eSMArts Showcase

Best of the best stars on eSMArts Team

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

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.

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.

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.

New to Etsy today...and Marketing Tips!

I learned a new weave that I absolutely love! It is called Tucuman Braid. This weave originated in Argentina and was used to make horse reins. The clasp is usually the focus of this particular bracelet but I spiced it up with some freshwater pearls and peridot beads (thanks AnnaLee!). I really enjoyed making this piece and am planning on my next to be silver with some yummy ruby beads… GaHooleTreeSupplies .

Marketing tip:

Contact small local area businesses such as hair \ nail salons, boutiques, banks etc. See if you can set up a table for a week or two where you can display catalogs, fliers, coupons and your business card. Keep a basket on the table for any customer orders which you can follow up on after you return back to pick up your display. Offer the store owner or manager a free gift for allowing you to do this.

Social Marketing eSMARts with Squidoo

I've put together another Squidoo lens to give you an idea of how the lens can be adapted to marketing your site(s) and the team too. http://www.squidoo.com/MyGemStoneBoxbyDianeI'd like to see how many of you are interested in learning how to make these lenses and create a plan of walking through the steps to building one with all those interested. I'm thinking a combination of written instructions that you all could look over and play with and then maybe schedule the chat room to facilitate questions and answers regarding what issues you may have encountered. Gladly welcome any ideas you may have on the topic. So far I have two people that have voiced interest ellenwheels2001 and jewelryelegance.... Anyone else??

News on my store: this piece that will be going on sale in my Etsy store in the next few days. It's called "Catch the Wave". The bracelet is made from dichroic glass and cane glass with sterling silver wire that forms a "wave" on the wrist. Be on the lookout for a great new price!

Magnetic closures

Let me start by saying I was never a big fan of magnetic closures until my Mom asked me to add one to a necklace for her. What a great little invention! I have been using them more often on my own jewelry and incorporating into my designs. I was always a toggle or lobster clasp gal until I bought a 10 pack to use for her (less expensive per piece). I didn't realize how much of a hassle putting on a bracelet was until I put on my Delicate and Raku for a size and comfort check and what a surprise! No muss no fuss! These things are great, no more "Hey hon, can you help me out here....." feeling all of my 40 “somethingness”. Check them out for yourself-