Checking In

I haven't spent any time on this blog in a year! Decided I should take a look at it and do some house cleaning.

Can't decide if I should keep it going or just hit the DELETE key!

Wendy

Getting through and Helping Haiti

So I got through the holidays just fine only to come down with a horrible cold/respiratory thing. It lasted over a week. I can blame my son for it, though everyone in the house got and so did my daughter and son-in-law. At least we all got to have Christmas first! We all just didn't get to celebrate New Years with enthusiasm... Ah, well, such is the way of life.

On a positive note, my Bonanzle booth is picking up. I've had a few sales in both my jewelry and my "garage sale" items. It feels promising. My Etsy shop, on the other hand, has had just one sale in recent months. The only people interested in buying from me there are people I buy from first. There are wonderful, friendly and supportive people on Etsy and also very talented people, but I was losing money buying from people with hopes they would buy from me. Bonanzle is different. I have bought from people there and they are NOT the people who buy from me. Lots of handmade items, new items, "garage sale" items, just amazing the different things you can find there.

I also thought I was getting an idea of what I was supposed to be doing with my volunteer time. It was really starting to focus for me. Then the earthquake happened in Haiti and I got to wondering if my meager ideas about helping the hungry people was even close to being worthwhile! WOW those people are in so much NEED! I am not the type of organizing person who would be able to know where to begin. Thank God there are people who have those skills!!! Two organizations that I am supporting right now to help with the immediate needs and the rebuilding in Haiti are:

ELCA International Disaster Response (part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) They have pledged to give 100% of the donations to the relief response and they also have less administrative costs than the Red Cross under normal circumstances. They are highly ranked among charitable groups. http://www.elca.org/haitiearthquake

Habitat for Humanity which helps with the rebuilding of communities such as it did after Hurricane Katrina. I believe they are also known for helping with temporary shelters. They are asking for donations now for Haiti. http://www.habitat.org/

I hope you will all join me in sending your support and prayers to the people of Haiti. They need it so badly.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

OK So Lupus Still Had A Hold On Me And....

OK, OK! So I thought my Lupus was getting better and it wasn't! So I thought my Mom's medical condition was stable and it really isn't. So I thought when children get married they didn't need you so much and they do. So I'm not so good at thinking about these things. That's just life in the fast lane if you ask me.

On a better note, I've been selling more jewelry to people who see it. I also donated some to my church's Christmas boutique and the items sold out. I'm very proud of that. The jewelry I have online isn't selling very fast, but I'm starting to get some notice. My customers have been very happy with the few pieces I've sold on Etsy and Bonanzle. I must admit that I'm getting more attention on Bonanzle than Etsy which really surprises me. It seems easier to get noticed there with a little less work on the site and not so much pressure to buy from other people to get them to buy from you as there is on Etsy. Maybe that's because Bonanzle isn't all handmade items.

I finished my Christmas shopping over the weekend and now I won't have to go out over the last few crazy shopping days. I only have to wrap presents until I'm covered paper scraps, crunched bows and tape.

I guess I won't look as bad as this reindeer though and if he can keep smiling, so can I! My cards are going out late this year and we won't have as many cookies, but all the pumpkin bread will be cooked. The baking is thanks to my adult children who still pitch in!

We're looking forward to a quiet Christmas Eve of our immediate family. This is traditionally for us, the time we open presents. We usually have grandparents from both sides, my siblings and/or my husbands siblings and a sprinkling of cousins with us. This is just a strange year where it will be my Mom, hubby, daughter, son-in-law, son, his girlfriend and the grandpuppy. Of course, Christmas Day is going to make up for it in triplicate. There are going to be so many people at my nephew's house, I don't think I can count that high. This is also unusual for us and I'm glad I'm not hosting it!

For those of you selling online or in a B&M, I wish you Many & Happy Sales! For those that do not celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Happy Time of Year, whether you are celebrating another holiday or just enjoying the winter months. For those who will not be home for Christmas, be it military service, economical reasons, a rift in your family, or whatever it is, I pray that next year will be different for you. For all of us, I wish a Warm & Blessed Christmas with hopes and prayers for a true peace on earth in the comfort of our Savior's embrace.

Thank you for once again visiting my site!

Wendy

My Lupus Shot Me Down For Awhile

So you thought I disappeared from the blogging world, didn't you? Well, I thought about not coming back, I have to admit. Once you stop blogging it is always hard to start up again and I'm not sure how often I'll get here. I have decided that I really do like blogging, though.

I first got shot down by a huge Lupus Flare. Then my mom got sicker and then life just spiralled out of control. A flare can do that to you. My flare lasted a long time even as I was getting better. My mother has serious congestive heart failure and there is nothing more that can be done for her. She lives with us. My husband had to basically live out of town for several months working on a project to bring a new division to our town. My health issues just couldn't handle the stress.

I tried to continue to make jewelry. I couldn't get beyond the Etsy and Bonanzle inner networks to advertise it, so it hasn't been selling well. I haven't been making many new pieces either, so that doesn't help. I've made lot's of friends in both places who off good advice and support. Some have even twittered a few of my pieces.

I am now striving to bring some sort of order to my chaos. I need to care for my Mom, myself, my general home life, and yet I still want to make jewelry as an outlet both creatively and now therapeutically. I think its time to actually budget my time as best as I can. I've heard that many writers do this and some artists, such as sculptors and painters do this. So why not a jewelry maker? I'm just not sure yet how to do this, but I'm sure I can figure some sort of flexible time management that will work for me.

Lupus should not stop me from living my life. My mother's life slowly coming to the end fills me with emotions that just proves that life is continuous and changing. She lived a long, loving, caring and ever changing life. Nothing has stopped her, even now as she hears God's call ever closer to her ear. Mom paints. She has one last painting that she wants to finish. Its a slow process for her now to try to paint something, but I think she'll finish it. Parents never stop teaching. Children never stop learning.

Lupus shot me down for awhile, but not anymore.

Thanks for coming back to my blog!
Wendy

Thanks for your comments!

I just have a bit of time today to say thanks to those who left comments on my last post. Its nice to know that there are helpful people out there willing to share their knowledge!

If anyone else is looking for similar information, read the comments, especially #3.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Selling in more than one place!

I'm finding it difficult to sell my items in more than one place though I don't list the same items in both places as some people do. I think that is taking chances!!! It would be easy to sell your item, especially a one of a kind, handmade item in one shop and before you have time to remove it, have it sell in the other shop. I just couldn't do that.

The reason I'm finding it difficult is the marketing aspect. First you have to establish how you want to have your shop look and feel. On Etsy that is pretty important. On Bonanzle, it is important, but there isn't as much flexibility. Then you have to make yourself known on the site. I've been on Etsy over a year and I'm still trying to reach a larger portion of the shops just to be seen. On Bonanzle I'm finding it somewhat easier to make myself seen, but not necessarily "known". I must say that both places are very friendly, so that is NOT one of the problems for me.

After marketing my SHOP, as its known on Etsy, and my BOOTH, as its known on Bonanzle, its time to reach beyond. This is the really hard part for me. There is always family and friends with hopes they will pass the shop name and address on to their friends. Then there is blogging, reading/commenting on blogs, ads on blogs, ads elsewhere, etc. etc. etc. Well, I would go on but you know about marketing or can read about it lots of other places. My point is that marketing is time consuming along with keeping up the booth and shop, promoting within the Etsy and Bonanzle communities and making the jewelry I make.

I'm not a major player in the handmade community. I'm not making super artistic jewelry that could someday end up in a museum. I'm making jewelry that I feel is an art, but its more wearable than that. Its more affordable than that. I'm also more at the level of a hobbyist. I can't take on too much of this marketing stuff.

As some of you who have been reading my blog for awhile know, I have Lupus. I am disabled by it. It causes pain in my joints and great fatigued. I also have several secondary diseases. These are diseases in their own right, but secondary because I had Lupus first and are known to develop in people with Lupus. This is my reason for being unable to do more, but other people have other reasons.

I don't know how some people are able to do as much as they do. Even when I was healthy it would have been hard to keep up and have my family, but I would have been able to do more than I do now. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep the second shop at Bonanzle running, but I'm going to try. I'll just keep it small. no more that 15 to 20 items in it. I can also sell other things in it like things from around the house, so that might be useful.

I'd love to hear from some of you how you manage to run your shop, keep it visible in its venue, whether that's Etsy or Bonanzle or elsewhere, market it and have a life outside. Do you struggle? What's harder keeping up with the shop, the venue or the marketing? Let's hear from you and if you have any suggestions or sites that might help, feel free to add them!!!

That's my view. Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

I've opened a new booth!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've opened a booth at Bonanzle! Check out my booth window above just under my Etsy Mini. You can click on one of the pictures or the title on the window itself to be taken to Bonanzle. I hope you'll check out my little booth!

Just to let you know, I won't be leaving Etsy!!! At Bonanzle I can sell my handmade items, but I can also sell some other items from around the house such as books, knick knacks, collectibles, and whatevers that I would have sold on Ebay in the past. On Bonanzle you can sell without a lot of hoops and whistles and fees.

I hope you will check out my Bonanzle Booth, but don't forget to visit me at my Etsy shop. That's where you'll find most of my handmade jewelry, along with the occasional bookmarks, Hang-Its, keychains and bear bells that I make. That's where I'll be doing most of my selling because my real love is working with my hands!

See you soon!

Wendy

How have your sales been lately? Mine haven't changed too much, but then I'm just a small shop and I don't get too many sales. I sell jewelry and I tend to be more of a hobbyist. My product is more of a luxury too.

Has the economy hurt you? Yes? No?

As I talk with some of my fellow handmade artists I find that many of them have not been as hurt by the economy as they expected to be and they think they know why. Many believe that they produce quality goods, with an entrepreneurial spirit and excellent customer service. They often offer products that are better for the environment or at least their packaging is in some way due to its type or recycling. Even though the places they sell online, such as Etsy.com, are global, people do not mind sending money outside their own country when they know the money is going directly to the person doing the work.

What do you think? Are you an artist or company that makes handmade items? Do you sell online, craft fairs or in brick & mortar? Have you been hurt badly be the economy or not as much? Do you think the points made above are accurate? Do you have more to add?

I'd like to hear your comments and I'm sure others would too!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Check out my shop!!

Just a quick note to let you know....

I've recently done some Spring Cleaning!!!! My shop now has lots of DESTASH for sale at low, low prices! Check it out!!! And I have added many new items including chandelier earrings and some bracelets.

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO LOOK.....

YOU KNOW YOU ARE READY FOR SOME NEW JEWELRY SUPPLIES...

Come on in and browse. In my shop there is never a pushy sales person to bother you!

Click on one of my items or on my shop banner!!

Confidence in Yourself, Your Art

Today I was reading through some of the business threads on Etsy and one person wrote about closing her shop. Her reason for considering this really hit me and apparently a few others. Though I responded in the way I believe outwardly, I realized that my words did not reflect completely the way I feel inwardly.

This person felt she was not selling her jewelry or crafts on Etsy or to her friends because no one thinks of it as ART. Her friends have called her jewelry "cute" and have bought some, but want her to reduce her prices. It was obvious in her writing that she wasn't very confident that her jewelry or craft items were art. GUESS WHAT? A lot of the responses she received were people trying to convince her to stay on etsy, to sell in other places, not worry what other people thought and to have more confidence in herself and her work. I was one of those people.

I have to say up front, I am not always that confident in my art. I have a love of color that goes back to my earliest memory. The problem I had was no one to nurture it even though the people around me had artistic abilities. They knew I could dance, but no one saw any other artistic skills in me. I would try different things and as I look back, some attempts were not bad for a beginner. I just didn't realize I needed some guidance. Eventually a friend showed me the basics of jewelry making. My ideas of color are really coming together for me now.

However, I am still fairly new to this art. Stringing beads together is not looked at as art by some people. Jewelry to me, though, is art. Someone has to create it whether or not it is super "artsy" handmade jewelry or mass produced jewelry, somewhere along the line someone created it. Some is simple, some is complicated and some as the saying goes about ugliness and beauty, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

I use a lot of Swarovski Crystals in my jewelry because the colors are so vast and beautiful to me. This makes some artist turn their noses up at me - literally. I also like to work with other materials. My jewelry is mostly simple, because I like it that way. I will, eventually, expand myself as all artists do, but for now I'm happy. I enjoy it, I'm comfortable with it, and I like the colors I'm finding.

I am not confident like I should be. I don't refer to my jewelry as art to many of my family members and friends as I know I should. Which brings me back to the person and the thread on Etsy today. I learned a few things there that apply to all artists no matter what your medium or how broadly you are known.

• 1. Always refer to your art as art.
• 2. Always refer to yourself as an artist, even if you are a hobbyist artist.
• 3. Becoming known for your art takes time, so be patient.
• 4. Selling your art takes time and work, because you are building a business.
• 5. There are many venues for selling your work, online and offline and not all of them are suitable for all art forms.
• 6. Network with other artists, they are usually friendly and helpful, Etsy forums is just one very good example.
• 7. Know what your art is worth and don't let others talk you into selling it cheap.
• 8. Selling it cheap will not necessarily get you sales.
• 9. Getting to know your market, who are the people who will enjoy your art most.
• 10. Being an artist is a job, no one has to know its fun!

I hope some of this will help someone else. Just writing about it has made me stop and rethink my own vision of art and my own art. I don't expect to ever make a huge living out of making jewelry, but that's because of my health issues related to Lupus not because I'm a poor artist. I just can't handle physically the demands to build a business of any size. I can enjoy my art at about a hobbyist level, but that doesn't mean I'm not an artist. I intend to go forward with more confidence.

How about you?

That's my view today. Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Valentin'e's Day Is Still Approaching!

I know I already wrote about how I feel about Valentine's Day and Romance, so this is not going to be a repeat. I don't know how many people even care about the commercialization of romance and all that. It was just something I need to say, partly for myself, partly for my adult children and partly for anyone who might feel the same way I do.

This time I'm hoping someone will comment about what things they like to get for Valentine's Day. Do you like traditional gifts such as jewelry, chocolates, or flowers? Maybe you like something a bit less traditional such as bowling balls, kitchen appliances or personalized towels? Do you like mushy cards? Or are you the kind who loves those funny and irreverent ones?

I want to hear about it! Give me your comments - clean ones please, the kids might be reading.

Thanks for bringing your view to the sidecar this time!

Wendy

SHOUT OUT! SHOUT OUT! SHOUT OUT!

Here's a shout out to a wonderful etsy.com artist, H2Oworks! This artist does Fine Art, Digital Photography, ACEOs, Greeting Cards, Photo Cards, Mini Note Cards, and Tags. Also from this shop you will find Graphic Design Services. Beautiful work and a friendly artist! The shop address is www.H2Oworks.etsy.com

Valentine's Day is coming!

I've been watching all the Valentine's day hoopla now ever since Christmas week was over! The Santa's and reindeer were shoved to one corner in all of the stores to make room for all of the plush teddy bears and heart shaped boxes. The snowmen shaped chocolates were discounted and moved almost out of sight and out came the rose shaped chocolates and cupid paper wrapped gooey treats. The Valentine cards have been out almost as long as all of the other cute little items and the jewelry stores made over their commercials to catch your heart. Yep! Valentine's Day is definitely coming soon!!

Don't get me wrong. I am a romantic just like any other female on this planet. I love the chocolates, the teddy bears and jewelry. In fact, I MAKE and SELL jewelry! I am hoping with all I've got that someone will BUY my jewelry! That's not quite where I'm going here.

I feel as though the real romance has been lost on Valentine's Day. There is no need to think about it. The stores hand you the cards with the words you are to say to your sweetheart. Then they tell you here are some tempting chocolates and flowers (it must be roses). You might want to add a nice stuffed animal or an expensive piece of jewelry (watch TV for the special piece for this year). Tradition says you should then go to dinner (the more expensive you can afford, the better), dancing is optional. You will notice that this all sounds like the man is expected to do all the spending except for the card. If you are married, living together or have some other special arrangement, the woman might like to indulge in pretty lingerie to surprise her mate, but here again the man may be expected to do the purchasing in some relationships. I rarely see anything special laid out for woman to buy and do for men.

AND really, where IS the romance in all of this? The stores and the media and even our own society have brought us to the point that Valentine's Day has come with expectations. Every year its the same ones, too. How is that romantic? I find romance in the little things, the surprises and in doing for my husband.

Hey everyone! Why not plan a picnic in February? Go to your local zoo? Spend the night at home dancing in your living room to your favorite music and drinking Champagne? Go ice skating? How about hiking and hold hands for once in a long time? Why not try going to www.etsy.com to purchase handmade items which will be different than the standard store bought items? I'm sure everyone can think of things that they haven't done in a long time together or maybe never together that could be made into a romantic time. Romance isn't chocolate and jewelry or even a sexy encounter. It can be a quiet moment shared or time together that you wouldn't normally set aside because you have a busy life. It can be what the stores and traditions have made it, too.

Just remember to make it YOUR feeling, Your moment, YOUR romance!

Thanks for checking out my view from the sidecar!

Wendy

Its Been A Long Time!

Its been a very long time since I've blogged! I just, well I gave up on it for awhile. No one really noticed me here. I tried visiting other bloggers, but only one two would politely visit in return. I decided I don't really have what it takes to be a blogger. But now I'm rethinking that. Maybe I'm not one of those fancy bloggers, or "out there" bloggers. But I think I might be able to hold my own and say what I want to say here. If anyone listens to me fine. If not, fine.

So what do I see from the sidecar? I'll have to start looking harder and share it with you.

Until next time!

Wendy

I want to take a moment in my blogging to tell you that I'm a member of the ONE Campaign. You have probably heard of it. Many famous people from all walks of life are members and from different sides of the political aisle. Its mission is to stamp out Global Poverty and AIDS which is a major cause of poverty. I was asked today to sign a petition as part of the ONE Campaign and I agreed with it and signed it. Here is part of that email request:

Only two questions about global poverty have been asked in the history of modern presidential debates, going back to Kennedy-Nixon in 1960. That’s less than 1% of all questions asked.
To change that shockingly low figure, ONE is launching a new campaign to get “Just ONE Question” about the fight against global poverty asked at the 2008 presidential debates.
The first debate at the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Mississippi, will focus on foreign policy and is only 10 days away. Take action now by sending the message below to debate moderator Jim Lehrer.

At the presidential debate, please ask John McCain and Barack Obama just ONE question about their plans to fight global poverty.

If you would like to learn more and add your name to the petition to Jim Lerher, go here:
http://www.one.org/debates/?rc=debatestaf

Getting on to another subject, I am currently taking stock of my beads and other materials. I'm starting to work on some Christmas projects, both for selling and for gifts. I have to keep reminding myself not to get too many projects going. If I do, I will just get too overwhelmed and then nothing gets done!!

Currently, I'm making a set of mother-daughter necklaces with Santa Claus beads as the focal point. I'm going to contribute them, as a set, to my church's craft fair in November. I'm also making Hang-Its, for my shop and for the church craft fair. They are fairly easy to make in that I can make on in about an hour. I just finished a very beautiful necklace that is just right for the holidays, but is great all year. It has dark cherry red, glass beads with a slight aurora borealis finish to them. I paired these with round gold beads with largish link chain in between each grouping of beads. As soon as I get pictures, I'll post them here. I just don't know whether or not to sell it in my shop or donate it to church!

That's what's going on here in my little corner of the world! I hope your corner is busy and fulfilled!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Of blogs, beading and anniversaries!

I've been out visiting some of the blogs I have listed below. There are so many more that I wish I could list. I do add to the list when I find one that is really special. I enjoy reading what other bloggers have to say. Some are very eloquent and other very down to earth. Its very different as you go from one to another. I think that's why I enjoy it so much!

I've been doing a lot of beading lately, but most of it is going to be donated to my church's craft fair for the Women's Group table. I would love to have my own table, but there just isn't enough hours in a day for me to bead that much. Besides, I'm working on some Christmas presents too!!

Hubby and I finally have plans in place for our 39th wedding anniversary in October. We are driving to Montana, just outside Glacier National Park. We will be staying at a very comfortable inn, The Izak Walton Inn. It has no phones, no tv, and it sits back from the road in the woods. Last time we were there we had bear sitings! Not that we don't have them here in Colorado, just not as many as close by. We are going to go for long walks, do some geocaching, visit the Park again and just be together without interruption! Wow! I wish we could leave now!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Doing a bit of catching-up!

I don't know where the time goes! I think I'll blog every day, but the days fly by. Hubby and I did get to Mt. Evans and Echo Lake. We had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful for it. We set out to find 4 geocaches and found all 4 of them. Then we spent the night in Central City and did a little gambling. We won some and lost some and in the end we broke even. All-in-all it was a nice get away.

I've been making quite a bit of jewelry recently too. I haven't put much on my Etsy.com shop, though. I'm saving some of it for the craft fair at church that is scheduled for November 8th. I'd like to take a table, but I really don't think I'll have enough items. I'll probably just donate my pieces to the women's craft table. That's what I did last year.

On a brighter note, I have sold a few pieces recently. Mostly my smaller, less expensive items. I'm just glad to be getting noticed a bit. I do wish someone would take notice of my more expensive pieces. I work hard on them and I have improved so much. Most people who see my work "in person" like it and buy it. I'm still struggling with the pictures, but those are improving also.

I joined another etsy group the other day, Christian Artists Street Team. I've introduced myself on the team forum thread twice. It seems hard to get yourself "heard" there. I think I'm going to have to try to introduce myself on their regular message board. Maybe its less hectic on that board.

I really like the socializing on etsy overall. For me, its another way to meet people, though its not quite the same as being with them. I like the people and my Lupus keeps me somewhat home bound or at least limited in my socializing. Most of the people I've met on etsy are very friendly and helpful. Its a bit like taking a walk in a neighborhood.

Thanks for stopping by my neighborhood!

Wendy

Blogs, Etsy.com, My Shop Sale, Geocaching

Today I've been visiting other blogs that are written by my fellow etsy.com shop owners. There are a lot of them out there!! Someone posted a thread in the etsy forums about being new to blogging and sharing blog sites. Since I don't get a whole lot of traffic, I thought it might be a good idea to share my site and look at some of the other's sites. It would be impossible to look at ALL of the ones that got listed, but I did look at quite a few. I added some of them to my list here and I added two new shops to my list of Favorite Etsy Shops. I hope you will check out both my blog list and my Etsy Shop list.

The blogs I have chosen are all different, though many are related to etsy.com shop owners, they offer insights into business, crafts, personal thoughts, etc. Also, not all of the blogs are from etsy.com shop owners so you might find other interesting things to read about.

The shops I have chosen for my favorites list include those I have bought from and those I have not. They include etsy.com shop owners who have been helpful, unusually friendly and kind, carry a product that I find interesting or unique or are a shop that I have bought from and find to be a dependable owner with a quality product.

Currently I am having an END OF AUGUST SALE!!! All items that are on sale are listed in my sale section with their sale price. Original prices are listed within the description area. The sale ENDS at MIDNIGHT August 31, 2008. At that time the prices will return to their original amounts. SO DON'T WAIT!! HURRY IN!!

On an all together different subject, tomorrow hubby and I are heading out for a drive to the mountains. I think we will head up Mt. Evans and maybe picnic at Echo Lake before or after our trip up depending on what time we get started. NO, we are not hiking. My Lupus prevents too much strenuous activity at this time. We will be driving all the way to the top of the big Fourteener. For those who don't know, Mt. Evans rises to 14,000 feet and is one of several peaks that do in Colorado, which are known as the Fourteeners. Echo Lake is near the entrance road to the top and a picturesque place for walking, hiking and picnicking. We plan to do some geocaching on our way there. I have checked the geocaching.com site yet to see what is in the Mt. Evans/Echo Lake area yet, but there is sure to be something. We are looking forward to a nice quiet and peaceful day together!

Don't forget to check out the sale in my shop!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Sale In My Shop, Family News, Shout Out

Friday, my daughter turned 23 years old! When did that happen? Her husband of one year decided to throw her a birthday party because last year her birthday was kind of a "dud". His family never really celebrates birthdays and ours makes a big thing out of them. Her birthday fell right after their wedding and honeymoon. Even after being around us for a couple of years before they married, I guess he just didn't realize how important it was to her. This year he went all out! Only he turned it into a kids party with everything in a pink princess theme, napkins, streamers, tablecloth, paper plates, cups, etc. He couldn't surprise her completely, but he did surprise her with the decorations and he managed to get her best friend there. They haven't seen each other in six months due to work and college schedules. Any men reading this, he made such a hit with her, I can't even put it in words. She was so happy that he took the time and caring to put together a fun and funny birthday for her. It meant a lot to her.

As for my shop, I'm having an END OF AUGUST SALE! It Ends Midnight August 31, 2008! All Items in the Sale Will Return To Their Original Prices!! I currently have 11 items On Sale, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and sets. All are 20% off or more!!!!!! Don't Miss Out!!!!!

!!!!! SHOUT OUT !!!!!

for Goshen Girl

I haven't done a SHOUT OUT for awhile. I'd like to do a SHOUT OUT for a great etsy.com seller, Goshen Girl! She is a seller of handmade jewelry, lanyard badge holders, scrunchies, vintage items and she also carries hand tied flies by Cory. Her shop is at http://www.goshengirl.etsy.com/ What I really like about Goshen Girl outside of her shop, which is terrific, is her generosity to her fellow etsians. Goshen Girl started and runs a Promotion Thread on etsy that is a BNR (Buy and Replace) that is very active and friendly. I believe it stays active and friendly because she herself set the tone for it. Along with the BNR thread, she trys to acquire Treasury Slots to promote those who are on the thread! Goshen Girl is active, friendly and has a great shop! Why not check it out?

Thanks for Stopping By!

Wendy

Relaxing Making My Jewelry

My company is gone and I've had time to rest. I picked up my trays of beads and started making jewelry again. It feels good too! I find that it can be very relaxing once I have a design set. I love the creating process of the design too, but its not as relaxing as actually making the piece.

Choosing the colors, choosing the types of beads is very satisfying and allows my creativity to really escape and run away. I often make jewelry that is bolder or brighter than I might wear myself. I think that in creating I am letting a bit of the "real me" out. Its the bolder, less conservative me that I haven't always allowed out. That's what is so great about art and I do consider jewelry making art, you can let yourself really go with what's inside you. The design process really wakes me up.



On the other hand, once the design is laid out, I relax. I feel somehow released and I just sit back in a way as I put the pieces of my design together. My mother, who paints, calls it putting my sketch to canvass. Its somewhat true. I make little adjustments as I put my design together and find I don't like it as much once strung together. My mother makes adjustments to her painting as she finds the painting doesn't come together quite like the sketch. I don't duplicate many of my jewelry pieces, so most are unique and one of a kind. I seem to have developed a kind of style, though I do think I'm still growing. Here's one of the latest additions to my etsy.com shop:

This necklace is make with Black Diamond Swarovski Crystals, Jet Swarovski Crystal Rondells, 14k gold plated beads and chain. It just seemed to come alive as I handmade it. I hope someone will find an elegant event to wear it to!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Company is Gone and Now its back to My Etsy.com Shop!

My company left today. Love them as I do, it was time to get my house back! It is so much quieter!!!! I must be getting old or something. I used to love the hustle and bustle of having lots of people around me, but not any more! Now I like the peace and quiet of just a few people.

That being said, it is time to get back to my etsy shop!! What a disappointment to find that in the last week I've had few visits and no sales! =( I have been more active on the blogs and more active on the etsy.com threads. I've been promoting my jewelry and my shop here. I think most of my pieces are good works. I hope that doesn't sound too self promoting. I like my own work. There are pieces that I have made that I am not satisfied with and I'm sure that I will always make some that turn out that way.

I believe that jewelry making is an art and as such, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I see art sometimes and can't understand why others like it and I see art sometimes and find it extremely beautifully when others don't. Whether or not I sit at a canvass choosing paint colors or at my table choosing beads, just how each flow together on canvass or jewelry wire makes no difference. Jewelry is my art. Jewelry is my form of expression. I truly hope when you see my jewelry pieces, you will understand the joy it brings me to create it and in return, I hope it will bring you joy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy