Winner! Winner! Beady Dinner???

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you that spread the word about my show! Congratulations go to Anne T who won the $40 Gift Cert on Facebook and to Lynn J who won the $25 Gift Cert here  on my Blog!!! I appreciate everyone of you who helped!

Now, what do I do with all the beads that didn't find homes???  

The Trunk Show is HERE!

Tomorrow is opening day for my first trunk show! You can preview now and I will add prices in the morning. There is a Buy It Now (BIN) option for everything as well as an opening auction price.  To buy it now, just say "mine" in the comments and it's yours for the BIN price. OR take a gamble and place a bid...

The contest is still going on so I'm placing the rafflecopter here. Do please keep spreading the word! I need all the help I can get!!! And I so appreciate it!

I'm having TWO give aways! One for $40 on Facebook. All you have to do is SHARE the original post and you are entered there.

And here on the blog, I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate via rafflecopter (You can repeat certain entries for MORE chances to win!):


a Rafflecopter giveaway

My First Trunk Show!

I am full of the nervousness over my very first trunk show!!! It will be this week, August 28 - 30 via Artisans Open Market on Facebook.They are a wonderful group that hosts juried sales many times a month! If you are not a member, please head on over and join so that you will get events notices!

My sale will be glass beads and jewelry but I'm also pulling out some of my crystal show stash from ages ago when I did cake shows with the food safe rubber stamps. There will be lots of earrings and little sweet treat pendants ready to wear!

I sure hope you will come take a l@@k. But that's not all...

I'm having TWO give aways! One for $40 on Facebook. All you have to do is SHARE the original post and you are entered there.

And here on the blog, I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate via rafflecopter (You can repeat certain entries for MORE chances to win!):


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Challenge

Sometimes you need a spark of an idea to get you going. It's no big secret that I've been struggling to make beads since my sister passed away.  A few weeks ago, the Promotional Frenzy Team on Etsy announced a challenge for March. We were to make a new item for our Etsy shops using the following trends:

• Bright Colors for a Pop
• Florals
• Polka Dots
• Geometric shapes/patterns 
• Emerald Green
• Reclaimed Materials (Earth Day theme)
• Personalized Mother's Day Gifts
• Easter Themed

 I love the bead set I made!

 

The focal is here and the set is here.

Creative Highlights from 2012

I thought it would be fun to review some of my favorite projects from 2012. Looking over my blog posts from the last year, I'm happy to say it was fun and creative!

I was honored again to be selected for the Women In Glass issue of The Flow for one of my eye beads featuring the silvered glass eye murrini of  my friend Janel Dudley

I also won a photo contest sponsored by Archipeligo Botanicals to support breast cancer with this photo of my sister:

The bestie, her sister, a family friend and I planned our niece's wedding. I had a lot of fun making props for the photo booth and pulling off a most elegant wedding! Beading this ballerina (still in progress in this pic) for the candy table was most rewarding:

 

Which leads me to the most sentimental bead of the year:

That heart was made from the champagne bottle used to toast the nuptials. I framed it for the bride and groom with a story for them. The whole post is here.

Speaking of sentiment, I made a record number of Memorial beads... far more than shared here. For some of my customers, the memories are too fresh and painful so I don't even ask if I may share. Others...something magical just happens and I feel so blessed to have been a part of that grief process. (I have one of those to share.... but, you'll have to wait til next year!) While this work takes a lot out of me emotionally.... I'm SUCH a sensitive redhead... it is the MOST rewarding.

I found several color combinations that I simply adore this year. The Rio Party series was just plain fun and I had to make a necklace for myself:

My other favorite is from the Uptown Girl series... I just love the red and black with a little sparkle:

 

But my all time favorite bead of 2012 is this bent bead made in Kim Neely's Ether colors:

It was a challenging and creative year and I'm hoping that 2013 is  even more so and hopefully a little more profitable!

Happy New Year to all of you!

What a Week!

I've been kinda quiet here, thanks to a "what was I thinking?" issue with my teaching schedule. Yes, folks, the gal to travels and teaches for a large part of her living managed to book herself 3 classes in 6 days! O.M.G!!!!!! It's no wonder I'm running around like a drunk chicken!

There ARE new beads... just no time to list! 

Wanna take a ride on the magic carpet of my last week? Hold ON!

• Wednesday - Wire Wrap I class...  dashing out the door, check email. Spot an order from a customer who orders lots of fondant  every year. Fondant...hmmm. OMG! FONDANT... of the truck load of supplies needed for cookie class, I have forgotten about fondant! Call vendor and place an order on the way to class. Whew! Thank you Universe!
• Thursday - need to bake cookies for cookie class but enrollment keeps fluctuating. Distractions abound...phone calls from customers, emails about custom stamp plates, promoting a photo that's a finalist in a breast cancer awareness contest, monitor online contest promoting shelter adoptions. Decide to make use of ebay's last day of free listings instead of prepping for class. 71 items listed... Great.
• Friday - MUST BAKE COOKIES! Bake enough for class + demo + 2 extra sets in case of walkins. Clean up and realize that Monday's class is small enough, one more batch might buy some downtime on Sunday. Land a custom bead order from repeat customer. Do the happy dance. Pack cookie kits to sell, load up all the store items, vases, silk flowers, money box, ipad, and kitchen tools. Get ready for bed. Realize there are no Hershey's kisses to make rosebuds for the cookie bouquets. Go to the grocery store in a bathrobe.
• Saturday - Leave for class at 8:15 - Unload, set up store items, kitchen work area, flower arranging work area and painting area. Teach and sell. Clean up / load up and home. Beg the dog for a night off... No luck... maybe the hike will make the back pain stop screaming. No, it doesn't. Collapse in a puddle on the sofa. The phone rings. Can't move. It rings again and again. Look  at caller i.d. IT'S A CUSTOMER. At 9 pm on a Saturday. WTH? Check messages...nothing urgent. Reprogram call forwarding. 
• Sunday - Back pain dominates. Breakfast with the bestie who's been out of town. Major exciting household finds at the thrift shop afterwards! Lunch with the hiking buddy. Feeling guilty, make the beads for the custom order. Check emails and messages and find that the same customer has now called about her non urgent issues a total of 12 times in less than 24 hours, leaving an actual message 7 times. On a Sunday! Decide to put her on the back burner until Monday.
• Monday - Repack sold items in store kits. Call anxious customer. She adds LOTS of items to the order going out. Fell guilty for not responding on Sunday. Get angry for feeling guilty for wanting a little quiet time. Find out my photo won the contest! Pack orders, pick up assistant (the bestie), unload and realize 30 minutes before class on box of crucial items is missing - still in the driveway. So is the ipad... can't take credit cards. Race home - get to class 10 minutes late. UGH! Home by 10 - glad all classes went well! 
• Tuesday - Try to pack the anxious one's order, realize one item is out of stock. Call local-ish vendor to verify their stock. On the way out the door, the bestie calls - tickets to Dancing with the Stars TONIGHT! Spend an hour and a half running errands toward the vendor. Realize vendor doesn't have item you need and curse the whole drive home. Electrical contractor who has promised to show up for two weeks is at the shop... asking questions, needing input. Can't press rubber...he's in the way. No orders can ship and the studio call is now an hour earlier than expected! Race to get dressed in decent clothes and realize there was no lunch! Enjoy the show, dinner with friends. Home exhausted and ready for bed at 8pm.

 This is the photo of my sister that won the Archipelago Botanicals Contest! So excited... she will be getting all kinds of goodies from them!

Today, shipping MUST resume in the shop!  There's rubber to press... did I mention - I've manage to run out of rubber??? OY!

I hope to come up for air in a day or two... that is  after shipping 10 packages of dog prizes from the Creekhiker blog and dealing with those 71 listings on ebay! Er - Maybe it'll be another week....

Blog Giveaway

Crystal Gayle Photography is hosting a blog give away for many of our Promo Frenzy Team members! Crystal has rounded up lots of prizes so there are plenty of goodies to win!


Here are the prizes:

 Holly's Folly ~ Glass

Prize: Dark Chocolate glass bead truffle earrings with lemon accents. Wire wrapped with sterling silver and Swarovski crystals.

Value: $30. First class shipping.

Haus of Ariella

Prize: Union Jack stud earrings

Value: $10.00

Petunia and Ivy

Prize: Newborn bonnet

Value : $28.00

Linda B's Jewelry

Prize: Black Onyx Round Gemstone Earrings 

Value: $24 - free US and Canada shipping 

RAKJPatterns

Prize: Any 3 patterns from RAKJpatterns

Value: $12.00

Aulani Photography

Prize: Flower 4x4 print

Value: $7.00

Unique Cozy Treasures

Prize: LIP BALM Organic Beeswax Hydrating Pina Colada .15 oz. Tube

Value: $3.25+ 1.95 s&h = $5.20 Total Value

Prittyfy Jewelry

Prize: Blue Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

Value: $25 (shipping included within USA)

Peelirohini

Prize: Antiqued silver leverback earrings 

Value: $42.00

NewCreatioNZ

Prize: Printable Mini Cards

Value: $12.00

MagicByLeah

Prize: Set of 2 handmade emoticon smiley face pens handmade in polymer clay by MagicByLeah.  The smiley face design comes from a polymer clay millefiori cane designed and created by me these smiles will never 'die' when the ink runs out, simply remove and replace.

Value: $20.00

SmileyKitCreations

Prize: Calico Cat Figurine.  Brown calico cat figurine made with 4mm swarovski crystals. Measures about height 1 1/4 inches and width from tail to head is 1 5/8 inches Value: $30.00  (Shipping is Free to US and Canada. International will be flat rate $2.00)

Little Fawn Designs

Prize: Diaper clutch. These pouches are large enough to fit all your little ones essentials, great for short trips. Will fit approx. 5 diapers (measured with size 4), a travel pack of wipes, small toy, a soother and plenty of space to spare! Each pouch is fully lined and interfaced for added stability. Measurements: Height: 9",

Width: 12", Flat bottom: 2". Strap: Extends 6" from pouch. Machine wash in cold water. Hang to dry. May be ironed but please avoid ironing over the label as it will melt.

Value: $22.00 Canadian and shipping.

 Holly's Folly ~ Glass

Prize: Dark Chocolate glass bead truffle earrings with lemon accents. Wire wrapped with sterling silver and Swarovski crystals.

Value: $30. First class shipping. 

Terriberri Originals

Prize: Newborn Size Snoopy/Woodstock baby booties.

Value: $14.50 plus $3.80 shipping

RomanticThoughts

Prize: This delicate necklace features faceted Czech glass in three graduated shades of pink along with glass pearls. It would be ideal for a wedding - or for a young lady. The necklace measures approximately 17 inches in length and closes with a lobster claw clasp.

Value: $22.00

Bargains 4 Mom

Prize: Leaf nacklace and earring set

Value: $9.49

  

Crystal Gayle Photography

Prize: 1 5x7 loose page calendar (print style to be determined)

Value: $30.00 plus shipping

 

TO ENTER, VISIT  Crystal Gayle Photography

I'm a Winner!

The Promotional Frenzy Team had a giveaway on their blog back in June and I won!!! I won a pair of earrings from Pagan Cellar Jewelry. To my surprise, Bill, the mastermind behind Pagan Cellar Jewelryon Etsy sent me two pair! Score!

The talented folks on the Promotional Frenzy Team ALWAYS have something going on... You ARE playing along in their Pin to Win DAILY Christmas In July giveaway on Pinterest, right????

Today's Giveaway is sponsored by Oh Honey Hush

Source: etsy.com via KatersAcres on Pinterest

Promo Frenzy Glass Heart Winner

Congrats to Erika of ArtfulRising on Etsy for winning my glass bead  heart in the Promotional Frenzy Team's Pin It to Win It Giveaway!

Erika is from Texas and creates lovely custom journals and she has an amazing blog about journaling! I love this post about the lies we tell ourselves (I'm so guilty of that!)!

I just adore clipping recipes (I like having a book to flip through!) and think this recipe book is a great idea.

 

Recipe Book with handpainted watercolor cover Food for the Soul

On the flip side, Erika tells me that her weight loss journals are her best sellers:

Show Up Fitness Journal

I wish I had known about Erika's journals when we were doing the niece's wedding. Is this a terrific guest book?

Wedding Guest Book 1st Corinthians Love Verse

Please be sure to check out Erika's Artful Rising Shop on Etsy and... Don't forget to "Pin It to Win It" all month long over on Pinterest! Today's giveaway is a vintage bracelet  from PaganCellarJewelry!

Source: etsy.com via KatersAcres on Pinterest

Fresh Glass 7/3 / Contest

Fresh Glass - Yes I'm on a Mickey Minnie kick ( Or as I call them Micnie / Minkey - depending on who gets top billing!) It's been a very stressful time with my sister being so ill and I just need a little fun! The Disney beads are not for sale.. personal collection only.

Also, PLEASE remember to Pin to Win by 9pm EST tonight!

Source: etsy.com via KatersAcres on Pinterest

Pin to Win / Christmas in July

The Promotional Frenzy Team of Etsy is so excited about Etsy's Christmas in July Sale, they're hosting a give away EVERY DAY this month on Pinterest! I'm proud to be participating and my glass bead heart is up for grabs by midnight EST tomorrow!

Source: etsy.com via KatersAcres on Pinterest

Just repin the ORIGINAL pin and be sure to leave a comment so I can contact you should you win! I'm including one of my friction clasp rubber necklaces so this baby comes ready to wear! ;-)

Now for the sales specials:
I'm offering free shipping using coupon code freeship30 for free shipping on orders over $30. IF you are a fan, mention that in the comments for a 10% refund on your order!

Golden Sands Shea Butter Soap by Magic by Leah

1. MagicByLeah.etsy.com Entire shop 20% off

2. SunnyCrystals.etsy.com Entire shop 20% off - Coupon Code SUMMER2012

3. Bijibijoux.etsy.com Entire shop 10% off - Prices already reduced, no coupon code required

4. GreenhouseGlassworks.etsy.com - 20% off everything in my shop - Coupon: XMASJULY

5. GrapeVineCeramicsGft.etsy.com - 20% off everything - Coupon: CIJ2012

6. preciousbowtique.etsy.com- 10% off everything- Coupon: CIJ10

7. Cloudninedesginz.etsy.com - 20% off orders of $30 or more- Coupon: CIJ25, 10% off orders under $30 Coupon: CIJ10

8. CrystalGaylePhoto.etsy.com - SHIPFREE for free shipping in Canada and USA; and FREE GIFT.

9. HollysFollyGlass.etsy.com - freeship30 for free shipping on orders over $30. Mention that you are a fan for a 10% refund on your order!

10. SymbolicImports.etsy.com - 30% off - Prices are already reduced, no coupon code required. (Cannot be combined with any other offer) Soap favors are excluded.

11. AulaniPhotography.etsy.com - [See shop announcement] Get 10% off with coupon code cij10 +always free US shipping, also get a free fourth print with 3 print packs, and $5 gift coupon with $25 purchase, $10 with $50, $15 with $75, & $25 with $100 (all before shipping and tax).

12. CrochetedbyCharlene.etsy.com - FREESHIPPING for free USA shipping. International customers - contact me for a special discount.

13. RomanticThoughts.etsy.com - 20% off everything in the shop
Coupon Code: CIJ2012

14. Trinketsnwhatnots.etsy.com - 25% off of EVERYTHING in my shop. No coupon needed, prices already reduced.

 Petite Hessonite Rhodolite Garnet Earrings by Peelirohini

15. Peelirohini.etsy.com - Code CIJ2012 for a 15% Off on all Purchases

16. NewEnglandQuilter.etsy.com - Coupon: FREESHIPUSA for Free Domestic Shipping - see shop announcement for international shoppers.

17. lindab142.etsy.com - code CIJ2012a for 25% on $25 purchases.

Be sure to check back for updates to the list after the holiday and get over to Pinterest for a chance to win great prizes everyday!!!

Fire Divas Black Tie Challenge

The Fire Divas are getting ready for all those fancy Holiday and New Year parties? Well take a look at these pretty baubles! Our theme this month was Black Tie - something you would wear to dress up a bit.

Please cast your vote on the right side of the Fire Divas Blog and make sure to leave a comment below, and you could be the lucky winner of a 20% off coupon from the ArtFire shop of Amy Sims Designs!

The Poll closes at midnight EST this Saturday, December 17th, and we will post the results on Sunday.
Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

Entry 4

Entry 5