I am very excited! This is the first time I have been blogged! My jewelry creations are my passion.
Just over two years ago, I joined a little website called Etsy. It is one of the sites that I sell on but it is probably the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I have met some of the most wonderful artists and artisans. Etsy is not just an online mall. It is a community of handcrafted junkies like myself. The community aspect of Etsy is what keeps me going.
I belong to two street teams JewelryOnEtsy and Eclectic Jewelry Artisans. Both groups harbor the most giving, fun-loving and talented artists that I have been happy to have met. The purpose of a street team is to gather our efforts to promote ourselves, each other and share knowledge of our chosen artistic medium.
But there is also fun to be had! We are able to vent to each other about common issues, chat and laugh about silly things on Wednesday or Friday nights, but most importantly support each other in our business and even in our personal lives.
Like life nothing is perfect, Etsy is not perfect but it is the perfect place to meet and join up with like minded individuals.
Check out these two great Etsy Street Teams or find one that fits your interests.
An Artistic Journey - Thoughts, Passions, Jewelry and everything else!
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Lifting Winter's Warm Blanket
Well, the holidays are over and things are beginning to resume back to "normal". Our family schedule is kicking into high gear. Kids are back in school, hubby is in his office and I am back at work and looking forward to starting up another semester of Art Jewelry.
The weather here in Northwest Illinois has been very unpredictable. Our holiday vacation started out with a blizzard and ended with a cold wet wind. It was too cold to go out most days and by the time it warmed up all the snow was gone. Even though we were all getting a little cabin fever, it was nice to spend time at home together. Most days were spent watching movies, playing video games (yes even I love to play Guitar Heroes with the kids!), or just snuggled up under a nice warm blanket restoring some of the energy that the holidays seem to suck out of you. I found myself getting a little too comfortable with the sleeping late, getting up late and just not wanting to do very much. Humans are not meant to hibernate!
Like a very pleasant end to my winter vacation, I had some friends over for a Ladies Playdate. Everyone brought their projects, wonderful food and laughter! I always love social gatherings but I especially love gatherings that include creating something, sharing ideas and learning something new. There is nothing like getting a group of very artistic ladies together to get the inspirational juices flowing. My class starts up next week and I am looking forward to bringing some new ideas to life.
So while it has been a nice long vacation from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I am ready to lift the warm comforting blanket and get moving!
The weather here in Northwest Illinois has been very unpredictable. Our holiday vacation started out with a blizzard and ended with a cold wet wind. It was too cold to go out most days and by the time it warmed up all the snow was gone. Even though we were all getting a little cabin fever, it was nice to spend time at home together. Most days were spent watching movies, playing video games (yes even I love to play Guitar Heroes with the kids!), or just snuggled up under a nice warm blanket restoring some of the energy that the holidays seem to suck out of you. I found myself getting a little too comfortable with the sleeping late, getting up late and just not wanting to do very much. Humans are not meant to hibernate!
Like a very pleasant end to my winter vacation, I had some friends over for a Ladies Playdate. Everyone brought their projects, wonderful food and laughter! I always love social gatherings but I especially love gatherings that include creating something, sharing ideas and learning something new. There is nothing like getting a group of very artistic ladies together to get the inspirational juices flowing. My class starts up next week and I am looking forward to bringing some new ideas to life.
So while it has been a nice long vacation from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I am ready to lift the warm comforting blanket and get moving!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
EJA Mystical Moon Sale
Starting October 9, 2008 and lasting until Monday, Oct. 13th midnight, is your chance to save big on a wide variety of original, quality handcrafted jewelry from EJA members. It's our "Mystical Moon Sales Event"!
I am offering 20% off on all jewelry currently in stock! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://deliasdelight.etsy.com
In our team store, we are offering 15% off every item as well as free shipping! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
But wait, there is more!
We have other members who are also offering sales in their individual stores! From 20% off to bogo-50, it's totally worth visiting all the shops. For a listing of participating members and what their sales offering is, just visit our main website at:
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com
The list will be posted on the front page but feel free to visit our member galleries and featured artists page. There's also some great jewelry related and business articles to check out. And don't forget to sign up for our mailing list which enters you into one of our jewelry and gift giveaways! You don't want to miss out on those because each gift bag is worth over $50!!!
If you are interested in joining EJA, please read the About page at our main site before applying.
Thanks and Happy Shopping!
I am offering 20% off on all jewelry currently in stock! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://deliasdelight.etsy.com
In our team store, we are offering 15% off every item as well as free shipping! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
But wait, there is more!
We have other members who are also offering sales in their individual stores! From 20% off to bogo-50, it's totally worth visiting all the shops. For a listing of participating members and what their sales offering is, just visit our main website at:
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com
The list will be posted on the front page but feel free to visit our member galleries and featured artists page. There's also some great jewelry related and business articles to check out. And don't forget to sign up for our mailing list which enters you into one of our jewelry and gift giveaways! You don't want to miss out on those because each gift bag is worth over $50!!!
If you are interested in joining EJA, please read the About page at our main site before applying.
Thanks and Happy Shopping!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Unfinished Projects - A Summer Proposal
Some people like to have New Year's Resolutions. I don't, well, I don't anymore. If I can't commit to something right away, I'm just not going to follow through on it on the day after I just ate a whole prime rib or have a hangover.
I know I'm not the only one that has a treasure trove of unfinished projects hidden away. I say hidden away because it is really quite embarrassing how many I have. I have a plastic container that has roughly about 30 projects that I started or at least separated specific beads, fibers, and other materials that are neatly packed into little plastic baggies. Some of the concepts are quite recognizable and I'm pretty sure I can pickup where I left off on about half of them. Then there are a few that cause me to pause and say out loud, "What was I thinking?!" Let's not forget those two or three projects that just scream, "Please, please destroy any evidence of me!"
But I am going to start a new Summer Proposal. I propose that I will either finish all of those unfinished projects or rejoin the sundries back to their happy families only to spawn new projects. I propose that I will finish projects that I start in the hopes that I can be rid of any further embarrassment. Please come join me on this magical journey! You can do it too!
DISCLAIMER: Summer is only three months long so if you don't get to all of the unfinished projects you can always say "Well, I just ran out of time!"
I know I'm not the only one that has a treasure trove of unfinished projects hidden away. I say hidden away because it is really quite embarrassing how many I have. I have a plastic container that has roughly about 30 projects that I started or at least separated specific beads, fibers, and other materials that are neatly packed into little plastic baggies. Some of the concepts are quite recognizable and I'm pretty sure I can pickup where I left off on about half of them. Then there are a few that cause me to pause and say out loud, "What was I thinking?!" Let's not forget those two or three projects that just scream, "Please, please destroy any evidence of me!"
But I am going to start a new Summer Proposal. I propose that I will either finish all of those unfinished projects or rejoin the sundries back to their happy families only to spawn new projects. I propose that I will finish projects that I start in the hopes that I can be rid of any further embarrassment. Please come join me on this magical journey! You can do it too!
DISCLAIMER: Summer is only three months long so if you don't get to all of the unfinished projects you can always say "Well, I just ran out of time!"
Monday, May 19, 2008
EJA Treasure Hunt for Jewels
The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Present:
A Treasure Hunt for Jewels
The Etsy Eclectic Jewelry Artisans are doing it again! EJA is holding a giveaway and we have fantastic handmade prizes for you to win!
To enter our drawing simply follow these steps:
1. Visit our team store and find the store names of any 2 members.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Visit our main web site and find the store names of 2 more members.
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com
3. Use the "Mailing List" to send in your 4 answers.
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
We'll enter you into our drawing to be held on May 26th, 08 (Memorial Day) and this time, 5 lucky people will win!!
A Treasure Hunt for Jewels
The Etsy Eclectic Jewelry Artisans are doing it again! EJA is holding a giveaway and we have fantastic handmade prizes for you to win!
To enter our drawing simply follow these steps:
1. Visit our team store and find the store names of any 2 members.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Visit our main web site and find the store names of 2 more members.
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com
3. Use the "Mailing List" to send in your 4 answers.
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
We'll enter you into our drawing to be held on May 26th, 08 (Memorial Day) and this time, 5 lucky people will win!!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Warm Winds of Spring!
OK so it isn't really that warm, 30 degrees but for those of us in Suburban Chicago, 30 is a heatwave!
The good news is that with Spring comes new growth! Not just the bursting of life outside but the growth that comes with new challenges and the things that pop up in everyday life that cause us to grow or change in some new way.
I have been taking this Art Jewelry class at McHenry County College and I just love it! The Ladies (and one Gentleman) are so supportive and willing to lend advice. I have even been asked a few times for help or advice which I am always happy to give! It is just a great nurturing environment and I know I was meant to take this class to grow as an artist.
Through this I have also found an opportunity to teach at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair that will be hosted at the college. One of my classmates referred me to the gal running it and it just worked out!
Best of all, my husband is finally done with my studio in the basement! I just got my torch hooked up and I am going to start teaching classes in my studio! I have a good feeling about this since I will be able to work around other's schedules and mine and not worry about child care.
I did get one of my tutorials published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry which I am very proud of. This was just the boost I needed to get motivated to do more tutorials and submit proposals for classes at some other Jewelry Fests in the near future.
While I have had some health and personal issues the past few weeks which seemed to bog me down a bit, it seems that all is well and good things are coming my way.
So I guess my advice or comment to all is just get through the day because there is always something brighter on the horizon. Be ready for those winds of change with a positive outlook!
The good news is that with Spring comes new growth! Not just the bursting of life outside but the growth that comes with new challenges and the things that pop up in everyday life that cause us to grow or change in some new way.
I have been taking this Art Jewelry class at McHenry County College and I just love it! The Ladies (and one Gentleman) are so supportive and willing to lend advice. I have even been asked a few times for help or advice which I am always happy to give! It is just a great nurturing environment and I know I was meant to take this class to grow as an artist.
Through this I have also found an opportunity to teach at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair that will be hosted at the college. One of my classmates referred me to the gal running it and it just worked out!
Best of all, my husband is finally done with my studio in the basement! I just got my torch hooked up and I am going to start teaching classes in my studio! I have a good feeling about this since I will be able to work around other's schedules and mine and not worry about child care.
I did get one of my tutorials published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry which I am very proud of. This was just the boost I needed to get motivated to do more tutorials and submit proposals for classes at some other Jewelry Fests in the near future.
While I have had some health and personal issues the past few weeks which seemed to bog me down a bit, it seems that all is well and good things are coming my way.
So I guess my advice or comment to all is just get through the day because there is always something brighter on the horizon. Be ready for those winds of change with a positive outlook!
Monday, February 4, 2008
EJA Collaboration Gift Giveaway and Special 2008 Sale
The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Present:
A Special 2008 Sale and Gift Giveaway!!!!
Team EJA is doing it again, another fantastic giveaway of handcrafted jewelry and gifts that are valued at $50!! Here is what you need to do to enter the drawing:
1. Visit http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on “Collaboration” in the menu.
3. Choose your favorite item to vote for.
4. Cast your vote by filling out this form:
Voting Form and Signup
Note: One vote per person. Drawing will be held on Valentines Day, 08. Three people will win!
Onto the sale…
Team EJA is offering FREE SHIPPING and 10% off on any item in their shop over $20!!! To take advantage of this great sale, please purchase your item and then wait for an updated invoice from EJA. Prices in the shop do not reflect the discounts. This offer is valid until Feb. 19th, 08.
Our shop is located at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
And feel free to visit our website for member listings, articles and more fantastic jewelry.
A Special 2008 Sale and Gift Giveaway!!!!
Team EJA is doing it again, another fantastic giveaway of handcrafted jewelry and gifts that are valued at $50!! Here is what you need to do to enter the drawing:
1. Visit http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on “Collaboration” in the menu.
3. Choose your favorite item to vote for.
4. Cast your vote by filling out this form:
Voting Form and Signup
Note: One vote per person. Drawing will be held on Valentines Day, 08. Three people will win!
Onto the sale…
Team EJA is offering FREE SHIPPING and 10% off on any item in their shop over $20!!! To take advantage of this great sale, please purchase your item and then wait for an updated invoice from EJA. Prices in the shop do not reflect the discounts. This offer is valid until Feb. 19th, 08.
Our shop is located at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
And feel free to visit our website for member listings, articles and more fantastic jewelry.
Friday, November 23, 2007
A Winter Wonderland Giveaway
The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans present:
A Winter Wonderland Giveaway
Three lucky winners will get a prize package worth $50!
Drawing will be held on Dec. 14th, 07.
Two ways to enter:
Visit http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com and find the member's banner
with the red outline.
or
Visit http://teamEJA.etsy.com and name one person in the "Reflecting"
category.
Send in your answer by filling out this form:
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
If you answer both questions, I'll give you 2 entries into the drawing.
Happy Holidays from the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans!!
A Winter Wonderland Giveaway
Three lucky winners will get a prize package worth $50!
Drawing will be held on Dec. 14th, 07.
Two ways to enter:
Visit http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com and find the member's banner
with the red outline.
or
Visit http://teamEJA.etsy.com and name one person in the "Reflecting"
category.
Send in your answer by filling out this form:
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
If you answer both questions, I'll give you 2 entries into the drawing.
Happy Holidays from the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans!!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Vote for your Favorite and Win!
The Eclectic Jewelry Artisan Etsy Street Team is holding a designer's challenge and competition. Our theme is "Reflecting". When you vote, you will be entered into our free gift giveaway on October 26th!!
Here's what you need to do:
1. Visit the new Team EJA store at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on "Reflecting Competition" on the right-hand side menu to see all the entries.
3. Then click this link to cast your vote: http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
If you are already an Etsy member, you may also vote by sending a convo.
Discounts: As part of the grand opening of the new Team EJA store, we are offering free shipping on all items through the month of October! In the note to seller just enter "Grand Opening" and we will send an updated invoice.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Visit the new Team EJA store at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on "Reflecting Competition" on the right-hand side menu to see all the entries.
3. Then click this link to cast your vote: http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html
If you are already an Etsy member, you may also vote by sending a convo.
Discounts: As part of the grand opening of the new Team EJA store, we are offering free shipping on all items through the month of October! In the note to seller just enter "Grand Opening" and we will send an updated invoice.
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