Wow...a little neglectful here...okay, a lot neglectful! Balancing all the the new things going on has proven to be a challenge and I am so terrible about this blog!
I have recently returned to college after a VERY long absence and am realizing that it's a great deal harder than I anticipated. Of course, the accelerated program doesn't help either, but hopefully I can get through this with my sanity intact!
As for the jewelry...I have several new designs to debut and need to get the photos taken...two new lines..."Candy Dish" and "Sticks N Stones". Very excited to see the response both get!!
I am about to get on a plane in a couple of days so I will be blogging from abroad...not doing anything fun...not a vacation, but hopefully a very productive trip none the less!
Hope everyone is well...and enjoying the summer!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
An undertaking...
I know that there are many of you who will relate to what I am about to say...do you ever feel like you just loaded up your plate a little too much??? Whew...it has been one of those weeks! Well, let me clarify a bit here...little old me is back in school...trying to finish up by degree and my class weeks are on a Tuesday - Monday schedule. It's odd, I know! These are accelerated classes that contain the same amount of work that you would have in a semester, but squished in to 5 weeks! This is my first class back after a long break and it's an adjustment to incorporate this in to my life schedule...
I am beginning to adjust...
I must thank my customers over the past week. I have seen my sales increase nicely and am keeping my fingers crossed that I reach my sales goals...start small...I would love to have at least 15 sales per month.
The blog has suffered with my ever expanding schedule and I am sad that I haven't been posting! I managed to get some new items listed...the photos turned out great...getting better at every try! Working on some local events and I must get over to see my friend Bob! I hope to get a display up in his fantastic shop!!!
So...down to business...I received the sweetest note this evening...I am being featured in a blog...how cool is that?! So...please take a moment to read it...and hey, if you want to really splurge...get the bracelet :o)
http://www.encorebride.blogspot.com/
Many thanks to Brenda...I appreciate it...TREMENDOUSLY!!!
A few photos above...of the new listings...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bridal Jewelry
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The season has begun...
Weddings...
Are you looking for that special gift for your bridal party. Perhaps something that matches your colors? Or maybe a simple white Akoya pearl on sterling or gold filled chain? Matching earrings too?
Custom occasion pieces are definitely a favorite. I will work with you on developing a unique design to fit your budget. Please feel free to contact me and I will begin our journey in this creative process by asking a few questions and then the fun begins...
If you prefer to simply have a custom piece designed for yourself, I would be thrilled to create a piece that compliments your beauty on this special day.
Above all, the key to successfully creating occasion pieces is communication. So lets chat...and get to the exciting part...making beautiful jewelry!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
New Listings...
With the craft fair coming up this weekend and a new venture (which I'll explain in a moment), I have refrained from listing new items in the Etsy shop.
I have a lot of newly completed designs...very excited to take the time to photograph them and get them posted for your purchasing pleasure. However, that will be happening late next week.
I am busy making as many new creations as I can to entice the patrons. After the fair, I will be displaying a collection of pieces at a cafe and coffee shop.
An old friend of mine has become the proud new owner of his own business. I am extremely proud of him and tremendously honored to have a spot in his beautiful cafe! Once the fair is over, I have to get down to the business of selecting the pieces that will reside at the cafe. The next task will be to get more creations completed and everything photographed and listed over the next few weeks.
Here is the information on the cafe...the Grand Opening is coming up so fast! If you get in touch with me on facebook, I can forward you the event for your calendar or email me and I can send the information through email.
Heatherlyn will be live from 7pm-9pm. It is in celebration of my new coffee shop, my American dream, my way to spread caffeinated joy throughout Minnesota. The Buzz Coffee & Cafe will offer local talent through music, art, and other talents that should be appreciated and cherished. We all have something to offer, and this is from me to you. I hope to see you.
Here is a link to Heatherlyn so you can experience her musical talents if interested...
http://www.heatherlyn.org
I have a lot of newly completed designs...very excited to take the time to photograph them and get them posted for your purchasing pleasure. However, that will be happening late next week.
I am busy making as many new creations as I can to entice the patrons. After the fair, I will be displaying a collection of pieces at a cafe and coffee shop.
An old friend of mine has become the proud new owner of his own business. I am extremely proud of him and tremendously honored to have a spot in his beautiful cafe! Once the fair is over, I have to get down to the business of selecting the pieces that will reside at the cafe. The next task will be to get more creations completed and everything photographed and listed over the next few weeks.
Here is the information on the cafe...the Grand Opening is coming up so fast! If you get in touch with me on facebook, I can forward you the event for your calendar or email me and I can send the information through email.
GRAND OPENING OF THE BUZZ COFFEE & CAFE
| Date: | Friday, May 1, 2009 |
| Time: | 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
| Location: | 411 W Burnsville Parkway |
| City/Town: | Burnsville, MN |
Heatherlyn will be live from 7pm-9pm. It is in celebration of my new coffee shop, my American dream, my way to spread caffeinated joy throughout Minnesota. The Buzz Coffee & Cafe will offer local talent through music, art, and other talents that should be appreciated and cherished. We all have something to offer, and this is from me to you. I hope to see you.
Here is a link to Heatherlyn so you can experience her musical talents if interested...
http://www.heatherlyn.org
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
~Packaging~
I must say that packaging each sale to be mailed is a process in itself. I take as much pride in boxing my jewelry as I do making it and that hopefully shows when they arrive at their destination.
Thank goodness for Martha...and her beautifully coordinated line at Michaels. I love her sticky back ribbon and all the little extras that you can add...like the butterflies and flowers. It does take a little creativity, but it makes packaging far more enjoyable. I recently discovered the line because I had to ship a bridal party order and wanted to package them "gift ready" for the bride.
I also use jewelry cards for my chain necklaces and earrings. There are a few items listed in my shop showing the cards. I had them created by a very talented woman who is amazing with paper. She created them to my specifications and gave me several options. She also designed the thank you cards I use in each order. If you have jewelry card needs, business card design needs or if you are looking for occasion cards (really, her cards are stunning...I have several and order custom cards as often as I can). Please visit Modern Card and say hi to Jess for me...she has become a wonderful friend thanks to Etsy!
You should feel like you are getting a present...every time you order from me and you should also find it evident that each purchase you make, you are extremely important to me and the success of my business. It's also important to know that with your purchase, you are supporting several other artists. As I mentioned above, Jess from Modern Card takes care of part of the packaging and I get my boxes from another Etsy seller Zebra Lilly Beads because the pads in the boxes are tarnish resistant! Just a little extra that helps extend the longevity of your piece.
I'll post some photos to this blog showing variations of my packaging...when I get another order...for now you'll simply have to imagine :o)
Thank goodness for Martha...and her beautifully coordinated line at Michaels. I love her sticky back ribbon and all the little extras that you can add...like the butterflies and flowers. It does take a little creativity, but it makes packaging far more enjoyable. I recently discovered the line because I had to ship a bridal party order and wanted to package them "gift ready" for the bride.
I also use jewelry cards for my chain necklaces and earrings. There are a few items listed in my shop showing the cards. I had them created by a very talented woman who is amazing with paper. She created them to my specifications and gave me several options. She also designed the thank you cards I use in each order. If you have jewelry card needs, business card design needs or if you are looking for occasion cards (really, her cards are stunning...I have several and order custom cards as often as I can). Please visit Modern Card and say hi to Jess for me...she has become a wonderful friend thanks to Etsy!
You should feel like you are getting a present...every time you order from me and you should also find it evident that each purchase you make, you are extremely important to me and the success of my business. It's also important to know that with your purchase, you are supporting several other artists. As I mentioned above, Jess from Modern Card takes care of part of the packaging and I get my boxes from another Etsy seller Zebra Lilly Beads because the pads in the boxes are tarnish resistant! Just a little extra that helps extend the longevity of your piece.
I'll post some photos to this blog showing variations of my packaging...when I get another order...for now you'll simply have to imagine :o)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Odds and Ends...
I have posted my first group of links...they are listed on the left after the shop information. Hopefully you find them helpful. They are my preferred places to spend my money...
On another note...
Times are tough...stress, sleepless nights, short fuses...all kinds of challenges. No one is alone in any of this and I think we all must remember that when we are out and about in our lives...each person you pass on the road...or in the office...or at the stores. Remember that those people are all probably feeling at least one of the things that you are...so remember to be nice...remember not to judge...not unless you are a perfect being yourself. You don't know their stories - and do yourself (and them) a favor, don't pretend you do.
Most importantly, remember what you have to be grateful for in this life...I am certain we can all come up with at least one reason that we can be grateful...hold on to that...and next time you feel all of the "junk" creep up...grab that reason and don't let it go...squeeze out a smile and persevere.
On another note...
Times are tough...stress, sleepless nights, short fuses...all kinds of challenges. No one is alone in any of this and I think we all must remember that when we are out and about in our lives...each person you pass on the road...or in the office...or at the stores. Remember that those people are all probably feeling at least one of the things that you are...so remember to be nice...remember not to judge...not unless you are a perfect being yourself. You don't know their stories - and do yourself (and them) a favor, don't pretend you do.
Most importantly, remember what you have to be grateful for in this life...I am certain we can all come up with at least one reason that we can be grateful...hold on to that...and next time you feel all of the "junk" creep up...grab that reason and don't let it go...squeeze out a smile and persevere.
Monday, March 16, 2009
My list of recommended suppliers and other links
Yes...I am working on a list that I will post on the blog. I will also add resources for those of you who are the continued learning path of places I go to as a reference...places I purchase tutorials...
The help center of the blog...it's a current work in process. I imagine it will always be a work in process...kind of like we all are...
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