term Jaguar Stone has also been known to refer to stone carvings of jaguar heads created by the Ancient Maya. Not necessarily made out of Leopardskin Jasper, these Jaguar Stones can still be found in Maya temples, including Chichen Itza in modern-day Mexico...

... As one of the oldest known gemstones, Jasper, in all its varieties, has long been thought to have positive mystical properties. Natural healers recommend its use as an aid in the self-healing process. Jaguar Stones specifically have been associated with shaman travel and spiritual discovery, helping their bearers traverse between worlds in order to gain spiritual growth. Among believers, a popular practice is to display a sphere made of Jaguar Stone prominently in the home to promote the flow of positive energy. Also, wearing Jaguar Stones is said to be important to the 1st, 4th and 7th Chakras, and Jaguar Stones are often moulded into jewelry.

And I just thought they were pretty! (I don't give a whole lot of time to the other stuff, but I thought the history was interesting!)

I have two other Jasper listings, one for brown Sesame Jasper with Bronzite and brass, and one for Minty-Green Sesame Jasper. Stop by my shop to take a look!

A bouquet of new listings for Valentine's Day, or any day

Valentine's day is coming! time to get something special for your sweeties! I've been a busy little critter around here. Finishing 6 new sets since January has left me with a LOT of make-up postings to do. I'll try to post two a day, and dare myself to stay ahead. Gotta continue to create, so the inventory doesn't get stale. To get a sneak peek at what's coming up on my blog, check out my Etsy shop, here, or click on my mini in the right column...

Eeney-meeney-miney-moe, which to pick first? Here's a new favorite design, one I created with labradorite slices and blue aventurine.

Were they dyed? probably, but these are semi-precious stones, and not gems. They're put together in these combinations for their beauty as they are, as part of an overall design. So, hope you enjoy what you see! I think this one looks surprisingly light and airy, in spite of the chunkiness of the stones! If you're familiar with Labradorite, it's a rather plain-looking stone until natural light shines on it and BANG! Blue lightning seems to flash from within the stone! Gorgeous! I paired it with the blue aventurine, which exactly matches the glimmering highlights in the Labradorite. Antiqued brass findings harmonize the piece, and the tiny swinging blue pendants that adorn the set add playfulness and fun. I might make one of these for myself!

The next set features a combination of stones I've had in my drawer for a couple months. I kept looking at them, putting them back, looking at them, then I just started "feeling it" one day and this set is the result. Ever have that kind of experience? These beautiful Tourmalinated Quartz beads and pendant look drop-dead gorgeous when paired with silver, foil-lined "e" beads and onyx. Also known as Black Rutilated Quartz, this quartz stone contains "rutiles", or needle-like inclusions, of black tourmaline.

What do you think? I think it's a keeper! I especially like the small donuts that were so easily filled with onyx. I can't stand it when I see donut beads with wire running through them -- might as well NOT even use those if you're not going to highlight them somehow. OR, use headpins with flat bottoms and leave the donuts empty. That gives the eye a little to consider. Anyway, like I was talking to a fellow jewelry designer the other day -- the elements can be beautiful, but if you screw up the design, that's all anyone will notice anyway. Design will always be just as important as materials.

I won! I won? I won!

Look what I won!

Tara, over at YouniquelyChic held a contest recently for the best "true story of romance in your life," and I won! Check it out, here.

I've had the pleasure of browsing Tara's shop, (youniquelychic.etsy.com). Her work is not only beautiful, but distinctive. She has an eye for color, and is skilled at jewelry design. Her prices, like mine, are very reasonable for her kind of work. If you purchased something for your Valentine from either of our shops (I know, shameless plug there), I know that you would look incredibly thoughtful, intuitive and demonstrate extraordinary taste! (So what are you waiting for, Christmas? It's Valentines in 11 days! Get to it!)

So for anyone who likes romantic stories, has one to tell, or just likes to read how nicely things can turn out, skip on over to Tara's Blog (promise you'll come back) and read all of the responses to her contest. They really make you believe in happy endings. As for my story, which you can also read, the best is yet to come...

*******Update*********

I received my necklace set today (Feb. 5) and am VERY VERY impressed! If I had purchased it, I would have been a very happy customer. The workmanship is superb. The joints are perfectly executed, and the piece is strong, yet delicate in design. It would have been money well-spent. But I won it! Yay!!

Tara's work at Youniquelychic is both a great value and great buy. Her attention to detail and design sets her work apart from most handmade jewelry. If you give her a chance, you'll be pleased, as I am!

Bloggers Unite! January 26th -- CPSIA Blog-in

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Cutest little artwork, and kind awards...

I was recently given three kind awards for my blog, from the same lovely person. Since I do not have the connections or the time to fulfill the awards, I thought I'd give her a plug instead. I've enjoyed her artwork and browsing her site, and I think she has the cutest artwork I've seen in a very long time. There's a lot of talent out there, and she got a high-calorie dose of it! When you take a look, you'll see what I mean.

Her blog is rkdesign88, and her etsy shop is one of the places you can purchase these adorable prints. I love to browse her shop because the pictures are so sweet and fun I can't take my eyes off of them. Seriously! I think she has the chance, if picked up by an ambitious publisher, to be as big as Mary Englebreit or even Hello Kitty. She's currently residing in Jakarta, Indonesia. You meet all kinds of beautiful talented people through the blogs and through Etsy. I'm honored to be associated with them. And a little overwhelmed. Makes me feel so out-classed, you know?

So if you agree with me, I heartily recommend that you skip on over to her shop and pick up a few ACEOs, which are original artworks, and a few prints that strike your

fancy. I plan to purchase a few for myself, and for my daughter's room. She's 11 but she loves these artworks. I wonder if she'd do birth announcements...or framed pictures with the baby's birth statistics on them...Anyway, grab these originals while you can, becuase I think they'll be worth a LOT of cash someday. That way you'll be able to say "I knew her when...."

Truppies, anyone?

Volleyball season has come around again, and my thoughts turn to -- Truppies? Yep, that's right. Truppies.

What in the world is a "truppy?" Well, you're in for a treat!!

Recently I made a new friend who is an Etsy seller and lives nearby in Middleburg. We met through an Etsy Street Team we both support. When I saw her craft, I just HAD to find out more. She makes these cute little fluffy animals that she calls Truppies, and my first impression was that I just had to have two of them for my daughters. Who knew mop heads could turn out so cute? (At least there's ONE fun use for a mop!) When I contacted her, she was very nice to work with, and we settled on team colors with volleyball charms for my Truppies. Here's a pic of my twin cuties:

So, if you fall in love with them like I did, visit her shop, drop her a note, and order a custom Truppy or two for yourself and for a special person in your life. I think a Valentine Truppy with one of my bracelets on it's neck would be just perfect for Valentines Day, don't you?

I've uploaded a mess of earrings as one listing on Etsy. Great for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, these babies can be sent out quickly for your gifting. The prices are unbeatable, too!Check out my listing for the details!

While playing around with my beads or cleaning my table, sometimes I get on a roll. Same thing happens when I just decide to clean up or reorganize a small portion of a countertop -- pretty soon I'm up to my eyeballs. This d=beading session was no exception. I had lots of fun creating sassy little doo-dads of every color, and finding the perfect colored beads to complement the focal beads. Fun, Fun, FUN!!

If you have any questions on any listing, please convo me on Etsy. I'm online all the time!

It's all about the Coffee!!

A couple months ago, I was looking for gifts for my daughters' volleyball coaches for our end-of-the-season awards receptiona and party. I picked out some cute little coffee cozies by Etsy seller Jenngee, and contacted her about a custom order using volleyball fabric. She was happy to accomodate my request! And, even better, the "coffee corsets", as she calls them, came out PERFECT!! I had such a pleasant experience dealer with her that I thought I'd do a feature with her on my blog. She graciously accepted my offer, and since the party STILL has not happened, I thought I'd sneak this feature in before Christmas, since there's probably more than a couple people who still need gifts for those on their holiday lists.

So, Jenn...How'd you get started making coffee corsets, of all things?

*** I drink coffee. Lots of coffee. Last summer I was reading Quilting Arts magazine and came across an article about making fabric coffee cuffs. I decided to make one of my own using their instructions, but I was unhappy with the "bump" that was formed at the seam. On my sewing table I happened to have a recently purchased bag of eyelets and the idea of lacing up the cuff popped into my head. After many different trials (and errors) I created my own unique product and I named it the Coffee Corset!

Is this a full time or part-time endeavor, and what did you do previously?

*** I am a full time employee at a major university where I am a math nerd and computer geek. Luckily, my job is almost entirely online so I can fit it my part-time obsession with sewing pretty easily.

You have quite a few sales (1102!) in a year-and-a-half. That's phenomenal. To what do you attribute this? How do you market your business?

*** The sales I've gotten through Etsy have amazed me. While I knew I had something fun and unique, I had no idea I'd get this type of response! I attribute my initial success to simply having a unique product that people seemed to want - I did very little advertising for the first 4-5 months that I was selling online. Word of mouth is still, by far, my best marketing strategy. I have tags in every corset so that when someone asks a buyer where they got their corset they always have the website address of my shop right inside their sleeve. Repeat business is extremely important as well and I attribute about 1/4 of my current monthly sales to buyers who have previously shopped with me before. I think that providing excellent customer service, a product that is superbly well made, and an attempt to constantly introduce new/unique styles is the reason people keep coming back for me. As for advertising, I currently try to keep it fairly simple (I twitter, blog, post in the forum! s, use myspace, etc.) and I still rely heavily on word of mouth advertising.

What advice would you give a new Etsy seller trying to establish themselves?

***Post in the Etsy forums! Most of my first sales came from participating in the forums. People can't buy from you if they don't know that you exist. Also, take steps to get non-Etsy people into your shop. For me that meant giving out free/cheap samples to my friends and family who did lots of on-the-ground advertising for me just by using my product. Keep looking for new and fun ways to advertise. You don't have to spend a lot of money (or any money!) if you are creative and willing to put in some effort. Lastly, don't be discouraged if you don't start selling right away. Keep making small improvements to your product, pictures, listings, etc. and eventually the sales will come.
Check out Jenn's other Etsy sites:
http://smallwonderful.etsy.com/
http://uncagedburt.etsy.com/
http://isupply.etsy.com/

...and her blog, for organziational tips for ADD crafters like me (a must-read!!):
http://jenngeorgeburt.blogspot.com/

I'm afraid now I have craft-room envy. I'm now planning a second floor on my house...and Jenn, I think your dogs would just loooove a zipline for those personal moments in the back yard. or you could litterbox train them...

So now I'm off for my first pot of coffee for today. Thanks for the interview, Jenn! I'll be back for more of those corsets!

20% off sale! Save big for Christmas!

I guess I'm jumping on the bandwagon in the middle of the parade, or maybe I'm just overflowing with Christmas Spirit. Starting today I'm offering 20% off my entire store inventory! Since I have 49 listings, I'll create an adjusted listing for each buyer who contacts me prior to the sale. AND, as an added bonus, whoever mentions my blog in the "notes to seller" section will receive an additional gift! Just enter "blogger" and you'll receive a surprise with your purchase.

Since it's getting so close to Christmas, if you'd like, I'll send your gift directly to it's destination, and include a card with your name on it. I'll send your free gift to your address. To accomplish this, put the giftee's address in the notes to seller section.

New Necklace Set!!

Just going up on Etsy is this Sesame Jasper set. This is an unusual stone, which at first glance looks nothing like my previous sesame jasper posting, but when you look closely, the stones are quite similar, with the exception of the color. These stones are gorgeous, and are set off perfectly with the Bronzite. Alternating black glass beads antique finish brass spacers and a black onyx focal bead in the bail makes the whole design just pop! It should be listed on Etsy tomorrow morning.

From Auntie's Beads....

Bronzite gemstone beads have a lot of personality. This stone is found deep beneath the surface of the Earth and contains iron. The color of Bronzite is either brown or sometimes green. Bronzite has a submetallic luster and the sparkles of bronze light are called shiller.

Luster is right. These beads have a tiger-eye-like shimmer, but deeper color, which gives them depth. They are uniquely drilled, and create an interesting look when strung together. This set has a unique style for ladies who don't want to look like the crowd.

"Sell more of your jewelry by learning..."

"Sell more of your jewelry by learning the SECRETS to understanding and connecting with buyers of artisan jewelry!"



David Weiman at Marketing Jewelry.com is offering $10 off a 1 year subscription to Jewelry Selling Insights, the #1 newsletter for jewelry makers. I've read through some of his publications, and just the free hints alone have revolutionized the way I look at selling jewelry, even in a tough market like we're experiencing today. I'm purchasing a subscription for myself for Christmas, and I encourage you to do so, as well. Just enter coupon code JS-10 on the checkout page and click "Apply."

Instead of waiting for improvements in the jewelry market, maybe we need to change the way we approach it. David Weiman's postive "can-do" attitude is infectious, and will give you the encouragement and tools you need to jumpstart or revive your dormant customer base.

Here's to a happy, healthy and successful New Year!!