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!

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!

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!

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.

Needles aren't always bad....

Especially when they are in Rutilated Quartz...how interesting and intriguing! While most varieties of transparent quartz are valued most when they show no inclusions, some are valued chiefly because of them! The most popular of these is known as rutilated quartz. Rutilated quartz is transparent rock crystal with golden needles of rutile arrayed in patterns inside it. Each pattern is different and some are breathtakingly beautiful. The inclusions are sometimes called Venus hair. This is soon to be a new edition on my Etsy site! It is gorgeous!

Today's marketing tip:
Time to think about back to school...more specifically ~College Campuses.
Dorms & Housing Students are always looking to spend money. A lot of college students are also looking for an extra income so target them with the Business Opt too! Drop off fliers and business cards to the College Student Center. Most colleges usually have bulletin boards, tables and other things where you can leave your information at for FREE. Plan ahead!

I've Got The World On a String...and more marketing tips!

Lapis Lazuli....what a beautiful gem. With the gold flecks throughout it reminds me of seeing the earth from outer space. Lapis is said to evoke knowledge, wisdom, perfection, protection, and creative expression. This was my new edition today on Etsy. Just a reminder...my "Catch the wave bracelet" will be going on sale soon! Be on the lookout!

Today's marketing tip:
Small Home Town Newspapers- we have a few called "The Bargain Buyer" and "The Valley Breeze". Be sure to inquire about getting your ads on specific pages in the newspaper or flyer that target the group of people most likely to buy from you. If you sell bridal jewelry, ask for the section announcing weddings and engagements. If you sell animal related jewelry ask to be printed on the pages selling pets or livestock. Big newspaper city ads are usually more expensive and most times the payback is not as great.

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!

Saco Bound part DEUX

I am pleased to report we had a wonderful time on the Saco! We had a total of 13 adults, 14 kids and one puppy. It was wet and wild....literally. Many people camp along the river edge and they do not hesitate to use passers-by as target practice with water balloons and high velocity water rifles. We were well prepared with all the ammo (balloons and water guns) that we could carry...all in good fun. Six canoes made it on the five hour trek unscathed and not one tipped! Before leaving I filled an order that I received through my website and also had time to make these pretty earrings.

These will be coming soon to my Etsy shop. I can make them with any color crystal you like also available in copper and gold by request!

Saco Maine Bound!

Come 6:00 am tomorrow morning we are packed and ready to head into the great unknown…or almost forgotten. My husband comes from a large family, there are six brothers and sisters- all have children, some in college and some just out of pampers. We are all headed to Saco Maine for a family canoe and camping weekend. The last time we had this adventure my son was seven or eight- he is starting high school come September. My most vivid memory of the trip was that every single canoe tipped at least once during the trip. I’m not sure what to expect, but the weather looks promising and… hey… a day off from work is always welcome! Trying to finish up a couple orders, getting them shipped while going through the mental checklist to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. I’m sure I’ll have stories to share come Monday!

Etsy eSMArts Team

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! We had a great family cookout....I hosted over 50 family and friends for our annual 4th celebration. It was great, thankful that the rain held out.

I have recently joined an Etsy team called eSMArts and I am loving it! It is a new team still in the forming stage but what a wonderful group of artisans. If you are an Estian and looking to be part of a great team take a look at these links ....

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/eSMArts/join

http://www.esmarts.blogspot.com/

I've included example of the lovely items made by our talented team members.

Best,

D

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-

March, May and October Keepsake Rosary

Here is my latest rosary design. Swarovski crystals: green emerald for May, aqua blue for March and pink tourmaline for October. Clear AB crystals add contrast and lovely color.

This rosary will be a cherished gift for a friend of my sister-in-law.

I can make one for you~just click on the rosary and you will be taken to my online quote form.

Blessings~

D