Jeweled Blossoms

the Revolving Studio

2010-02-19T09:50:00.000-08:00

I’ve spent a great deal of time the last few days reorganizing my studio. Sure, it’s always a good thing for me to reorganize to achieve an orderly arrangement of things so I can review my inventory, see where things are, see what I’m running low on, etc.

BUT
that’s not the real reason I move my studio around so much (I tend to do this every 3-4 months).

I actually crave the change, need the change.

To me the state of my studio is a mental snapshot of where my creative mind is, how I perceive things. Moving my tables from one wall to another, switching the area of my computer desk from my working space changes how I work and in very good ways, forces me to try things differently.

I’ve a few finishing touches to assemble and then I think I’ll be set. I’ll put up a few pictures once I’ve gotten it just right.

Return from the Desert

2010-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

I return from the sunny desert with a sack full of gems and the fine desert sand dusted over my tawny leather boots.
I love going to Tucson each year, it’s like making a pilgrimage to the holy place where artists come to pay homage
to stone, pearls and metal.
It’s amazing, overwhelming and exhausting, all at once.
It’s a never ending display of color, texture, and creative potential.
I’m sated
(for now).

Over the last few days in the desert:
I’ve spent hours giggling with the best gal I know.
I’ve fallen in love.
I’ve caressed the polished faces of stone.
I’ve walked away from untrustworthy vendors.
I’ve met the most interesting lapidary artists from across the nation.
I’ve waited for the right stones to find their way to my hands and then my bag.
I’ve tossed and turned in the night.
I’ve yearned for my kitchen, full of fresh fruit and snacks.
I’ve kept my mind open to new materials.
I’ve pushed myself to see where I will go.
I’ve dreamed of new designs.
I’ve spent hours being a mother hen and loved every minute of it.
I’ve worn dresses and skirts and basked in the warmth of the desert sun.
I’ve promised myself that this is the year to run after my dream, and so I shall.

As I now return home, I reflect on my time in lovely Tucson and stare at my bulging bags of goodies. It’s funny, the haul from this year is so very different from last year. I was headed in a singular direction and the goods I picked up reflected that.
And now I find myself straddled between three separate lines of jewelry, one very much different from anything I’ve done before and I’m so very excited about launching my Grace and Moxie line. It’s still in its infancy and slowly I shape it in my mind and my hands, testing this new space and this new direction. I’m very excited. Very excited.

I hope you all have been well. I’m back in the studio and finishing up orders during my trip. I should have some new lovelies for you this weekend.

Tucson

2010-02-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hours to go:

Packed:

1 Rust colored dress

1 pair studded cowgirl boots

1 army green cargo skirt

1 denim jacket

Gray leather messenger bag from Morelle

the Lost continent

Excitement level:

Bursting

Red rock, sunshine, metal, the promise of new ideas.

I am so ready for Tucson.

See you all when I get back!

The Talons of Muse

2010-01-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

As any other artist can swear to, the Talons of the Muse are unrelenting.
Sometimes you feel as though you are on the precipice of
something new
something amazing
something completely different.
You feel the winds blowing from a different direction.
You look ahead and see a new course laid before you.

I am on that edge.

Last year when I went to Tucson, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I had a list of things I wanted to seek out, and I must say that this year's list is
completely
utterly
undeniably
DIFFERENT.

I'm excited about the new directions I feel compelled to follow and anxious about how it will affect the Shop. I may end up opening a separate shop to keep these two lines separated, but only time will tell...

When your creative spirits are clenched in the talons of the Muse,
you can only relent
and
hope you bear the strength of her might graciously
and return whole once more.

The Weekend

2010-01-22T18:10:00.000-08:00

Finally.
Here.
The Weekend.

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but this week seems to be the longest week ever.

Plans this weekend:

3. Trip to the vet for Charlie-bear
19. Helping my best friend settle into her new home (only 1 hour away from me!)
67. Cup of Lemon Ginger Tea courtesy of The Noisy Plume
1. Drawing new designs
53. Photos (crossing my fingers for this one)

What about you?

Vodka and Caviar

2010-01-20T10:56:00.001-08:00

The most perfect French-inspired-red my nails have ever met:

Vodka and Caviar.

Satisfactorily Disatisfied

2010-01-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

To be perfectly honest, I’m bored. I’m bored with life as I know it. Bored with the complacency that comfort affords and the lack of purpose or growth that I used to have when I was leading the university life. I’m a creature addicted to change – though I appreciate the calmness of steady everyday chores and of the 9-5, I am most comfortable when there is just a bit of turbulence in my path, a bit of chill to the air, the lingering suspicion that there is something soon to come – and that I may not like it when it gets here. Perhaps I’ve become just a smidge too satisfied with the way things are and it’s time to stir things up.

I want to fail at something – not to deflate my ego, but to remember what it feels like to try something new and learn that I have to learn it from the very first step all over again. To go through the frustrations of being an infant in the learning process, to find my way and to grow as I maneuver my way through the dark. I want to know the lows before I reach the highs of success, so that I may appreciate a journey that was not just handed to me, but that I earned through the sweat of my brow and the calluses on my hands. I want to be uncomfortable. I want to be more.

A fantastic giveaway from another fantastic artist!

2010-01-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

I must admit that there are a few other artists that I am deeply impressed by (and to be perfectly honest, smitten with!) and the artist behind RosyRevolver is certainly one at the top of the list!

She's offering a fantastic giveaway, so drop by her blog and enter to win one of her wonderful designs:

http://rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-giveaway-time.html

Good luck!

A New Year

2010-01-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

Goodness. I haven't blogged in so long, I couldn't believe how long it had been since I had been when I went back and looked at my last post!

Well, to start off a new year, I'd like to revitalize my little blog-o-sphere. There's so many wonderful adventures I've had and so many new routes I'd like to pursue this year, both in my business and my little life here in California.

Things I will do this year:
1. Travel to Tucson for the annual gem show
(tickets have been purchased, rooms have been reserved!)
2. Take a class at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Making in San Francisco
(I have been utterly dying to learn more soldering and fabrication techniques)
3. Introduce my line of antique-inspired Brass jewelry.
(You all wouldn't know this since we haven't spoken in so very long, but I've been spending the last few months creating a new line of antique-inspired brass jewelry that I think is just perfection! They should be making their first debut in the next month or so)
4. Take time each month to see where I am and where I'd like to go.
(I really want to be in the today, to see where I am as an artist, as a person, and to take a hand in guiding myself along, every step of the way - you can join me if you like)

A New Year with all sorts of New Promising things to see!

Happy Sunday!

2009-03-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

I hope you're all having a splendid Sunday!
Some new lovelies are making their way into the shop this evening:

The Friend Crush Necklace

The Hundred Year Old Olive Tree Earrings - New Post Edition

And this little lovely is still yet to be named..

Cheers,
C

Fresh in the Shop!

2009-03-06T21:31:00.001-08:00

Just listed in the shop..

A Girl's Right to Pretty Necklace
sterling silver, pink mystic quartz, rainbow moonstone

Jot Down A Love Poem Necklace
sterling silver poem stamped pendant clasp

Sweet dreams,
C

I’m being stalked!

2009-03-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

But in the best way possible. If you haven’t run across Beatrice and Violet’s wonderful blog, Etsy Stalker, you are surely missing out. Both Beatrice and Violet scour Etsy for fabulous finds and have found a reasonable justification for stalking these artists and their shops – they bring you all their stalking intel and I must say, from the past few features, they find more than a few stalk-worthy shops to visit.

This evening I will be making a wonderful debut as one of their featured artists and will be doing a little giveaway there, so you birdies should fly on by and leave a comment this evening to enter to win. I think it runs for a few days, but I can’t quite remember. I’m so very excited!

In other news, you all have been keeping me quite busy in the Shop-er-roo. I’ve been busy sending out little packages of joy this week, so forgive my late post here. I’m quite pleased to say though, that I’ve had a flood of creative goodness and will be putting up some new designs this weekend. (I’ve got a three day weekend, so some new lovelies will be making their appearance in the shop if I can get the weather to cooperate.)

I hope you all have had a productive week as well and are ready for a well-deserved weekend.

xoxo,
Cathy

And the winners are....

2009-03-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

......

Congratulations!
Barbara, Sarah, Cherie and Elissa, please send me a little message-roo to my email (jeweledblosoms (at) gmail.com) so I can ship off your winnings to you!

Thanks so much to all of you for helping celebrate my Etsyversary! Have a lovely, lovely rest of your Sunday!

This is what I'll be doing all day...
Cheers,
C

The Great Etsyversary Giveaway!

2009-02-27T17:45:00.001-08:00

Hello, hello!

Well, I see a mighty number of you have been rummaging around in the shop today! I thank you kindly for helping me celebrate my big 1 year Etsyversary in such a wonderful fashion.

And now for a pure bit of fun, I'll be giving away the following necklaces to some of you lovely gals! All you need to do is post a wee comment at the bottom and I'll enter your names into a drawing. I'll pull the winner out on Sunday and make an announcement here.

Take a peek at the loot here:

Itsy Bitsy Carrie Necklace - Garnet Edition
(how can you not love such gorgeous garnets??)

Soul in Bloom - Tiny Edition
(one of my absolute faves!)

Itsy Bitsy Carrie Necklace - Amethyst Edition
(perfect for spring! purple is quite the hype now)

A new little number I have yet to name...
A lily of the valley charm with a dainty white topaz.

Alrighty! Good luck!

xoxo,
C

Etsyversary SALE!

2009-02-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

Good gracious, it's been a year!

When I first started the grand adventure of Jeweled Blossoms, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that it would open my world to so many things. The best parts of this past year have been:

1. My customers!
You all have been so tremendously gracious, encouraging and flat out amazing to me. I never dreamed I would be a part of so many weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmases or simply sharing the expression of love and friendship.

2. The Etsy Community!
I have met so many wonderful, supportive and knowledgeable artists on Etsy and I am so grateful that I have people I genuinely consider friends, from all over the world. It's been amazing to know that other artists go through the same insecurities, highs and lows, challenges and accomplishments that I have this entire year.

3. Being able to share with others...
I was so humbled by the numerous kind emails and convos that floated through my virtual mailbox this year and being able to share my designs, my dreams and drawings, my stories, inspirations, and simply my love of my craft with each and every one of you. It's such a wonderful outlet for me and I really truly feel blessed to be able to share it with people who are so encouraging!

So really and truly, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Now, to thank you in my own way, I would like to let you all in on the SALE going on in the shop. From midnight tonight to midnight on Saturday the 28th, you will receive:

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!
All of the shipping fees are on me for the next two days!

FREE PEARL DROP EARRINGS WITH A PURCHASE OF $50!
I'll be including a beautiful pair of dainty pearl drop earrings with all purchases $50 or more.

FREE INSEPARABLE - DAINTY EDITION WITH A PURCHASE OF $100!
This is by far, one of my most popular necklaces, so I thought it fair to offer as a free gift for anyone who purchases $100 or more from my shop.

I'll be posting some giveaways here in the next day or so, so be sure to check back in to post a comment for the giveaways!

Thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your lives!

Best,
C.

A swirling heap of......... Exasperation!

2009-02-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those weeks where you're just going miles and miles and everything is a blur and you swear your going around in circles?

I feel as though that's my week and it's only Tuesday! I've been running around trying to get the things in order for the big move to my new home, keeping my head afloat at my work (my day job work, not this lovely jewelry business work which is hardly work at all most of the time) and gaining the time to list some new goodies in the shop for you lovely birds.

I must say it really is...
all..
quite..
Tiring!

But nonetheless, I think I decided on what I wanted to do for the ol-Etsy-versary-Hoopla this Friday and Saturday. I'll be sending out an email tomorrow evening and posting some news here as well.

I hope you'll all stop in to help me celebrate this very momentous occasion!

Sweet dreams friends.

C.

Sneak Preview..

2009-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

To be listed in the shop shortly:

Sterling silver and rainbow moonstone - the newest little shimmery addition to my Layers Collection.

Labradorite, smoky quartz and freshwater pearls on a beautiful sterling silver chain - definitely not for a Friday night at home!

A dainty petal for the Layers Collection - I just love the simplicity of this one!

And last but not least, when you want something a bit more bold... beautiful hammered sterling silver.

C.

Simply Gorgeous

2009-02-22T22:09:00.000-08:00

I found these wandering around Etsy...

The Sunday Blahs...

2009-02-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

Every now and again, I find myself in the midst of the must blah Sunday ever. I think this particular Sunday it was because of the increasingly wet, cold and cloudy weather I've been having all weekend. Not that I mind a bit of rain from time to time, but today all I really wanted was a bit of sunshine to peak out from beneath the gloom, a spark of color somewhere - anywhere - to give my creative instincts a little nudge.
Alas, no such burst of sunshine could be found and I was forced to console myself with a bit of console myself with a trip to the bookstore.

My local bookstore is one of those grandly sized Barnes and Nobles with the soft, wide reading chairs scattered throughout. I always adore grabbing a stack of books or magazines, plopping myself down and lose the hours amongst the pages. It always does a bit to renew my creative spirit and today it was just what I needed.

I also decided on my sales today, but you all will just have to wait just a couple more days!
(I know, I'm terribly cruel, aren't I?)
But never fear, I'll be sending out an email on Wednesday night and also posting some info here Thursday I think. The sale will officially begin this Friday evening, if you're like me and spend your Friday nights at home with your darling weenie dog.

Till then,
C

It's official!

2009-02-21T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Pooch, MT and I will be moving the 1st of April!
I have been shopping around a bit and found a really cute little place much closer to my full-time job and has a bit more space to spare for all my jewelry making goodies. I'm elated!

So I've been thinking a lot about what to do for my Etsyversary sale...
I'll most likely do some giveaways here on the blog and also maybe do a couple of treats in the shop.

Hope you'll all come visit, it's next Saturday, if you can believe it!

Hope you all are having a beautiful Saturday!
C.

Dreaming Big..

2009-02-18T08:18:00.001-08:00

When I was young, my parents encouraged me like any other, to pursue the things I wanted out of life and not to stop until I got them. Throughout my years there have been a lot of things I’ve wanted to do – travel across the globe, graduate from a 4 year university, get a good paying job – and luckily for me I’ve been able to do all of these things. But even so, I always felt these things were goals that were just sort of expected from me… Almost everyone from my high school graduated and went to a 4 year college, often one with numerous accolades and prestige. Traveling just seemed a normal privilege of the privileged, I suppose. I thoroughly enjoy traveling, but it didn’t seem like something outside of my grasp.

Not until now did I feel that I really was accomplishing something of my very own. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my business, what the journey has been and what I want from it in the future. I think because my Etsyversary is just around the corner (only 10 days away! And I have some FAB things planned for it!) it’s taken over my thoughts.

Starting Jeweled Blossoms was not something I had initially intended to be very long term. I had wanted to start selling the jewelry I was making and opening myself up to the world a bit… I had no idea that I’d meet so many wonderful artists, become entrenched in new techniques and materials and that I’d finally find a wonderful outlet for my creative tensions. It’s been such a wonderful blessing and as the business side of it continues to grow, I start to wonder where the future of my little adventure will be. I wonder if this is something I could pursue full time and sustain myself on. It’s a scary thought for me to take such a leap, but perhaps in the future this is what I’ll be doing. I love, LOVE making jewelry for all of you wonderful, lovely gals! But I wonder if the stress of a paycheck, making the rent on time, putting food on the table would somehow suck the joy out of creating…

I suppose we’ll just have to find out together.

C.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day friends!

Inspired by Love...

Freshly Listed in the Shop:

Random Acts of Kindness Necklace

To Lasso A Heart Necklace
Best wishes,
C

There and Back Again....

2009-02-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Arizona is amazing. I haven't been across the desert plains and through the rocky mountains in a few years and I had, quite simply, forgotten how beautiful the heaps of rocks and vast sandy plains speckled with cactus and brush could be. Even the rain clouds which hovered overhead and threatened rain only added to the beauty of the state.

I know I had promised some pictures, but sadly I forgot to charge my camera battery before I left, so I totally missed out on taking some amazing pictures for you all. BUT.. I do have some of the gorgeous gemstones and other things I picked up from Tucson.

Now, for those of you who may not be familiar with the annual gemshow in Tucson every year, it's not a single, huge show that goes on. No, no, it's actually more like *50* shows that go on all across the city. You just drive around and park where you like and visit the shows you want to see. It's literally tent after tent after tent filled to the gills with fellow jewelers, tool vendors, rock hounds, and heaps and heaps of gorgeous gemstones. During the three days I was there I only made it to about four shows and I could have easily stayed another week without scratching the glittering surface of it all.

But... here are some pictures of all the lovelies I got out there:

Hammer Love...

Cabachons ...
these little beauties are going to help me when I get back into my silversmithing shop!

Labradorite, labradorite, labradorite...
I've a huge love affair of this stone (obviously)!

Dramatic Garnet and beautiful bright Citrine and a hint of flashy Pink Quartz...

I can't wait to get some of these (and many many other goodies) into some new designs this weekend!

Oh! and I'll be visiting my dear little sister this weekend for her birthday. Should be a good time

Hope you all are having a fab week!

C.

From the small window..

2009-02-04T22:44:00.001-08:00

... of the plane, and in the darkness of night, I can see the little flashing lights that let me know I'm finally home in San Diego. There's nothing like the circular glow from Petco Park or the long strings of red and white lights of cars roaming up and down the freeways to bring a little smile to my lips.

Home sweet home.

C.

5 Tuesday Truths

2009-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Here's my pre-trip 5 Tuesday Truths..

1. I'm a hoarder.
I have this thing where I basically just want to amass lots and lots of my very favorite thing. For example, I currently have 5 of the same sweater, just in different colors. I can't help it. I find something I just love and I want to keep it forever and love it to death.

2. I can never finish a drink.
Literally. Water, tea, coffee, lemonade. I always always leave about a centimeter of liquid left in the cup. I wish I could learn how to curb this habit.

3. One of my very favorite spots in the world is in Athens, Greece.
I went to Greece two Septembers ago and it left quite an impression on me. Something about being in the place of birth of so many mythical creatures and stories, and the ruins still standing, a testament to all of these... I just love it!

4. If I wasn't making jewelry, I would like to be a writer.
I'm not exactly sure what I would write about, but I do so enjoy writing a good short story or putting my thoughts down when I see something gloriously beautiful, heart-breakingly sad, amazingly breath taking or just simply, unforgettable.

5. I'm currently doing my best to go back to school.
I graduated from school a couple of summers ago and have since then just been itching to rejoin the academic community. I just love the feeling of learning something new... of being around others who challenge me... make me question what I believe in. It's like I can actually see all of the connections firing away in my brain and new ones forming, taking up some of that white and gray matter up there..
It's part of the reason why I closed up shop a week ago and in another few weeks we'll see if I made it back in or not. Here's hoping!

Now I'm off to finish packing the last things on my list. I hope I'll have some internet while I'm in Tucson so I can post some gorgeous pictures up for you! If not, I'll see you in a week!

xoxo,
C.

Road trip!

2009-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

Good gracious, a week certainly does fly by quickly, doesn't it?

Well, my self-imposed vacation is all over and I've been busy catching up on the many lovely orders I've had waiting for me in Le Shop. I see some quite lovely packages heading out to some of you gals from your sweethearts! And I'm so very glad to be a part of spreading a bit of joy and love and beauty across the globe.

Speaking of joy and beauty across the globe, I will be taking a short trek to Tucson, Arizona this coming week! There's the illustrious gem faire being held all month long and I have decided this year to take the plunge and head on out there, at least for a few days. I'm looking forward to taking in some glorious gemstones, silver, classes and general jewelry-goodness. I'll be going with my great friend and fellow Etsy Jewelry Artist Laurel Peters of LaValleyGirly. She's a dear sweet friend and we shall have the best adventures driving our way out to the desert!
(I'll be sure to take some pictures - Arizona is shockingly beautiful. Who knew piles of rocks and sand could be so devastatingly gorgeous?)

At any rate, I am certain that my little trip to Arizona will mark the beginning of some new pieces to appear in the shop. I've been a bit preoccupied with non-jewelry-life things and have a terrible itch to create some new goodies for the shop. Hopefully things will settle down a bit and I'll be able to get things in the shop.

Hope you've all had a lovely week.

C.

The First Day of Vacation...

2009-01-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

.... was me waking in an absolute panic at 5:22 am when I was to be at work at 5:30 am. Fortunately for me, my adrenaline kicked in and I was groomed (albeit minimally), dressed and packed to go within ten minutes. Poor Bella suffered the worst of my sleep in, I'm afraid, as I swiftly booted her from bed, took her out for two minutes of doggie business and then raced off in my car to work. (On a side note, there are either a surprising number of other people who are terribly late to work around 5:30 in the morning or that's when all the speeders are on the roads because nearly every car around me was doing at least 80 mph.)

At least the rest of my day passed in relative peace. Tonight MT and I actually went out on a date. I can't recall the last time we did that on a Friday night. Usually we're both too spent from the week's on-goings to muster up the energy to go out. But tonight we had dinner at a little Mexican place and then went to the theater to see Slum Dog Millionaire. It was a really really GREAT film. And I'm not just saying that because it also just got nominated for heaps of awards either.

Now I know that I said Gran Torino was great, but truly, this movie was really one of a kind. It spoke of tragedy and sadness, desperation and hard times, but it also sang of the beauty of love and never ending hope. I must admit I'm a bit of a sucker for movies that can really rope you in emotionally, and this one certainly fits the bill.

So now I'm back home and happily listening to Bella take her dinner. Bella doesn't like to eat alone, which took me awhile to figure out. She used to lean up against my chair while I was working away on some new pieces and poke her cold wet nose into my leg until I got up and took her downstairs. Only then would she sit by her food bowl and look at me, wondering if I was going to leave her alone. Well, after going through this routine a few times I finally figured out that she didn't want to dine alone - I'm sure she was utterly tired of trying to train me at that point. So now she has a permanent food bowl both upstairs and downstairs, so she can eat her leisure while I'm working.

Oh! Before I forget, a word on my vacation. It's not really and truly a vacation, just a bit of much needed time to handle some things in my non-jewelry world life (which is starting to get smaller and smaller). I absolutely love making jewelry and creating new pieces, but it seems that I've neglected a few other areas that need to be attended to this coming week. So I will not be shipping orders out until after the 29th when I've a bit more time. Thank you so much for your patience... Believe me when I say I'd much rather be enjoying the happiness of making new jewelry for you lovelies, but a guilty conscience is really not very conducive for creativity. At least not for me anyway.

But I'll do my best to post here or there during the next week and check in with you all.

I hope you all have a delightful weekend!

Sweet Dreams,
C

Hi, my name is Cathy

2009-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

(Hi Cathy.)
Welcome to Soapers Annonymous.

I have a confession to make. I am utterly addicted to buying handmade soap. I started buying a few months ago from Lisa of Savor, who's Etsy shop has utterly changed my showering world. Seriously, my bathroom looks like a vending machine filled with her soaps and creme fraiche. It's utterly ridiculous, and I can't get enough. I've borrowed a few of her pictures below (I don't think she'll mind, it's in the name of Soap Love, after all):

Sweet Cake Creme Fraiche

Amaretto Oatmeal

Blood Orange Granita Salt Polish

Creme Brulee
(My absolute favorite!)

How can you not adore her shop?

5 Tuesday Truths

2009-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

1. I usually completely rearrange my workshop every 3-4 months without fail. (It completely drives my boyfriend crazy, who claims that it was perfectly fine to begin with.)

2. I’ve a deep love for all things purple – except perhaps for eggplant.. I’ve never much cared for that particular vegetable.

3. When I was three or four years old, I once climbed into a kitchen cabinet and promptly got stuck. My parents almost called the fire department to get me out.

4. I absolutely love living in the West. I love the weather, the people, the openness to new things and new people.

5. I’m deathly afraid of sharks. I blame this on watching Jaws too many times when I was a child. (No really, my fear of sharks is completely ridiculous. I used to be afraid of them in a swimming pool – in a swimming pool! Thank god that part passed…)

Happy Tuesday to you all!

Fresh from the bench...

2009-01-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

... and now in the Shop!

The Country in the City Girl Necklace

Extraordinarily Ordinary Necklace

And more to come shortly!

C.

Glorious Saturday...

2009-01-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

So I decided to take today off and promptly went to my local Nordstrom's Rack (I LOVE that place!) and picked up these sweet little boots:

They're the most delicious warm shade of brown and surprisingly, fit my calves just perfectly. I'm a bit on the smaller side and short to boot (pardon the pun), so finding boots that actually fit me is quite the production. At any rate, I am just delighted to adopt these!

I've spent most of today lounging around the house after having lunch with dear MT and dropping by the dreaded mall. You know, for being in a recession and all, there were quite a few people at the dreaded mall. It took us nearly 15 minutes to find a parking space!

At any rate, I've spent the rest of my time reading The Constant Princess which I'm nearly through with. I have about 6 or 7 other books here that I'm waiting to finish up reading (I have reading ADD - I quite literally start 3 to 4 books at a time, then find I'm out of time and can never decide which one to go back to finish. It really is a problem.).

I've a mind to take a short nap with Bella before diving into filling orders and with any luck, creating a few new lovely pieces. I've been toying around with some ideas, so we'll see if they come to fruition this weekend.

Hope you all are having the loveliest Saturday as well!

C.

5 Tuesday Truths

2009-01-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

After talking to my coworker and friend Jeff (see Jeff, I mentioned you!), I have decided to make the 5 Tuesday Truths a regular addition to my blog. Well, at least until I run out of things to confess to!

So here's this weeks list:

1. I love making lists. Not necessarily finishing them, but just writing things neat and orderly in my little Moleskin notebook, each item ready to be crossed off with a single line.

2. I talk aloud to Bella all the time, even though my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy.
(For those of you who are new, Bella is my perfectly darling miniature weiner dog who is beyond amazing.)

3. I wish I could be a professional student. I just love learning new things and having conversations with new and interesting people, with fresh perspectives and challenges to my beliefs. If I could just figure out a way to get paid doing all of this...

4. I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle of the tube, always, no matter what. And this little revelation drives the boyfriend absolutely nuts. I can't help it.

5. I am honest to a fault. Sadly, this last bit is quite true. While you'd think honesty is a rather nice virtue to have, my open mouth often gets me into trouble. But, if you ever want an honest answer, you know where to find me.

p.s. I am horribly sorry that I haven't yet thrown up my new goodies into the shop. I've been meaning to get them listed and ready for you, but one thing after another has fallen in my path. I will do my best to get a least a couple of these lovelies in this evening.

p.p.s. As related to The Great Decision, I most likely will be closing my shop for a few days from the 24th or so to the 29th. There's some great work for me to do and while I would much rather be making jewelry for all of you lovely dears, I may indeed need to curb that compulsion, at least for a few short days.

Cheers,
C

Game Night

2009-01-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

My friends and I have a little ritual we like to hold from time to time, called Game Night. Now, I was born after the time when staying at home with your parents to play Trivial Pursuit was considered quality time, but before the time when staring at your facebook page for 17 hours a day became fashionable. Honestly, I just can't quite understand the whole facebook thing. I have my own page, naturally, and have cyber stalked many many high school classmates, but I just don't understand all of the gadgets and games and pokes and just things that go on there.

Perhaps I'm missing something from the whole experience.

At any rate, Game Night was just fabulous. My nearest and dearest gathered around a small Ikea coffee table, college-dorm style and played a rousing hand of Phase 10. Now, for any of you who have never experienced the joy (or horror, as it may be) of playing Phase 10, you simply must try it someday. It's a simple card game which requires you to get certain "sets" or "runs" of numbers, but I'm telling you, it gets vicious! Or perhaps that's just the lot that I hang out with.

There's nothing quite as enjoyable to me as Game Night. I'd take that over TV, a night out at the bar or doing laundry, any day.

On a side note....
I actually made a rather grand decision earlier this week that will most likely have a great affect on my near future quite soon if all goes well. So if you see me missing a bit or slower than usual in response, it's because of The Great Decision. When things are a bit more solidified, I'll be sure to let all of you in on it. Until then... let's just hope for the best, shall we?

Nighty night,
C

Gran Torino

2009-01-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Date Night with MT and so we dressed up and went out to see the new Clint Eastwood flick, Gran Torino. I must say that this is by far, one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time.

It was quintessential Eastwood, raspy voiced, uncompromising, hard assed Eastwood, taking names and kicking, well, ass (don't worry, I won't be a movie spoiler). But there was a depth to the story and my favorite, character development, that made watching the movie much more enjoyable than seeing Eastwood play the role we're so used to seeing him in. I highly, highly recommend you see it if you get the chance.

And this morning I was able to snap a few pictures of some new lovelies that I'll hopefully be putting up in the shop tonight or tomorrow. The pictures didn't quite come out as perfectly as I'd like, so I may have another impromtu photo session tomorrow.

But as a short preview...

Inseparable Lariat - White Topaz and Garnet

Sterling silver, Gold and Garnet

White Topaz

A darling little Blossom just in time for spring

I hope you all had an enjoyable evening!

C

I've finally done it...

2009-01-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

... caught up on all the orders from the Holidays and completed a few NEW pieces for the shop!

I'm going to try to photograph them later today or tomorrow morning and get them into the shop pronto. I miss seeing new things in there, don't you?

Hope you're all having a lovely Saturday!

C

5 Tuesday Truths

2009-01-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

1. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life
it would undoubtedly be
bread.

2. I compulsively buy boxes of thin spaghetti noodles
as it is, of course, the best
pasta shape ever.
(I currently have 7 boxes in the pantry.)

3. I hate how everyone in San Diego forgets how to drive when the least
bit of water falls from the sky.

4. I hate the idea of going to my high school reunion this year.

5. I never thought in a million years, that I would be a jewelry designer.

Technological Difficulties

2009-01-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

I never thought I’d be the girl who checked her email 20-25 times a day. I wouldn’t have dreamt that I’d be the one who would understand why some people would never let anyone pry their blackberry out of their cold, dead hands. But now I do.

Over the last few days, the internet service at my house has been positively atrocious. I mean, seriously horrible. I think I had dial-up as a child that worked better than this. I’m not quite sure what else to do about it, as I have a heap of packages to be sent and I’m having a terrible time just logging into Paypal at all (I use Paypal’s shipping services). I’ve a mind to call the people at Comcast and tell them to get a uniform clad tushie out to my place for some serious evaluation!

Nevertheless, if worse comes to worse when I get home from work today, I will probably take my label printer and my laptop and head to the nearest coffee shop that offers free Wi-Fi. Hopefully that will work out. So, my apologies to those of you who ordered while I was away. You’ve shown angelic patience and I truly appreciate it!

I’ll keep you all updated.

C.

My First Love

2009-01-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

My First Love (who was not Joey, the cute baseball player I dated in the 7th grade, unbeknownst to him), but has to be the lovely state of California.

Each and every time I make the 8 hour road trip down the length of my state, I am once again reminded of her beauty. I must admit it's easy to love California. With the snow capped mountains just a couple of hours to the east, the gorgeous beaches stretching along the coast (you've seen the pictures) and the always amiable weather, there's not much reason not to love this gorgeous state.

Truly, half the fun of being on vacation for me, is just wandering around the beautiful beaches or taking in the gorgeous weather sitting outside a cafe with a good book and a cup of tea.

So, shall I tell you what I did all week? In no particular order:

Ate home cooked meals.
Read books.
Visited La Jolla Cove.
Spent many hours witnessing Christmas carnage.
Drank hot cocoa and ate cookies.
Played with darling Bella.
Bought the most delicious new gemstones for some projects I have in the works.

I hope you all had a wonderful New Years! I spent most of my snockered in the best of company. (Once I get copies of the photographic evidence, I'll be sure to post a few pictures up here. Girl scout's honor.)

So tell me, how was your Holiday?

xoxo,
C.

The Day After Christmas - San Diego Style

2008-12-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

La Jolla Cove

Only in San Diego...

C.

The Way Home

2008-12-24T08:24:00.001-08:00

I know the way home

like the back of my hand.

I know how the road curves
this way and that
where the trees tower
at the edge of the road
and where the cows graze.

I know where the interstates
merge and diverge
where the roads lead to the beach
and the rest inland.

I know the Way Home in the darkness of night
amidst the glow of headlights
and in the bright sunshine
of day.

Yes, I know the Way Home
like the back of my hand.

Composed along the way, somewhere south of Fresno and north of Los Angeles on I-5.

Here's wishing you a very happy holiday!
C.

Mandatory Abstinence

2008-12-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I make myself go through mandatory abstinence from jewelry making. Not so much from playing with gemstones or pretty chain or sparkling crystals, but more from the actual making of pieces. I’m always sort of torn about these obligatory vacations I take from my workshop since there’s a part of me that really enjoys the work and hustle and bustle of filling orders and keeping my Etsy shop full and happy. But then there’s the other part of me that screams the need for a bit of creative recharging. And so, even if I have projects I’d like to work on, I take a week (once or twice a year) to renew my spirit and find new inspiration.

Instead, I take the hours I’d normally dedicate to filling orders and making pieces to do other things. I read books (or should I say, finish the books I’ve been a quarter or a third of the way into for the last four months). I visit with friends and share stories over vanilla lattes poured into wide-mouthed mugs. I head to the beaches and watch the waves roll into the shore, listening to the symphony of each crest crash. I walk the streets of downtown and window shop for hours, no destination or plan in mind. I take pictures of people and places and interesting things. I eat good food and sleep a bit longer than usual.

I carry a book with me, wherever I go, when I’m on my mini sabbatical. It’s a black, leather bound moleskin notebook with an elastic band that keeps it shut. It has no lines and the edges and binding are beginning to show the wear and tear it suffers, being jostled around in my canvas and leather bag all day. It’s here that I jot down notes on stories or sights, drawings of shapes and pieces that may or may not come to fruition. I keep it with me while I wander the streets of downtown or sit upon the cliffs of the ocean and by my bed when I lay my head to rest each night.

So that's what I'll be doing while I'm away, though I hopefully will have some time to send you some pictures of my glorious home town, San Diego.

If I don't see you for a few days, I hope you all are reveling in the joys of the season and spending time with those nearest and dearest to you.

Happy holidays!

Saturday Dates

2008-12-20T13:35:00.001-08:00

MT and I have a date every Saturday morning. It's sort of a tradition we began a few months ago and we've enjoyed it so much that we just haven't quite found a reason to stop doing it.

Every Saturday that I don't work (my day job requires that I work a Saturday a month or so), We roll out of bed around 8 or 9 'o'clock and get dressed. We wake little Bella up from bed where she reluctantly stretches and digs her way out from under the covers (oh the life of a dog!). And once we've let her out to do her doggie business, we put on our coats and head to the car.

We take the 5 south towards the heart of Sacramento and then head in the easterly and southerly direction, driving through the city and farther down through the suburbs. We exit off a curiously named street called Fruitridge (there's not a fruit tree nor ridge in sight) and wander down the streets to my most favorite little Vietnamese place.

And each and every Saturday morning, we order the exact same thing - Two bowls of Pho Tai (pronounced F-uh Thai), a soda chanh for me and a glass of water for him. On particularly hungry days, we'll order a side dish of egg rolls (yes, I know, that sounds quite early in the morning for egg rolls, but when you're having a large bowl of soup, the hour of day really doesn't matter too much, does it?). We take in the fragrant broth and tasty goodness and once we're warmed and full, we turn around and drive back just the way we came.

For those of you who have never had Pho before, it's a rice noodle soup with a beef broth base that has a variety of different types of meat on it. Pho Tai is just about the most basic type of soup you can get, and I absolutely could not live without it. Particularly during winter-y days such as these!

And of course this morning was no exception. It was tasty and delicious and the perfect start to my morning. Now I'm off to catch up on laundry and the other mundane tasks of everyday living and with any luck, I'll hit the dreaded mall with minimal frustration to pick my sister up something lovely for Christmas.

I hope you're all having a lovely Saturday!

Cathy

Santa stoppped by ...

2008-12-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

.... just a weeee bit earlier this year at my house. My dear MT and I decided to exchange gifts early since I'll be headed home to sunny San Diego early this coming week and will be working all this weekend. And guess what he got me...

.... a label printer and this FAB jewelry designer management software!

(You know you're an online jewelry seller when you actually squeal at the site of a label printer beneath the colorful Christmas wrapping paper.)

Anyhoo, it has been quite the time here, doing last minute packaging and orders and getting ready for my own holiday retreat.

Things I plan to do while on Holiday:
1. Take lots and lots of pictures of lovely San Diego for you all to see.
2. Stop in my most favorite shops back home and stock up one some new goodies so I can go back to creating new lovely things!
3. Eat at Bronx Pizza in Hillcrest.
4. Spend some quality hours playing cards and drinking hot cocoa at my best friend's house.
5. Sleep in. (By which I mean past 7am for once.)

I am so excited!

What are your holiday plans?

Cheers,
C

Wallet, Meet the Christmas Spirit. Christmas Spirit, Be Gentle.

2008-12-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

As predicted, the Christmas spirit did indeed come to find me today and it would have been a wonderful exchange had it not also met my wallet and promptly emptied it. What is it about spending oodles of money on loved ones that makes Christmas so darned enjoyable? I for one am all for the year-round-spoiling of friends and family, but feel particularly generous around the holidays.

In any event, my purse is a bit lighter, BUT, I do have this to show for it...

My little heap of Christmas joy, brightly wrapped and festooned with the most wonderful bows I could find. Doesn't that just bring a bit more cheer into your heart? It certainly does mine...

After stumbling home from my Christmas carnage shopping, I did get to work filling orders and listing a couple of new lovelies in the shop...

Meet The Inseparable Necklace - Lariat Edition
I am absolutely enamored with this mock double-layered lariat necklace. It's just the perfect combination of easy, elegant charm and loveliness. I actually wore it (yes, I do make copies of these lovelies for myself - in the name of jewelry research, of course) with a dainty lace top to a Christmas party Saturday night.

AND this is the Inseparable Necklace - Quartet Edition. I think I've renewed my love of sterling silver and gold and beautifully delicate, hammered loops. Did you notice?

Good grief! It's nearly 11pm and I have yet to eat dinner. Off to snack before bed. Hope you all had a lovely day!

Cheers,
C

Wanted: The Christmas Spirit

2008-12-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

I seem to be about three weeks behind schedule in the Christmas Spirit department. Usually about this time of year, I'm running around town doing extra Christmas shopping for my nearest and dearest who I had sworn I had already finished shopping for. It's just 11 days away and I have barely even started shopping (although to be fair, I am making a good amount of my presents this year).

So has anyone seen the Christmas Spirit? Perhaps she forgot to stop by my house and sprinkle a bit of Christmas dust in my neck of the woods. I'm so looking forward to going home to see my parents, wander the streets of my hometown and head over to my best friend's house where the promise of hot chocolate, all-day card games and tasty, fattening snacks is always too good to resist.

Maybe tomorrow... yes, perhaps tomorrow, the Christmas Spirit shall find me and douse me in a heap of Christmas-y goodness. Otherwise, friends, I may be in trouble in the getting presents and festive-ness department.

How are all of you holding up?

C

Being Extraordinarily Ordinary

2008-12-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

I should preface all of this by saying that most of the time I feel quite happy to be a jewelry designer and artist and create lovely little trinkets for all of you, my friends and family. But from time to time I look around on Etsy and at craft fairs and I feel extraordinarily ordinary.

I feel as though my the things I create aren't creative or "out there" enough to be considered art. Perhaps my tastes are a bit too mainstream compared to the other beautiful things I see lining the pages of other people's shops.

And though I find myself quite blessed with the support of friends, family and a wonderful community of Etsians, I fear as though someday I might wake up and people will find me to be a Fraud - that I am not truly an artist in some sense of the word and that my shop and I will be discarded, lost to the internet abyss.

But, what can a gal do? I can only create the things that I find inspiration for and open my eyes as wide as they will go. I hope that I will continue to create lovely things for lovely people and find satisfaction in knowing I put my whole self out there and that simply is enough.

C.

The Story Behind the Stories

2008-12-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

I realized that some of you may wonder why I bother with all of the stories for each of the pieces of jewelry I create. Perhaps why I don’t just provide the necessary mundane details of measurements and materials and leave it at that. I thought I’d just write a little note and tell you why.

I believe that all work has a story behind it in some sense. As a designer I am constantly inspired by things I see in my day-to-day activities, my travels abroad, my conversations with friends, coworkers, strangers. I absolutely credit many of my design ideas to all of these things and I think it’s appropriate that you should know about them. Sometimes it’s so I can share with you what I’ve been thinking about or where I imagine these pieces of jewelry will be. Other times I see the places these pieces would have been, in another time and place.

In another life I think I would have been a writer. For me sometimes the stories come before the pieces do. It’s just one of my many little quirks. I enjoy writing almost as much as I enjoy creating, and I am happy to share both of those with you, if you’re willing to read my ramblings.

Here is my beloved Moleskin Notebook where I doodle most of my designs or write down the majority of my stories.
I simply adore these little notebooks!

I hope this helps explain why each of my pieces has a particular title and a story attached to it. Perhaps one day when I tire of thinking up clever little names, I’ll resort to “Sterling Silver Necklace with Bird Pendant”... but I sincerely hope not.

Hope you all are well.

Warmly,
C.

Etsy Tutorial 6: How to Promote Your Etsy Shop, Part II

2008-12-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

This is an article I wrote earlier this year and submitted to the Home Jewelry Business Success Tips website where it was published. I hope you enjoy it!

It's been a few months since I last wrote an article sharing some of tips for successful selling on Etsy, so I thought it was time for another edition. In How to Get Your Jewelry Seen on Etsy, I discussed tips for getting jewelry seen on Etsy by way of having a memorable banner and avatar, joining the Etsy community, 'Heart-ing' other shops, joining an Etsy street team and making or curating Treasuries.

Achieving regular sales and getting noticed on Etsy can be quite difficult when the jewelry category is the largest in Etsy, but it is not impossible. Aside from having a phenomenal product and the tips I shared previously, there are a few more things you can do:

Ways to Increase Trafficto Your Jewelry Shop on Etsy

1. List items or renew items regularly.

With nearly 32,000 items listed in the jewelry category, it is quite easy to get buried in the listings, as they list the most recent towards the front of the lists.Listing new items at regular times during the week can really increase your presence at the 'top' of the search lists. Try to list an item every day, every other day or at least twice a week.An alternative to listing a new item regularly is to 'renew' an item. Every listing you create has an expiration date and when you 'renew' you extend the life of the listing and bump it to the front of the search lists. This comes in handy when you don't have time to create, photograph and list regularly.Again, this should be done daily, every other day or weekly. There are many shops I've seen who renew their entire shops on a daily basis.While that may be a bit excessive in my opinion, I have noticed more sales in my own shop since I started renewing and listing more frequently.

2. Join social networking groups such as Twitter, Indiepublic, Flickr, Facebook, Myspace, etc.
Many Etsy sellers have joined up and created groups in many different social networking sites. These can help give you exposure to a lot of different audiences and drive traffic to your shop.You can also again find a community of artists to network with. I've heard about many success stories with people advertising by using Twitter, Flickr and Indiepublic.

3. 'Froogle' your Etsy shop.Google's latest database allows you to search for products.
By loading your Etsy shop items into the Google Product Search database (formerly called 'Froogle'), you can attract a lot of new traffic from across the web.There is also Let's Ets, an easy program set up that allows you to load your items in quickly and efficiently.

4. Make your shop friendly for international shoppers.
Let's be honest, the US dollar is not very strong right now and our neighbors to the north, south, east and west can get quite a good deal on purchasing American goods.By making your shop friendly for international customers, you open the door to a lot of new business.

Several things you can do are:
Offer international shipping. This seems silly, but I've seen many forum posts from frustrated international customers who WOULD have bought from a store, but sadly, the seller did not offer international shipping.
Accurately calculate shipping costs. Shipping is not as expensive as you might think, and doing your research will really help prevent you from scaring off international customers with exorbitant shipping rates.
Use metric measurements. Be sure that you give measurements in centimeters as well as inches, as most the rest of the world uses the metric system of measurement.
Offer discounted shipping to international customers. I've often seen many shops do 'free shipping' sales, but only to domestic customers. This can be very frustrating to international customers who may feel as though they are being treated as second class citizens.

5. Participate in promotional threads in the forums such as Saturday Night Specials (SNS).

Each Saturday, a special thread called 'SNS' is put up in the Promotions section of the Etsy forums. Shoppers know that this thread is posted weekly and it's a great way to promote your shop.It's run by an Etsy street team and is regularly checked by many Etsy buyers. It's free and all you have to do is post in the thread on Saturdays at 5pm EST. Nothing beats free promotion.

Using some of these tips, as well as having a well structured shop with great pictures, clear descriptions and good products, will certainly help you succeed on Etsy.

Etsy Tutorial 5: Promoting Your Etsy Shop

2008-12-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is an article I wrote earlier this year and submitted to the Home Jewelry Business Success Tips website where it was published. I hope you enjoy it!

How to Get Your Jewelry Seen on Etsy

When I first began contemplating selling my jewelry, I immediately became attracted to the idea of selling online. I knew I didn't want to fall into the large pool of eBay, so when I found out about Etsy, I decided to sign up. I was thrilled at the thought of having my work out in the world for the very first time, and so I jumped into it with all the enthusiasm I could muster.

It wasn't long though, before I started to feel insecure about the low number of views I had and started interpreting those views as an indication of lack of talent. What I came to realize many weeks later, however, is that I had simply not learned how to promote myself on Etsy. After many more weeks, I discovered many ways to get myself and, more importantly, my jewelry, seen on Etsy. Here are a few of the ways I discovered to get more traffic to my store.

Etsy Success Tips for Jewelry Artists

1. Have a memorable banner and avatar
Your avatar and banner are the "first impression" you make with your online clients. They see it immediately as your page loads and when you post in the forums (I'll go into this momentarily). It's the first opportunity you have to show people what you and your jewelry are about.
Try to make it attractive and representative of your style, theme, colors, etc. I've seen great banners and avatars (especially avatars!) that feature a popular piece or something that represents the style of jewelry you like to do. That one little image draws people in immediately and tells them what to expect from you. Don't forget to make sure that it's formatted to the correct size. You can have a beautiful avatar and banner, but if the pixels are off, it just looks like a blurry mess!

2. Join the Etsy community
One of the best things I've found in Etsy is the community. The forums, chat rooms and virtual labs provide you with a support group of fellow artists and access to the numerous sellers and buyers on Etsy. It's a great place to gain insight on techniques in your field, feedback on your products, photos, descriptions but also a great place to get yourself seen! When you post in forums or participate in chat and virtual labs, people begin to notice your avatar and your work. This sort of networking can help you promote your shop.

3. Give your Heart away
On Etsy, you can "heart" someone, which means that you can mark them as a favorite. Hearts are a network of sorts. When you mark someone with a heart, they can see that you marked them as a favorite and return the favor. Hearts can also be seen by the public, and so if someone is shopping in another artist's Etsy store, they can see you marked it as a favorite and check out your shop as well. It's a great way to create a network to give your shop some visibility.

4. Join an Etsy Street Team
Etsy Street Teams are groups of shop owners who join together under common themes (i.e. artists of the same category, from the same state, or sharing similar beliefs) who work together to promote one another, provide support and to share information. These are absolutely wonderful for getting your shop noticed. Some buyers shop directly from particular groups, such as JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team) or SATeam (Starving Artists on Etsy Team) when looking for jewelry items. These teams often have promotional contests or events that gain lots of publicity, and being a part of that team means you can share in that publicity. Teams often promote other team members by featuring them in blogs, etc.

5. Make or be part of a Treasury
Treasuries are collections of items found on Etsy that are created by other Etsy sellers and buyers. There are 16 items in a Treasury, 12 seen with 4 alternates, and they are usually centered on a theme (i.e. colors, places, emotions, etc).
Buyers and sellers look through the treasuries to admire other people's work. It's a fabulous place to get yourself seen, whether you put together a treasury or are featured in one.
Etsy administrators also use well chosen treasuries for their front page. Imagine all the traffic you could get if you made it to the front page of Etsy!

Doing all of these things will certainly bring traffic to your Etsy store, though it may take some time to get things rolling. Be sure though, that once you do get that traffic to your Etsy shop, that your shop is ready for people. Make sure that your photographs are outstanding, your descriptions are good, your shop policies are clear and that the overall presentation is professional, appropriate and consistent!

Best of luck!
C

Etsy Tutorial 4: How to create a Successful Etsy listing

2008-12-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

Okay! Now that you’ve set-up your shop with a profile, policies and some sections, it’s time to fill the pages of your shop with your wonderful products. Here’s the skinny on what you should have in each item listing.

Title
This is certainly something an area where you personal style can really shine through. For my items, I tend to create a unique title for the piece or a name instead of a more descriptive term like “Sterling Silver Labradorite Necklace”. It’s entirely up to you how you want to title your items. I would suggest though, that you try to keep it somewhat short. While you can see the whole title in the “list” mode (versus gallery”, when the items is seen in the “gallery” mode where the picture is bigger, the title tends to get cut off. Also, I really think titles that look like short paragraphs packed with ten or fifteen different keywords looks tacky – that’s what your tags are for. But again, this is definitely an area where you can personalize your shop.

Description
The description of your item is really the area where you have the best chance to SELL your item. It is also an area where you can really showcase your writing skills or personal style. No matter if you decide to write long involved stories or keep it brief and to the point, here are a few things I think all descriptions need:

1. Measurements of the items – Be sure to include measurements in the metric system as well for our international customers.

2. Materials used – It’s important to list the specific materials you use so that people understand why it is priced the way it is (you wouldn’t expect silver-plated to be priced as expensive as sterling silver pieces and vice versa).

3. Describe the use or purpose of the item – It can be as simple as stating it can be used to carry things, to wear for formal events, etc. It’s an opportunity to paint a picture for someone as to why they need your item and therefore should buy it.

Other than those three things, it’s up to you as to what to include. I would suggest though, that if the item listed is not the EXACT item they will be receiving (i.e. you’ve relisted something you’ve sold but will be making an identical piece just with variations as is the nature of handmade items), you should put a note so that they know not to expect that specific piece).

Tags
These are extremely important because this is how people will find you in the search engines. There are a few types of tags that I usually include in all of my listings. Here they are:

1. Item category – This is the category you select from Etsy for your item to appear (i.e. jewelry versus wedding). It can be a good idea to spread your listings out over a couple of different main categories to get a wider range of customers.

2. Item subcategory – This, again, is the subcategory from Etsy where your item will appear (i.e. necklace, earrings, choker, etc).

3. Color – Always, always include the color of your item. It’s a way that people shop and a way that people can find you to include you in treasuries.

4. Themes – Themes are important for treasuries and for people who are looking for a particular type of design. You can use themes such as nature, romantic, eclectic, mod, bohemian, etc.

5. Team – Always include your team tags so we can find you for treasuries and in case we have special group promotions, so that shoppers can find you.

6. Style words – I use a lot of words that tend to describe my style of jewelry and this is really helpful if customers are looking for a particular type of piece (i.e. elegant, timeless, casual, organic, etc).

No matter what tags you come up with, ALWAYS use ALL 14 of your tags. It’s what you’re paying for :)

Photos
I’ve discussed photos before in my other tutorial, but just some brief comments here. Make sure that your first picture is absolutely beautiful. It needs to be crisp, clear and showcase your item in a way that is attractive to buyers. This may vary a bit, depending on your items (i.e. supplies versus ready to wear), but in general I think that interesting close-ups are better as your first picture than ones that include a shot of the entire piece. You can always include those in one of the other pictures. Also, if you have matching products, you can use the 4th or 5th picture to include those in the listings. It’s a great way to upsell or create multiple item purchases.

That’s it! The ABCs of listing an item! Now hop to it and fill your shop with goodies!

Best of luck!
C.

Freshly Listed!

2008-12-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

Just placed on the shelves of my shop:

Off to make dinner for dear MT...

xoxo
C

The Holiday Rush is upon Jeweled Blossoms!

2008-12-07T22:38:00.001-08:00

Before:

After:

A Fleet of Jewelry is on it's way to you Lovelies!

Now, I'm pooped. Sweet dreams!

C

At 4am it is still pitch black....

2008-12-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

.... and still I rose out of the warm cocoon of my bed to pack my little Corolla to the gills with tables, a tent, table linens, various display items, props, price tags, business cards, ribbon, bows, pens, calculator, signs and of course, jewelry. I drove through the thick fog that had settled into the valley overnight, casting a damp blanket over the entirety of my 30 minute drive to Historic Folsom Sutter St.

In the dark, guided by a overly positive man adorned in a neon orange vest, I found my 10 x 10 spot and claimed it with my EZ-up tent. And then in the dark and in the cold I set-up my booth carefully, draping the table linens just so, tilting each display bust here or there, moving and removing things as my wired mind saw fit. Finally, around 7:45 or so, I was finally satisfied with the state of my booth and sat, begging my darling MT to fetch me a cup of warm coffee (it was 40 degrees out, did I mention that?).

But the rest of the day sped by in a blur. I really do ADORE craft fairs! I met the most gracious people in lovely Folsom today. There was quite a showing at the fair and such lovely, upbeat shoppers! I'm so glad to have made the acquaintance of these lovely folks. I hope they found perusing my booth a bit of fun regardless of whether or not they left with one of my lovely purple bags (yes, they match my gift boxes just *perfectly* - my OCD side won that one).

I'm completely exhausted now, but I just wanted to share with you a few pictures of the booth in case you didn't (or couldn't) make it out today to see me :

Off to bed!

C

A Show!

2008-12-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten to mention this earlier, but if any of you lovelies are in my neck of the woods, I will be at the 41st Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in Historic Folsom this weekend!

It should be quite the affair! I'll be down towards the 900 block of Sutter Street, near the Light Rail station and the free parking garage. I hope to see some of you there!

C.

A Day Off

2008-12-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

There's a part of me that finds it quite difficult to ever want to take a day off. The desire to please, to get orders out as quickly as humanly possible, to have things nicely taken care of by the time I lay my head to rest - these all fight ferociously against the idea of taking a day off.

But I've decided today will be my day off... or this evening, rather, so that I may take in some time to relax and enjoy the company of those I find dearest. (and perhaps take in a movie.)

I'll see you all tomorow!

C.

Sneak preview... shhhh....

2008-11-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

So it would appear that Etsy is having some troubles this evening and it's taking significantly longer than usual to list... I may give up for an hour or two, but I thought I'd give you all a few little sneak previews here:

I have a confession to make....

2008-11-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

... I truly have an addictive personality.

The most recent manifestation of my addictiveness gone haywire is my near-obsession with the new Twilight series. I started reading the series last Sunday after seeing the movie with the boyfriend (who I had taunted mercilessly about getting so excited about such a silly movie) and finished all four books by late Wednesday night. I've now had the soundtrack on repeat for the last three hours. .... I may need some serious help soon.

BUT... on the brighter side of things, I was able to whip up 15 (yes, that's right, fifteen) new lovelies for the shop tomorrow. I went a bit nuts this past week, collecting some new stones from my favorite local beadshops and I am so very pleased to be making some new goodies for all of you. It's been awhile since I've had a chance to just create, so I'm pleased as pie at my progress.

It's a bit too dark out right now to get any good pictures to preview the lovelies for you all, but I will give you some details. I've recently been obsessed (yes, big surprise) with layered necklaces, so I've decided to make a heap of them available for all of you in the shop. Very simple in design, made of my very favorite gemstones (labradorite, amethyst, yellow quartz, rose quartz and delicious white topaz), they're simply perfect for throwing on with a strapless little number or a white T and your favorite pair of jeans. I must admit I've made a heap of them for my own collection as well.

Besides creating like a madwoman, I went to a local gem show today and got to fondle some of the loveliest cabochons (polished stones with a flat back used in jewelry with set stones) I'd seen in QUITE some time. I even adopted a few pieces... some lovely labradorite (of course), a simple stunning piece of Morgan Hill Poppy Jasper (I may not be able to give up this one, sorry gals!) and one of the most intricately beautiful pieces of boulder opal I've seen in person. Now if I could just get some time in the workshop....

Whew! I'm pooped. Off to bed so I can get those lovelies in the shop nice and early for you all!

Nighty night

C

A Time to Give Thanks

2008-11-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving (or Turkey Day as I affectionately refer to it) has always been my very favorite holiday. There's no commercial demand to purchase gifts, no worries about having to do things up so grandly, just simply the best of company and the best food all year.

It also is a wonderful reminder to me, to sit back, relax, quiet my mind and give thanks. Sometimes it's so hard to stop the hustle and bustle of everyday life, of attaining my goals... of just living to remember all of the things I am thankful for.

So, here are the things I give thanks to, in no particular order:

1. I am so very grateful to have my family and my MT, my closest of friends, all in good health and in relatively close proximity. I know if I ever needed to see them they're all within a 1 hour flight of me.
2. I'm happy to remain a part of the VDx family and for the wonderful opportunities for growth that I've had there over the past three years. It's been a very supportive environment for me to grow in and for that, I'm grateful.
3. I am so very grateful to each and every one of my friends and clients, who have helped me grow as a jewelry artist and as a small business. It's been a really great validation to read the kind words you've sent me upon receiving my trinkets in the mail, to delight in seeing your faces in the shop again and again, and to simply be happy in creating new things that seem to fall in your favor. Thanks to all of you, for giving me the courage and encouragement to keep on going.
4. Thanks to my darling Bella, who puts up with my constant distractions and always cuddling with me at night, no matter how late it is.

I hope you've all had a wonderful holiday :)

C.

It's Friday!

2008-11-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just delight in the fact that it is Friday?

I do, quite frequently in fact and today is no exception. I'm excited to be back in my own furnishings after being away at a business conference for the last couple of days (though it did give me a lovely excuse to go visit my old college roommate and her husband - they're both such good people).

Anyhooo.... I have a super weekend planned. What's that? Why certainly I'll share my plans with you!

Saturday morning: Breakfast with my Miggie at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant (it's a Saturday tradition) followed by a very happy visit to the new shops that opened
up at the nearby mall (I finally have an H&M less than 1 hour away!!)
To be followed by...
the creation of a HEAP of jewelry.
... since I've been away, I've had a string of new designs prancing around in my head ready for the making, so hopefully you all will be seeing them up in the Shop on Sunday if all goes well!

Sunday is reserved for my dear friend Kristin so that she and I may take in
the Bond gloriousness of Daniel Craig and some munchies someplace fab.

*sigh*

I certainly have it rough, don't I?

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

C.

Etsy Tutorial 3: Taking photos

2008-11-19T19:26:00.001-08:00

I cannot stress enough how important photos are. Inevitably people who first start on Etsy ask

“Is it really all about the photos?”

The answer: Yes, yes, yes.

When you sell online, people can’t touch, hold or feel your products. Photos and your description are the only tools you have to sell your items so your photos must be amazing. I’ve seen high quality, wonderfully crafted items not sell because the pictures were terrible and conversely, I’ve seen really sloppily made items sell because they had stunning photos. Now that you’ve jumped on the “Photos are the most important part of my Etsy shop” bandwagon, we can start talking about how to take amazing photos!

Lighting.

The best possible lighting I’ve seen or used in my pictures is natural lighting. I’ve seen others who use light boxes (whether homemade or purchased) who have had success as well, but in my mind, nothing really can replace good ol’ indirect sunlight. I usually take my photos on a table near an open window in the early morning or late afternoon sunlight. Try to avoid taking pictures of items in direct sunlight as this can cause the item to appear washed out and can create deep shadows. Those who have made or purchased light boxes also can use natural lighting or a variety of lamps. You may have to play around with different places in your house to find an optimal place to shoot your photos at.

White balance.

You MUST learn how to set the white balance on your camera. The white balance adjusts the way your camera sets a standard “white” background. For instance, you can usually set the WB on most cameras for fluorescent lighting, cloudy outdoors, bright sunlight or manually set it. By setting the white balance you basically tell the camera how you need it to adjust to the lighting you’re in so that it can accurately capture the color of your item. This prevents items from looking too yellow or blue. Setting the WB can make a HUGE difference in the color of your photos.

Macro setting.

The macro setting is usually a button on your camera that looks like a small flower. This setting allows you to take very up-close pictures without making the photo go blurry. This is an absolute MUST for most people unless you have a digital SLR and know how to adjust it manually. Make sure this is turned on for all of your photo sessions if you are shooting small items such as jewelry.

Backgrounds and props.

You may choose to use a variety of backgrounds or props for your photos. For backgrounds, I’ve seen success in a variety of shops with both plain bright white (the vanished looking backgrounds), simple colored backgrounds (such as scrapbook paper) or with beautiful props (such as aged books, glasses, wood backgrounds, etc). It’s really up to you what you’d like to use, but the important thing to remember is that you want to create an environment for your items. If you are selling a pearl necklace with swaraovski crystals, it would not make sense to photograph it leaning up against a coke can. You’d probably do better leaning it against velvet or over some lace or gloves to create an elegant scene. Your photos can help create the style and aesthetic for your pieces by the backgrounds and props you choose to use.

Angles.

You are given 5 slots for photos for each item you list. My advice is to use all 5 whenever possible. This is where you need to get creative with your photos. I would suggest that you at minimum show an up-close of details on the item, the back of the item, one shot with the whole item and other interesting angles of the item or a coordinating item (i.e. matching earrings to a necklace). If your item is something that has multiple uses, you should use the photos to give your buyer ideas for different ways to use the item.

Using something to determine size.

It can be difficult for people to gauge the size of something in your photos or just by reading your description, so including another item in one of your photos (perhaps the 3rd, 4th or 5th photo) can help establish a frame of reference. Common items I’ve seen used have been coins, rulers, pencils or books. Please realize that currency may also not be something international buyers are familiar with.

Colors.

Be sure to photograph your items on backgrounds with a complementary color. Not only does it help get you featured in different treasuries featuring those colors, but it also draws more attention to your photo and looks more interesting in general.

Branding and consistency of photos.

An easy way to create consistency throughout your shop is by using your photos. Shooting at similar angles, using the same or similar backgrounds and props can create unity through your shop and make your pieces look cohesive. Personally I find shopping in cohesive shops much more appealing than ones that look mismatched.

Photo editing.

No matter how good your photos look when you take them, you should always do some photo editing. Google offers some free photo editing software, Picassa, if you do not have any other software. If you do any brightening, be sure to increase the contrast as well to avoid the washed out look.

Good luck!

Etsy Tutorial 2: Time to Set up Shop!

2008-11-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Okay! So you’ve signed up with Etsy and are ready to launch your new shop. Here are some basics about setting up your Etsy shop:

Your shop’s “Back Room”.

Whenever you click on “your Etsy” you get to see the “back room” of your shop. Here is where you will find menus for setting up your shop announcement, shop sections, profile avatar, banner, etc.

Shop Appearance.

This section allows you to put in information for your shop announcement, the message to the buyer at the time of purchase and requests for alchemy. Your shop announcement should usually be short, readable and provide the customer with updates on any promotions you’re having, information about you or anything else you’d like to share with them. The message to the buyer should include information on shipping, a thank you or anything else you’d like to provide them with. It is automatically sent at the time a customer purchases an item. Alchemy requests are custom requests that people can send you. You can set-up information on terms of your custom orders, what materials you have available, etc.

Banner and avatar.

Your shop banner and avatar should include your shop or business name, a tagline (if you have one) and be eye-catching. Many of the most attractive banners I have seen feature popular items from that shop or a representative selection of items or items related to your products. Also, make sure to size your banner to the appropriate dimensions. There is nothing worse than going to a shop and seeing a banner that looks blurry, out of focus or pixilated. Your banner should catch the eye of the shopper. Similarly, your avatar should do the same. If you post in the forums or attend the virtual labs, your avatar is how people will identify you. Having an avatar that features a popular item in your shop, something representative of your shop or even a sale sign when you have a special promotion in your shop can be a great way you draw attention to yourself.

Profile.

Your profile is a great place for you to include information about yourself. It should be creative, informative and let the customer get to know you. Tell people about how you got involved with your craft, what inspires you, how long you’ve been doing it, what you do when you’re not crafting, what you love, hate, etc. Something to catch their eye and get them to relate to you.

Policies.

Your policies page is perhaps the most important page in your shop. Here is where you should clearly layout your terms and conditions about shipping, forms of payment accepted, custom orders, returns and exchanges and anything else you’d like to include. Having firm deadlines for payment and timelines, methods and description of packaging for shipping can do a lot of things for your shop. First, it shows that you are professional and organized. Second, it protects you from bad transactions and from uncomfortable situations with potential customers.

Sections.

You can have up to ten sections in your shop. It’s up to you how you’d like to describe them, but whatever you decide, make sure that it is easy for the customer to shop. Sometimes doing “boring” section titles such as necklace, earrings, bracelets, etc, can make your shop a lot easier to search through than having really creative, unique named sections.

Shipping profiles.

You are allowed to create a series of “Shipping profiles”. These profiles are ways you can set-up various shipping prices and is especially helpful if you plan on doing a promotion involving free shipping or a discounted shipping rate. Simply create a new profile and include shipping prices to all destinations you will ship to. I have five main shipping destinations I typically send to: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and Everywhere else.

Message to the buyer.

This is the message that will be sent to the customer when they purchase from your shop. It’s a great place to include a thank you to the customer, remind them of any size or color variations for items, shipping timelines or a reminder to complete the checkout process for Etsy by paying through Paypal. It’s up to you what you’d like to include.

Now that you’ve set-up your shop announcement, policies, profile, banner, avatar and sections, you’re ready to start listing!

Etsy Tutorial 1: What to know before you start your Etsy Shop

2008-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

So you’ve decided to start your own Etsy shop? First and foremost, congrats on making such an exciting decision! Etsy has a wonderful community of artists of all mediums and skill levels and a great customer base that appreciates handmade items. But before you start filling your shop with hundreds of items, there are a few things you should really consider before you launch your Etsy shop.

Have realistic expectations for your shop.

No matter what your craft is, having a successful shop on Etsy is not an easy task. Many sellers launch their Etsy shop with the idea that they’ll sell tons of items right away just by listing them. While this is true for some sellers, this is very very rare. Selling on Etsy requires a lot of time and dedication not only in creating new pieces to sell, but also dedicated to listing, communicating with customers and most of all, promotion. Having a realistic expectation for the amount of work you’ll put in will definitely help you with your shop.

Know what your goals are for your Etsy shop.

Everyone’s goals are different on Etsy. Some people start their shops just to get some exposure, others for an internet presence and some to move towards a full-time stay at home job. Whatever your goals are (and I’m sure they will change over time and your success on Etsy), it’s a good idea to know what they are as they will play a role in the amount of time and dedication you’ll put in to your shop.

Have patience.

It’s quite rare that people launch their Etsy shop and immediately start selling consistently. It takes awhile (especially if you do not sell or have not sold anywhere else) to get noticed and establish a steady clientele. Expecting sales the first day, the first week and in some cases, the first month, can really lead to disappointment. Accepting the fact that it may take you weeks or even months to start getting a steady flow of sales will help prevent you from feeling discouraged and disappointed about your Etsy experience.

Have your prices worked out before you start your shop.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of sellers on Etsy. Not every artist is selling on Etsy as a full-time job or to support themselves. Many are hobbyists or are simply working part-time. This means that there is a very very large range of prices for comparable items. Having your own prices worked out can really help you avoid the insecurity of pricing too high or underpricing your items.

Know how to use your camera.

This will save you endless hours of photographing bad pictures and photo editing and listing and really, just a heap of frustration. Learn how to adjust your white balance, EV and macro settings. These things are all key to good photography and good photography is the key to selling on Etsy. Start developing a brand for yourself if you have not already developed one. One of the things I’ve noticed about some of the more successful shops is that they have a consistent look about them, or a noticeable brand. You can see a particular style that is carried out from their banner, avatar, products, photos and even their packaging. This helps make your Etsy shop look attractive to shoppers and more professional, in my opinion. You may not have a complete brand in your mind and it will change as you and your art progress over time, but it is good to keep in mind as you start your shop.

I wish you the best of luck with your new Etsy endeavor! And please, feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Signing off,
Cathy

Etsy Tutorials

2008-11-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I am just pleased as pie about a new team that I'm co-founding with one of the loveliest Etsians around, Miss Laurel of LaValleyGirly.etsy.com. If you haven't seen her work before, you simply must stop on in' her Shop.

Sooo... I am going to be posting some tutorials about how to get started on Etsy, how to set-up your shop, success tips I've learned along the way and much much more. I hope you all will be able to learn from my mistakes. :)

Stay tuned, the first should be up in just a bit!

C.

The Warm Heart of Washington DC

2008-11-18T23:04:00.000-08:00

Washington DC is quite possibly the friendliest place I’ve ever visited. Aside from the weather (which seemed bitterly cold to my San Diego sensibilities), it was a real delight to be walking the streets of our Nation’s capital. Wherever I went, locals were always kind enough to point me in the right direction. The first night I was there, I was given a metro ticket for free and was later offered a ride to the monuments by a wonderfully kind man from Bolivia. Friendly and welcoming barely describes the warm hospitality I received from DC locals.

Breakfast in DC

I even learned a bit of DC slang so I can now ask someone for a “jack” or cigarette like a local, even though I never would because I don’t smoke. And if I were ever dissed by someone, I would know that I had been “carried” by that person, as they call it in DC.

Wandering around the larger-than-life monuments of our past presidents and through the numerous Smithsonian museums bedecked in treasures from Monet, Matiss

e, the Hope Diamond, war planes from the great World Wars and bones from the dinosaurs was nothing less than amazing. Even just trekking back and forth before the Capital building was marvelous! I made my way up to the White House (or as close as you can get to it, really) which looked just as it does in the many many movies and pictures I’d seen before.

I even glimpsed the Presidential motorcade streaming down Pennsylvania Avenue no less than three times I was in DC. For those who have never seen this, policemen stop at every intersection in the path of the motorcade to stop all traffic, both pedestrian and motorists, and you wait until the numerous motorcycle cops and large black sedans and SUVs come flying down the street with the speed of urgency. Quite the show indeed.

I also spent a good deal of time eating my way through DC (with all that walking, a girl has just GOT to keep her strength up!). I wandered into Ben’s chili stand down on U St, where it seemed as though you just entered into a 1950’s parlor. Red and white vinyl decorations littered the restaurant with the liveliest staff manning the fryers and register. A serious discussion about Terrell Owens’ athletic performance went on between a cook and guys at the end of the bar. Proudly run by blacks since 1958 (as a posted sign proclaimed), the only people who eat at Ben’s for free are Bill Cosby and the Obama Family.

All in all, I found DC to be a wonderful collection of culture, with the hope of change clinging to the winter air. It was diversity at its best, and I am certainly looking forward to visiting again.

To Our Nation's Capital

2008-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

... And so I journey tommorrow morning to our Nation's capital.

I am both thrilled and exhausted at the prospect of spending 5 days in Washington DC. It's so exciting because I've actually never been to the east coast before (save for a few painful lay overs on my way to and from Europe), and there's just so many things to see! And at such a time when we're about to have a new President as well!

And.. exhausted since I have a craft show coming up next weekend for which I have exactly nothing prepared. And then after that it's Turkey Day and all the related festivities. Turkey Day really is my most favorite holiday of the entire year. (I think it's all the eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping and repeating that gets me.) And after that, one more show before Christmas and the New Year.

I will be sure to keep you all updated on my trip and hopefully I'll be able to find a few lovelies while I'm away.

Till then, enjoy free shipping in The Shop!

xoxox,

Cathy

Whoever said Sunday was a day of rest...

2008-11-02T23:29:00.001-08:00

... obviously never owned their own business.

This is what I have been doing, literally, all day:

Sixteen properly taped up packages are all ready to be set off with the postman to their new homes. I'm excited and exhausted to see this lovely heap of jewelry.

I thought, since we changed the clock back last night, that I'd be well rested and happy as a clam for the extra hours of sunshine today. It's amazing how fast time gets sucked up though, when you're off and running about. I didn't even get to play in my new workshop!

Which reminds me... here is a glimpse of my new metal smithing workshop:

I actually put together that work bench and stool myself! Yes Ma'am, I did.

I would imagine it looks rather plain jane to the eye, but I am just tickled with this new set-up! I can already see a plethora of lovelies coming out of this seemingly shabby set-up. Just you wait!

(Look at all of the delicious soldering tools and my beloved torch, all ready for the making!)

I really am so very pleased with this new work space. I should be turning out some new pieces rather soon. It's so exciting to delve into a new sort of medium. Not that I at all mind the beading bits and putting together of lovely silver pieces. But there's something quite satisfying about the thought of actually creating something new from bits of scrap and sheet and wire.

*sigh*

I simply

cannot

wait.

Nighty night.

C.

A day in the life of Jeweled Blossoms

2008-10-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me earlier today, that some of you might be a bit curious as to how I spend my days. I know I'm often curious about the day to day on-goings of other artists, so I thought I'd give you a little snapshot of my day here in Sunny California.

(and if you have no interest, just wait for tomorrow's post on something less mundane!)

My day usually begins at 6 am, when I reluctantly roll out of bed to the sound of my buzzzing alarm. I get up, brush my teeth, check my email for any sales or questions from customers, then get my Bella fed, let her out and head in to work.

My day job is providing quality assurance for a vet pathology lab (yes, yes, I know, that sounds terribly boring, but I'm telling you, it's right up my detail-oriented-alley!). I spend the day checking emails here and there and eventually 4 pm rolls around and I head home.

From there, it really depends on how many orders I get. I usually try to photograph any new pieces I've made right away before the good afternoon light disappears. Then I fill orders, answer emails, create new pieces if the mood strikes me.

I grab a bit of dinner, a shower, work on packaging up orders, listing new items and working on my website, JeweledBlossoms.com. Usually around 10:30 or so I start to slow down a bit and if I'm lucky, by 11 or 11:30 I'm in bed (lately it's been 12 or 12:30).

It makes for a long day, but I really and truly enjoy every minute of it!

So tell me, how do you spend your days?

Good GRA-cious, where does the time go?

2008-10-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I have no idea where all of my time goes. I plan to do get things done and before I know it, the day has run by me with the blink of an eye.

Well, I am quite pleased that about 80% of my website is now up and running. I've a few things left to tweek and a bit more content to add (like my new jewelry style guide which I'm just giddy about starting!) and I have a heap of lovelies to list.

.... but when will I find the time to do all this? Excellent question. I'm not completely positive of the answer, but I DO know... it will, somehow all get done.

OKAY...

enough of the gripe fest, yes?

Now, I managed to make THREE lovelies last night in a creative fit. I should have pictures up quite shortly for you.

I was quite the good little business woman and went to a small business seminar offered today by the local BOE office (board of equalization), to which I learned quite a bit. Starting your own business really is quite the process! And of course, the governments wants their fair share... so today I learned exactly what they will be taking -- I mean, what I will be sharing with them.

it really is just the littlest bit depressing

seeing my hard-earned cash go to a bureaucratic black hole, but what is a gal to do?

Anyway... I'm back at home and ready to work.

Oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot to ask how YOU were doing. How was your day?

Fall my Friends, has finally found me...

2008-10-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Now, I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I live in California and have for all my life
(minus a few delicious weeks in Europe, Asia and Canada)
and Fall is not quite a season I'm used to experiencing. The seasons hardly changed at all in the many years I lived in San Diego where the return of Fall usually just meant I had to put my flip flops under the bed until about February.

But, today, I think Fall has finally come 'round to my neck of the woods. It's been windy and delightfully chilly. It's certainly inspired a few items in my shop like this one:

The Soft Lull of Fall Necklace

This delightful little number features a dainty sterling silver pine cone
swinging from a sterling silver chain
if this doesn't scream Fall, I can't imagine what else would.

I have a bushel of new ideas floating around in my head and drawn into my design notebook that I'm just waiting for the time to create. I've been eyeballs deep in html and images for my new website which I hope to launch quite soon!

I'll let you know when it's up and running and perfect. And naturally, there will be some sort of wonderful sale to commemorate such an event!

Good gracious, it's nearly 10am already here. I'm off for a bit of breakfast and then hopefully I'll be back with some new goodies in the shop.

Have a fabulous Saturday dears!

Signing off,
C.

Great apologies...

2008-08-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

... I have been greatly neglectful of my blogging for the last while, and I'm quite sorry, but I do promise to start posting more regularly in the future.

Life just has a way of getting in the way of things sometimes, you know? I 've been a bit busy lately though, creating a series of little lariat lovelies that I am so pleased to share with you all...

Introducing...

The Hundred Year Old Olive Tree Lariat
(currently for sale in the shop.)

And this little lovely is The Quiet Town of Julian Lariat...

I was also able to pick up the most wonderful sterling silver glass lockets, which are clearly family heirlooms ready for the making!

Sadly, I think it's time to turn in for the night. I'm exhausted from revamping my work space in preparation for a busy, busy day tomorrow.

Night friends!

xoxo
Cathy

Miss Leah, Mastermind behind Michon Design

2008-06-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say, that I've never been one of those ultra-cool, swanky types who exude a seemingly effortless modern hip-ness. Lucky for me, I merely have to peak into see Leah's shop to find all the tools I need to appear sleek. Combining timeless gems such as pearls with clean lines of wire, Leah seamlessly creates modern looks that are refreshingly classic.

Miss Leah, my neighbor from the west, was kind enough to answer a few of my own questions, and here's what she had to say:

Pearl Flower Pendant

Artist name/Business name: My name is Leah, and my business name is Michon
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Website: http://www.michondesign.com/ and http://michon.etsy.com

JB: What do you create?
Jewelry

JB: When and where do you do your creative work?
I make jewelry when I have time, which is usually evenings. For wirework, I can work anywhere and sometimes make jewelry while I'm watching TV, but for metalwork that involves more tools, I have a studio set up.

JB: Do you have another day job?
Yes, I work part time.

Grace - Pretty Feminine Pendant

JB: Where and what did you study?
I studied linguistics at UC Berkeley.

JB: Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. There are so many beautiful things to look at, both in nature and manmade things like art, or really beautiful architecture.

Gossamer Wings

JB: What motivates you?
Right now my motivation is earning more money so I can work from home & take care of my son instead of going to a day job.

JB: When did you start doing this?
I've been making jewelry for more than ten years, and selling it for about five.

Green and Brass Resin Pendant

JB: When and why did you decide to start your own business?
When I realized how much time and money I was spending on jewelry making, I decided to sell some of my pieces to cut down on the expense and hopefully make a little bit of money.

JB: How did you choose the name for your business?
Michon is my middle name, and I always liked it.

JB: What are you most proud of?
My son, who is about three months old.

JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?

"It isn't easy, but it is rewarding to make money doing something you love doing, so if you don't mind working really hard, go for it. Just understand that you have to work really hard to make money, and unlike a day job, you don't get to go home and forget about it at the end of the day. But it's worth it!"

JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Currently, finding time and energy to work is challenging because I am getting used to being a mom. I've been making quicker, simpler designs because I need projects I can finish while my son is napping.

Rose Quartz Centerpiece with Freshwater Pearls

JB: What do you love to do in your free time?
Sleep!

JB: What are you currently working on?
Photographing some earrings I made a couple weeks ago so I can list them in my shop

JB: What do you hope to do next?
I really need to get busy making rings for a gallery that sells my work...

Thank you Miss Leah, for sharing your thoughts with us!

Until next time...

xoxo
Cathy

Rings, rings, rings!

2008-06-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Friends, I do believe...
... that I...
.. am..
... in Love.

Yestereve I was most pleased to have taken a delightful class at my very favorite bead shop where I was able to create these little lovelies:

Rich Apple Coral, juicy Carnelian, sterling silver and gold-filled wire marry
to form this Indian Summer Ring...

And of course, five Moonstone petals with three dainty amethysts form
this delicate blossom, ready for the birds and bees to drink from!

I think I've fallen in love with silver smithing. It's such a rush to be able to actually make forms out of things... so exciting! I'm so looking forward to a silver smithing class I'll be attending over summer at UC Davis!

Off to go list these lovelies in my shop.

See you soon!

Cathy

A gal can never have enough treasures....

2008-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

....and my latest treasure just arrived today.

Jillian of TheNoisyPlume must simply be one of the loveliest Etsians I've met. Not to mention, enormously talented. Today, I received this little decadent treasure from her..

The Stranger in a Strange Land Necklace

These are the days I really enjoy being a girl....

Since I had the day off, the rest of my day was spent filling a couple of orders and making other pretties which should be appearing in my shop sooooonish.. I hope.
My poor Bella lost her patience with me and eventually passed out...

Well, seeing as how I am waking up at 4:40am, I should probably get my little keester off to bed.
Night night little Blossoms

xoxo
Cathy

Sit Down with Jeannie Mainzer of Beadstylin

2008-06-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello again!

One of my favorite jewelry designers that I was able to unearth on Etsy simply must be Beadstylin. With a flair for beautiful colors, an eye for elegant, timeless designs and affordable prices, it's no wonder that she's found a niche for herself on Etsy.

Today, I was most pleased to find that Jeannie Mainzer (mastermind behind Beadstylin) was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions. Here's what she had to say:

Orange Spice Carnelian Gemstone Pendant Necklace

JB: What do you create?
JM: I like to work with many different mediums. I love gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and Czech glass. I also like to age my own brass and incorporate that into my designs. I make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, rosaries, and rosary bracelets.

JB: When and where do you do your creative work?
JM: I create mostly late into the night, after my children are in bed. My shop is in a tiny corner of our finished basement.

JB: Do you have another day job?
JM: I stay at home and homeschool our four children.

JB: Where and what did you study?

JM: Didn't have the opportunity to go to college.

Somewhere in Time Dragonfly and Labradorite Brass Necklace

JB: Where do you find inspiration?
JM: I am inspired by getting new beads. I get inspiration from nature, magazine and TV pictures, and from looking at other jewelry.

JB: What motivates you?
JM: A sense of accomplishment. I like to take raw materials and make them into something beautiful. And it's not bad getting paid for your work either!

JB: When did you start doing this?
JM: Ten years ago I started making rosaries. From there, it branched out into jewelry.

Florentine Lilac Teardrop Lucite and Brass Earrings

JB: When and why did you decide to start your own business?
JM: I piddled with this for years, but I finally decided to "go official" with it about 2-3 years ago. It was getting too big to call it a hobby anymore.

JB: How did you choose the name for your business?
JM: "Bead-Attitudes" came to me while vacuuming the floor! I wanted something that sounded spiritual because I made rosaries. Beadstylin' just popped into my head when I was registering at Etsy.

Little Black Dress Jet Black Swarovski Pendant on Sterling

JB: What is the most interesting thing about you?
JM: I think people find me to be a multi-faceted person. I can be shy and private, but I can also be off-the-wall, sensitive, imaginative, or funny. I seem to wear a lot of different hats, depending on who I am around.

I also love toads!

JB: What are you most proud of?

JM: I am so proud of each one of my four children. They are so lovable, creative, and special. They are my greatest blessings.

JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?
JM: Keep at it. Don't cut corners on quality. Don't be afraid of success. And just do what you love and have a passion for!

Birds and Blooms Vintage Inspired Floral and Brass Necklace

JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
JM: Juggling my business with the demands of being a mother, home educator, and wife.

JB: What do you love to do in your free time?

JM: Beside beading? I love to garden and landscape, metal detect, listen to music, read, work crossword puzzles, fish, and hang out with my family and pets.

JB: What are you currently working on?
JM: I've just learned how to make glass beads and am trying to get better at that.

Until next time little Blossoms!

xoxo
Cathy

Song of My Heart Necklace

2008-05-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

My! It truly feels as though it's been ages since I last posted. Luckily, I was able to put together a small little necklace..

The Song of My Heart Necklace

Quietly humming along

like a sweet sparrow's song

the Song of My Heart.

Every moment of every day

while He is away

I look to the sky and

wonder why it should ever be this way.

I close my eyes and make a wish

exhale softly and let my thoughts adrift

to sail across the warm breeze

carrying to you a wish from my lips.

Until later today dears, have a lovely afternoon!

xoxo

Cathy

Sit down with Endless Bounty jewelry artist Rene Rydell

2008-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today, dear friends, I am fortunate enough to have a sit down with jewelry artist Rene Rydell from Endless Bounty who speaks candidly and sincerely on matters of creating jewelry, inspiration, running a jewelry business, being a mother and her next project.

Aventurine Dreams Wire Bracelet

JB: What do you create?

RR: Affordable Jewelry made from Fine Elements – Crystals, Minerals, Gemstones, Rare Pearls, and Blown Glass.

JB: When and where do you do your creative work?

RR: In my home, monopolizing the dining room table until my studio is completed.

JB: Do you have another day job?

RR: Mother of a gorgeous 5 year old boy and I am also a Stylist.

JB: Where and what did you study?

RR: I studied art & photography at a local community college. I was determined to be a photojournalist by age 25. Now, my passion for photography gets used in another medium. Taking pictures of the designs that I create.

Through the Looking Glass

JB: Where do you find inspiration?

RR: I am driven by emotional inspiration. I notice that when I am going through some of the most challenging moments of my life that all I need to do is sit down and let my fingers do the work while my brain calmly sorts it out. It brings feelings of hope, beauty and happiness right back in the picture.

Even a song that touches me in some way lyrically can inspire me to make some of the most unique pieces. I feel the music and that manifests into something concrete.

JB: What motivates you?

RR: Beatles music…Kidding. I am fueled by desire. Desire to make the world a “prettier place."
Desire to create something and know that someone is going to find it spectacular; Desire in knowing that when someone receives a package from me they are going to receive a little package of happiness. Then I have truly done my part. That keeps me going.

JB: When did you start doing this?

RR: At the age of 12, I used to make bracelets for my girlfriends. However, it was only this past year when my son started school that I needed to find myself again. I was so busy being a mom and someone’s partner that I felt I was starting to loose my artistic edge. At that time I was living near Woodstock and New Paltz, NY. The art community was HUGE. And I knew I needed to feel a part of it again. So I got involved with an arts community called UNISON and then decided to get connected with ETSY.

Bohemia Pale Mookaite Hoop Dangle Earrings

JB: How did you come up with a business name?
RR: A very close friend of mine actually gave my business its name. She told me that every woman's jewelry box should be an ENDLESS BOUNTY of gems and goodies. And then... it was born.

JB: What is the most interesting thing about you?
RR: I wouldn't call myself interesting, but if you asked my friends they would probably tell you different. I have had many successful careers and taken on various projects throughout my life. But still, I seem to have a gypsy-like frame of mind. In other words, at 31 year sold, I still don't know what I want to be when I "grow up".

JB: What are you most proud of?
RR: Raising my son and giving him the little extras in life that I didn't have as a child growing up. He makes me proud every moment of my life - even the sometimes quite embarassing moments.

JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?

"If you truly feel it in your heart, then don't give up.

Don't be afraid to ask for help or how to be a success.

Listening to words of advice from anyone can
only benefit you in the end."

JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?

RR: There are millions of jewelry designers. in fact, ETSY is probably made up of 70% jewelry design. HOWEVER, jewelry is extremely personal. You never know who your next customer will be. You have to strike a chord within someone with something you create. Some pieces have it, and some don't. But don't be surprised if the piece you have had lying around for 2 years finally sells. There is always something for everyone. That someone will eventually find you.

In The Raw

JB: What are you currently working on?

RR: Currently I am working on more Olivewood Bangles. They are so much fun and such beautiful works of art when they are completed. I have two listed for sale at the moment but with the summer months coming I will continue to offer them.

JB: What do you hope to do next?

RR: I hope to take some more art classes and try my hand at silver smithing. Who knows? ... Every day presents itself with more opportunity than days before.

Many thanks Miss Rene, for sharing your thoughts, aspirations, inspirations and successes!

xoxo

Cathy

The Storque

2008-05-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

So here I am, just finishing wrapping up a package to ship out to a lovely gal in Canada (Hi Miss Clare!) and I decide to google my jewelry shop to see what comes up...

.... Low and behold, I am featured in a Storque article on Etsy!!

Come see my timeless, creamy white pearls hand-picked by a rather stylish Teen.

Top 10 List: A Teen's Perspective

I shall be having the sweetest dreams tonight indeed!

xoxoxo
Cathy

Amaretto, Oatmeal and Honey...

2008-05-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

... the most decadent soap I think I've ever used.

These delicious soaps just arrived today from Savor, one of the loveliest Etsians I've found so far..

With soaps like these I could spend days in the bathtub..

Today was just one of those ho-hum sorts of days. I, tragically, went to bed far too late last night (as usual) and went to work half-awake and wholly useless. But on the bright side, I did manage to complete a couple of projects I've been working on...

I am proud to present..
The True Friendship Bracelet in Capri Blue

This striking blue bracelet is from my True Friendship collection, and is the perfect capri blue. I imagine it on the bronzed arm of some lucky gal this summer, perhaps with that gorgeous white bohemian dress.

I have yet to name this little number... perhaps you can be of help?

Many, many, many long ribbons of sterling silver lace around pearls and crystals to form this decadent little bangle.

I have a few more ideas trapped in my head, but I doubt I'll be able to bring them to form tonight. I hope to get a few things listed this eve, which means of course, I'll be up for ages once again..

xoxoxo
Cathy

Did you know, at 4:40 in the morning...

2008-05-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

... the moon is still high in the sky?

Unfortunately, I happen to know this because that is the ungodly hour I woke up this morning to make it to work on time. Luckily for me, going in to work so early gives me plenty of time during the afternoon to get sneak some jewelry time in.

Today I was thrilled to find a most delectable package of gems waiting for me in the mail...

Here are those lovelies...

These are just so fabulously gem-my! Mystic-Pink Amethysts have been heat treated to create extraordinary colors and beautiful moonstone briolettes flashing blue at every turn...
I simply cannot wait to put these into something fabulous..

Even the weather cooperated today.. Not swelteringly hot as it has been in the last few days, but finally, sunny and bright with a cool breeze to rush through your hair.. perfection.

Truly, I must have done something outstanding to deserve such a perfect day. To my delight, the article I submitted to the Home Jewelry Business Success Tips website. Run by the knowledgeable and talented Rena Klingenberg, it is the place to go for jewelry business advice. For all you aspiring Jewelry Artist Etsians, here's my article on How to Get Your Jewelry Seen on Etsy.

How does one end

such a pleasant day?

Perhaps with a delicious dinner...

Sweet dreams!

xoxo
Cathy

Alas, I must confess….

2008-05-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

I believe I am in the full throes of a love affair with Moonstones.

Rondelles, nuggets, pear shapes, briolettes, its shape matters not, as I happily ogle them in any way I can. Such happy, iridescent stones! Truly, these must be what it is like to hold the stars in your hands.

From this happy love affair, I bring you La Ville de Lumieres Necklace..

I cannot tell you how pleased I am with this little lovely. Sterling silver chain embraces a tenderly shaped sterling silver pendant just brimming with moonstones. Tiny rondelles loop and wrap around three hand-shaped petals made entirely from a single length of sterling silver wire. Two lovely teardrop moonstones dangle below, flashing colors with every turn. It is currently listed in my Etsy shop and I shall truly be sad to part with this lovely number.

I think I shall find another pair of teardrop moonstones and make a pair of earrings to go with this little lovely....

I shall keep you posted on more moonstone goodies to come!

xoxo
Cathy

Hello, Hello dear friends!

2008-05-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

So happy to make your acquaintance!

I suppose that I should make a proper introduction. My name is Cathy and I am the jewelry artist behind Jeweled Blossoms. I've lived in California my entire life and I'm not quite sure I ever want to leave it permanently. Rather attached to it, truth be told. I'm mother to a darling miniature daschund who answers to the name of Bella.

Presenting Miss Bella

Though she must seem small in stature, I must assure you, she is fearless, as the postman will surely tell you.

A few things to share...

Things I simply cannot do without:
1. My bed
A refuge of ten thousand perfectly fluffed pillows, down comforters and sheets that smell sweetly of clean laundry
2. Traveling!
I must admit I am a bit of a travel-holic... I just love falling into a new culture and figuring out how to be a local.. I assure you, a plethora of pictures are already on their way...
3. Good books to read
I'm a bit of a hoarder, I'm not afraid to admit, when it comes to cleverly written books.. Always on the lookout for a new bit of reading
4. Iced Tea!
I am quite convinced that I am single-handedly keeping the Iced Tea industry in business. With the recent sweltering heat in my neck of the woods, Iced Tea is just heavenly and an absolute necessity
5. Romance
I am a true romantic at heart. I love cheesy love stories and I revel in the hope that love brings. I've been lucky enough to find someone who loves my neurotic self... My dearest MT...

Certainly much more needs to be said, but the hour grows late and I grow weary... so until next time, I bid you all sweet dreams!

xoxoxoxo
Cathy