Absentee Blogger

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!

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...

Bridal Jewelry

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!

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.

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

~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)

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.

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...

It Costs How Much? Part 1

I have had the desire to write about this subject for some time now and I believe that the more informed the consumer is, the more they understand where their money is going.

The beauty of buying handmade is that you should feel as though you know where and from whom you are purchasing. This allows you to have a personal connection with the artist. It also allows you to know that every time you use/wear your item you do so with a sense of pride. You supported an artist...not a retail chain...you are getting a piece of that person with whatever you buy because, at least for my creations, I put my heart, time and creativity...a piece of myself...in everything I make.

I have a necklace that I paid a substantially for because I knew it was worth every penny. I bought it late spring last year and I wear it every chance I get. Yes, I bought a necklace from a fellow artisan. I am not quite capable of creating certain pieces myself, so I find other artists to support. I am glad to have the opportunity to not only support them in their endeavors, but I know the value of jewelry items that are hand made and am happy to make the investment.

I know my local patrons that have purchased from me for years fully realize where their money is going and because of the quality of my pieces, each will last them a lifetime. The on line world, however, is an entirely different story. Although there are people who understand jewelry pricing and quality, it is a subject that can always be visited.

My pricing logic:

I know that I need to be careful not too undercut my fellow artisans. I also need to consider my client base on top of making some kind of profit. All that considered, somewhere in that group, I determine the most fair price I can for each creation.

Time:

For example...the Illyria bracelet...

There are nearly 150 head pins on this bracelet. I made each pin using fine silver wire and a small torch. After making the pins, I look through my gem collection and select my color palette. Upon selecting the color palette, the stones are gathered and the wrapping begins. When I first put this bracelet together, I had a different focal...it was a large Tahitian pearl...there was something off about this combination. I remembered that I had three pink tourmaline nuggets. Eureka! Now imagine taking all of those wrapped beads off the bracelet to replace the focal. The time investment for this bracelet is approx. 10 hours. Now think about what you make an hour...also think about weather you would want compensation for your own time if you committed to a project. Is your time just as valuable as mine or other independent artists? You also need to consider the efforts made to locate components. It takes additional time to search for stones and other supplies. Relationships have to be forged with suppliers in order to secure quality beads and supplies. As much as I would love for them all to magically appear when a design appears in my head, that is never the case.

There are various formulas to calculate the cost of a piece based upon hours invested and materials. I can tell you right now, at the listed price, this bracelet is a steal...when it comes to the more costly designs, I struggle with my prices.

The huge focal...genuine pink tourmaline (a costly stone). I paid a pretty penny for this stone when I purchased it a few years ago. Nearly 150 gemstones...wrapped on nearly 150 fine silver head pins...that took about 9 hours to create and wrap...plus the gorgeous pink amethyst ovals and the pink quartz cubes...all the flawless stones that make up the fringe...rose quartz, berry and cherry garnets...more pink quartz.
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I do not purchase any of my supplies at craft stores. It is a priority for me that I support other artisans with my supply purchases. For instance, all of my wire is purchased from a small company in New Orleans. I have bought my wire from them for several years now and I continue to frequent their new Etsy shop. I believe that as an artist who creates with wire, I should support a fellow small business. I don't believe in spending my money any where else unless there is no other option. I utilize a few local retail (bead) establishments on occasion, but only when the deal is good enough to warrant. I strive to be forthcoming in my work. I am always open to questions about my process, components and the final creation.

Stay tuned for Part 2...what are you worth?...and know what you are buying!

To Be Continued!

How excited am I?! Illyria is proving to be a wonderful addition to my shop and one that has garnered much attention. I am thrilled to say that this bracelet is now being featured in another treasury! I am extremely honored!

You can view this treasury by following this link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=45844
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Caroline! Please check out her shop Peaseblossom Studio: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5615142

Featured Item

Many thanks to fellow Etsian Shubey!

Check out my bracelet that has been so kindly selected:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=45396

New Listings!

New listings in the shop...we have had snow this weekend...so it was a good time to take pictures. I have also begun to list the Zuriel Spring Collection pieces...my line that has nothing priced over $35. I am looking forward to the feedback I get from this line. It is my wish to offer unique quality jewelry at economical prices. Everyone should be able to treat themselves with something sparkly!

Mickey Rourke Treasures His Handmade, Custom Pet Portrait Necklace

I just have to post this...it's incredibly cool!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/etc/mickey-rourke-treasures-his-handmade-custom-pet-portrait-nec-3527/

Lobster Clasps...boring or not...

I make every attempt to inject creativity from beginning to end when designing and constructing a piece of jewelry. Recently, I have come upon several discussions regarding finishing.

I do love the options available to me when it comes to clasps. I struggle with the idea of beauty versus security. I find that my local clients prefer the safety of a lobster clasp. I attempt to add a little flair to the finishing when using a lobster clasp and it seems to compensate for their "boring" nature. Although this style of clasp tends to lack creativity, I would rather have a customer leave with their purchase knowing that it is not going to randomly fall off of them. So boring or not, I choose to err on the side of caution...and when you consider the financial investment, I do not want anyone wearing one of my pieces to ever think they flushed money down the toilet because they no longer have that piece of jewelry that makes them smile because I chose to consider a secure clasp too boring for my design.

That's not to say that I will not consider any other finishing style. I do like the toggles...they generally do not pose a problem for me as the wearer. However, I do have clients that have commented on them coming off...my guess is that the wrist the bracelet is on tends to get banged around and as with anything that is banged around, sooner or later, it is bound to come off the wrist.

I wanted to clarify my thoughts as again, I had recently been a part of several conversations about finishing a design. Naturally, if a customer has a preference, I am happy to accommodate their request. However, all probable "issues" are explained during the commission process. But all final design aspects are strictly up to the client.

New pieces listed!!! This picture taking business is getting a little better for me and I am SO excited because my necklace bust arrived this afternoon too!!! I can't wait to take more pictures now...above are a few of the pieces...

AND...

Last night I finally conquered the wrapping project I have been working on for the last month. I have this odd shaped cab that I so very desperately wanted to use in a design that comes from a tutorial that I had purchased. It took a great deal of effort to shape the wire and get it wrapped so the cab would stay in the setting. I have to oxidize it now and then I'll post the photos and get it listed in the shop...it was my first attempt at the tutorial and I am actually thrilled with my efforts...can't wait to get some feedback!

New Listings!

I am VERY excited that there should be enough sun peeking out today that I will be able to photograph all of the new designs! I have a fantastic selection and much to do today!

I hope you all find something to make you smile and what would be even more fabulous is if it inspired you to open your wallet...it would be most helpful!

I am planning to continue to offer the free shipping promotion to my U.S. customers and half price shipping to those of you around the world. I enjoy the new shipping policy...I am seriously considering making it permanent...feel free to let me know your thoughts on that!

The next order of business will be coming up with a fun promotion to involve everyone who visits the blog...something to post here that will result in a freebie of some kind. I was thinking a monthly drawing for either a piece of jewelry or a gift certificate. Again, feel free to let me know your thoughts!

For the designers...found an exceptional deal on a necklace display: http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H202513PK

The price...for the size...fabulous!

For those of you who had a long weekend...I hope the rest of the week goes well! We are expecting some snow this week...eeewwww!

Be well!

I have been participating in the designer world a bit more recently...commenting and reading various posts.

I, like many others, aspire to supplement my income with my creations...have many happy, repeat customers and maintain recognition until my fingers can't wrap another coil!

I am enjoying the opportunity the web affords me...my jewelry has homes all over the world...I have the opportunity to connect with fellow artisans that I otherwise would never know...and most of all, I get to learn.

On a side note...

No photos of the new line...no sun...I am going to give in and give the photo box another try...fingers crossed! I have many new pieces that I very much want to list!

Update on new line...

Well, the weather here has not allowed me to produce decent pictures (no sun). I struggle to photograph my creations as it is and find that I can actually capture a little more of their beauty if I take photos in natural light.

I have a photo box and a nice camera, however, neither have granted me the talent of an actual photographer! I WILL master the photo thing...maybe if I say it a thousand times, everyday, twice a day, I will give myself enough positive reinforcement to conquer this challenge!

Thanks for your patience~

Google Analytics

How much fun is this thing! Thanks to Etsy, I can see that people visit my shop! It's fantastic...and my favorite feature is seeing which country the visitors come from...

Don't worry, analytics only provides general information. No private information is shared (like who you are)...only numbers and statistics.

I have no idea what most of it means, but I am very glad to have the opportunity to use this feature. It really makes me smile...visitors are a good thing!!!

The "Lizzie" Bracelet

A favorite project...or actually the result is a favorite! This bracelet really came together after I received the labradorite focal. It is a stunning bead and definitely inspired the palette of this bracelet.

Elements include:

The "frill" is comprised of baby white freshwater pearls, faceted London blue topaz and labradorite rondelles and petite labradorite onion cut beads...ALL individually double wrapped on vermeil head pins

That portion is strung on beading wire. I used faceted London blue topaz nuggets. After that I selected saltwater Akoya pearls (nearly 9mm in size) and pairs of 7mm faceted labradorite rondelles.

It was inspired by one of my favorite period movies...ahh...despite my willingness to admit it, I may just be a hopeless romantic!

Expanding on my web "presence", I am giving in to this idea of blogging. Hopefully this will be a beneficial step for my business.