Testimonials from happy customers at MyGemStoneBox:

I wanted to share these with you..... I'm so excited about the feedback I'm getting:


I bought the copper & chalcedony bracelet.....
Thanks Diane. I got it yesterday. It is beautiful.
I will enjoy it
-Wendy

Diane,
I got it! And love everything dearly. Thank you so much for your creative endeavors. YES indeed! Very happy. As always looking for more.
-Marlene

Yes my grandmother and mother loved the rosaries. Thank you soo much. My grandmother was actually hoping that someone was going to get her a rosary.
-Lesly



Dear Diane,

I just picked up the rosary from the post office as we were away for a few days and my mail was being held. I do not know how to express to you my excitement upon opening the box. It is extrodinary and was just what I had in mind. The colors of the crystals are so vibrant and the sterling cross and chalice are just perfect. I absolutely LOVE it, and I am sure that my grandaughter will too. When you ask her what her favorite color is, she will tell you "A Rainbow of Colors" grandma. So I can't wait until she sees her beads. I want to thank you so much for all your help and hard work by creating this SPECIAL gift for me to give to her for her communion!!!

-Diane Nicholas



Hi Diane,



The rosary arrived and I love it. Thanks so much, and I will have to look around your websites for something for myself now...thanks also for the discount offer!

-Debi

Happy 4th Everyone!

Here is what I managed to do on my vacation!!



My other "Major accomplishment" this week is my first tutorial.... be on the look out for it!!


Copper Coiled Cache Bracelet!

Tutorial is available via pdf file for only $5 USD!!

Simply drop an email requesting it to:

mygemstonebox@yahoo.com

I'll be posting it to my Etsy store too!!

June Giveaway, Vintaj! and a much deserved Vacation

Congratulations Liz of Mad Bush Farm ! You will have these lovely pink earrings in the mail to you shortly. Although, not sure how long it will take to get to you in New Zealand! Enjoy them.

My eSMArt friend and teammate, Teri, is a Vintaj representative. These lovely brass pieces mixed with raw copper look fantastic together.

Teri is a great friend and designer. Besides her jewelry on Etsy she authors a blog, Hubpage, and is on Twitter- follow her!

A bit more about Teri: She has a jewelry design business with her best friend and business partner Saundra. They incorporated as a business in 2003 and have been slowly growing their inventory AND their skill sets ever since. In 2008 they began their online webpage and Etsy storefront, and are working on promotions with the eSMarts Etsy Team and a local Louisville group. They have in home shows, hostess jewelry parties, have a booth at fairs and festivals, and offer jewelry trunk shows.

Don’t forget if you see something on Vintaj – Teri is the person to contact to get a great deal for you!

I am on vacation this week! Yaaa! My last week off was a year ago… we usually take a winter holiday but because of Fred’s health issues we skipped Florida this year. Boy, has that caught up to me. We are doing absolutely nothing this week…. it is great to have no plans. Here is what I managed to do with some of my time so far:

Clear faceted quartz, chalcedony, garnet and opalite in silver

Amethyst rounds with opalite and silver

Fluorite, pink candy jade, amethyst done in silver

Vintage! MyGemStoneBox new additions!! MyGemStoneBox on Etsy a new piece and Full Editor Status on Bella!

I adore these new pieces that I found today! They are all listed on Bonanzle.... stop by and check them out!

The first and second pieces are unsigned, but lovely vintage pieces.

The third piece is an older Avon vintage snowflake brooch.

The last, but certainly not the least, is my favorite~ a Weiss vintage brooch with beautiful raspberry and emerald rhinestones.

We had a lovely day looking for my new treasures and enjoyed the summer like weather.

Don't forget to leave a comment and enter to win my April drawing!

I listed a new piece at Etsy this week.... This is one I am very proud of and I think I can say it is technically my best piece. I take great pride in this one, my design and my technique have greatly improved. See what you think:

And last on the list for tonight, I have been promoted to Full Editor Status on BellaOnline. I completed all the requirements and now have full access to the site!

Sold this on Etsy this week:

It's been a good week!!

Featured artists from my Flickr group Jewelry Collectors Showcase and introducing MyGemStoneBox Vintage! on Bonanzle

I have choosen to feature two very unique individuals~ they both have contributed greatly to the wonderful photo pool we have going. First is Susan from My Sassy Glass here is a bit about her: “I started fusing glass almost three years ago and fell in love with this medium. I specialize in making one-of-a-kind pendants. I really love to experiment with glass and putting pieces of glass together in ways that I have never seen done before. Working with glass is like photography in that it's like Christmas when you open the kiln to see what you have... just like when you develop a roll of film. I love it!"

Next is Tashina, she is 17 and focusing on her jewelry business, Dragonfly Key, before going to college. She is also writing two books and makes sim clothing in her free time. Great to see someone at that age have so much passion and drive! Good luck to you my dear!!

Keep an eye out for my next update on the studio.... it's looking good!! I can't wait until it is finished.

I am experimenting with a new venue~ Bonanzle

I'm thinking that this site will be for MyGemStoneBox Vintage! All my handmade items will stay with Etsy and all my new collector pieces of vintage costume jewelry I will offer on Bonanzle. Here are some of the types of items that I will be featuring (Trifari, Coro, AJC, Renoir just as a starting point!)

Don't forget to leave a comment as that will enter you automatically into the drawing for a pair of MyGemStoneBox's one-of-a-kind earrings!!

New Studio in progress! New member to a Jewelry Collecting group and New antique bracelet added to my Collection!

It has been a long time coming.... I have been creating jewelry on the island in the kitchen, on the couch in the living room....stealing any spot I could. I'm hopeful, that one day in the very near future I'll be able to report I finally have a studio!!
My husband, Fred, is very handy and has wanted to convert the 3 season room for me for sometime now. But, one thing after another~ including this health issues have prevented this from happening. He is feeling better now....so I benefit! I love sunflowers and that is the color I have chosen for the Studio that has a wonderful view of the pond. Ebony, our cat, is over-seeing the project.

And yes, those are wire wrapped onyx and citrine gemstones hanging from the pull chains on my ceiling fan!

I have joined a new group of Jewelry Collectors at http://www.jewelcollect.org/ and they have given me a wonderful welcome. I'll keep you posted as to the types of information that is traded on that mail list. So far, everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I'm looking forward to making new friends there as well as networking.

I'd like to share with you one more new item... I splurged and bought myself a piece of vintage jewelry I have wanting for I don't know how long.... a Renoir piece: this is a classic 1950's piece. I can't wait until it arrives!!


Don't forget to sign up for my earring give-a-way!!

1) Leave a post to any one of my entries for the month here on my blog ;2) Visit my Etsy site at http://www.unicorngem1994.etsy.com/ and pick your favorite piece. Return to my blog and leave an entry telling me your choice;3) Visit BellaOnline at http://www.bellaonline.com/about/JewelryCollecting let me know what your favorite article is or leave me an idea for a future jewelry collecting article.

These could be yours:

Introducing MyGemStoneBox by Diane's monthly jewelry give a way!

Beginning with this entry I’m introducing a new feature for MyGemStoneBox blog~ a monthly give-a-way that you~ my favorite reader~ can win any one of three ways:
1) Leave a post to any one of my entries for the month here on my blog ;
2) Visit my Etsy site at http://www.unicorngem1994.etsy.com/ and pick your favorite piece. Return to my blog and leave an entry telling me your choice;
3) Visit BellaOnline at http://www.bellaonline.com/about/JewelryCollecting let me know what your favorite article is or leave me an idea for a future jewelry collecting article.

That is all there is to it!! A random entry will be chosen and announced during the first week of the following month. Good Luck! April's give a way are these lovely copper and opalite earrings.

New listings this week at Etsy

Princess Aqua and Silver Earrings

Wild and Earthy Necklace

Watch for my upcoming blog entries on S&T Creations, Saundra and Teri, two very special & talented eSMArts Team members and more about our team store!

Natural Celtic Necklace

Handmade Product Directory and meet Dani Garcia of eSMArt's team

MyGemStoneBox by Diane is now listed in the Handmade Product Directory and the Arcade! A different storefront- but the same great items! Come by and visit.

I’d like to introduce you to Danis Garcia known to us at eSMArt’s as Dani. She is an independent jewelry artisan living in the Texas Hill Country just outside of San Antonio. She runs a Bulkbuy group on Yahoo selling lovely gems, stones and jewelry supply for those who share the love of creating their own designs.

Besides selling gems she also started making jewelry years ago, mostly for her, family and friends but it blossomed into a full time love of creating after her four children were grown and doing their own thing. She also loves creating that one truly unique element for some of her jewelry designs by custom wrapping stones, shells and other materials with sterling silver, copper or gold filled wire as well other handmade findings. Dani is currently learning to make pendants and other elements in glass and precious metal clay.

You can find Dani at DG Designs on Etsy and on her blog. I invite you to check out her store and here are a few of her wonderful pieces.

I created a new necklace this weekend… this is the first showing and soon to be listed on Etsy. I have always loved the sun/moon motif maybe that is the Aquarius in me?? Most of the beads came from Dani .... Here I used the translucent seaglass mixed with dumortierite round faceted beads, Bali style sterling silver and a touch of light blue Swarovski crystals. This has become my new favorite for everyday wear. It matches my jeans perfectly. This stone is said to act as an aid to your mental capabilities in overcoming tough situations. It opens the third eye chakra to enhance mental (and emotional) intelligence. Another good reason to wear it!

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.

Blue Ice Necklace and Marketing Tips

One of my favorite jewelry making magazines is "Step by Step Wire Jewelry". In the September volume, I fell in love with this necklace called the Scroll gate chain. I had to give it a try. Made from 22 gauge silver wire and a lovely 23 ct. Ice blue topaz as a focus this will be a new addition to my Etsy store in the near future. (Thanks again AnnaLee!)

Marketing Tip:

Send handwritten thank-you notes. It's old-fashioned, but it's still a good way to show customers that you want their business. Even big-box retail salespeople send an occasional note. Just be sure it's personalized. "Dear Valued Customer" will defeat the purpose.

New rosary and more Marketing Tips!

This rosary was designed by my customer after many emails back and forth between us. We needed to dial in exactly what he wanted with what I thought would look good and work within a budget. I think we did it! The wire-wrapping of the center beads in each decade give it personality with looking feminine, all components are gold filled and the beads are hematite. I sent pictures for approval before shipping and my customer is extremely pleased and anxious to receive them. Shipping them today~

Marketing tips:
When you give gifts to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers etc. make sure you give them gifts from your own company! These allow other people to see & touch your gift meaning FREE business exposure for you! (Plus, you bought the gift from yourself so you are saving money!)

Personal Milestone and more Marketing tips!

This week I broke into the 200’s…. hearts that is….in my Etsy store. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Etsy, it is a system set up to show your approval or liking of a certain shop or item within the shop. Does it mean more sales? Not necessarily, but it is nice to know there are more than 200 people that have visited my shop and have liked what they see!

Marketing tip:
On occasion, I have received letters from charitable organizations asking for auction item donations for a worthy cause. Your donation can be written off as a tax deduction plus you will get FREE Advertising & Business Exposure for participating! Or, donate a Product to your local area Radio Station, they have numerous contests and they are always looking for sponsors!

Marvelous, Mystical, Malachite & Marketing tips~

This was my new addition today at my Etsy store. A gorgeous stone, Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant's cradles.

Marketing tip:

Contact your local area Welcome Wagon or Welcome to the Neighborhood Group! Ask them if you can leaving mini catalogs, fliers, business cards, discount coupons, freebie mini gifts, etc with them. They are always looking for additional items to place in their Welcome Bags!

How is Blogging working for you? More marketing tips!

I have been keeping this blog for less than two months now. At first, I didn't know what to expect from taking the time to "talk" about my jewelry. I really didn't think that it would be of interest to anyone. I've got to tell you that in the past few weeks I blogged about "Got the world on a string" SOLD.... "Needles aren't always bad" SOLD.... and I promoted that I was going to put my "Catch a wave" bracelet on sale and that SOLD this weekend! Coincidence, I don't think so! So my eSMArts friends...keep up the blogging it does work!

I made this cuff bracelet this weekend...just putting the finishing touches on it and up to my Etsy site it will go! Copper is lightly hammered and the lovely blue beads are from Szarka http://www.magpiegemstones.com/ ~Wholesale Gem Bead Store~ Szarka has some very lovely pieces that make designing jewelry easy!

Marketing tip:

Get a vehicle banner made for your automobile. I recommend the vinyl window clings or vinyl cling ones that stick to your automobile but don't scratch or remove the paint. You can easily remove them when washing your vehicle!

Who loves Prasiolite???

I know I do! Prasiolite is actually amethyst that has been heat treated to a lovely green color.

Prasiolite, also called leek-green quartz, is a relatively rare gemstone which comes into being when certain amethysts from the Montezuma deposit in Brazil are exposed to heat of 932 degrees F to be exact. This elicits their green color, as well as the nickname 'green amethyst'. Its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale (ranging 1: Talc to 10: Diamond). This is a very durable stone.

Mystic Lore: Intuitive sources say that Prasiolite helps to link the physical and spiritual aspects of life, activating the heart as one's center of conscious. It is said to strengthen one's mind, emotions & will, and to attract prosperity.

I have this pendant and a set of matching earrings soon to be available on my Etsy site...keep your eye out for them!

Marketing tip for today:

Join your local area chamber of commerce! They are always holding local business events that you can participate in. Also, investigate if your area has a tourism council.... I was just sent a post card asking me to submit info on my studio and they offered me a spot on their website and the chance to network with other artists in the area!

Silver Byzantine Rose Design

Although I think my favorite medium is wire sculpting I do love chain maille. This necklace is part of a 3 piece set I posted at Etsy today. I have the bracelet and earrings to match. It took me about 3 evenings to assemble the necklace and an additional evening to put the bracelet and earrings together. For those that have not attempted the Byzantine pattern, it is quite easy once you get the hang of it and it flows quite nicely.


Marketing tip:

If you design and make jewelry to sell to brides and bridal parties consider contacting local area bridal supply stores, bridal gown stores, caterers, tux rental centers, wedding DJ's etc. Ask them if you can leave your business cards & fliers about the great (Company Name) Bridal Gift Registry for them to give to their customers. Offer store owners a free gift or a personal discount for helping you spread the word about your business!

Packaging your "pretties" and more Marketing tips.

I thought I would write briefly about packaging. It is your first "hands on" impression before your customer even see your piece(s) in person. Take this opportunity to create a memorable event with them. It doesn’t have to cost much. I love the design on my business cards and have incorporated that to packaging by simply taking a matching sheer burgundy ribbon and punching a hole into the top corner of the card and attaching it to the glossy black box that I use. How simple is that?

Marketing tip:

Many churches host "Harvest Fall Festivals". Plan now to contact them about getting a table or a booth. A lot of times this will cost you under $15.00 for a space! Besides your jewelry have fliers, catalogs, business cards, party sign up info (if you do home parties) etc. I usually do a contest drawing at these types of events. Make up entry blanks that gather the customer's info so that you can initiate contact with them again...be sure to include a space for email addresses!

My love for dichroic glass and more marketing tips!

I enjoy wire wrapping dichroic glass. One of my favorite places to find beautiful pieces is from
http://www.designercabs.biz/ I urge you to check out this site. Donna Cason has a wonderful selection, great prices and quick service.



Here is a little more about dichroic glass:


Dichroic Glass is valued and prized in the art glass world for its brilliant iridescent play of colors. The coating that produces the wonderful, iridescent play of colors is actually multiple micro-thin layers of metal oxides sprayed on the surface of the glass base. We have the aerospace industry to thank for creating this coated glass and it has been in use for art/beading purposes since the 1990's. Conversely, the glass fusing process has been in use since the times of the Phoenicians (about 4,000 years ago).




Today's Marketing Tip:


Get a license plate made up for your vehicle! If you your state allows it use your normal license plate on the back of your car, put your business named one on the front of the car! You can get one with just your business name on it for about $20-$30 per plate!

Would this interest you....and of course, Marketing tips

I know I'm not the first to make something like this.... I think my grandmother would call these added pieces "skirts". I was playing with the idea of introducing a few of these designs I would call "Impact" pieces. They fit neatly over any stud earring taking you from a business daytime look to a more dramatic night time look. Would you be inclined to use them? I’m looking for feedback. To those of you in my jewelry making eSMArts team, a special question for you.... Would you consider the purchase a tutorial on how to make these earrings? Is this something I should develop? I'm interested in your ideas and feedback! Thanks in advance.

Marketing tip for tonight:
Handout your business cards with a little pizzazz. Take a small zip lock baggy (snack sizes work well) with your Business Card or a flyer, a piece of candy such as hard candy or a lollipop, discount coupon is optional and a "small gift". I use my leftover stones that don't have a home and make up cell phone lanyards. I hand these out to the bank tellers, retail cashiers, even at my son's sport events. Keep a stash of them in the car, this makes it really easy as you go through any drive thru to pass them out!

Felt like sharing tonight

I know many of you in the eSMArts team are unaware of this....as I am still quite new to the team... but I have to share some awesome news with all of you. Let’s back up a smidge....my Mom and Dad live next door to me and we are very close. I've included a picture of the yard and view we share. We are very blessed, and give thanks for those blessings regularly. My dad got word last October that he was a victim of cancer. The outlook at that time was not very optimistic nor was it pessimistic...it was 50 /50. He proceeded to endure what seems like endless bouts of chemo and radiation...surgery...more chemo. He really was not the same man at Christmas time last year. Although he is young...only 65 and just ready to retire to his life long dream of fishing and relaxation, he was looking much, much older. After the surgery, the Doctor announced that the tumor was contained and removed, but he did not like the looks of a few "other areas". He did not expand on that, just ordered more chemo and testing and monitoring of his patient. It was at this time the Dr. suggested a new trial chemo drug be introduced in the war against this cancer. After much careful deliberation, it was decided that was what my dad wanted. We supported him whole heartedly. I would be quite remiss if I did not give a BIG, BIG thanks to my sister, Lisa, who was my dads tether through thick and thin. She did a great job with keeping him on schedule with Dr. visits and a whole host of things.
On July 11th we received word from his team of Doctors....4 total, that he is "CANCER FREE" Fred, Rich and I were on our way up to the Saco river in Maine. I can not explain to you the emotion.... I could not talk to anyone, I couldn't speak (there are a few of you family members I'm sure that will read that one and laugh)....I was just so thankful that is going to be well again. It's taken me a few weeks to adjust and be able to express all of this....and I though I would share it with all of you...my friends! NEVER underestimate the power of prayer and filling your life with positive thoughts and positive people.