At Both Ends

We've moved!

2013-09-25T15:01:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed that D'Lites by Dorene has been silent for some time. I truly apologize if you feel neglected. but want to take some time today to update you.

D'Lites by Dorene is now known as The Columbia Fragrance Co., which we hope more accurately reflects our product line beyond candles: room mists, diffuser oils, and bath and body products. Check out our new logo!

We've opened a new online store - www.ColumbiaFragrance.com - which we hope will be an easier shopping experience. You'll see you can create a guest profile for one time purchases and still have the flexibility of multiple payment options. You'll also notice we've moved the candle content of our blog to this site. Here, you'll be able to stay informed on candle burning and decorating tips, as well as new products as they are developed.

Our Etsy store will remain open and has been renamed The Columbia Fragrance Co. for all of you who continue to enjoy the Etsy experience.

In writing this blog over the past few months, I've come to realize there has been content aimed at different constituents. The business content of the blog has been moved to another site: www.MaryOhEnterprises.com. Here you'll find expanded information on marketing your business and nonprofit organization as well as learn more about our consulting services to help your company grow.

Thank you for your loyal following over the past few years. I look forward to seeing you again in our new homes!

Sunday Spotlight - Valery Tkachenko of Alery

2013-08-18T10:13:00.001-04:00

Today's Sunday Spotlight focuses on the jewelry of Valery Tkachenko of Alery. Please take some time to learn about this incredible artist and shop her work!

My name is Valery. I was born and raised in beautiful and ancient city Kiev in Ukraine. Some time ago my husband, our children and I moved to California where we now live in a small city not far from San Francisco. I worked in IT before but now I turn into a jeweler.

Blue Sky Enamel Earrings

I’ve always been into crafting and arts. Over years I’ve tried different techniques and materials in jewelry making. But enameling technique was a love at first sight.

Multicolor Enamel Earrings

The process of enameling offers a jeweler a lot of freedom for creativity and experimentation. I love to discover new ways, when result may be unpredictable and surprising. It keeps you at the edge, urges to learn new all the time.

Whimsical Enamel Earrings

In enameling a metal surface is covered with a finely grounded glass powder. The surface is then heated to about 1450F so that the powder melts and fuses together. One can use either kiln of hand torch to heat the powder. It usually takes a few melting iterations for a jewelry piece to be ready. With each iteration a jeweler can change the color of the glass powder, its quantity and transparency. As a result most of the pieces turn out to be one of a kind and completely unique as it’s simply impossible to replicate them.

Statement Cocktail Ring

On the one hand I’m inspired by the diversity and sophistication of nature, where you can find something new and surprising every time. On the other hand man-made objects can be as beautiful. Apart from nature architecture and art serve as great sources of inspiration for me. The simplicity and elegance of minimalism where every shape and every line have a well-defined meaning and purpose prompt me to create simple yet bright and colorful jewelry items.

Copper Earrings

What work I’m most proud of. It’s really hard to answer. Each time when I find a new way of doing something or do some successful experiments I enjoy it a lot, so I have a group of favorite items made in different techniques. Definitely, this big pendant is one of my favorites:

In my works I try to combine traditional with contemporary in techniques, in designs, in materials. I hope that my jewelry brings some joy to people’s life.

In addition to my shop on Etsy, you can find me here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alery/
http://pinterest.com/alerypins/
https://twitter.com/AleryAccessorie

For readers of this blog I offer a special coupon code DBLOG10 – it gives you 10% off your purchase. This offer expires October 31, 2013.

Five Favorite Social Media Posts

2013-08-04T10:53:00.003-04:00

Here's a round up of my top five favorite articles on social media that I've read this week:

7 Important Google Plus Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners - I know I'm still trying to get the hang of using Google+, are you? Here are some great ideas for using this important medium.

Social Media Marketing Fortune 500 Style - How are the big boys using social media for their branding efforts? Check out Heidi Cohen's post on research of various social media tactics.

5 Quick Things You Can Do This Week to Fix Your Marketing - Copyblogger gives some good, yet simple ideas anyone can do to improve their marketing initiatives.

The 10 Greatest Marketing Campaigns of All Time - Hubspot is by far my favorite go to for social media and marketing wisdom. Once you're past the photo of Kanya West, you'll glean some good marketing ideas!

26 Tips for Your Social Network Profiles - Social Media Examiner is my most recent discovery. Try one tip a day and watch your presence grow in a month!

What's your favorite marketing tip? Share below!