Stories in Silver & Stone

FLASH SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:16:00 +0000

Even on the Last Chance section, which is already discounted by 20%! (yep, I must be crazy or something!)

Shop One of a Kind:

www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com

Shop Regular Line:

www.bellabijoutoo.etsy.com

xo Happy Valentines Day!

Jaime

Making Room

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:07:00 +0000

I've moved over 25 listings to my Last Chance Section and discounted them by 20%!

It's time to make some room, and find new homes for some of my favorites.

Get them while they are hot, they wont be there forever!

Help me find a Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 01:36:00 +0000

For that special piece that has been sitting around my One of a Kind Shop too long.

The end of the year is upon us, and I can't wait to get to work on some of the ideas I have swimming in my head for new designs in 2013! I need to make a dent in my 2012 inventory 1st though, so I am offering a huge 25% off all items with code GOODBYE2012 in my shop: www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com

until Dec 31st 2012.

Get em while there are there, some of my favorite pieces are still around and up for grabs!

*sale excludes cost of shipping, custom commissions, previously purchased items and any applicable taxes.

On another note, I just want to send out my sincerest thanks to all of you who have supported me through this last year. If you have been with me since the beginning you know that this year in business has been a tough one for me. It is the support and kind words that keep my persevering and aiming for so much more in 2013 for my business and personal growth.

You're lovely, truly.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart., Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and until 2013....

Jaime

Black Friday Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Wishing all my American Friends and Family a Happy Thanksgiving!

I decided to start my Black Friday sale a wee bit early - take 20% off everything until Monday November 26th 2012 with the code :

BLACKFRIDAY2012

*sale excludes the cost of shipping, custom commissions, previously purchased items and any applicable taxes.

This is the LAST SALE before the end of the holiday shopping season.

In anticipation of Canada Posts suggested mailing dates for Christmas delivery, please see the following deadlines for orders:

Within Canada : December 6th
To the USA : Dec 2nd
Overseas : November 26th

Shop One of a Kind :

www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com

Shop Online Catalog:

www.bella-bijou.com

Shop Online Catalog on Etsy:

www.bellabijoutoo.etsy.com

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are!!

xo Jaime

Wherein, I stepped away...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:30:00 +0000

... from blogging that is.

What can I say, my heart hasn't been in it?

This last 6 or 7 months have been the toughest months for me as a business in years. Yes there is the economy, and there was summer, and there was back to school, and all sorts of reasons why things may be slow.

But there is then also that small voice in the back of my head that grows louder and louder.

It snarks things like "it just isn't very good" and "they don't like you anymore"

Nasty little thing, isn't it?

I push on.

Because that is all I can do.

I try and provide.

I keep making, because it is what I do.

I tell myself there must be people reading my blog, and looking at my posts on facebook - even if they aren't commenting and the stats don't show it, because I have hope that maybe this horribly long extended lull is all about to end.

Maybe, just maybe.

I stepped away from blogging, because I really felt like I was just talking to myself. Maybe I am. Maybe these things needed to be said.

So, why am I telling you this?

I have thought long and hard about posting and the ways in which I could possibly get this off my chest with out sounding ungrateful, envious of success, or down right complainy ( not a real word)

In the end - this is me, and my craft means everything to me. It is my lively ( and sometimes very UN lively) hood. It is an extension of myself and a reflection of me.

It's what I have to offer.

In this last year I have analyzed every which way till Sunday, and probably sent myself cross eyed for the amount of research I have done on marketing myself (blech, I am NOT a saleswoman), SEO (keywords, tags, search terms, oh my!) etc and I can only really come to the conclusion:

If people like it, they will buy it.

And maybe you, lovely potential buyer, have fallen out of "like" with me.

I hope this is not the case. I hope you like me, you really like me. But I also must pay attention to the numbers, because bills don't pay themselves, and food does not magically put itself on the table.

So I am left with that burning, deep dark question.

Do I go on? Do I keep trying?

yes.

ahem, I mean :

YES.

I keep trying, I keep pushing, I keep dreaming and hoping.

My time will come. One day.

Why do I hope you are reading this and not thinking this is a "woe is me" post?

Because I figure this ought to be kinda somewhat maybe normalish.

I feel it must be a rare bird to start a business and never encounter some incredible low, even when you thought you were getting off on the right two feet. To never doubt whether this is a pipe dream, or think about giving up.

I imagine many don't get past that point, they soar high, then low, and never dust themselves off and try, try again.

That is not me. I am tenacious, I am determined, I am stubborn, damnit!

You've not heard the last of Bella-Bijou - my heart is ALWAYS in it. In every single piece I create, a sliver of my heart exists.

I will dream it, I will build it, I will send it with love wherever you are in this world.

I will create beautiful things, for beautiful people - take that self doubt!

Jaime = 1, Snarky Inner Voice = 0

Fullness

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 22:03:00 +0000

We packed the car, grabbed my brother and caught the ferry up the coast this past weekend to spend Thanksgiving with my folks. It was a quickie visit, but needed none the less.

We ate.

We laughed.

We debated on life.

We had doggy cuddles,

and a hell of a lot of sunshine (normally we are well into rainy season by now)

We watched folks casually stroll out to their boats, no doubt surprised it was still warm enough for an afternoon on the water, while we lunched.

We heard whispers everywhere we went of things like "What a brilliant day?" and "Who knew it would be so warm?"

And before we knew it, we were sailing away ourselves, back home, into the sunset.
I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

-Jaime

7th Annual Anniversary Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Seven years ago I wandered into a gemshop a couple blocks from where I was living. I had just moved in with a guy who was all wrong for me in a million ways, and was looking for a little self identity.

Well, I found it ;-)

As a humble and grateful THANK YOU to each and all who have bought from me, supported me, watched me grow, I am happy to announce me 7th (!!) Annual Anniversary Sale!

Take 20% off all purchases with code 7YEARS

The sale runs Oct 5th-14th, but you bloggy friends can use it asap.

Shop One of a Kind:

www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com

Shop Bella-Bijou Online :

www.bella-bijou.com

If you've stuck with me since the beginning, or if you just found me today - thanks a million times over!

-Jaime

*sale does not reflect the cost of shipping, and excludes custom orders. In an attempt at fairness, no reserves during the sale

Starting October with a BANG!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:09:00 +0000

Happy October - wow September just slipped through my grips it seems. We had such a gorgeous mild September month here ( it only rained once - believe it!) and I didn't want to see it go, but October has already started off on a great foot for me, so I am embracing it!

I thought I ought to start the month off proper, with a handful of new beauties up for sale.

These babies are heading into the One of a Kind Shop early this evening

Buttercup Necklace

Sterling Silver and Yellow Opal Druzy

Little Dove Earrings

Sterling SIlver and Peruvian Blue Opal

Rosy Disposition Necklace

Sterling Silver and Green Freshwater Pearl

Rosy Disposition Necklace

Sterling Silver and Pink Champagne Freshwater Pearl

... and these babies are heading to the Website - made to order in limited edition!

Ombre Earrings

14k Gold Filled and Brass

Fern Studs

Sterling Silver

Token Necklace

Brass

Stay tuned for a couple exciting things from me in the next week or so, I may just have a surprise or two up my sleeve!

Till then,

Toodleloo!

-J

A Walk with Giants

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 03:03:00 +0000

It was a stunning day. We hiked the canyon and marveled at the streaks of sun shooting through generations of trees.

Growth, death, regrowth.

We stumbled over roots,

and passed boulders covered in furry blankets of moss.

The air was humid as we strolled under our cedar umbrella.

The day was glorious - not to hot, not too cool. The air was perfectly crisp and clean and everything around us seemed to be drinking it up.

I drank it up.
The last of the sun of the summer.

We've had a lovely September - weather fit for the month of July, when we were dished weather fit for March.
I almost don't want it to end, the Sapphire month.
I want to enjoy this perfectness forever.

Shop Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:08:00 +0000

These new beauties will be in the One of a Kind shop this evening sometime.

I am LOVING purples and greens right now. What about you?

Garden of Secret Thoughts Necklace

Sterling Silver and Agua Nueva Agate

Plum Blossom Necklace

Sterling Silver, Stitchtite, Peridot and 14k gold

Siren Song Ring

Sterling Silver and Labradorite - ready to be custom sized

This is new to the website and catalog etsy shop, and has already been listed there made to order :-)

Serpentine Ring

Sterling Silver

Sky High Ring

Sterling Silver and Turquoise - ready to be custom sized

This is already in the One of a Kind Shop

What colours are you loving for fall? I'm always about the gem tones myself!

More pics and instant updates of these can be seen on my facebook page:

www.facebook.com/bellabijoujewellery

Toodles!

Sometimes you just gotta

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Stick out a little leg....

Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Some of you may know I have been on a bit of a journey these last two months - to get the body I used to have back, and get healthy. Over the last two months I have actually come to like my gym sessions ( imagine that, I assure you I never dreamed that would happen) and I decided to treat myself to a new toy, a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor.

I can't rave enough about this little gadget - honestly it pushes me so much more knowing exactly what I am burning. Hey, what can I say? I'm an instant gratification kinda girl!
-J

Ready to be Sized, just for YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:59:00 +0000

Two more rings, ready to be custom sized.
I have taken to listing rings lately before the stone has been set and the band is soldered - I really want to make my rings available to anyone who feels the desire to have one :-)

These are both in the One of a Kind shop already!

Climbing Lotus Ring
Sterling and Smokey Quartz

Sow the Seeds Ring

Sterling Silver, Brass, Turquoise

New Offerings, and thoughts after 2 months

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:17:00 +0000

These things have made it into the One of a Kind Shop recently:

Olive Branch Ring

*ready to be sized in any size

Sterling Silver, Brass, Turquoise

https://www.etsy.com/listing/109138248/turquoise-ring-chunky-sterling-silver

Nautica Necklace

Sterling Silver and Larimar

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108789555/sterling-silver-necklace-pale-blue

Nautica Ring Size 7.5

Sterling Silver, Amazonite

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108794986/sterling-silver-nautical-ring-blue

Morning Frost Ring

Sterling Silver and Druzy

*this ring has already found it's new home!

Desert at Dusk Necklace

Sterling Silver, Picture Jasper

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108794986/sterling-silver-nautical-ring-blue

These bad boys have been added to my made to order line recently. They can be found on Etsy, and on Bella-Bijou.com

Serpentine Earrings
Sterling Silver

Infinity Necklace

Sterling Silver

In other news, if you have been following my little adventure in weight loss, I am now down 12lbs! I feel so much better - my joints to ache like they did, and a few people have noticed my face being a little slimmer. I am on my way!

I have also really been enjoying cooking new recipes - I was in such a rut for such a long time, and I feel so inspired trying new low fat and calorie recipes. Not once in the last 2 months ( yep, two months TODAY since I started my new lifestyle) have I felt like I am missing out. I feel empowered!

Things that are new

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 02:53:00 +0000

I made some things this week. Surprised? Me neither ;-)

These are all in the shop right now

Tail Feather Shield Long Necklace

Soul Tears Shield Long Necklace

Beating Heart Shield Long Necklace

Pacific Ring, Size 7

PS - I made THIS for dinner tonight and it was so so so good. Try it, you'll thank me.

Four hours later...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 03:27:00 +0000

And I finally got on a boat.

It sure felt good to get that wind in my face, and know that home was just a ferry ride away
(even if I did have to wait through 2 ferry sailings in the scorching heat to get there.)

A very short 2 days away, and I am back at the bench, like the busy bee I am!

Two more, Just for YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:56:00 +0000

Two more rings, just waiting to be sized perfectly to someone's finger.

Wilderness Ring
Sterling Silver and Labradorite

Mojito Ring
Sterling Silver and Prehnite ( the most gorgeous high domed stone!)

If you know one of these rings must be yours, please to send me an email or head over to my Etsy Shop and contact me!

Goals for the Soul : Week 6 and Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:46:00 +0000

YES.
yes.
HECK YES!

I weighed in at -10lbs today. My first weight loss goal and I almost cried a bit (actually I am surprised I didn't, being the emotional soul I am)

Not only did I meet my weekly goal, but I have lost 10lbs in 5 weeks, and I feel DAMN good about that. Just the thought of possibly needing to buy smaller sized fall clothes has me giddy.

I am on my way!

My Goal for the this next week ( Week 6) is try and fit in a walk each day this weekend. I am heading up the coast for some family time, and plan on talking this little guy for some adventures.

I am sure we can get into some good mischief together ;-)

You May Be a Metalsmith When...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 03:53:00 +0000

... when you realize that painting your nails before working with files and sandpaper is a BAD idea.

Of course, you realize this *after* doing so.

Made just for YOU

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:59:00 +0000

I've held onto this gorgeous Imperial Jasper now for far too long.
It *needed* to be a ring, but I wanted everyone to have the chance to wear it, so I have not set the stone yet. Instead, when you purchase this ring, I will be sizing it just for your finger, then set the stone.

I know it is meant to be for someone out there ;-)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106524451/sterling-silver-stone-cocktail-ring-pink

Weekly Goals for the Soul : Week 5

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 02:10:00 +0000

First and foremost - YES I did hit the gym three times last week, so I met my challenge from last week head on! I will be attempting this every week, but we all know how life goes ;-)

Some notes from last week:

- I am actually liking the gym? I question this newfound enjoyment of physical fitness due to the fact I have NEVER enjoyed sweating, but perhaps seeing that scale move weekly has propelled me into a new phase in my life.

- Pedicured toes with OPI's "Ate Berries in the Canaries" seemed like a perfect reward for 4 weeks of continued dedication to my new lifestyle. Felt pretty good to reward myself with something other than food!

- A rare treat, a Tim Hortons Honey Cruller, was devoured yesterday. I should be good for a while now ;-)

- A non-scale victory : a blouse I accidently bought in the wrong size at Christmas that never fit, now fits. How sweet that feels.

Week Five's Challenge :

Finally break through my first 10 pounds lost ( I am SO close at 9 pounds) and put myself into a new weight bracket.

Think I can do it?

There is a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:22:00 +0000

Thank you thank you to all those who entered my Giveaway for a Dew Drop Necklace!
Without further adieu, the winner is....
....
....
......
....
...
..
.

NancyPants78 !

As per usual, please contact me with your address within one week, or I will have to announce a new winner!

Toodles

Sometimes

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 05:58:00 +0000

Even when one is on a diet, a good old Fish 'n Chip dinner is in order.
Especially when it is on a pier overlooking the water.
Yum

Last Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 06:24:00 +0000

Just a gentle reminder, that today ( saturday August 4th) is the last day for both the Summer Giveaway:

http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.ca/2012/07/summer-giveaway-2012.html

And the Summer Sale ( last sale until October folks!)

Don't forget, every $25 spent during the sale/giveaway gets you 5 entries into the giveaway as well!

Shop One of a Kind www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com

Shop the collection www.bella-bijou.com

Weekly Goals for the Soul : Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 03:40:00 +0000

I realize there was no "Week 3" - but we decided to haul ass out of town for a bit to visit my family, and trust me it was very well needed.
This summer hasn't been easy on us, what with things being so slow with me, and the needing to make some be decisions, so I gave myself the last week off from a goal ( not from the diet though) to just let some dust settle a bit.
Upwards and onwards though, I can very proudly say I am DOWN 8 POUNDS in the last 3 weeks - this is incredible for me!
Can I get a "hell yeah!" ??

So moving forwards, my goal this week is to introduce the gym back into my life - I'd like to get there 3 times a week. So far, I've been twice this week already!
Go me!

If anyone out there still does read my blog, thank you for following this journey of mine. Please do share if you have set yourself goals, have met goals, have struggled with weight ( one way or the other).