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Sunday, January 11, 2015
Bead Peeps Swap N Hop IS COMING!!
Looking for the most AMAZING Blog Hop in town?! Look NO FURTHER than the Bead Peeps
1st Annual Swap N Hop! Here are plenty of details to wet your
whistle..... come join our group to take part in the fun! MANY MORE
details are posted in the group and you must be part of the jewelry
world in order to join us. Looking forward to meeting you and seeing
your INCREDIBLE designs soon!
Monday, January 5, 2015
New Year - New Goals
Well here we are....2015. Holy Canoli! I will state for the record that the first check I wrote I used 2015...pretty impressed with myself. =)
Looking back at 2014, it was QUITE a year. I experienced my lowest sales ever, I started a facebook group which has grown to over 1200+ after a group that I dearly loved closed down, I had a pair of earrings published, was paid for my designs for the first time, my alumni magazine published an article about me and my journey of illness which lead to jewelry, I discovered lampwork glass beads (my wallet is KILLING ME), built up a nice supply of Swarovski crystals, had a destash, had surgery to get my bionic belly battery changed, joined a company's design team, played some online games to win some FANTASTIC beads, played with some new techniques and expanded my knowledge of jewelry.
I've got some new goals for this year - both personally and for my biz. I'm looking forward to seeing how they will play out. They're gonna take some work, some determination, some courage....but I'm hopeful I can do it. Oh? You wanna know what they are? HAHAH - No. I'm not a big sharer of my goals. Mostly because I hate not meeting them, then having to explain. Ya know?
So, for now - I'm just cranking some tunes...working on a HUGE project for my FB group - Bead Peeps. (Right now, Fireball by Pitbull - Black Widow, Booty, Lips are Movin', Pompeii, Light 'Em Up, All About That Bass) I'll be doing my first ever swap n hop. THIS will be an adventure! =)
Join me! Come along for the ride!!
Looking back at 2014, it was QUITE a year. I experienced my lowest sales ever, I started a facebook group which has grown to over 1200+ after a group that I dearly loved closed down, I had a pair of earrings published, was paid for my designs for the first time, my alumni magazine published an article about me and my journey of illness which lead to jewelry, I discovered lampwork glass beads (my wallet is KILLING ME), built up a nice supply of Swarovski crystals, had a destash, had surgery to get my bionic belly battery changed, joined a company's design team, played some online games to win some FANTASTIC beads, played with some new techniques and expanded my knowledge of jewelry.
I've got some new goals for this year - both personally and for my biz. I'm looking forward to seeing how they will play out. They're gonna take some work, some determination, some courage....but I'm hopeful I can do it. Oh? You wanna know what they are? HAHAH - No. I'm not a big sharer of my goals. Mostly because I hate not meeting them, then having to explain. Ya know?
So, for now - I'm just cranking some tunes...working on a HUGE project for my FB group - Bead Peeps. (Right now, Fireball by Pitbull - Black Widow, Booty, Lips are Movin', Pompeii, Light 'Em Up, All About That Bass) I'll be doing my first ever swap n hop. THIS will be an adventure! =)
Join me! Come along for the ride!!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Lessons Learned from PYOP
The last few days have been pretty rough for me. I've not felt well, physically, which doesn't help emotionally - not to mention nearly a week of cloudy, foggy, dreary weather. My belly has been unhappy, my shoulders murder, and frankly haven't felt like doing much of anything, beyond trying not to wish my days away.
Today, I went out with a sweet friend - we went to breakfast and then to paint your own pottery (PYOP). Now, I fancy myself kinda an "intermediate" type PYOP'er. I've done my fair share and frankly - I love it. Today, I made a large bowl and put some polka dots all over it - inside and out. Well, in the midst of choosing colors for my dots - there was another woman also looking at colors. She turned around to ask me my opinion and noticed my necklace. I WAS rather surprised that she noticed my necklace because it wasn't the big, in yer face type, I usually wear...it was just a simple little pendant I made of a Christmas tree. She GUSHED over it....
Her: "May I look closer?"
Me: "Sure!"
H: "Where did you FIND that?"
M: "I made it"
H: "REALLY!? "
M:"Yep and I sell my jewelry as well, sometimes right off my neck - it IS for sale", I giggled.
H: "Could I get 2 of those for my daughters? Could you make them in time for Christmas?"
M: "Absolutely!"
As she walked out, she told me that she'd be out of town for the weekend, but will call me Monday to set everything up. Now, I dunno if she's gonna call (I sure hope she does), but it's a lesson in a few things.
1. ALWAYS wear your jewelry!!
2. Have no shame in saying that you made it
3. Have business cards with you 24/7
4. Be prepared to sell off your neck, if needed - or keep it in your purse. =)
5. TALK to people! =)
Like I said, I dunno if I'll ever hear from her again, but what a great day for me! Spending time with my dear friend, getting OUT of the house, having FUN, and perhaps - getting an order. #bliss
Today, I went out with a sweet friend - we went to breakfast and then to paint your own pottery (PYOP). Now, I fancy myself kinda an "intermediate" type PYOP'er. I've done my fair share and frankly - I love it. Today, I made a large bowl and put some polka dots all over it - inside and out. Well, in the midst of choosing colors for my dots - there was another woman also looking at colors. She turned around to ask me my opinion and noticed my necklace. I WAS rather surprised that she noticed my necklace because it wasn't the big, in yer face type, I usually wear...it was just a simple little pendant I made of a Christmas tree. She GUSHED over it....
Her: "May I look closer?"
Me: "Sure!"
H: "Where did you FIND that?"
M: "I made it"
H: "REALLY!? "
M:"Yep and I sell my jewelry as well, sometimes right off my neck - it IS for sale", I giggled.
H: "Could I get 2 of those for my daughters? Could you make them in time for Christmas?"
M: "Absolutely!"
As she walked out, she told me that she'd be out of town for the weekend, but will call me Monday to set everything up. Now, I dunno if she's gonna call (I sure hope she does), but it's a lesson in a few things.
1. ALWAYS wear your jewelry!!
2. Have no shame in saying that you made it
3. Have business cards with you 24/7
4. Be prepared to sell off your neck, if needed - or keep it in your purse. =)
5. TALK to people! =)
Like I said, I dunno if I'll ever hear from her again, but what a great day for me! Spending time with my dear friend, getting OUT of the house, having FUN, and perhaps - getting an order. #bliss
 |
| The plate I made LAST time I went to the PYOP place =) |
Saturday, December 6, 2014
#humbled
So, some of you may know that several months ago, one of the groups I was a part of (and was VERY dear to my heart) closed. It was something that needed to happen - as the leader was struggling with her health and really needed a break. When that happened, I kinda jumped into action and started a new group for all of these magnificent folks to land.
As the months have gone on, the group has grown TREMENDOUSLY! We have SUCH an awesome group of jewelry people, it just blows my mind! I was trying to come up with a way to get folks excited about the Holidays, expose them to some new artists or businesses they may not have heard of before and maybe learn something new. So, I set out to see if some folks would be willing to donate some goodies to giveaway during, what I hoped would be 12 days of Christmas. I felt guilty asking folks to give something, I felt guilty putting a dollar value on it and I felt even more fear that no one would want to do it and I'd look like a fool.
Let.Me.Tell.You - Jewelry people are A-MAZ-ING! We received over $700 in donations and have *14* days of giveaways!! Isn't that OUSTANDING?!
I have had a wonderful time seeing folks get excited and giving these goodies away. I just want to say - THANK YOU to all of them! You have absolutely HUMBLED me!
I also want to say - that an added bonus has been getting to know all of these new folks..... some more than others....but what AWE inspiring people - just....wow. =)
As the months have gone on, the group has grown TREMENDOUSLY! We have SUCH an awesome group of jewelry people, it just blows my mind! I was trying to come up with a way to get folks excited about the Holidays, expose them to some new artists or businesses they may not have heard of before and maybe learn something new. So, I set out to see if some folks would be willing to donate some goodies to giveaway during, what I hoped would be 12 days of Christmas. I felt guilty asking folks to give something, I felt guilty putting a dollar value on it and I felt even more fear that no one would want to do it and I'd look like a fool.
Let.Me.Tell.You - Jewelry people are A-MAZ-ING! We received over $700 in donations and have *14* days of giveaways!! Isn't that OUSTANDING?!
I have had a wonderful time seeing folks get excited and giving these goodies away. I just want to say - THANK YOU to all of them! You have absolutely HUMBLED me!
I also want to say - that an added bonus has been getting to know all of these new folks..... some more than others....but what AWE inspiring people - just....wow. =)
Saturday, November 22, 2014
The Thankfulness Challenge
Sooooooo I'm a little late...but I love the piece and can't wait to share =)
I created this piece a few days ago and really fell in love with the colors. It reminds me of all the great things in life - fall, warmth, coziness, nature, my family (my father is an INCREDIBLE gardener) and the greatness of God's creation. These colors are all found in nature and it's a blessing to be able to celebrate them, in jewelry.
Make sure you stop by and check out all the other participants and thank you again for stopping by!
Featured Artist: Cova Cobalt of Cobalt and Copper
Your Hostess: Marybeth Rich of Forest of Jewels
Participants:
Gina Hockett of Freestyle Elements
Carolyn Lawson of Carolyn's Creations
Shaiha Williams of Shaiha's Ramblings
Lisa Knappenberger of LiRaysa Designs
Bianca Medina of Medibeads
Lee Koopman of Strega Jewellry's Blog
Mowse Doyle of Mowse Made This
Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board
I created this piece a few days ago and really fell in love with the colors. It reminds me of all the great things in life - fall, warmth, coziness, nature, my family (my father is an INCREDIBLE gardener) and the greatness of God's creation. These colors are all found in nature and it's a blessing to be able to celebrate them, in jewelry.
Make sure you stop by and check out all the other participants and thank you again for stopping by!
Featured Artist: Cova Cobalt of Cobalt and Copper
Your Hostess: Marybeth Rich of Forest of Jewels
Participants:
Gina Hockett of Freestyle Elements
Carolyn Lawson of Carolyn's Creations
Shaiha Williams of Shaiha's Ramblings
Lisa Knappenberger of LiRaysa Designs
Bianca Medina of Medibeads
Lee Koopman of Strega Jewellry's Blog
Mowse Doyle of Mowse Made This
Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Ravens, Ravens, Everywhere!
I'd like to extend a warm welcome and a huge shoutout to my peeps from Anderson University! Would you mind leaving me a comment and let me know where you're from? =)
Looking for some INCREDIBLE jewelry? Perfect for Christmas gifts, Winter Formal, and all those weddings that are coming from the freshman walk!
You can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and use this discount code: raven10 for 10% off - just for being awesome!
I went to AU from 1993-1998 and met some of THE most OUTSTANDING people, I could have ever dreamed of meeting. We have continued to be friends through the years and I can tell you one thing - there is NO WAY I would be the person I am, today, without each and every one of them.
Looking for some INCREDIBLE jewelry? Perfect for Christmas gifts, Winter Formal, and all those weddings that are coming from the freshman walk!
You can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and use this discount code: raven10 for 10% off - just for being awesome!
I went to AU from 1993-1998 and met some of THE most OUTSTANDING people, I could have ever dreamed of meeting. We have continued to be friends through the years and I can tell you one thing - there is NO WAY I would be the person I am, today, without each and every one of them.
 |
| The last time our group was together for a weddin' |
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sparkling Rocks #fail
Hello Sparkling Rocks Fans!
Sadly, our organizer, Rita, was living in a house that was much like Humpty Dumpty - it had a great fall and her landlord wouldn't send in the horses or the men - so Rita.... moved. Even more sadly, some of the Sparkling Rocks didn't make it outta the Humpty House without damage to the envelopes....so many of us haven't received them.
Please pray for Rita as I know this has been VERY difficult on her and her family but they ARE safe - just had to move with little warning.
So, while I don't have "the" sparkling rock....here's a different sparkling rock =)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209667104/pink-passion-silvery-earrings-handmade
Sadly, our organizer, Rita, was living in a house that was much like Humpty Dumpty - it had a great fall and her landlord wouldn't send in the horses or the men - so Rita.... moved. Even more sadly, some of the Sparkling Rocks didn't make it outta the Humpty House without damage to the envelopes....so many of us haven't received them.
Please pray for Rita as I know this has been VERY difficult on her and her family but they ARE safe - just had to move with little warning.
So, while I don't have "the" sparkling rock....here's a different sparkling rock =)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209667104/pink-passion-silvery-earrings-handmade
Friday, October 31, 2014
OctoberFest Post
While a smidge late - I am a part of the http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/ OctoberFest!
I've decided to share a simple recipe.......one of my favorites and perhaps some would call it a "hack".
For an OUTSTANDING cake - take any cake mix and add a can of pumpkin to it....that's it - bake per directions.....
=)
DELICIOUS and SUPER easy!
And this is one of my all time favorite photos....from October. =) One of my favorite things to do in the fall is go apple picking. While out, I saw this GORGEOUS butterfly feasting on this awful apple. I was taking photos of the butterfly and *never* saw the bee who came later to feast, as well. It reminds me of the beauty that can come from rottenness and the beauty that comes from my own life, and my own rottenness. Quite a gift to see both sides of the coin.
I've decided to share a simple recipe.......one of my favorites and perhaps some would call it a "hack".
For an OUTSTANDING cake - take any cake mix and add a can of pumpkin to it....that's it - bake per directions.....
=)
DELICIOUS and SUPER easy!
And this is one of my all time favorite photos....from October. =) One of my favorite things to do in the fall is go apple picking. While out, I saw this GORGEOUS butterfly feasting on this awful apple. I was taking photos of the butterfly and *never* saw the bee who came later to feast, as well. It reminds me of the beauty that can come from rottenness and the beauty that comes from my own life, and my own rottenness. Quite a gift to see both sides of the coin.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen.....I present to you.....
The 2014 Fall Issue of Creative Spark Magazine, published by ZnetShows!
ZnetShows is THE online source for Wholesale Beads, Tiara Chinese Crystal beads, Glass Pearls, Cultured Sea Glass and Base Metal!
As a member of their design team, I have a few quotes in this quarters publishing....CHECK.IT.OUT!
ZnetShows is THE online source for Wholesale Beads, Tiara Chinese Crystal beads, Glass Pearls, Cultured Sea Glass and Base Metal!
As a member of their design team, I have a few quotes in this quarters publishing....CHECK.IT.OUT!
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