Have a happy and safe holiday! Hope you get lots of treats :)

All Hallows Eve Sale!

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(¸.·´ (¸.·` SALE..SALE..SALE!! All Hallows Eve Sale Now through Sunday the 2nd! 15% off Selected Items! See my Sales Section:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5283130&section_id=5216973

Green Cleaning Your Pets

I use these two methods on my Great Danes and thought I would share them with you!

Flea Spray for Dogs (Cats tend to find citrus offensive...just like a cat huh?)

Slice up two lemons and pour almost boiling water over them. Let them soak overnight. Strain the liquid and pour into a spray bottle. Spritz your dog liberally and massage the solution into their coats. This will not only make your dog smell great but the Citrus oil kills and repels fleas. You can also use this solution to spray their bedding.

(Granted the fleas aren't bad during this time of year but it's a great solution to use next year!)


Wet Dog Smell??

Sprinkle your dog with baking soda and brush out the fur. It's quick easy and works great!

ShopHandmade Email

I just got an email from them...and I just had to share an excerpt of it with you! This is just another reason why I love their site :)







We did it! ShopHandmade crossed its first major milestone by listing 5,000 items for sale in our first month after opening! We chose to celebrate the event by planting 5,000 trees – one for each product listed. As they take root and flourish, we hope that this early success will echo forever in their leaves and branches.

Fusing vs. Soldering

So I saw this really great book on fusing silver. I was in a hurry, didn't have a chance to purchase it, but flipped through it really quick. I was pretty excited at the thought not having to solder, plus it showed you can hammer the piece after fusing. I have not had successful attempts at hammering after soldering, the piece just splits apart.

Today I decided to try it without having the book on hand. Well let's just say it kind of failed. First I tried fusing a ring that was made of low dome sterling silver. Nada! Then I tried a ring using 20g dead soft sterling silver...again nothing. Then with some scrap silver I tried a very thin piece, which I believe was 24 or 26 gauge. Well it kind of worked, part of the silver fused together, but not like it showed in the book.

Then I went online to see what I could find on the subject of fusing. It looks like the recommended silver to use is fine silver and not sterling. With fine silver the melting point is higher than sterling so that kind of confused me, but maybe it's the extra alloys that are in sterling that doesn't quite allow a fusing to happen.

Needless to say I'm going to purchase the book and see what I'm doing wrong or missing. So if any of you out there have ever tried fusing or have any tips or hints, can you send them my way? I would be greatly appreciative of it!

I was really hoping to have some fun pieces to list tomorrow...but that's not the case. As you can tell I'm one of those people that thinks I should be successful at least within the first few attempts....grrr....but I'm not going to give up. I'll post more information after a few more attempts. Back to the torch.

Easy Schmeasy

As promised I said that I would let you know how the transaction went with my sales on ShopHandmade. The title above describes it perfectly. It was simple and easy to say the least. You can view your invoice and it posts the sellers address plus the address they want the item shipped to. I do like that portion particularly because I can't tell you how often (on Etsy) the buyers address differs from their address on PayPal. At first I didn't think that I would be able to relist a sold item but I found that it's also quite simple.

1. Go to My Account
2. Click on Inventory (on the left sidebar)
3. Edit the item you want to relist
4. Change the quantity from 0 to 1 (or however many)
5. Save and Continue

Voila...you're done!

I actually relisted a pair of earrings at the same time as posting this.

I still have the majority of my inventory on Etsy and will probably keep it that way, but I'm slowly building my inventory on ShopHandmade as well.

If anyone has any questions about this site just shoot me a message. I'll be happy to answer what I can. Just remember that I'm still new to ShopHandmade so if it's a more technical question you can always contact them...they're very friendly and extremely quick to reply.

If you get a chance check out my shop there at http://shijewels.shophandmade.com . From there you can browse all that's listed within the site itself!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sales on ShopHandmade.com

I received my first 2 sales on ShopHandmade.com! I just wanted to post this really quick for those of you who have been inquiring about the site. I will post more later on how the process works!

Have a wonderful day!

A Good Day

Today turned out to be a pretty good day! After a couple of weeks with slow sales, I woke up to a sale this morning followed by 5 more...wow! What a way to start the day :) Even my day job was good, plus the weather was beautiful...sunshining with that crisp cold air. Then I had lunch with an old friend...she's a coworker from my previous job, and though we live in the same town we don't often get to spend time together.

After having lunch with my friend I realized that I really need to take the time and meet up with some of my old girlfriends whether it be over coffee, drinks or whatever. It was a breath of fresh air to break from the norm. Just reminiscing, talking about our kids and about our problems over a couple of Margaritas made all of life's problems seem to dissipate. It was lovely...and definitely a lot of fun!

I feel renewed, re-energized and look forward to what the rest of the week may hold. Who knew that these little happenings could make a world of difference?!

New Items

Here are some new pieces that I was able to list today. I think I'll work on some Goddess Adorned pendants tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to get some items listed before my meeting tomorrow night :)

Staying Positive and Being Thankful

At a time where the economy is low, and where money seems to being going out more than it's coming in...it can be difficult to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. For me, I'm being inundated with not only household bills, but upcoming graduation and college tuition costs. I need to line up my boys' Senior photos, plus order their cap and gowns and just those few things are right around $1000 for both of them. For college, I'm looking at close to $75,000 a year combined. And though the thought of all of those expenses can get me spiraling down into a nasty depression I still look at all of the things that I'm thankful to have. Like, the roof over my head, the cars that we drive, the job that I have, my pets, and so many other things, that I really have no right feeling down when there are plenty of others around the world don't even have that.

I was actually just talking to my mom about this...and telling her how thankful I am that I have my home...and how thankful I am that they have enough bedrooms in their house just in case I one day need to live there again! We both had a good laugh at that one, but all joking aside, I do have other resources if things were to go severely sour.

So how does one keep from getting so depressed when their being flooded with everyday bills, etc.? I had someone tell me once, "Why worry what you can't control? You're doing the best that you can and that's all that you can do...so don't sweat the small stuff...be happy in knowing that you are doing the best that you can."

You're probably thinking "easier said than done"! Believe me that's the same thing I was thinking when that friend of mine told me that little tidbit, but if you think about it, it's completely true. Plus I'm a firm believer in "Your thoughts attract" and I've put the latter to the test and it's definitely made me a believer! When I'm completely stressed out about money, it never fails that all of a sudden I get more unexpected bills or expenses...and it just keeps going and going...a vicious cycle so to speak. BUT, the second I say screw it...things will work out (the trick is to really believe it), everything does work out....don't ask me how, they just do.

This is where the verse from the song Tubthumping comes in....

"I get knocked down, but I get up again....never gonna keep me down"

I swear it's my new motto!

Don't get me wrong...from time to time I do wallow in the crap that overwhelms me (my pocketbook) but what I mentioned above helps me put things back into perspective! Walk away from the T.V. when all they're talking about is the down slide of our economy...it'll just depress you more. Instead, spend some time thinking about the things you do have, give yourself a break and stop beating yourself up. At the end of the day, if you can say that you've done the best that you can....then really that's all that you can do! Be happy with it...you'll get through it, we all will!

Surviving Homecoming

It was the boys last Homecoming Dance...and though hectic we survived :) It was an Asian themed dance and I wish I had pictures of the coronation from the Homecoming football game, I wasn't able to attend because we were working on the archway for the dance. We made the archway out of bamboo, then after a bunch of failed attempts to create a peak at the top we decided to leave it flat and added paper latterns using candles that were battery operated to illuminate them.

Chris was a Prince on prom court again, and I think for the first time it kind of bugged Brandon that he wasn't. As a parent of twins it's really hard to be excited for one and really bummed for the other. I know that there will be many times in their lives that one will achieve or receive something that the other can't or won't be able to get, but it still doesn't stop my heart from hurting. I guess that's just part of being a mom huh?

Well that pretty much was my weekend in a nutshell! I can remember the days of no responsibility, being able to come and go when I choose, and partying until the sun came up...those were the days. Though I reminisce fondly about those days...I wouldn't change a thing. Plus I don't think I could party til the sun comes up anymore....my body just can't take that kind of abuse anymore!

All of My Eggs in One Basket

Lately it's been really slow on Etsy, and I've even done some tests with my listings to see if it would make a difference. Nada! So it's really got me thinking about having all of my eggs in one basket. I've started to list more on ShopHandmade (the picture above is a pair that I just listed their last night). I've had views there, but no sales yet. I figure I'll probably be listing about 2 items a day or every other day there to fill up my store. They're still in their Beta testing period, so I know that it will probably be awhile before things start taking off there, but it's exciting to think that my shop is part of an innovative online venue.

I often wonder how some of the older (sellers who've been there for years) artisan jewelers are doing? Are they selling as often as they used to? If not, do they think it's because the jewelry side of it is so flooded? Or, do they think it's because of the economy? I personally feel that people are afraid to part with their money right now...and believe me I completely understand! I no longer purchase items that aren't necessary....or aren't needed. I'm fortunate though because "jewelry" is my second job, I can hold out until the economy improves, but I really feel for those that depend on this for a source of income.

I'm not giving up on Etsy, I love that site, it's been very good to me, but right now I just want to test the waters with other venues. Really you have nothing to lose listing on Shophandmade because it's completely free.

New Packaging

Yay...I finally got my new gift boxes!! It was a really tough choice personally to change from handmade gift boxes to these kraft boxes because I loved that little extra personal touch. BUT...economically speaking this was a much better way to go. The handmade gift boxes cost $2 each to make not including ribbon, organza bag, plastic storage baggy, tags, etc. These boxes work out to be .17 cents per box again not including the extras but it works out to be more financially feasible. Plus...these can be sent in a bubble mailer first class. With my previous handmade boxes I shipped Priority Mail, but then again this is something that I can consistantly do during the year that won't hurt the bottom line.

For the holidays though, I will be doing a shipping special that will consist of free Priority Mail shipping. I will also be doing SNS's (Saturday Night Sales/Specials) for discounts during this time as well. Once I've got the details I will post it here!

New Earrings and Charms

I made a bunch of different sizes of Organic Sterling Silver Hoops
plus some Hoop Charms to adorn them with. I also made myself a pair of the medium size one's and also some various charms for myself...love it! I even made an itty bitty pair to wear in my second piercing and I just left those plain today. The girls at work loved them and I have a feeling I'll need to start making a lot more.

The End

Well the end of Fall baseball anyways...and the last season my boys will be playing this league because this time next year they'll be in college. Hard to imagine...and I'm still adjusting to the thought of all the running around from game to game will be over. Who knows what their baseball fate will hold when it comes to college. The norm is that they will red shirt until their Junior year. Though they are aware of this, I hope it doesn't deflate their dreams of pursuing their love of this sport.

As far as I'm concerned I will be happy with whatever they choose to do with their lives. My only hope is that they end up working at a job that they love. Not many people are fortunate enough to do that...many of us work because we have to and are just thankful that we have the jobs that we do. With the economy the way it is...a lot of us don't have the luxury of choice when it comes to supporting ourselves or our families. I've got my fingers crossed that my children will have that luxury to choose to do what they love.

Stamps!

Yay...I got them today and quickly pulled out my tags and ink and started stamping away. I love my new logo and I can't wait to Trademark it. Hopefully next month :)

Chris from Avatarman did all of the hard work by turning the image into black and white line art. Chris is also the proud owner of two other shops Ideasign and Ideasigntattoos. He did a great job and I don't know what I would've done without him! Terbearco is the Etsy shop who makes these great stamps. Definitely check out all of their shops!

I'll be using the smaller stamp (used for the pictures above) for my earring cards and stamps. The larger stamp will be used for my kraft gift boxes. Those were just shipped to me yesterday so hopefully I'll receive them early next week. I'm using green ink and have purchased burgundy ribbon to tie off the packages....I'm so excited. I'll be sure to take pictures when I've received everything!

Kids and College

I think my boys have found a college that they want to attend. It's Pacific University...a private college. The picture above is of Marsh Hall...one of the residence halls ( I believe). It's only an hour away so I think that I can live with that :) It's a scary thought what this house will be like when they leave...even though they say they'll be home every weekend. We're going to make an appointment to visit the campus and talk with the baseball coach. With it being private...the campus is smaller and the student/professor ratio is much more conducive to learning. I've heard nothing but positive things about this school so I am excited to see what they have to offer.

The boys have finally come up with a back up plan to baseball. Chris will be majoring in Sports Therapy and minoring in History. Brandon wants to be a Speech Pathologist, and I'm not sure what courses are needed for that.

All of this is new to me, I didn't attend college, my parents didn't have the money and I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't take college courses until I was an adult, and those were very specific. I took courses through Gemological Institute of America and some health classes through PSU. So really nothing close to the extent of schooling the boys will receive...and I didn't have the drive that they do. I'm so very proud of them and I hope that they enjoy campus life....and the experience of college. I also hope my pocketbook will survive it...eek!

Finally!

After being sick since Friday I've finally got enough energy to make a couple of new earrings. I still have a cough but that's a lot better than the fever, stuffy head and all discombobulated (that's probably not how you spell it, but it sure describes how I felt) feeling!

I won't be anywhere near a computer tomorrow til late evening because my attorney and another gentleman who's putting a media presentation together for me will have me busy doing interviews and getting all of my photos ready for my upcoming arbitration in December. I can't wait to have all of this behind me. Though the back pain may always be there, at least all of the other baggage that comes from a hit and run accident will be over with. All I have to say is after 4 years I'm ready to move on to another phase in my life.

FINAL DAY!!

TODAY is the LAST day for The Spirited Autumn Event! So take advantage of the great discounts and special offers that the members of Etsy's Earthpath Artisans Street Team are offering in their shops.

Here's a link you can follow that will take you directly to the items that are listed: TSAE .




OR...just go to Etsy and type in TSAE in the search field.

Don't miss out on this sale!!

Last Chance!

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(¸.·´ (¸.·` This is the last weekend for The Spirited Autumn Event! Monday, October 6th is the final day to take advantage of the great discounts and special offers that the members of Etsy's Earthpath Artisans Street Team are offering in their shops. The event focuses on Fall Themed and Magical items, just in time for Halloween! Search Etsy using the TSAE tag to find participating items.

Another Autumn Necklace

Here's my newest listing I've named it MABON . The focal piece is the large Amber in a Sterling Silver leaf motif setting. Then I accented it with large Carnelian rondelles. I just love the Amber pendant!

I'm getting ready to make some more Goddess Adornment pendants and will list a few on both Etsy and ShopHandmade.com . Unfortunately I still haven't had the chance to list more items on ShopHandmade, but hopefully this weekend I'll have more items over there.