Monday, November 30, 2009

On a Roll!

I've been on a roll lately with listing and renewing items - but not so much with blogging. Funny how the two seem to switch places from time to time eh? Well part of the problem was that I couldn't seem to log into byhand.me, which is where I create the spotlights that I use in my treasury blog and when I show of my latest listings on this blog. I finally thought to try clearing my browsing history and that let me access the site again! Woohoo! So your going to get TWO spotlights of my latest listings and such :D

Don't forget this is the last day to earn entries in my Top Commentators Contest for this month. How does that work? Simple, just read my posts and leave me comments! So if your behind on your reading, today's the day to catch up! I'll be announcing the winners tomorrow! Also, leave in your comment today which of the listings I'm showing is your favorite and you'll get an extra entry into the contest!

Oh yes - and don't forget - all my shops have free shipping through the end of December - worldwide!




Sunday, November 29, 2009

Middle of the Night Ramblings

Good morning! Erm. Middle of the night? (and yes I did TRY to sleep) Or how about whatever time it happens to be there? *giggles* Ok, it's just after 1am so I'm a wee bit silly right now, so this post might also be a wee bit silly, but I'm WIDE awake for some unknown reason so what else is there for me to do other than blog all about bazaar and the rambling thoughts running through my head?

I did a bazaar today (well technically yesterday since it's now early Sunday), and I had a blast! Sales weren't stellar, but I had a lot of fun! I remembered my camera - but I forgot to take any pictures. Bad Ruthie, I know.

Mom went with me on this bazaar and she sold a couple of her items and even got a custom order! That was really exciting for her :) She's decided that crafting to sell isn't for her, so after the holiday's we're going to be closing down Kindred Spirit Treasures. You may notice I'll be moving my charms into my jewelry shops on Etsy and Artfire, and you'll be seeing a huge sale in KST as we get closer to Christmas! I'll keep you posted - don't worry!

One thing I loved about this bazaar, even though I could have asked for more sales, was that there was definitely plenty of foot traffic. I got to have lots and lots of great conversations, both with other vendors, and with the people walking through. I'm a people person, and I thrive off of interactions like that!

Plus I heard a lot of people saying they weren't quite ready to shop for Christmas yet, which is weird to me, but I guess that's a reflection on the current economic situation. I don't really think that the lack of sales I had were a reflection on my art, it was reflection of the economy in general. Most of the people today were looky-loos. The others I got comfortable enough to ask said that their sales we're about the same as mine.

I did get several people who said that they were really excited that I'd be back because they were planning on shopping more next month! I take that as a very promising sign. I also had a gal who will hopefully be sending me information so I can do a custom order for her. To top it all off, I was originally only going back one weekend next month and it now looks like I'm almost definitely going to be able to do 2 weekends next month at this venue! Woohoo!

What else am I excited about? Well I can't precisely tell you, because it's a surprise, but I can tell you that assuming all goes well I'll be doing the big reveal on the 1st! I've been doing a lot of talking with some people I trust (gotta love Mom's and friends who are willing to listen to you hammering out your ideas) and I'm really excited!

I'm also happy because my health has been showing signs of slow but steady improvement and if this trend continues (Lord willing) I have a lot of ideas that I'm working on developing. I'm dreaming big I'm hoping to find ways to continue building my business through a variety of venues. So far, so good! I'm seeing slow but steady progress there too.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Friday's Featured Artist - Yarrow1

I've been hanging out with some new gals (Bittersweets Daily Challenge) lately - and they are delightful! I met them because of a team mate of mine on Team
Big Damn Crafters and so I decided to feature her! I'd like you all to meet Karen...

1. What type of art work do you do?

I have done and am doing a lot of things in art. I have a piece in bronze. I just did a mural on a winery. I have done them both on inside walls and outside on homes. In addition I am always involved working with pen and ink, acrylics, watercolors and other media doing cards and ACEOs and paintings. I paint tiles, t-shirts and quilting blocks. There have been a lot of wine bottles painted with enamel and donated to charity. I have even had those bottles stolen; that gives me a troubled sense of "arriving" in the art world. lol

2. How did you get started doing art work?

I was influenced by sitting on my uncle's knee and watching him draw. My learning crochet; when I was 7 and had Rhuematic Fever, was taught by a kindly neighbor. My sculpting was at the same time, given clay be a home teacher. I have never stopped since then, but gotten "off track" by jobs.

3. Do you do any other crafts?

I occasionally do ceramics, soaps, lotions, and salts because of jobs I learned them in.

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

The name is a healing herb. I am a healer using massage, energy and herbs for healing my animals.


5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

The gourd using my horses mane and wood burning. My horse was 33 years of age.
bird gourd Native American

6. Where do you sell your work?

I sell my work at the winery, Vista Del Rey. The owners are very supportive of artists.

I'm also on etsy as Yarrow1.

7. Do you blog?

No.

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?




9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you
work? If so, what?

Public radio, it gives me both news and music of all kinds. I also listen to books gotten from the library.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

I hate housework!

I do too! It soooo gets in the way of creating! LOL

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

First of all - Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have an absolutely wonderful day full of family and friends and great food. Just don't eat too much ok?

Yesterday was my birthday and we had a fantastic time! Mommy made a home made cake and it was quite yummy. Yes, I'm 27, yes, I still call her Mommy. Got a problem with that? No? Good.


My sweater is finished!


Didn't she do an incredible job?

If there was any lingering doubt about where I get my creative talent, I hope that just laid it to rest :P Because my Mommy ROCKS :D

Monday, November 23, 2009

Crafty ADD Update #16

Lots to show off this week - so lets dive right in!

Knitting


Goal - 72 inches. As of last week - 35 1/2 inches. As of this week - 48 1/2 inches! I knitted over a foot this week :D And I'm going to have to knit over a foot to have it done this week like I want so I can start the next one. I'm currently imating the little engine that could, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

Cross Stitch


I finally completed the piece of fabric!

I'm quite proud of how this book mark turned out :) Since it's entirely my own design. *take a bow* I'm definitely not planning on picking up a cross stitch hoop again until Christmas is over though... unless by some random happenstance I get a custom order. Mom has them all now and she's putting the backing on for me. For some reason I can't seem to handle the simple act of ironing on the backing. Go figure :P

Jewelry

My evil twins Christmas present is finished!

Her necklace was actually really challenging. The band is made from peyote stitch and I've never done a strip that long before! Plus it has two size beads, which always makes things more interesting. Adding on the drops at the end was easy though. Kind of like a nice little treat at the end. I can't wait to see it on her! She helped me plan it all out so this is one Christmas present I can blog about :D


I've also spent a lot of time putting together earrings to restock my main consignment store. I sold a bunch of stuff over Sept/October and I got the bracelets restocked but I didn't manage to get the earrings restocked right away. Things have just been crazy. Hoping to get them all priced and take them in tomorrow :D

Catching Up :)

This has been a crazy week. I started out on a roll, listing, blogging, promoting, and even some sales! Then I had what felt like a million doctors appointments, and then I got attacked by the migraine monster and it nearly ate me alive! I don't like the migraine monster...

The good news is so far today the migraine monster is staying away and I can start catching up on life! Woohoo! So I've been checking in with my teams, responding to e-mails, and of course promoting like crazy :D

I do plan on getting my Crafty ADD post up later but I need to clean my kitchen and get my laundry started... So for now I just want to show some of the listings of either relisted or listed for the first time before I crashed last week :D Tell me which one is your favorite and get an extra entry into the Top Commentators contest!


Saturday, November 21, 2009

Featuring the Fab Miss B!!!

I know - I'm a day late on my Friday Featured Artist - but yesterday was a bad day - and I didn't want to risk completely skipping such a fabulous artist! Becky is also our Featured Etsy Blogger of the Month :D

1. What type of art work do you do?

I create Pipettes! They were inspired by vintage ornaments I've collected for ages. They are made with humble chenille pipe cleaners, but I add lots of luxe embellishments like silk ribbons, antique lace, mother of pearl buttons, feathers, sequins and vintage costume jewelery. Their heads are all carefully hand painted too.


I also love to paint and am constantly making new illustrations, which I sell as prints and greeting cards. The originals are watercolor and ink and they are always whimsical and even a bit silly!


2. How did you get started doing art work?


Ever since I was little, I loved to draw and make things with my hands. The Pipettes originated when I decided to make a pipe cleaner bride and groom for our wedding cake three years ago. I've been making them ever since and they've gone through lots of changes! They've become more elaborate and sophisticated.
3. Do you do any other crafts?


I was trained as a florist while I lived in Chicago, so here and there I dabble in making floral corsages and crowns. I just outfitted an entire wedding party for a dear friend! I also like to cook and take photographs.


4. Is there a story behind your shop name?


My husband and I love to travel and are lucky to have lived all over the world- Kenya, Uganda, China, Chicago, Las Vegas, and now we're trying out life on an island- The Big Island of Hawaii!


We adopted our funny last name- Kazana- while traveling in Africa just after getting married. It's a Swahili word that means "To make a home" and it reminds us that our home is where the other is.


5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?


I'm madly in love with Daschshunds- someday I'd love to have a whole gaggle of them running around a farm. But for now, hanging Daisy on my Christmas tree is as close as I can get!


6. Where do you sell your work?
I have two shops on etsy. One for my original Chenille Pipette Dolls and artwork:


and one for Vintage and One of a Kind Finds:


7. Do you blog?

I blog about the inspiration I find around me every day on The Fab Miss B:


Swing by and say hello! I love to meet new folks!

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

Let's be friends! Here is my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Becky-Larson/1047722678


9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

I love listening to music while I work. I often use Pandora radio (http://www.pandora.com), where you can create stations based on your musical preferences. Right now I'm listening to Julie London Radio non-stop. I can't help but create glamorous Pipettes when listening to all those amazing chanteuses from the 40's, 50's and 60's.


10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

I adore champagne and never save it for special occasions. It's far too wonderful for that!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Here and Gone Again

No pictures in this post because blogger isn't behaving and I don't have time to fight with it today! I'm having a busy week, somehow all my doctors appointments for the month seemed to end up this week! So I spent the morning at the doctors office today getting my bi-weekly shot (fell asleep too!) then came home and instead of having a productive after noon... I fell asleep again! LOL The shot tends to make me sleepy but this was ridiculous! Oh well. The good news is I also came home find there had been two sales in my BNR treasury (including one for my shop, thanks Spirit Mama!)!!!!

I'm having a friend over to join me and Mo for dinner tonight - then going over to check out her apartment and have some girl time tonight. So I just did a few quick things in the shops this afternoon :) My Artfire shop now has a Clearance section! There are only two items in it right now (lol) but there will be more added in the days to come! I also added more to the clearance section in my etsy shop, so stop by there and see what's new!

Now I'm off to tidy up my apartment and make some hamburger stroganoff :) What should I listen too? I think I'm the mood for more Elvis...

Monday, November 16, 2009

Lots Going On!

So much going on! I've been promoting like crazy - both for myself - and passing on the fantastic finds I see out there! Plus I have some ideas... Working to develop them but I can't let the cat out of the bag yet! Anyway, here's some of my latest items :) You know the drill, let me know your favorite and get an extra entry into the Top Commentator Contest!

Oh - and I also added some new items to my clearance section - so go check it out!



Crafty ADD Update #15

Well - I missed a week of doing my Crafty ADD updates :( It made me sad because I was ON TRACK with everything after my bazaar...until I sprained my ankle and had to ride in the elevator that had just been painted and got a HUGE whiff of paint and was dealing with both the ankle pain and massive migraines. Yah. Lots of things got missed the first half of last week :P So here's where I'm at THIS week :P

Knitting

I was so excited cuz it looks like it's getting pretty long! 35 1/2 inches! And only one small mistake that I know the recipient won't mind right? Um, until I started thinking about what that translates too. Based on who the recipient is Mom said I should make this 6 ft long...which means that I'm only half done! Oy vey! I can dooo it! My goal is to be done by the time Thanksgiving is over so I can start on my last scarf Christmas present. Who thinks I can do it? I do! And here I was soooo proud of myself for knitting my way through the entirety of the "The Corpse Bride" the other night...

Cross Stitch

Almost done! Working on the border, should have that done in the next day or two, then I'll hand it off to Mom to let her put the backing on it. I'd do it, but I don't want to ruin it :P Don't worry, I'll take one last shot before I pass it off! And then no more cross stitch until my Thanksgiving Weekend bazaar is over :) Maybe not till after Christmas. Because my next project is for a wedding next summer and I have plenty of Christmas presents to work on....

Jewelry

My Mother in Law ordered some charms at the bazaar last weekend and this is what I came up with for her :) She smiled pretty big when I delivered them so I'll take that as a good sign!

While I was at it I whipped up three more charms to (eventually) restock my store with because they were pretty good sellers for me at the bazaar :) At the very least I'll get them tagged before my next bazaar, but it would be nice to get them on-line too. We'll see...

I've found myself getting caught up the last few days in a mad frenzy of "promote, write, promote, promote, network, promote!" and while all that has it's place, I wasn't creating anything! NOT GOOD! So I'm trying to come back to a healthy balance by working at the computer for awhile and then doing crafty stuff for awhile and then switching again. Seems to be working well so far :) I'm feeling much less stressed for one thing! Creating relaxes me :D Although technically it's still work... Anyway, I was looking around trying to decide which project I wanted to work on when I took my first break this morning and these purple chips caught my eye, I bought them last week and hadn't got them put away yet, so I whipped up a bracelet!


This is the detail to the neckband on my evil twin's Christmas present. Don't worry, this is one Christmas present I can blog about, I let her help me design it! The band is almost done...hoping to have this finished in the next day or two. I'll take more pictures, don't worry!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

CLEARANCE SALE!!!!

What? What's that? That's right! I'm doing a Clearance Sale!!! Why? Why not??? Ok, seriously, the reason is that it's the Christmas season and it's a great time to do a sale, and I was looking at my table at the bazaar last weekend and it was pretty full! Now a big reason for that was that I had a pretty pathetic summer health wise and wasn't able to do any bazaars, which is where I usually make most of my sales, so I built up a lot of inventory! Well, if I want to keep creating (and I have ideas coming a million miles a minute) I need to make room for them!

I don't think I'm going to hear anybody complain am I?

Right now I just have earrings in the clearance section, BUT I plan on adding more items over the next couple of days! So check back :) Want a sneak peak at what you can find? Here ya go! Oh and don't forget, there's no shipping in my shop right now too!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Featuring Angleque Creations

Hey guys! It's time for Friday's Featured Artist again! This time I'd like to introduce you to a team mate of mine from the Etsy Bead Weavers. She contacted me about featuring me (thanks!) so I jumped at the opportunity to interview her in return. I'm so glad I did! I learned a lot about her, including that I need to stop complaining about not having enough space in my one bedroom apartment, I don't know how this woman does it, but you'll have to read on to find out what I mean! Click on any of the pictures to be taken to the listings!

1. What type of art work do you do?

I make jewelry from beads, shells, semi-precious stones,and Swarvoski crystals. I have also dabbled a little into wire wrapped jewelry.

2. How did you get started doing art work?

While I was working in Vancouver, BC I started making stretch bracelets for family and friends as presents. Last August my husband and I sailed our sailboat Angelique of Vancouver to La Paz, Mexico and I met a lady on Cetacian who had been beading for 25 years and she made amazing jewelry. She was my inspiration and taught me my first woven stitch the double helix. I was hooked and since learned a number of other weaves from the internet, books and looking at other artists work. I have only been bead weaving for the past 6 months since we got back with our boat to Vancouver.

3. Do you do any other crafts?

I cross stitch, knit and crochet, all these can be done in a small space as I live on my sailboat Angelique of Vancouver. Currently docked at Heather Civic Marina in False Creek, Vancouver BC.

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

Yes, Angelque Creations is a hybrid of our boat name Angelique of Vancouver. My husband was setting up our cruising email address and misspelled the name hence we became Angelque for all our communications while away on our 10 month cruise. When I was looking for a name for the shop is was just natural that I use the hybrid boat name Angelque because I was inspired to create jewelry while in the Sea of Cortez.

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

My favorite piece currently in my shop is Sunlight Reflected (Raw) bracelet. I miss the warmth and sunshine from the Sea of Cortez. All my new friends that I met while on our trip have returned and are now heading further south. I wish that I was still with them, but circumstances changed for us and my husband Mike needed to go back to work.


6. Where do you sell your work?

I have an on line shop http://www.angelquecreations.etsy.com. and a web site http://www.angelquecreations.ca, and blogspot http://www.angelquecreation.blogspot.com. I have also set up at the Abbotsford Farmers Market in Abbbotsford, BC, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology. I will be at the Make It Vancouver show Nov 20-22 at the Croation Cultural Center, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver.

7. Do you blog?


8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I am part of Etsy and the Etsy
Beadweavers Street Team as well as FFEST. I follow an number of blogs from artist of both these groups.

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work?

If so, what? JR FM9370, I am a country music fan.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*.

Mike and I have lived on our 34 foot sailboat for 16 years in about 200 square feet of space. You can guess it we are very good friends. Visit http://www.angelque.ca for details about our sailing adventure to Mexico and the Sea of Cortez.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

FREE SHIPPING for the Holiday's!

*Phew* It's been a LONG day! Yesterday we pretty much a wipe out because I had a migraine and I ended up sleeping for about 19 out of 24 hours. Yikes! So of course nothing got done. And this week has been a bit rough on the "getting things" done because of my sprained ankle anyway. Which in many ways has just felt not fair because it's the holiday season and I have so many ideas going through my mind! I mean I always have a million ideas going through my mind, but it's WORSE this time of year! You know what I mean? The good news is...like I said...it was a long day today and I got a lot done!

Among the many things I got done is I got all three of my shops set up for free shipping for the holiday season! So go check it out: Kindred Spirit Treasures, Rose Works on Etsy, and Rose Works on Artfire are all Free Shipping! Now through the end of December! Sweet huh? AND I have more surprises in store...just wait!

Despite the "fun" of this week, I've also managed to get some stuff listed or relisted this week! You know the drill...leave me a comment on your fav piece and get an extra entry into my top commentators contest! Woohoo! I love giving stuff away :D


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Bizarre Reflections about the Bazaar

I had a lot of fun this weekend at the bazaar! Sorry I didn't get this posted up sooner. I had a million things I was trying to do yesterday, and just as I was starting to feel on top of things and ready to get this post put together and put up...I sprained my ankle! Yah. I'm talented. I know. The good news is that up until I sprained my ankle I was still going strong after the bazaar, which makes me really happy :)

I'm also really excited about getting to actually meet two of my team mates in person this weekend! On the left is the fabulous Char of Char Spirit Creations. In the middle is Dori of Sassy Clay Creations. And I'm on the right! Yup...proof that I was there :P

I did some new things that I really liked with this bazaar. The first is that I made a second level for displaying my fancy necklaces! It was really simple. All I did was drape a piece of cloth over one of my storage boxes that I had brought my jewelry in :P


The second thing I did was I added a bracelet display! Made things a lot less cluttered. And made things look a little more professional. And I STILL had things lying on the table :P Next bazaar I think I'm going to put my strand and wire wrapped bracelets on the bottom level of the display and put my memory wire bracelets loose on the table. They didn't get as much attention as they usually do and I think it's because it wasn't as obvious as it normally is what they are.



There's one more big thing I want to change. I like my earring display - it's cute and I get compliments on it - but it's awkward to carry and I can't fit all my earrings on it! I'm thinking eventually (like for the spring bazaars) I might upgrade to rotating earring displays...but I haven't decided yet. The other solution is to upgrade to a bigger table and use my second display as well, which would allow me enough room for all my earrings and then some. I'm thinking I may need to upgrade tables by spring/summer anyway if things continue to go well, so the question will then be is a table upgrade all that's needed or do I need a table upgrade AND a display upgrade...



I had a lot of fun this last weekend and I'm really looking forward to the two that I have lined up between now and Christmas! I'm also talking with a close friend of mine about teaming up in the new year to do bazaars. Doing 10x10 booths and splitting the fees with me paying 2/3's and him paying 1/3...I'll set up two tables and he'll set up 1. He does a variety of fantasy and other interesting art along with his wife, and part of the reason for teaming up would be that he has a vehicle capable of transporting a tent! Something I don't have which currently limits me and prevents me from doing outdoor markets. Not to mention its always more fun to work with a buddy :)

I did get some more pictures at the bazaar - but I don't want to overwhelm you guys - so if you want to see the rest go check out my flickr page!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Bazaar Update!

Dori and Char :)

Yesterday at the bazaar was a lot of fun! It wasn't super stellar with sales or anything - but it was decent, and the most important part, is that I'm having a ton of fun and still feeling pretty good! I had a lot of fun meeting Dori and Char in person, and I look forward to talking to them more today!

Today is day two, and I'm hoping we get a huge influx of people when the three Churches on the corner get out :P But even if we don't, if I even do what I did in sales yesterday, I'll be happy :)

I have a whole bunch of pictures and I'll be posting a much longer blog post either tonight or tomorrow with more pictures and my thoughts about improving my displays and everything :) Although...looking at my pics this morning...I need to give someone the camera and actually get a picture of myself...

Saturday, November 7, 2009

It's Bazaar Time! (And a Treasury)

It's Bazaar time again! I'm excited! It's great to finally be getting strong enough to do bazaars :) Hopefully this one will be more succesful than the last one. But no matter what - I plan on having fun! Two of my best friends are going with me, and I'll be meeting two of my team mates for the first time! If your in the Portland/Vancouver are and you'd like to come out and see us here's the details:
Sterling Heights Apts.
1221 SE Ellsworth Rd.
Vancouver, WA 98664
11-4, Sat. & Sun
Hope to see you there!

Both my shops will be in vacation mode for the weekend.

I'm also in another treasury! HUGE thanks to Liber Teas for featuring my necklace in her treasury :)

Friday, November 6, 2009

Purple Passion

Here's a shot of my current treasury! Thanks Meg of Little Studio Photography and Jewellery for getting a picture for me :)


We tried turning my lap top on last night and it was having problems. So we took the case apart and let it dry over night. I have a dentist appt that we're leaving for soon...and we'll try again when we get back! Hoping and praying that it works! If not...I've come up with a plan so I can do a make-shift inventory for the new items for tomorrows bazaar.

Oh! And I signed up for two more bazaars yesterday :D

Thursday, November 5, 2009

It Seems Like Things Always...

Some times it seems like things always go wrong at the worst times! There are days I'd like to hunt down Murphy of famed Murphy's law and insure that he/she had never been born! *sigh*

Today I managed to baptize Jack. Who's Jack? Jack is my laptop. Yes, I know, your not supposed to baptize laptops! It was an accident. I would never purposely subject my baby to half a glass of water for any other reason. The fact remains, it happened, two days before my bazaar. Ahhh!

The good news is that I can still borrow my hubbies computer today for e-mail and blogging and the like. The bad news is that we won't know for sure if Jack's ok until we try turning him on tomorrow...and I can't access my inventory until Jack is turned back on. Which means I will have a bunch off last minute stuff to do tomorrow (in and around appointments and other plans) that I planned on working on today!

I was panicking earlier, but I know that the hard drive should be intact no matter what, and I can figure it all out eventually. It's just bad timing. And, if for some reason I can't access my inventory before the show, I've figured out a plan to wing it without it. I'll just be grumpy :P

Oh! In good news - I managed to snag a treasury this morning! I call it Purple Passion :) I'd post a pic of it - but I don't think my hubby has any photo editing software on here. *sigh* Can someone snag me a shot of my treasury and send it to me in case I don't get Jack up and running quickly enough?

Now I'm off to get my monthly newsletter out! If you don't get a copy of it in your inbox by this evening, and you'd like to (especially if you want the bazaar info), send me an e-mail to roseworksjewelry@gmail.com and I'll add you to the list and send you at a copy of this month's newsletter :)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Featuring My New Necklace

Today I posted my "Crystal Flowers Necklace." It's a new look for me, but then again most things are lately! I think one thing that defines my style (other than ecletic) is that I'm continuing to try and explore new things! This was inspired by the Etsy Bead Weavers challenge for an exotic flower. I think it falls far short of the other entries I've seen so far, but I'm proud that I came of something I came up with that I could achieve!

I want to learn to bead flowers that are realistic - it's on my list of things I want to learn - but I'll need to follow someone's pattern for the first few of those and that can't be entered into a challenge or even necesarily sold. I do have on pattern that I got permission to recreate and sell - but I haven't gotten a chance to start it yet. Oh well...maybe after Christmas? LOL


I was also featured in other treasury! Actually both of my shops were :) Thanks Cheryl! My "etsyholic" bracelet is in the top left and my mom's purple hair clip is in the second row all the way on the right :)




Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Crafty ADD Update #15

I'm late with my ADD post - but I really doubt anyone cares about that but me :P It's been a busy week! And last week was no fun as I dealt with getting my tooth pulled. Still...I got lots of crafty stuff done :)

Knitting

18 Inches! That's 13 inches since last week :) I'm trying to knit some every day. An hour if I can, and if I can't just sit and knit for awhile, I at least usually have it next to my computer so it gets picked up for a random 5 minutes here and there :P Apparently that plan is working! Maybe I'll be able to achieve my Christmas goals...

Cross-Stitch

This book mark is so close to being done it hurts! I just need to add the border to it. Not sure if I'll find the time to do it this week though. I have a lot I'm trying to get done! And this is more for fun where as the jewelry is both fun and a business.

Jewelry

This first shot is two colored hemp bracelet I made myself earlier this week! I know the pic isn't the best, but I hope to have a bunch more like this in my shop soon! I have some made up...now to get them photographed...and listed...

Speaking of things to get photographed and listed. I might as well admit that I am just way behind on the whole listing thing right now. Which really isn't that great considering Christmas is coming up! The above snap shot is three things I made this last week, that I'd love to get good photo's of and list some time soon. I don't know that I'll have the energy to take any photos today (yesterday was a bad day and I'm recovering) but I'm hoping to work on listing some of the things I already have photos for :)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Happy Reports to Start the Month off Right!

Let's kick this month off right! First I want to give you a report on the money raised this last month. Unfortunately none of the pieces in the Breast Cancer Awareness sections sold, so I didn't end up raising any money this year for BCA - BUT, I didn't finish my big piece until the very end of the month and this necklace will be staying in my store, dedicated to BCA, until it sells!



The good news is that, through my two on-line shops, my two consignment stores, and in person sales, I had the best month I think I've had all year! As a result I've raised $17 to donate to the local homeless shelter this month. I'm very excited about that! I look forward to raising more money for them this month.

I will be talking more about my plans in my newsletter when it goes out in the next day or two, but I have a bazaar coming up, and I might be getting a third consignment store, more on that later!

If your not on my newsletter list already, just send me an e-mail at roseworksjewelry@gmail.com and ask me to add you to the list. I only send it out once a month :)

Did you know that Novemeber is Epilepsy Awareness month? Purple is the color they've chosen to represent their cause, and as we all know, it's my favorite color! One of my team mates is working to raise awareness and she chose my Spirit Walker Necklace in this treasury she did dedicated to Epilepsy Awareness.



And lastly - as if this post isn't long enough - I've been trying to find the time to list the occasional new item or relist items that are expiring! I've been busy, busy, busy, so I'm not sure where I've squeezed it in, but apparently I have because here's a new set of 9 to show off! You know the drill, tell my your favorite and earn an extra entry into my Top Commentators contest!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

November brings Octobers Winners!

This month is a great month (and I don't just say that because it's my birthday month!)! This month we have 4 winners instead of 3! That's right...there was a tie for 3rd place! I know! How crazy is that???

Just a reminder of how this works: I track every comment that I receive on my blog. Then, at the end of the month, the top three commentators (this month 4!) win prizes! Whoever wins one month is not eligible the next month to win, so sometimes it's not actually the top commentator who wins that month, because I want to give everyone a chance!

Whenever I put up a collection of my latest works promoted I give people a chance to earn extra entry's towards my commentators contest. Those extra entries are in parenthesis. And now for our winners!

1. Beaded Tail 29 (4)
2. Memories 26 (4)
3. Anitra Cameron 10 (1)
3. Nico Designs 11

Congrats to each and every one of my winners! It's been a full and busy month, and I've had a lot of fun blogging, talking, and continuing to get to know you guys :) I'm really excited that my two third place winners have never won on the blog before! And I'm really excited to see what they pick out :) Now let me show off a few of their awesome items!







And now for the fun geeky numbers! The winners is my favorite part - but cuz I'm a geek I like seeing this part too :P

Top Commentator: This Month - 29 Last Month - 24
Total Commentators: This Month - 62 Last Month - 47
Total Comments: This Month - 217 Last Month - 182

My numbers went up! I like to see that!

Just a reminder - this is what our winners won - and what you could win next month!

Top 3 Commentators - Write up on this blog :)

1st Place - $20 Gift Certificate to my Shops
2nd Place - $10 Gift Certificate to my Shops
3rd Place - $5 Gift Certificate to my Shops

Also, don't forget, this month's winners can't win next month - so here's your chance!