Gecko Jewelry

Some more Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:53:00 +0000

I thought again I would take a few minutes to enter some more giveaways. Here is what I found this morning.

http://www.wilddogstudio.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 24th

http://kotibeth.blogspot.com/2009/01/feature-and-giveaway.html January 17th

http://justaddcharm.blogspot.com/ January 20th

I also did a forum site and here is some more people that are having a giveaway. Check them out. http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5990554

I am off to do some stuff around the house. Have a great day!

See below for a giveaway that I am having. You will get a bag full of goodies from me and some of my Etsy friends. Post in yesterdays comments. Ends 17th, January

I just won a Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:13:00 +0000

So this morning I thought I would take 30 minutes and do some giveaways. I have read about people winning and thought if I don't try I will never win anything

So I entered several the ones below and Vicki's http://vickiorion.blogspot.com/ Hers was ending today so I had to act fast.

As I was entering the giveaways I had a convo and guess what I won her giveaway! I am so happy.

I won two beautiful cards that she made. You can see them here http://vickiorion.blogspot.com/2009/01/twisted-tapestry-double-and-giveaway.html

They are so pretty that I don't even want to use them. I may just have to frame them! :)

You should also take a look at her beautiful jewelry that she makes, here is a link to her etsy site. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5072881

I want to than Vicki Orion for doing the giveaway. You have made me a happy girl today.

Free Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:22:00 +0000

So this morning I was entering some giveaway. I thought why not post them here and have the work done for you! So here are some that I saw this morning. I will update and post more through out the day. Keep Checking back. Also comment on this post and win a suprise from me! (see who all sees this giveaway)

http://boutiquebybonnie.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 17th

http://wendiwinn.blogspot.com/ Deadlie January 15th

http://kimnfam.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 15th

http://juliacatherine.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 15th

http://bitsycreations.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 11th

http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/ Deadline January 17th

http://sacredherbals.com/blog/ Deadline January 11th

Some have multiple ways to enter. I will post more later.

Winner of My Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Contratulations to0...... Nyny AKA New York Tran for winning the jewelry set!

Next giveaway is in February.

~ Free Giveaway ~

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:44:00 +0000

My First Giveaway!

I am going to offer the winner the chance to have either my coral necklace set or the black stone necklace set. http://www.geckojewelry.etsy.com/

Here is what you need to do:
Step 1 : Visit my shop pick one or two items that you like and post here.
Step 2: Tell me one thing you want to see Gecko Jewelry make or offer in her store.
Step 3: Tell me your favorite color?
Step 4: Tell me your favorite jewelry to wear? is it earrings, necklace, bracelets or jewelry set
Step 5: Make sure you have a contact addy available.

Copy and paste if you want the steps and answer them in the comment sections, that is it!

Winner will be picked December 31st. 12pm Pacific Time

Christmas Time

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:15:00 +0000

Gosh, time is sure going by fast. It is getting that time or already is for some of us to start shopping. So to help out this time of year, I am offering free shipping on my etsy site. You can view my jewelry but clicking here. http://www.geckojewelry.etsy.com/ I will also have some sales through out the next month, so keep checking back.

Don't forget about our Washington State Friendship Boxes. We still have a few left, great gift for someone at work, secret santa, someone that is hard to buy for. They can try out, wear and use the items that are in this package! Click here for the website. www.washigntonstatefriendshipbox.com

Also free drawing, we will be drawing a name for a free friendship box on the 28th.

Washington State Friendship Box

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:58:00 +0000

~~Washington State Friendship Box~~

Will be available to purchase October 1st.

Get them while you can!!

A proud sponsor of the Eastern Washington Etsy Team!

The Washington State Friendship Box is a perfect way for consumers to learn about handmade items from talented artists throughout Eastern Washington. Once every two months we will team up with local artists to fill the Washington State Friendship Box which will be ready for purchase here, on this website. These boxes are hand packaged with love and mailed right to your door. Each box will be filled with a variety of handmade items such as stationary, accessories, treats, decorative items and much more! You'll love the items so much, that you'll definitely want more!
The first ever Washington State Friendship Box will be available for purchase on October 1st, 2008. Each box will be filled with approxamitely a dozen to-die-for items! There will be a mix of full-size and sample items - something to satisfy everyone's needs. The Washington State Friendship Box will be shipped out within 2-4 business days after your purchase has been completed. Limited quantities will be available so please order early! They will be available for purchase on our website until the current month's stock runs out. We do ship to Canada, but please note: it may take longer to get to arrive at international addresses.We will be posting updates on our webpage when to expect each round of Washington State Friendship Boxes to be available for purchase. Everything in the Washington Friendship Box is 100% handmade by talented artists living in Washington. Or by our talented Etsy Friends. They have put their time and heart into every product. If you, too, are interested in putting your products in "The Washington Friendship Box" you can email us at: washingtonstatefriendshipbox@hotmail.com

**Be sure to sign our guestbook for your change to win a FREE Friendship Box!!
Leave a contact email in order to be notified of your win!**

You can purchase one by visiting our website. http://www.washingtonstatefriendshipbox.com/

Win a chance for a Cricut Expressions

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:28:00 +0000

So you want a one? Who doesn't?
It's a Cricut Expressions.
This thing does it all.
Scrapbooking
Vinyl Lettering
School Projects
The list goes on and on!
The Cricut Expressions is the craft fanatics must-have!
And, here is YOUR chance to win one. Yep.

Click here and enter!

Earring Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:09:00 +0000

A great way on stocking up on earrings. Buy 2 get the 3 FREE. With $1.00 shipping. A great way to purchse some earrings for yourself or stock up for christmas gifts!

You can view my earrings and my other jewelry here. www.geckojewelry.etsy.com

Also all my other jewelry is free shipping. Get it while you can.

Some new jewelry I have made

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:17:00 +0000

Well I just got back from our family vacation. We went to the Oregon Coast for a week and stayed in a condo right on the beach. It was beautiful. Once I get some pictures up I will post them. While I was away I took my beads and beaded. Yeup can't stay away from that. It was very relaxing. I have posted three of the many than that I made on my etsy site. You can click here and view them. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5570387

I am also offering free shipping.

The craft show was so much fun! We had a great day meeing everyone that we have been chatting with on Etsy and finally putting names to faces. It was a bit slow for customers, we new this with doing one in the summer. We are having another one November 15th. Same place Hal Holmes Center. Just in time for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. I will keep you posted on this event. If you are interested in participating email me or convo me.

Our First Etsy Craft Show

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:23:00 +0000

I am hosting an Etsy Craft Show here in Ellensburg on August 2nd at Hal Holmes Center. It is right next to our local library. For more on Hal Holmes Center click the link http://www.halholmes.org/

I have 18 wonderful crafters from all over the Eastern Washington coming to support and participate in this event. The show runs from 9am -3pm. We will have an hourly free raffle drawing, gift bags, free samples . Plus all of the wonderful items that these talented crafters are bringing.

To view who is coming to the show. Look to the right under Etsy Craft Show Crafters. This is all of them except for 5 that don't have a site.
If you are in the area come on down and check us out.

It is Summer Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:57:00 +0000

I am so excited I am officially on summer vacation! So I plan on doing a lot of marketing and making jewelry during my summer break. As well as I am doing the Ellensburg Farmers Market and starting Roslyn Farmers Market next Sunday. I am also in the process of putting together an annual Etsy craft show. This will be on August 2nd at Hal Homes. If you are interested in a booth please email me. Or if you are in the area or live in Ellensbrug be sure to stop by. I have crafters coming from Spokane, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Richland, Kenewick, Yakima, Ellensbrug.

So I have found some great hints, and tips while I was looking up how to prepare for a craft show I wanted to share some with you all. Here is some great ideas that I have gotten off the internet.

Items to Take With You:

Business Cards
Newsletters or Fliers
Receipt Pads
Bags
Tissue paper for packaging
Credit Card Machine and forms if you have one.
Signs & Banners
Table Covering to cover the table. This will draw the eye in and customers over to take a look if you have a well decorated table.
Collect Contact Information
Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses from as many people as possible. By collecting this information from your customers, associates, and contacts, you will be able to contact them again to share any news and updates about your business. Have a guest book at your table to do this.
Display Your Name and Website on Everything
Every time someone sees your business name, that's advertising! The more place that you have your information posted, the more advertising you will receive! Use it on stationery to everyone. Hand out business cards whenever someone asks for your phone number.
Offer a Discount Coupon with all Orders
You got them to buy once, can you do it again? Show your customer appreciation by offering a coupon with each sale.
10% off next order, Free shipping on your next order, $5 off your next order
People will be more likely to return if they have a coupon because they will be saving money. Customer appreciation goes a long way.
Offer Referral Incentives
Ask your customers to share your business with their friends and family. The best advertisement is word of mouth.
Send a coupon with all orders that offers a discount on first time orders. Customers can share this with a friend.
Offer customers a discount on their next order if a new customer uses their name as a referral.

Well this is part one of a two or three part. I will list the rest more on Sunday. Keep checking back!

Our New Addition to the Family--Update on My New Items.

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:12:00 +0000

I wanted to share our new family member and as well as let you know what I have been up to.

Here is our new new memeber her name is Roxy. She is a Sheltie and Austrailian Sheppard mix. 3 months old. We got her on Friday and she is adapting very well.

I am also knee deep in scrabble tile pendants. They are so fun to make and people here have never seen them before. I hope to get 50 of them made by this coming weekend to sell at the farmers market. I am also working on the marble magnets.

Must go and get in my craftroom and get some stuff done. As well as laundry, never ending here at my house!

Annual Etsy Craft Show

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:37:00 +0000

First I have to show you some picture of my booth at our local farmers market. Then I will tell you about my annual Etsy bazaar.

This is the front table then I also had a side table. I have done two weekends and it is so much fun!

Now for the information on our Annual Etsy Craft Show:

If you live in the Ellensburg area or close or would like to drive to Ellensburg. I am hosting an annual Etsy craft show. It is on August 2nd, email me or convo me for more information. You don't have to bring tables or chairs. Just your items to sell and any displays that you may have. One day only and it will be a blast!

Time Flies!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:10:00 +0000

O.k. Gosh I have not been on here for awhile. It is getting close for school to be out so I am pretty buys. I work for a school district, 19 days left!!
I also started to do our local Farmers Market it is on Saturdays from 9am-1pm if you are in town come on down and look me up! I am looking at doing at least 2 a month maybe more if my schedule allows. I am also going to start doing the Cle Elum Market next month they are on Sundays 10am-2pm so it won't over lap.
Some good news we have an Eastern Washington Etsy group. So I am looking forward to helping out with this as well. This is very new so it is in the process I will keep you posted on when we are up and running post our site.
I am also looking into getting a group of us Etsy together and doing an annual craft show here in Ellensburg. I am looking at doing 2 a year and possibly one this summer to get us all together and work out the kinks. I will keep you posted. If you are interested in doing this with me email me.
I am having a special on my etsy site. $1.00 shipping!! View my jewelry at www.geckojewelry.etsy.com

O.k. I am off for now, I will post some pictures of the Farmers Market this weekend and write more later.

Where is the time going???

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:32:00 +0000

This month has gone by so fast. I was looking at the calendar today and realized that in 4 days the month is over. With my two boys in baseball and that means that I am at the field Monday through Friday I have to go on Fridays because my oldest is also in Soccer. Then Saturdays is baseball as well I have not much time for myself. Well today I was so excited no games so I have been home making jewelry as well as cleaning house. I have posted my new jewelry on my etsy site. www.GeckoJewelry.etsy.com . I am also having a buy 1 get the other 1/2 off sale that ends tomorrow. With that is also a $1.00 shipping in the U.S. or $2.00 anywhere else. The shipping is good until the 15th of May. So come and take a look at my sales. I am also posting some pictures of my stands that the shop kids made for me (I work at a high school) Let me know what you think. They did a very good job and the price was so much better than what I expected.

Update on what is going on with Gecko Jewelry!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:36:00 +0000

I have been busy making new jewelry for the summer. I have been beading in colors of pink, lime green, orange, yellow and red. I am pretty excited for my new designs and colors for summer!

I also met with Jessi from Rustic Ranch and Cabin Chic. I am happy to say that she is now caring my jewelry in her store! :) I am so excited about this. She has a beautiful store if you live in the area you must go and check it out. Or if you are passing through come on by and see her and my jewelry.
Here is a link to her site where you can view her store.
http://www.liverustic.com/rustic_home.html

I am also on a waiting list for our local farmers market and I am waiting for a call from Roslyn Farmers Market to see if I can get in with them. I am busy marketing and trying to get things organized. I just wished I had more time and did not have to work my day job. You do the best you can with what we have, right!

Spotlight on Leanne Lonergan of Rainbow Revolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:58:00 +0000

1- Could you introduce us to who you are and what you do?
Hi there…Well my name is Leanne Lonergan and for some years now my main thing has been teaching colour therapy and courses in self understanding and personal growth using colour.

2 - What lead you to making colorful wraps?
I have been an artist and crafter for as long as I can remember. If it involves the chance to play with heaps of colour. The wraps came about 3 years ago as an idea for something to make for the Spring fair at the school my two daughters attend. After much experimentation (and quite a few mistakes!) these beautiful wraps were ‘born’.

3 -How long have you been in business?
I have been in business now for nearly twelve months.

4 - How did you hear about Etsy?
I found etsy one day as I was searching the web. I felt straight away that this was a site I would like to be involved in!

5 -What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The best part of what I do has to be experimenting with the dyes and colours. I am always fascinated by the different fabrics that I use and how the fabric has it’s own way of showing the colours. I love mixing new colours and coming up with new colour ‘themes’. Each time I am in the workshop I get my own dose of ‘colour therapy’.

6 -What is some of the challenges that you have faced?
The biggest challenge I have faced has been in learning the whole internet thing! I remember the first product I put in my shop took me so long to get listed. I had to teach myself about the photos, (sizes, cropping etc etc.) , shipping and getting it accurate. Now the challenge is in the marketing both online and the old fashioned way! Getting yourself known is so important!

7 - If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
Be bold, be brave and just go for it! Do what you love doing!
If you have a passion for something it is so important to express it!

8 - Is this a full-time job or part-time?
It is my full time joy. Nothing seems like work when you are doing what you love.

9 - Anything new that you are in the process of making right now?
I am in the process of developing a range of expression wraps!
I will soon be releasing an ‘Energy’ wrap, a ‘Peace’ wrap, a ‘Balance’ wrap and a ‘Rejoice’ wrap. Their themes have been based on the messages within the colours I have used. I did the prototypes yesterday and they will be rinsed today!

10 - Where did you learn this profession and when did you start?
I have been dyeing fabrics for many years now. I am self taught and I learn so much from what doesn’t work out as much as from what does!

11 - What inspires you to make these beautiful wraps?
My inspiration comes from how I have seen colour help people. I get feedback constantly from people that have my wraps and it lifts my heart to hear their stories. I was recently told that a little girl had received one of my rainbow wraps as a gift. She was in hospital with a terminal illness. She had her wrap with her everyday until she passed away. She called it her rainbow blanket and said that it made her happy! How can I not be inspired when I hear this sort of thing.
I am inspired constantly to help people grow and be the best they can be and my preferred ‘tool’ is colour!

12 - If you could pick on item from you store that you are especially proud of what would it be and why?
It would have to be the original rainbow wrap! This product is in a centre here in Australia called the ‘Quest for Life Centre’ which is run by an amazing lady called Petrea King. Petrea runs this centre for people who are faced with terminal illness and runs courses and support groups. My wraps are sold here as a fundraiser to help the centre. It is the product that I sell the most of I am continually in the workshop making more!

13 - Anywhere else we can find your products?
My products are available from the Australian Centre for Colour Therapy in Alice Springs, Aromatherapy Works in Sydney and through various independent retailers around Australia.
Of course they are available from Etsy and I am in the process of setting up a store on DaWanda to attract the European market. (I must brush up on my school days French and German though!)

You can view her store at: rainbowrevolution.etsy.com

Leanne is gracious enough to run a special for readers who saw her on my blog.
She is offering 10% discount if you purchase one item and if you buy 2 or more she will give you a 15%. Just mention that you saw her on my blog in the ‘message to seller’ part of the process! Or convo her for any questions.

New Pictures being added

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:59:00 +0000

My gosh what torture it was not being able to post pictures and get them on my site.

I am glad to say I am able to again!! Took computer down and got it fixed. I am so excited my computer is working again and the camera as well.
One day the computer went a bit wierd then a few days later I tried to down load pictures and the darn thing said no pictures to down load. So it was not able to read the camera for some reason. But $92.00 later we are working!!
I have a lot of pictures that I will be posting through out the week. Also wonderful savings $5.00-$10.00 in savings on my site. Come and see what that is about.

www.geckojewelry.etsy.com

----- Sale -----

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:19:00 +0000

I am having a sale in my shop come and take a look. Great savings!!

Spend $20.00 and I will take $5.00 off your total. Spend $40.00 and I will take $10.00 off your total. Spend $50.00 and I will take $15.00 off and give you free shipping! Convo me on what you want and I will change the total for you! Easy as pie!!!

If you have favorite something now is the time to get it.

I am also taking my computer to a repair guy either Monday or Tuesday. So then I can post new jewelry this week! Finally....

I am also in the process of interviewing another etsian, I will keep you posted on that as well.

Camera won't work :(

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:51:00 +0000

We had a bad virus and I took all these pictures trying the light box and the darn things says I have no pictures to download! :( I am so sad..I am trying to fix it. I belive something happened when we had to fix out computer. So I am sorry that I don't have new things to post. It may be a few weeks. I will keep you posted. I am also in the process of doing out local farmers market. We have a meeting coming up and I have to take my jewelry in to the board for them to approve it. Will keep you posted on this. Must go hubby needs the computer!

My Week...

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:34:00 +0000

Gosh what a week I had. I am on a mission to get a little dog and that has been a job itself. I was looking for a Yorkie until I could not find one cheaper than $1,000. Unless I wanted a 6 or 7 year old one for $500.00. So I have found another bread that I like a shih tzu lapa apso. I know I spelt that wrong! LOL

I have also made three new necklaces took them to work and had 4 sales on them. That was pretty exciting. So I need to finish up the orders to take to work tomorrow. I am also going to try to polish up my picutres. I had a wonderful nice lady email me and sent me a link to how to take better pictures so I am going to give that a try. I won't be able to get the best light not sunny today but I am going to play with it.

Tip for the Week!

I found this great site and I wanted to pass it on for the fashions for 2007/2008.

Fall/Winter 2007/2008 Jewelry Trends

It's shaping up to be an interesting fall and winter for jewelry styles with styles running the gamut from bold and playful to sleek and modern. Jewelry styles are also going to be bigger and more extreme than you've seen in past years. This is the time to throw caution to the wind and get ready to design those big, bold styles you've never had the nerve to try before. Believe me, they won't look out of place if the trends play out. No doubt about it! Jewelry will play a pivotal role in fashion going into winter 2008.

As the rather warm summer of 2007 draws to a close and 2008 makes it's appearance, you'll continue to see natural elements such as bone, wood, bone, and natural clay beads in the forefront of fashion.To make things more interesting, they'll intermixed with crystals , pearls, and even gemstones to create a funky and eclectic fusion look.

Pearls have definitely not lost their luster. You'll find them interspersed with a multitude of natural and semiprecious beads, particularly black onyx and smoky quartz, which are hot stones for the cooler weather. Look for multifaceted and irregularly faceted shaped beads and jewelry components to be in demand. Think big and bold with lots of contrasts. Other semiprecious beads that will shine this winter include leopardskin jasper and the perenially popular, tigerseye. Don't be afraid to add unconventional elements to these stones such as feathers, sea glass, and even found objects.

In contrast to the rather wild, eclectic natural look, you'll see a new emphasis on the classics, although with an updated, elaborate twist. Think of oversized, beaded cocktail rings, bold jewelry brooches, and big chunky chains. Sterling silver and marcasite will be important as we move into the cooler weather. European design traditions will be expressed through interesting crests and badges along with lace, velvet ribbon, and cameos, although everything will have a bold, updated look.

Another emerging jewelry trend is the appearance of a new sleek, futuristic look or jewelry with that "high tech" look. You'll see pairings of black onyx and smokey quartz with bold, metallic bead accents, sometimes interspersed with faceted Swarvoski crystals and bold, dichroic glass. Beads are often assymetrical and multifaceted which increases the high tech shine of this ultracontemporary look. You'll see sculpted resin jewelry components interspersed with metallics, giving a sleek, modern, updated look.

This will also be the year of the Asian look with intricately carved, semiprecious stone pendants on leather cord or paired with a diversity of beads. The Asian inspired dragon motif will be popular in a variety of different forms and will be be interspersed with a diversity of charm motifs including hearts, keys, locks, and lockets.

Bracelets, particularly cuff bracelets will continue to be important along with chain bracelets, particularly wire mesh chain bracelets. Pendants and necklaces will be large, bold, and eclectic with a variety of unique design elements and will run the gamut from long to choker length. Earring styles will pack a punch with big loops and circles adding a touch of glamour.

This is, indeed, the year of the bold and unexpected in jewelry trends. Have fun experimenting!

http://www.jewelry-marketing.com/Fall_Winter_2007_2008_Jewelry_Trends.html

Easter Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:40:00 +0000

I just want to post a piece of jewelry that I made it makes me think of Easter. It is not to later to purchase it and have it sent to you or a loved one! To view it better please click on this link. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9666390

Also come back on Sunday if not before!! I will have my first interview with a fellow etsian here.

April I will be having a drawing for $5.00 off anything in my store. Don't miss out! Stay tune!!

Almost Easter Time!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:33:00 +0000

Our bundle of joy last Easter!

My boys named him Yankee.

He has been our family pet. He now does not stay on a leash he just lives out in our yard and at night he goes in his cadge so nothing get him.

I just had to share our bunnie with you all. It is almost Easter and I hope you are all ready!

Spotlight is on Becky Schreiner of: B. Handmade Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Gecko Jewelry) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Could you introduce us to who you are and what you do?
My name's Becky Schreiner, and I am a wife, mom to two cute dogs (A French bulldog named Sunny and a boston terrier named Mr. bean), sister to the most excellent siblings, daughter and daughter-in-law to great parents. I absolutely love gardening and cooking and of course sewing. I'm a GIS'er (Geographic Information System Analyst) and Watershed Specialist by day and an Etsian by afternoon and night. I own b. handmade designs, a business that creates sewn specialties, from bags to baby items to bedding, you name it I can more than likely sew it for you!

What lead you to making handbags, purses and clutches?
I have a love for textiles, and a love for making others happy through my sewing. I recently rediscovered my love this past Fall, and thought what better to build handbags, clutches, baby items, bedding, and other sewn specialties for others besides myself. I also had a little bit of help – moral support wise – from my family and friends. Which one of my closest friends sent me a postcard stating, "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt. And my dream right now is to make a living sewing fun items.How long have you been in business?I'm pretty new to the business realm. I've been in business for one month as of 3/17/08, but I've been sewing for 15 years as of this year.

How did you hear about Etsy?
I heard about Etsy through a friend of mine, here in Helena, Montana.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I guess I would have three favorites. The first being deciding on the fabric scheme, I love mixing and matching fabric. My second would be coming up with new designs, I love to be unique and I love to figure out how to put pieces together. It's all geometry. And finally the third would be seeing the reaction of people who have bought my items, if possible, or hearing about it.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced?
My number one challenge right now is time, time to work my other job and create new handbags and clutches. My number two challenge is pictures and the right lighting on my sewn projects.

If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
Patience, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

Is this a full-time job or part-time?
Right now, I'm only creating on a part-time basis, I would love it to be my full time job, maybe sometime soon.

Anything new that you are in the process of making right now?
Spring flannel scarves, the Jenny Bag – which will be a cute little pink purse, which I am donating 10% of the sales to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, I want to make this one a regular on my site. I also have some canvas and twill bags up my sleeve.

Where did you learn how to make handbags and when did you start?
I'm self taught. And I would have to say I've dabbled in sewing handbags ever since I started sewing – 15 years ago. What inspires you to make these beautiful handbags?Polka dots and sassiness. I really think woman should have some form of polka-dot or something sassy in their lives and I think of my bags this way. Comfort. Fabrics have to feel good – like with my baby changing pads, I use minky, since it's oh so soft.

If you could pick on item from you store that you are especially proud of what would it be and why? This is a tough question. I really love my peacock dotty purse – the original one was sold, and this one is number two. It's a little different than number one with the use of silver polka-dots on black backing for the top piece, but it's equally my favorite. I also really am proud of the floral dotty – the sassy strawberry and cream bag with blue polka dots on the top.

Anywhere else we can find your products?
Not yet…. But I'm working on some options in Helena, Montana and hopefully around Montana for starters.

You can veiw Becky Schreiner etsy site http://www.rschreiner.etsy.com/ If you mention to her that you saw her interview on Gecko Jewelry Blog she will gladly give you free shipping.