Sunday, December 28, 2008

BellaOnline, More Seaglass and Another Special Rosary

I have an annoucement... I've been accepted as the Jewelry Collecting Editor for BellaOnline website! This is a great opportunity for me personally- to exercise and improve my writing skills and also to use this interface to promote my work and the work of my eSMArts team-mates. (Don't forget to click the link to see what is new in our team store!!)

I'm thrilled to have been accepted into the one month mandatory training offered by BellaOnline as a free service to their editors.
Here are more links about BellaOnline:
over 400 topics and 300+ editors volunteer their efforts to inform and entertain;
over 20 million pageviews a month!!


I am eager to be an active member in this community founded by women for women and they are not for profit... they run enough adds to cover the cost of the site and donate the rest to charity... click here to see those organizations that BellaOnline has helped.

Another Seaglass Adventure

My husband and I thought we would take advantage of the unseasonable warm weather today (60 deg...and to think my last post was about a snowstorm leaving behind over a foot!!) and head to the beach for more seaglass. WOW did we hit it right! We spent less than an hour beachcombing and have over 50 new pieces to show off! Cobalt blue, green, aqua, yellow, amber, brown, clear, pink all but my elusive red! Oh well, maybe next time!

I'm designing yet another special rosary for Lisa in the UK... this one is for her boyfriend's mum who will be celebrating her 50th birthday. I'm honored she thought of me to make this special treasure. Besides representing the family's birth-months with Swarovski crystals she loves Egyptian motif. I will be using some special scarab beads and an Egyptian Anka all in silver. I will post the finished product when it is ready to ship.















Friday, December 26, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Winter in New England, eSMArts Team update and new earrings for Christmas


Ok, I am a life long New Englander..born and raised in Rhode Island. Snow should be no big deal...right? I'm already sick of it.... This pic was taken on Friday afternoon. The storm started out about 2pm and quickly progressed. We really didn't have the howling winds that are usually associated with these storms but none the less it packed a punch. It snowed all day Saturday...tapered of Saturday night and right back at it come Sunday.






Are you cold yet just looking at these... yes, it does look lovely....yes even Christmassy



Try shoveling!



Moving on.... given the seasonal rush is subsiding our attention turns to Valentines Day. Yes... already. We are all working on our creations to get our Etsy stores stocked with those special "I love you" gifts. Keep a look out for them coming soon. During this time as the new year fast approaches, we are also in the midst of reorganizing our team. New minimum requirements are being established... all good stuff that will make us more effective with our Marketing initiatives both on line and off. I'm looking forward to seeing us progress this year and become stronger as a team. I want to extend a sincere congratulations to Jamie Elliot of Creations by JAE who is our new Marketing Manager and Membership Coordinator and Helene Turnbull of Glass0Beads who will be serving as our Editor-in-Chief and our Website Manager. Good luck to you both in your new roles with eSMArts!


What to give a special friend (and hair stylist) yes.... very important person!! Johna is a great friend and I wanted to do something a little different for her. Her birthday is in February so incorporated some lovely amethyst faceted rounds at the center and crocheted from sterling silver the outside of these earrings. I'll have to make a few more for the store! I hope she likes them.


One more pic for you:


Brrrr....











Jewelry Collecting

Forum for jewelry collecting discussions...looking for new members! Stop by and introduce yourself!!Best,Dhttp://mygemstonebox.blogspot.com

read more | digg story

Friday, December 19, 2008

My First Bulk Buy- Esmarts Team

Thank you Dani!!

Danis Garcia runs the Yahoo Group JSBulk Buy . This group was brought together to bring the best quality stones and findings at the lowest prices to designers and retailers. Take a look at what my first buy landed me!

I am so excited that I gave this a try...all the lovely creations that are begging to be made from these lovely gems. Garnets, Flourite, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Smokey Quartz, Tiger Eye, Carnelian, Tourmalinated Quartz, Silver Leaf, Botswana Agate, Moss Agate, Candy Jade, African Jade, Amazonite, Dumortierite, and Lapis.


Besides running this group Dani is also a member of eSMArts Team on Etsy. The Etsy Social Marketing Arts Guild (eSMArts Guild) is a global collaborative of mixed media artisans intent on further understanding and applying eCommerce advertising and promotion techniques. If you are an Estian and interested in joining an active team feel free to visit.

Here are more items from that purchase- Sea glass beads in various colors and lovely Bali style silver beads and spacers.
Here is how to contact Dani:
DG Designs, Custom jewelry
Gems, Stones, Jewelry Supply
Danis Garcia - Blog
DGDesignsTx - Etsy Store
Texas Artisans Promotions

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Last minute gift idea for that special lady in your life... http://ping.fm/rYTJ8 just listed tonite!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Christmas shopping? Check out this new set.... http://ping.fm/sVrJ4

Esmarts Team: Wilma's Blueberry Swirl Bracelet and Earrings by MyGemStoneBox by Diane


Just listed today in my Esty Store are these wire wrapped pieces I've taken these lovely lampwork glass beads created by Wilma Whimsey's , fellow eSMArts team member and mix them with AB Swarovski crystals and silver. I finished off the clasp with a tear drop lavendar faceted chalcedony and 2 amethysts, both teardrop and faceted as well.

Let me tell you a little bit about the artist that created these lovely beads. Wilma Travis of "Wilma Whimsey's" is a single mom of three wonderful children and 2 delightful grandchildren. Her oldest son is engaged to be married and will do so in May of 2009. She has a handicapped young adult (27), her youngest son who still lives with her. She was originally from New York, born and raised there. I moved to MN in 1994 and I love she loves it there.

Wilma has been working with glass for several years. She began her journey with stained glass until begining Lampwork in June of 2005.
Here is how you can see more of her lovely work:
Wilma's Etsy Store
Wilma's Whimsey's Website
Wilma's Blog

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Egyptian Facets Bracelet new on Etsy, The Foundry and eSMArts team store
















This is the third piece in my "Daydream Facets" Collection.

Veil Nebula Bracelet is the first, Faceted Fantasy is the second and both are still available here on Etsy. This piece features a large 27 x 19 mm Brazilian cherry flame quartz gem surrounded by lovely copper... in three colors~ gold, silver and natural. The wire design is called Egyptian mystery and has been used in jewelry for centuries. The gems used for accents on this piece are round faceted cherry quartz and Opalite faceted rondelles.

I was scheduled to do a show yesterday at a local school, but I was not feeling well and had to cancel. I've done this show for the last two years and it was "my first ever show". I learned a lot from it but I'm working on getting into "bigger and better" venues. One I am exploring is a local show called "The Foundry" held by The Foundry Artists Association held the Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange StreetPawtucket, RI 02860

Friday, December 5th, 12-8pm
Saturday, December 6th, 10-6pm
Sunday, December 7th, 10-6pm
Thursday, December 11th, 12-8pm
Friday, December 12th, 12-8pm
Saturday, December 13th, 10-6pm
Sunday, December 14th, 10-6pm
Local RI Esty artist Kim Vredenburg is featuring her wonderful glass lampwork beads (I've used them in my Celtic Carrousel Earrings) Best of luck Kim!!
Don't forget to visit our eSMArts team store! Many great items still available for Christmas giving. All proceeds from the sales of these items go to replace one of our team members stolen computer.
The items in our shop are donated by the caring and wonderful members of eSMARts towards that end.

Monday, December 1, 2008

SPECIAL price on Faceted Fantasy Bracelet. The 2nd piece in my new collection called "Daydream Facets" http://ping.fm/ezmr6

Sunday, November 30, 2008

More new items in my Etsy shop...FREE GIFT WRAPPING! http://ping.fm/VKYzf

How much fun was this...RI seaside treasure hunt!!

Richard....my son, Fred...my hubby and I went on a treasure hunt on Friday. I have been reading about sea glass and researching the beautiful jewelry made with these gems from the sea. I talked them into coming with me on my adventure.... let's see what we can find! Rich was not to excited about the whole thing... he loves the beach as do I, but summer time is his thing. He loves to skim-board and body surf. Going to the beach on a day that got to a high of about 40 deg. was not on his favorite "to do" list for sure. My dh just went with it....

Here are the fruits of our labor... we walked and talked and found a few interesting items. The large piece of green/black glass was found by Rich...he was soooo excited. Funny, just a few minutes before he seemed like he really would rather have stayed home! My dh found the aqua piece...what a lovely color.


We also came upon some pottery shards..... this was my "find of the day". Definitely looks old to me... the ware or patina of the surface indicates that it has been around for quite a while. I have a vase that belonged to my maternal grandmother that has the same type of age or wear on the surface and I know that to be at least 100 years old.
We enjoyed some together time as a family and had fun seeing what we could find. Upon leaving all I heard from the 15 year old was .... when are we coming back??!!

Here is what "Mom" made with one of the finds....
I'll be listing soon on my Etsy site.
This piece of sea glass found in upper Narragansette bay in Warwick RI has a wonderful patina and is all wrapped up in sterling silver.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

New items in my Etsy store.. Charka rosary, Celtic Carrousel earrings and some genuine RI Seaglass!
http://ping.fm/IqXyj

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Swarovski, Anna McCabe Craft Fair and eSMArts Team store

I've published another hub on Hubpages with information on Swarovski crystals and the fourth generation family run business that brings us outstanding jewelry findings and collectible figures. Please take a look
http://hubpages.com/hub/Swarovski-Crystal-in-all-its-facets

Here is my "Fruity Bracelet" sporting those lovely Swarovski's all around!

For those who are local, I’m inviting you to visit me at the Jingle-Bell Craft fair on December 6th at Anna McCabe School on 100 Pleasant View Ave. in Smithfield RI. The bazaar will be open from 9-3pm, Santa will be visiting, food and refreshments will be available. Come join the festivities – share the holiday spirit and do some Christmas shopping!
The eSMArts Team Store is celebrating its first sale~~ Last Sunday we sold our first item. Please check out the store and check out the items I have listed and hope to sell to help a worthy cause....








Cobalt and Flowers Earrings &
Nebula Bracelet first in the "Faceted Daydream Collection" by Diane

Wishing you all a blessed THANKSGIVING!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Launching grand new collections both in writing: Jewelry Collecting and in jewelry design “Daydream Facets Collection" http://ping.fm/VRLWD

Launching grand new collections both in writing: Jewelry Collecting and in jewelry design “Daydream Facets Collection"


My interests have turned to jewelry collecting… What types of jewelry do you collect? What are the most sought after pieces in a given genre? How do I know about the markings on jewelry pieces of interest? What major jewelry manufacturing was produced in Providence RI (I've lived in RI all my life)...the "Jewelry Capitol of the World". All of these questions have been bouncing around in my head so I decided to write a series of Hubs around these very questions. I invite you to check my hubs frequently and let me know if these articles are of value to you. As always, I am open to comments and suggestions and your opinions are very valuable to me… feel free to contact me!! Here is the first in the series of Hubs: Coro Jewelry


Yet to be posted in my Etsy store…. "Faceted Fantasy Bracelet" This is the second in my new collection called: Daydream Facets. Veil Nebula Bracelet was the original piece that started this collection. I plan to develop this line- adding earrings, necklaces and bracelets all with wonderful faceted gems. Keep an eye out!



Lastly for this post, here is my latest in custom Rosary Beads headed for the UK today!

Each of the natural gemstones used in this rosary relates to the Chakra's
CROWN CHAKRA - SEVENTH CHAKRA Obsidian
3 black\white stones near cross
Located above the head. This chakra links the individual with the universal. Obsidian helps to protect the very sensitive against depression. It is the stone of the soft hearted and gentle people of the world. Use obsidian to help block negativity of any kind. As a black gemstone, it symbolizes self control and resilience. Black stones have protective energies in the sense that black is the absence of light, and therefore, can be used to create invisibility.
Energies:
Healing , Protection, Divination, Peace
*******
THIRD EYE CHAKRA - SIXTH CHAKRA Sodalite
1st decade to the right
Located between the eyes. This is intelligence and psychic power. Sodalite Gemstone
It is said sodalite will harmonize the inner being or the conscious and subconscious mind. Sodalite promotes peace and harmony. Energies: Power, Healing, Luck
*******
THROAT CHAKRA - FIFTH CHAKRA Turquoise
Between decade stones
Located at the throat. This is the creativity, self-expression and the search for truth.
Turquoise-Strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world. Turquoise carries great wisdom of basic truth within it. It is one of the oldest stones known. This is a stone that a person must learn to attune to instead of the stone attuning to the person. It is important that the owner of a Turquoise give it the proper attention.
Energies: Luck, Love, Protection, Healing
HEART CHAKRA - FOURTH CHAKRA Aventurine
2nd decade
Located at the heart. This is the higher consciousness and love. Green Aventurine is the stone of luck and chance. It is said to increase perception and creative insight. It is a heart chakra stone.
Energies: Luck, Money, Healing
*********
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA - THIRD CHAKRA Amber
3rd decade
Located at the solar plexus. This is the sense of identity. Amber energy properties
•Brings a care free, sunny disposition
•Promotes good luck and success
•Dissolves oppositions
•Helps with stomach, spleen and kidney complaints
•Reduces joint problems
•Alleviates teething pain in babies
To early Christians, amber signified the presence of the Lord.
Energies: Love, Healing, Protection, Power, Luck
********
SACRAL HARA CHAKRA - SECOND CHAKRA Carnelian
4th decade
Located at the genitals. This is the chakra that monitors sexuality and reproduction.
Carnelian is used for these benefits:
•gives energy
•protects from bad vibrations
•guards against poverty
•helps give a sense of humor
•calms the temper
Energies: Power, Healing
ROOT CHAKRA - FIRST CHAKRA Rhodochrosite
5th decade
Located at the base of the spine and groin area. This is the animal or base nature.
Rhodochrosite in pink tones:
•soothes the heart
•stimulates warm feelings of love and compassion
•benefits the creative process
•promotes intuition
Energies:
Love, Power, healing


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Sunday, November 9, 2008

New blog post at http://ping.fm/I0RkI take a look at our team store http://ping.fm/TBkLB help out a eSMArt artist in need!

eSMArts Team: Getting ready for the holidays and New to my Etsy store...November birthstone-Citrine earrings

Christmas tree ornament or suncatcher from MyGemStoneBox by Diane available at our eSMArts Team store. This makes a great gift for teachers, friends and family. Made with silver wire and Cathedral crystal and gold beads, amber crackle, amber AB beads and gold bugle beads. Finishing touches are pearls to complete the look. Beads are 4mm, 6mm & 8mm. Approx. size of each snowflake is 5" x 5".
I have others soon to be added! Also, listing at my Etsy shop done in red and crystal!
I am offering free wrapping on all items purchased from now until Christmas! One less gift you have to wrap! Good deal and FREE!


Here is another I have just completed it is all pastel pink and green crackle beads with gold bugle beads and Cathedral crystal beads and a few Czech square beads. I have not listed it yet! Enjoy the preview. If you are interested please feel free to contact MyGemStoneBox by Diane!

Lemon drop slide earrings

These lovely faceted citrine brioletts are suspended using sterling silver wire to sterling silver slide earring chains. Earrings measure approx 3 1/2" long but when inserted into the ear you can choose the length of the dangle. The citrine stones measure 12 x 9 mm each.Citrine is a yellow-to-golden member of the quartz mineral group. A deep golden variety from Madeira Spain can resemble the costly imperial topaz gem stone, which is one reason that citrine is a popular birthstone alternative to those born in November.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

New posting at my blog check out our new team store with sales going to worthy causes http://ping.fm/8E97x

Etsy eSMArts Team Paying it Forward....



ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORTHY CAUSES!


eSMArts (etsy Social Marketing Artisans) is a global collaborative of mixed media artisans whose mandate is to foster friendship, creativity, connection, inspiration, discussion and plenty of cross promotion via implementing social marketing principles in order to drive traffic to our Etsy storefronts and other sales sites.



Our team believes in Paying It Forward and our intent is to utilize this shop to do just that and support those in need. Recently, one of our flock, a fellow Etsian, suffered a loss that makes it impossible to sell her products. All proceeds from the sales of these items go to replace her stolen computer. The items in our shop are donated by the caring and wonderful members of eSMARts towards that end.


In the future, we will select other groups or people with a serious need for financial support and it will be announced here who we are supporting. Come and help us help someone who really needs us right now.


The team shop is run by ABeadedAffair... Lois is a wonderful caring jewelry artist that is always looking to lend a hand. She is a successful business woman who runs a title insurance company and a growing jewelery business and yet finds time to champion worthy causes like this. Please visit A Beaded Affair to see more of Lois' designs and supplies.



Here are other samples of items you can purchase and help out a worthy cause:

A pair of Canada Geese guard their nesting spot. Artist: Van Stewart Bevil












This is a 7.5 inch Biaggi/Troll bracelet with sterling silver stoppers. The beads are cored with Sterling Silver and made from Cyan Blue and Cyan Green glass mixed together for the subtle effects seen. Each bead measures 20 mm wide x 12 mm high. Artist: wilmas-whimseys



Warm brown etched glass rectangles with copper trim are matched with copper beads and goldstone to form this lovely fall necklace and pierced earring set. Copper beads in a decorative disc form are paired with golstone, and other copper beads are matched with brown etched glass beads that match the larger rectangular ones. Artist: S & T Creations

Please stop by and see the many other offerings the eSMArts team has put together to help one of their own.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My first Hub page...check it out! Good info regarding what you need for Artisan Shows http://ping.fm/A1MnK

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Putnam Ct. Art Festival and other happenings....

The Putnam Ct. Fall and French Canadian Festival took place October 25, 2008. There were over 70 Artisans displaying their hand crafted items. This was the first time I took part in this celebration filled with wonderful music and food. French pork pie and pea soup were the highlight of the day~ the line was incredible! I had an opportunity to visit most of the booths and make contact with many new potential clients. Funny, most had never heard of Etsy~~ imagine that!! I had steady traffic most of the day...we only stayed until 2:30, that was all we could bear.... take a look:

Isn't that attractive, quite the hairdo eh??? Most of the day was spent fighting the more than 30 mph wind gusts... I did not put up a tent, and I was glad that I didn't. We spent part of the day chasing items that had been blown right off tables from neighboring vendors and then the tents started to fly! Enough for me...we packed it in early. I will go back again next year. If the weather was better it would have been a great show. Rotary Park is along the river and the evening was to be filled with "water fire" but the weather did not cooperate. All in all, I made more than enough sales to cover the table and had numerous inquiries for where I would be doing Christmas shows. It was a great networking experience. Just wish Mother Nature was more cooperative. During the lulls, I was able to put this together... the first of three commissioned Rosaries that will be traveling to my new friend, Lisa, in the UK.

Lisa wanted something special for her boyfriend who celebrates a December birthday. I used Swarovski crystals in the deep blue and added Turquoise with silver findings. She loved the pictures....hope she loves it even more once she receives it!
Since my last post I have one heck of a week...as an aside, I spent the day at the hospital with DH who was experiencing horrible pain in his abdomen....lucky it was a nasty virus and nothing more. Add to that our "entertaining" the fire department Friday at 2:00 am for a "small" chimney fire.... lucky....no damage! Just scared us to death!! And finally my son is home sick today...fighting the same stomach virus....My life is never boring!!!
Blessings~
D





Saturday, October 25, 2008

All set for the show later today! Not a bad week, 3 commissioned rosaries for the UK! Nite all. D

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

What a colorful time in Rhode Island..New to Etsy...and Marketing tips~

This is what I have been waking up to each morning for the past week. We live right on Georgaville Pond, Smithfield in a modest five room bungalow. But as they say...location, location, location!! As I wake each morning and enjoy a coffee before starting my hectic day...I can find peace in this breathtaking view. I'm not sure which of the four seasons are my most favorite because each is beautiful in its own way. What a display of lovely colors! Sure to give me inspiration~

Here is what I have new on Etsy today....Mother and baby cameo pendant




Cat's eye cameo, salmon, 40x30mm. Cameo is ultrasonically carved in relief from a solid piece of fiberoptic glass, the raised carvings appear an ethereal white against a contrasting background. I have taken this cameo and wrapped it in gold and sterling silver wire. It can be worn on any chain or even a string of pearls...I made the pendant removable.
More pictures here!


I wanted to thank 3D fiber artist Donna Ziegler DZFANTASY ...she is displaying my Etsy minin on her blog -http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com/ Right column, under the heading ETSY MINIS FOR THE PERIOD OF .....she rotates the minis throughout the 4 weeks so that everyone gets a chance to be on top of the list, etc.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FREE PROMO!! You are a dear Donna!!

Marketing tip:
Communicate through e-mail and direct-mail channels---ie. a Newsletter. Informing customers about promotions, new products or other news gives you an excuse to keep your business top-of-mind. And contrary to popular opinion, e-mail doesn't require deep pockets or a technical staff. There are companies that will handle both e-mail design and mailing for pennies per customer, and many more for free depending upon how large your list is.
http://ping.fm/ETIWO New addition to my Etsy site..mother and child pendant wirewrapped in gold and silver

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Getting ready for Fall Craft Fair...New to Etsy....destash...and Marketing tip~

Amber and Copper Necklace
This lovely necklace is made from amber beads in various shades paired with purple crackle quartz all wrapped up in warm copper. The focal amber piece is over 50mm wide by 30mm tall with copper and silver findings. The necklace is over 22" in length and is adjustable. The earrings are my gift to you and measure over 2 1/2" in length with 2 amber beads and a divine piece of purple crackle quartz. Earrings have a copper French hook.



I have taken AnnaLee's lead (my fellow eSMARts team leader) and considered adding a "Destash" category to my Etsy shop... began listing items tonight. Fellow jewelry artisans...feel free to check it out!!
MyGemStoneBox by Diane will be at the Fall Craft Fair and French Canadian Festival on October 25th (rain date 26th) in Rotary Park, Kennedy Drive Putnam. The festival begins at 10am and ends with River Fire at 5:30pm on the Quinebaug River. Here is the link to mapquest.
Come out and join us!
This just in.... I just sold my Peaceful Pendant tonight on Etsy!! Yah!!
Marketing tips:
Make customer service your top priority. This should be really obvious but sometimes it isn't. There's simply no substitute for the brand experience. If you can't win battles like delivering on time and soothing customers' ruffled feathers, you'll lose the war. Remember, the path to profitability is paved with repeat customers. There are many ways to build repeat business, but you need to lay the groundwork from the minute you start writing your business plan. The goal is to sketch out a scheme that'll create customers for life. If you can do that, you're at least halfway to ensuring your business will be around for the long haul.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Etsy a How-To Guide and "The Veil Nebula"




Fellow eSMArt'ers and Estian's, here is a tasty tidbit! The Etsy Seller Handbook: All Our How-Tos about Selling


Here you'll find a handy index of all the useful How-Tos about Selling on Etsy. They are calling it the Seller Handbook. They will be adding all new how-tos for sellers to this index.


Look for sections on Your Shop 101: How-Tos for Getting Started on Etsy, Photography How-Tos, Alchemy and Custom/Reserved Listing How-Tos, Shipping How-Tos, Advertising How-Tos, Business and Pricing How-Tos, Promoting & Marketing How-Tos, Craft Show & Events How-Tos Blogging, Podcasting & Video-making How-Tos, Legal Info for Artists, Tagging How-Tos, Team Tips, All about Etsy & Site Features.


Dig in and enjoy!!!


Veil Nebula Bracelet.... this is what is new at my Etsy shop this week:

This substantial wire wrapped bracelet in copper and sterling silver has all the colors in the nebula. Green faceted quartz briolettes matched with rondelle’s of aquamarine and rose, along side the smooth crackle quartz in purple and aqua are the base of this bracelet. Add a sprinkle of Swarovski crystals in topaz yellow, ruby red and tourmaline pink for sparkle. Finished off with faceted rondelle’s of yellow jade, faceted briolettes of chalcedony and garnet and a lovely faceted yellow citrine gemstone. Finishing touches of silver and copper findings accent this couture look.



Here is what the Veil Nebula looks like from the Hubble telescope:


Astronomy is near and dear to my heart along with meteorology and physiology.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Neatostuff.com...I'm featured!!

I'm so excited to be featured by this shopping blog called NeatoStuff.com They are dedicated to finding a nice collection of things for sale from around the web. They know about stuff for him, her, kid and baby so that’s the kind of stuff they write about. They like to find stuff that’s unusual and off-the-beaten-path but they are not afraid to write about mainstream things if they like them too.

They don’t get paid to put reviews on their site so you’ll only see things they actually like. They stay in business with advertising and some of the stores pay them a small commission if you buy after they have referred you to their site. Neither of those things impact their editorial commentary.

I'm hoping this will drive more visits to my Etsy site! We'll see.....I'll be front page for about a week and then will remain searchable in their database.

Marketing tip:

Invest in leave-behinds. Calendars, refrigerator magnets, pens and mouse pads branded with your corporate identity are another tried-and-true method of reminding customers you exist. It's hard for a customer to ignore something that's staring him or her in the face.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

New on Etsy tonight...Marketing tips too!





I am completely taken with this weave.... This heavy bracelet is woven from 16ga natural copper using the Tucuman Braid fashion. This weave originated in Argentina and was used to make horse reins. The style of this bracelet is that the closure is the focus... along the side I have added 3 round freshwater pearls and 3 lovely blue faceted chalcedony briolettes. The bracelet can be opened and closed or slide on like a bangle.




I happened to be taking pictures tonight and caught this beautiful sunset and wanted to share it with you all!



Marketing Tip:


Create customer rewards programs. Whether it's a discount during the customer's birthday month, "Buy 12 buttons, get the 13th free" or an invitation-only sale for preferred customers, rewarding customers for loyalty is a good business practice.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Focus on an Esmarts team member : CoastalArtist















Etsy and eSMArts are both interesting places…”Why?” you might ask…my answer: “Because of the extraordinary people there.” I’d like to introduce to you one:
CoastalArtist.

Coastal (Van) joined Etsy July of this year and eSMArts in August. In the short time I’ve gotten to know him, I am taken with both his art and his insight. Looking at his art in both pencil and oils you see what he sees; you feel what he paints or draws. That is not easy to communicate, but Van makes it look easy. To use his words:
"With each painting an artist becomes a 'self-taught' artist, learning something different with each painting rather it be the application of colors and hues or the different composition styles a particular scene or animal offers. Each painting is an adventure into the world not only of art but the spirit of the subject, be it a wolf in Montana or a Green Heron on the shores of Week's Bay."

I have enjoyed our Thursday evening team chats on Etsy and it has given us all the opportunity to get acquainted with Van and I enjoy his humor….
“There was no doubt in my heart or spirit that I would be an artist someday ..... I'm still working towards that goal sixty-three years later. My mother wanted me to be a doctor, my father wanted me to be an engineer, my brother just wanted me to be gone. My grandfather wanted me to be a preacher, my grandmother, a full blood Cherokee, wanted me to follow my spirit.”

Van speaks here (with humor, of course!) about his introduction to the arts:
“My mother had said more than once that "I was born with a paint brush in one hand and a pencil in the other". (Not sure she ever forgave me for that LOL) I began drawing as soon as I could stand and reach the wall with my crayons, those that I didn't eat first. After learning what NO meant and what a 'SWITCH' was (that was way back when you could spank a disobedient child) I began using paper. To this day paper and pencil are my favorite mediums. Pencil sketches can capture the moment or scene with just a few strokes or a thousand neatly laid out lines. Along the way I discovered oil paints and canvas.”

eSMArts is a diverse team with members spanning the globe and from all walks of life… here is a bit more about Van:
To this day..... I walk after my spirit. Even after 60 years of painting and drawing the world around me, I start each new painting with all the excitement and expectation as if it were my first. An avid outdoorsman, I live with my wife Joyce (behind every man stands an even greater woman) on the sun-filled Gulfcoast of Alabama. Together we explore the bays , bayous, and shoreline for a never-ending supply of new sources for paintings.















Van invites you to visit CoastalArtist on Etsy as do I!!
CoastalArtist on Etsy
“I share with you my art but I also share with you my spirit. Don't just look at the art.... spend the time with it and feel it. Let it touch you, let our spirits touch.”

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Etsy teams: eSMArts is featured!!

I thought I would share with you my latest newsletter:

As summer winds down there is a chill in the air in the evening and we begin to prepare for fall. The leaves have already begun to change color here in RI.

In my last newsletter I announced that I have taken on the responsibility of Social Marketing Director for the team eSMArts on Etsy.

Well, Etsy administration has taken notice of our efforts! This is a huge opportunity for my team to grow and makes sales! I invite you to take a look at the article currently running on the homepage of Etsy about my team!!!

THE STORQUE
The Etsy Social Marketing Arts Guild (eSMArts Guild) is a global collaborative of mixed media artisans intent on further understanding and applying eCommerce advertising and promotion techniques.

I am very proud on our team leader / founder, Ms. AnnaLee Husband for her insight and hard work to get us this feature spot so quickly as we are very young in terms of team "life".

Martha Stewart promoted Etsy in a big way back on Fri Feb 29, 2008 on her show:

Etsy on the Martha Stewart Show
February 29, 2008 at 3:35 pm · Filed under Marketing, Press · By Kate Black
Rob Kalin from Etsy was one of the guests on Martha Stewart’s Leap Year show today!
The focus was on artwork made by members, including CubistLiterature & DesiraPesta — the shirt Rob’s wearing, The Black Apple — doll & painting, The Sweetest Pea — stuffed monster on the left, and ToyBreaker — screenprinted ties.

And Rachael Ray also featured Etsy :
Check out what she had to say on You Tube!


Regardless of the fact we are currently experiencing a few "growing pains" I am very proud of each and every member. We all make a difference~ together!!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Other "artsy" endeavors...and Marketing tips

As I was rewriting my profile for my Etsy store, I gave some thought to sharing more about myself with my online family and visitors alike. Before my jewelry there was art... before my 30's or 20's...there was art. All my life I have drawn, painted, crocheted, made quilts, tatted, knitted and have tried various other mediums. Of all these, jewelry making is by far my favorite. I love the feeling of taking a mass of beads, gems and wire and making something that someone will proudly wear! There is nothing like hearing the "ooohh and ahhhs" of a satisfied customer.

Here are some other artsy creations....My room divider \ Photo display ~I painted the rose trellis freehand.




My Wedding album... I designed the album and painted each flower on paper individually then cut them out and arranged them on the photo page. Labor intensive...but I love it!



And glass painting... these goblets found a home with my Mom.



Marketing tip:
Never compete on price alone. If you do, there'll be no reason for customers to return if a competitor has a better deal. You need to offer added value, whether it's a strong guarantee or better customer service, or discounts to repeat customers... to draw customers permanently into the fold.

Vintage! MyGemStoneBox on Bonanzle

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