The Value of Time Off

On Etsy we are always chatting about "What have you done to promote?" "Have you listed anything new lately?" and "Did you love your blog today?" Sometimes, everything everyone says you are supposed to do is quite overwhelming.

And for me, a full-time business, crammed into a part-time work schedule, mostly on the weekends...well, sometimes you just have to have a life!

So, I took last Sunday off. Just walked away from the photographing, listing, description writing, promoting, advertising, blogging, creating -- and my husband and I went to have a cook-out with some friends visiting from New Mexico who were camping at a nearby state park.

It was the best thing I could have done. Now mind you, my friend is into silversmithing for her jewelry endeavors, and we couldn't help working on a few things she had brought with her. But there was something about slowing down, just for a moment, that was theraputic.

We noticed the birds, wildlife, and flora just getting ready to burst into spring. We absorbed the sun and gave thanks to the cool breeze -- the perfect weather combination! We ate some awesome grilled food that just tasted better because we were eating at a picnic table with plastic utensils! We caught up with each other's lives.

Just like the body needs sleep to perform, our creative talents and endeavors need a rest to be refreshed for another day. This weekend has been twice as productive because of a little time off.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

I've just been dabbling today... I created a new poll here ------> about favorite earring beads, wrapped soap, relisted a few items, got myself organized for the EtsyBead Street Team's Scavenger Hunt (see flyer in previous blog post to win prizes!), and setup a "Plug Me" board on my website.

The "Plug Me" board is an awesome idea for advertising your shop! I'm still tweaking my GIF file just a little, but I think the eventual outcome will be pretty cool. Visit http://www.plugme.net/ to get your own board, or just build an 88 x 31 GIF image and drop by my website to plug yourself: http://www.dlpom.com/PlugBoard.html Handcrafted items only, please!

Off to get some snacks ready for the SuperBowl!

Come Join the Fun & Win Fabulous Prizes!

Visit the Etsy Team Blog for more information!

Earwires, and More Earwires!

When I design a pair of earrings, I always try to match an earwire that I think coordinates with the overall style of the earring. Lately, I have tried to incorporate more choices, including post styles, and always offer a switch-a-roo if the buyer has another preference.

Although, I have to admit, on occasion, I've tried to talk buyers out of a switch because I thought they were going the wrong direction with the design of the earring! Not sure if this is appreciated, or not!

Anyway...from top to bottom, here are a few examples: simple post, slipless earwire, perfect balance earwire, handmade earwire. Of course, the handmade earwire is the most unique, but also time consuming and therefore often a more pricey choice. And I'm often asked if the "slipless" earwires are uncomfortable...I don't think so, the wire is very thin, but the twist helps them from backing out.

Personally, I prefer leverbacks. They don't take away from the design of any earring, are lightweight, and won't come undone or slip out. Handmade earwires with a long length of wire at the back are also a favorite choice of mine.

What's your preference? Take my poll on the right hand side, and let's find out.

Thanks for your participation!

Garnets and Carnations

With all the holiday flurry, it is easy to forget that January birthdays are right around the corner...

I'm listing a few special jewelry pieces with garnets over the coming week. Here is an example of gorgeous, icy, rock quartz with a cluster of garnets gathered beneath. Check them out in more detail here.

I haven't figured out how to make carnation jewelry yet!

Bali vs. Turkish Sterling Silver

I'm often asked, "What's Turkish sterling silver?" Most of my jewelry uses Turkish sterling silver, and while most people are familiar with Bali (or Balinese) sterling silver, many have never heard of Turkish. Continue on if you are curious too...

First of all, Turkish sterling silver beads are handmade in Turkey, as the name implies. Bali sterling silver beads are handmade in Indonesia. Different artisans = a different type of bead. Turkish sterling silver beads are simply of a higher quality, in my opinion. The workmanship is excellent, with fine details and consistency from bead to bead. Turkish sterling silver also tends to be a bit lighter in weight, which is a nice design quality for jewelry. For example, a necklace made of all Bali sterling silver beads would feel like a lead weight, while a necklace made of all Turkish sterling silver would just have a nice heft to it. Turkish sterling silver also tends to be a little shinier, and does not need to be polished as often to maintain that shine. The down side is that it is pricier than Bali sterling silver.

Using Turkish sterling silver beads will take your jewelry designs to another level of quality and handmade craftmanship. Here are two great photos of Turkish sterling silver designs...and have a look at my Etsy shop for more examples. Just search on the word "Turkish" within my shop.

Jewelry Home Party a Success!

Last weekend was the long awaited jewelry home party... It was a lot of work, but so much fun! I had been preparing all week - polishing, pricing, and packing up to go on the road (for the first time) with my wares.

I have to say it took more preparation and organization than the parties I have had at my own house. If I forgot something, I was just going to have to do without it!

Thanks so much to all the friends and neighbors who came to enjoy the afternoon. My mom was a wonderful hostess. And I would not have survived without my friend, Sandra, who is so fast and accurate at adding up numbers! I hope everyone is enjoying their purchases, or looking forward to giving it as a gift over the holidays. I also really appreciate all the custom orders for soap and jewelry.

Here are a few pics from the event: 1) the very reliable table guard, Gray C., 2) me, working till the very end, and 3) it's showtime!

The entire event went very smoothly. If I had to share one lesson learned, it would be this: invest in some tubs with lids for traveling and organizing. I used an assortment of shopping bags, and they were a little difficult to handle and/or limited my ability to locate items and unpack quickly.

Hope your holiday craft party has been a success. Leave a comment and let me know.

Have a joyful holiday season. Merry Christmas, everyone!

It was an Honor

A few weeks ago, Sara's Texture Crafts featured my soap and papermaking in her "Crafts of Texture" blog. I had actually done the interview a month or so earlier, so re-reading it was like it was new all over again, even for me. I was thrilled, and it turned out so nicely! Please visit my featured interview and leave a comment.

This is a great way for extra exposure about your craft. When all of us bloggers support each other, we can be a powerful force. Blog away...