JewelryWorks By Kim

Recovered! Big Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:12:00 +0000

About a year and a half ago (Approx. Feb 2010)I answered a post at 1000 Markets, which has since been bought over by Bonanza.com. It was a new shop opening in Missouri; featuring handmade artisans. It sounded so great, especially since at that time I was looking for new boutiques to get my jewelry into.

I saw hesitant though because I would be shipping to so far away. I felt assured when the owners sent me a very reasonable contract with good consignment terms and a link to their blog with frequent updated photos of the shop location, renovations, and lots of info about the town it was located in.

So I sent off my package of 28 pieces of jewelry. (earrings, necklaces, and bracelets) It arrived at the shop the end of March for their April 1st opening. When I emailed them the next month, they told me the opening was pushed back until May 1st, there was more cleaning than expected to do in the older building. I still felt confident that everything was fine. I gave it a few months, and emailed again. In June I got a very short, " No, none of your jewelry sold". In August my email to them came back with an odd reponse. " Oh, I don't know if any of your jewelry was sold, I will have to check and get back to you." Curious.

By October I was concerned that my emails were not being answered, but the Holidays were coming and I didn't want to pester them. Jan. arrives and I get a message from a fellow artisan on Etsy and Artfire. She has discovered that we both have items in this shop, Queen City Emporium. We start exchanging stories and realize we are getting the very same run-around from the owners. Then threads concerning consignment deals start popping up in the forums of Etsy and Artfire. What happened next happened very fast.

Within 3 days people were bombarding their Facebook page with questions. (The page disappeared on the 3rd day). Some created a Facebook page so everyone involved could post and keep everyone in the loop, "Etsy Sellers Unite". Some else created a database of all the sellers; with Name, Address, Email, and any other info we thought was important. Within a week we realized there was over 100 artisans with merchandise in Queen City Emporium, all with similar stories. Some people had made sales; but no check was received, some never got return emails. The amazing part was that there were so many others not affected that wanted to help!

We had offers of locals to go to the shop to retrieve our merchandise, one person contacted the local news station; we had 3-5 segments of a news crew live on the shop. (By then the doors were locked and paper covered the windows). By far the most important step this gutsy group of entrepreneurs was to contact the local police and State Attorney's Office in Missouri.

The State Attorney's office was very helpful and I am happy to report that the Facebook page; "Etsy Sellers Unite" is still up and with the help of Missouri State Attorney's artisans have been and continue to receive their merchandise back. Unfortunately, like me some have only received part of their inventory, and some was damaged, worn, and dirty.

As for the scammers; they are a mother and daughter team with about 7 different aliases, multiple websites, shops on Etsy; which are now closed down, they jumped rent at the building the shop was located, jumped rent at their apartment, and we are not sure where they are now, but can only hope the authorities can catch up to them.

So in conclusion, I was one of the lucky ones to get most of my merchandise back. I was overjoyed! So I am having a Recovery Sale of the returned items. All items that were recovered are 40% off. I will be posting on Facebook, so be watching.

About

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Crab Fire Agate

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:34:00 +0000

When it comes to natural stone beads, I view myself as a purist. I do not like enhanced stones; by heating, or dying. I like to use the stone as it was formed with all the natural colors and impurities.

With that said, I am a jewelry designer and am always looking for the next new thing to keep my customers interested.

Introducing Crab Fire Agate

Now this beautiful stone is not to be confused with Fire Agate which is a rare and fairly expensive stone.

Fire Agate

Crab Fire Agate is a glowing rusty orange color with scatte

red veins of gray and white. The veining is created by heating the stone.

Now you may have seen this stone around the web. It has many names based on the way it is dyed; crab fire agate, spiderweb agate, and dragonskin agate. I am sure there are many more names floating around out there. Feel free to add any others you have heard in the comments section.

Dragonskin Agate

This stone is wonderful for jewelry designers because of the many colors it can be dyed. Here are a few examples:

I really have fallen in love with this stone! The possibilities for design are endless. The beads are available in my different shapes also.

I wanted to share some jewelry designs I have made with this versatile Agate.

Copper Leaf Crab Fire Agate

Gunmetal and Copper Double Chain

Crab Fire Agate and Pearl Purple Dyed Crab Fire Agate w Silver Filigree

For more pieces like this that are available for sale, visit my online shop. JewelryWorks by Kim

Welcome back!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Wow! I really let this blog go.

I have a SEO searchable blog available to use at my Artfire shop, but it is such a pain to use. Especially because in order to put photos is the blog I have to have the pictures hosted by someone else like Flickr. So here I am back at Blogger.

As I continue to grow my business, I like to keep customers informed of my techniques, the materials I use, and my creative process. A blog I feel is a great way to express myself. It is also very easy to link to my Facebook page; which I use ALL the time to promote my jewelry.

So please come back and read my next post! I will be talking about my current favorite stone to use in my jewelry designs; Crab Fire Agate.

Spring Fashion 2010 - Jewelry Edition

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:48:00 +0000

From time to time I like to feature other artisans to show off their great talent. I recently went into the forums of Etsy and Artfire asking for artisans to feature for my blog. I got a great response, but mostly jewelry. Which is great; but I was hoping to do a full fashion post including clothes and accessories. So instead I was will doing separate posts highlighting different handmade catagories.

Now on to the great artisans I found!

Bay's Jewels on Artfire has a great, easy to wear stretch bracelet made with multi-color beads. A must have piece because it can go with everything in your wardrobe.

Passion for Beads; also on Artfire works with Swarovski crystals to create beautiful bead weaved jewelry. There are so many nice things it was hard to choose just one.

This lovely floral bracelet in soft neutral tones is a great "sparkling" addition to your accessories. A perfect match for your "little black dress".

Danilav Designs on Artfire created this pretty bracelet with garnets, glass pearls, and a few lampworked beads. The flower pattern lampworked beads are perfectly accented with the garnets and pearls.

This is a great everyday bracelet. Even on the rainy spring days, this colorful bracelet will cheer you up.

DragonKnits on Etsy has both knitted items and jewelry in her shop. The floral pendant and accents of the necklace drew me in right away.

This is a longer necklace at 29". Long necklaces continue to be chic for spring, so this is a great find for a fashionista, a nature lover, or a fan of pink.

Bits and Beads by Gilliauna on Etsy has a wonderful assortment of beaded accessories in her shop including jewelry, ID badge lanyards, and bookmarks.

Her bracelet Poseidon's Daughter bracelet is a real eye catcher. A lovely example of Spring!

This beautiful bracelet should be worn with everything! It can easily go with jeans and a t-shirt, a casual skirt, or that special occasion.

Golden Pond Studio on Etsy has a wonderful shop filled with lovely handmade jewelry.

What's Spring without a bird's nest? This pendant is made with copper and rich purple beads; but she can make it with different wire colors if you choose.

A great Mother's Day or Easter gift!

LateNight Designs on Etsy has many pretty jewelry items including some destash beading supplies.

My personal interest in handmade rings is growing! I love this one. I love the pin-striped fabric. So cute.

Lita Petrovic Jewelry on Etsy has wonderful hand mounted
natural stone jewelry.

These beautiful Larimar earrings are set in Sterling Silver. This is a perfect shade of blue for spring. It is refreshing, cheerful, and a hot color for spring.

Morning Star Arts on Etsy has feminine, pretty jewelry in her shop with floral elements and delicate details.

This is a great example of "Statement Jewelry".
Her Purple Flower Art Glass and Yellow Coral necklace is definitely a stand out piece!

I love the composition of this necklace. A really great design. A sunny, colorful piece of jewelry that will get many compliments.

Please visit the shops of these great jewelry designers. Link to their shop by clicking their shop name. Each item can be viewed or purchased by clicking the pictures.

Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:07:00 +0000

This Valentine's Day I am celebrating by offering my brand new Valentine Collection! I hope you enjoy the modern takes on heart jewelry.

This is just a sampling of the lovely pieces in my shop. Stop by to see what other treasures you can find.

Shop at JewelryWorksbyKim

2010 Here I Come!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:26:00 +0000

Now that Christmas is over and the year is winding down, I have new projects in the works for the New Year 2010.

A few years ago; before I starting selling on Artfire, Zibbet, and 1000 Markets I had started my own website. I was not sure how to get traffic to my site so I abandoned it. Now I have an established following on Facebook and Artfire so I am giving it a go with a new website.

The new website will not be a selling site, but rather a stepping stone to my online shops and more info about my humble jewelry company. I am planning to have it up and running in the next few weeks.

My big news is the premier of my new Earring of the Month Club! This exciting new club offers subcribers exclusive handmade artisan earrings that are only available to Earring Club subscribers. These designs will not be sold anywhere else. Subscriptions will be available in three choices.

3-Month Trial $50
6-Month $90
12-Month (one full year) $180

Shipping is included in the above prices. (@$1.20/per set First Class Shipping)
The approximate value of the earrings you will receive is $10-$13.

Earrings will be made with Sterling Silver ear wires, Swarovski crystals, and other Sterling Silver findings.

You can sign up at any time, however if you sign up before the 15th of the month you will receive the current month's design. If you sign up after the 15th of the month; you will receive the next month's design.

Is the current month's design not you thing? Why not give them as a gift!
It is the perfect little surprise every month!

NEW COLLECTION!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:28:00 +0000

I am unveiling my New Baroque Collection today!

I plan to have them listed in my Artifre shop today.

JewelryWorks by Kim

I also posted them on my Facebook Fan page. They are available for sale right from my Artfire Kiosk on Facebook!

Facebook Kiosk

I've Been Tagged!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:37:00 +0000

I've Been Tagged!

I was tagged by ShineLikeCrazyStudio, so now I must tell 10 facts about me. In turn I must tag 10 other blogs.

Here are my 10 facts:

1. I am a Capricorn.

2. I am happily married.

3. My favorite color is purple.

4. My favorite flower is the carnation. (Not just because it is my birth month flower, I really do love the flower.)

5. I am a modern (lyrical) dancer, a belly dancer, and choreographer. I can't act to save my life.

6. I am sometimes neurotic.

7. I love nature. Two of my favorite things to do is to walk in the woods in no particular direction and walk on the beach alone.

8. I rarely wear sneakers, except to exercise. I rarely wear socks, only stockings because I am almost always wearing dress shoes even with jeans.

9. I love the number 13. It is my lucky number. I was born on the 13th.

10. I am a science geek. I love Chemistry, Biology, and Astronomy. My ideal job is working in a microbiolgy research lab, although to this day I have only worked in a Organic Chemistry lab.

Check out these other great blogs.

http://creativecrittersblog.blogspot.com/

http://theshutterbugeye.blogspot.com/

http://simplelittlejoys.blogspot.com/

http://naturemanipulated.blogspot.com/

http://www.fantasy-clay.com/

http://www.butterfly-craftsonline.blogspot.com/

http://glassidentities.blogspot.com/

http://3zart.blogspot.com/

http://www.brokenwingjewelry.blogspot.com/

http://bebstreasures.blogspot.com/

To all those who have been tagged: Copy and paste the "Tag your It" badge to your blog, tell us 10 things about you and finally tag 10 other blogs.

Have fun!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0000

To celebrate the recent success of my Artfire shop, I went on a bead shopping spree. I found some really great bead shops and along the way met some really nice people.

As I started to receive my packages I realize I was receiving many FREE beads. Who doesn't love freebies! I decieded to try to make something of them.

The result was these beautiful teardrop earrings.
They are made from oval brown swirl Picasso glass, frosted glass droplets, antiqued silver leaves, with copper ear hooks.

WELCOME TO MY FIRST EVER BLOG GIVEAWAY!

That's right you can enter to win these pretty earrings. They make a great accessory to your Fall wardrobe or Christmas present. Visit my shop JewelryWorks by Kim and pick your favorite item and tell me about it. Just leave a comment and tell my why you love the chosen item.

The giveaway is open to everyone; including my Facebook fans. The giveway starts September 28, 2009 and ends on October 12, 2009. A winner will be chosen on October 13, 2009.

In addition, one lucky entry will recieve a 20% coupon towards anything in my shop.

For anyone interested in a feature on my blog, if you purchase anything from my shop from now to October 31, 2009; I will post a feature about your shop. That is two chances to win and possible publicity.

So hurry up and get your entries in!

New Jewelry Sets for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Recently I have been trying to get things going at my Artfire Shop but I did have some time to start adding some new stuff.

I finally have some jewelry sets in my shop. I just listed necklace and earring sets. The sets are matching but you can buy them separately. However I am offering a deal. If you buy the matching earrings the earrings are FREE. That's right. FREE!! It is my first special offering.

The special sale also extends to my Blog followers and Facebook fans with an additional 10% off your total purchase.

Come stop in to my Artfire shop.

I Got Free Advertising!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Recently, I joined Artfire. I have been busy setting up shop joining guilds and jumping right into the forums. A post came up in the forums for Free Advertising. All that was needed was a shop link and an ad. I sent my info. It is on her blog Fabulously Funky.

Here is my ad.

Also check out her great shop J2 Jewelry.

Celebrating June With Pearls

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:25:00 +0000

The Pearl is a birthstone for June. Pearls can come in many wonderful shapes, sizes, and colors. They traditionally used for jewelry and clothing adornment, but they more recently have been used in a crushed form; in cosmetics, hair products, medicine, and and paint.

Natural vs. Cultured

Natural pearls are pearls that are formed without human intervention. Cultured pearls are pearls formed by manipulating a oyster to form a pearl.

Natural pearls are 100% calcium carbonate with layers that completely coat an irritant that has invaded the mollusks body. The mollusk then coats the irritant or intruder with with many layers calcium carbonate forming a pearl with no nucleic center.

Cultural pearls have a nucleic center, another words a pre-formed center that the mollusk coats it with nacre which forms a pearl. This artificial center can be seen with an X-ray.

Finding My Own Pearl

About 10 years ago we took our daughter to Disney World and Epcot Center in Florida. While at Epcot Center we stopped at one of those places where you can open your own oyster to try and find a pearl. Not expecting to find much of a pearl since the people around us were getting tiny dots for pearls. I tried my luck. When the oyster opened I was very surprised to find a perfectly round, creamy white pearl! It seemed very large. I estimated it to be about 8mm. When we got back home I had it appraised by a jeweler. I was very happy to learn it was a natural pearl, about 8 1/2 mm, "perfect color", and gave me a price of $40. I couldn't believe my luck. A $40 pearl! I wanted to make some jewelry with it for myself but I can't bring myself to do it, let alone drill it.

New Pearls

During the blog carnival we are blogging about pearls so I decided to debut some of my new pearl jewelry.

Victorian Elegance earrings

These earrings were made with faceted glass pearls and black glass coin beads. The accent beads are antiqued silver etched.

Victorian Elegance necklace

This necklace was made with cultured coin pearls, round glass pearls, and faceted glass pearls. The accents are the same as the earrings; antiqued silver etched beads. The black beads are glass in various shapes of cube, square, and coin. The diamond shaped pendant is also black glass.

I hope to be putting this items in my shop soon, along with more jewelry sets.

I Got an Award!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Recently I was accepted to the Etsy Bloggers Team. I am so excited to be part of the Team! I have been in the Etsy Team forums leaving posts when I can and getting to know everyone.

So I was very surprised to find out I was recognized by a fellow Teammate; TiLT creations with a blogger award. I am so honored! Thank you again TiLT.

She has a great blog too; http://www.tiltcreations.blogspot.com. Stop by her blog and say hi.

So to accept this award I have to pass this award on to some fellow bloggers. It can be 5 to 50. Over the past few months I have discovered some great blogs, so here is my list of award recipients.

Between Science and Art by Rationale
Additions Style by Valerie
Alison Kelley Designs Jewelry Boutique by Allison Kelley

Coffee Cup of Crafts and Fashion by Mashenka
Heatherly Designs by Heatherly Designs
Erin Bowe - Metalsmith by Erin Bowe
Love and Lust by LoveandLustDesigns
Namaste by elsiee
Mystic Wynd by Mysticwynd
Ridiculously Awesome by Vanessa

Check out this great blogs! Congratulations to the winners and keep on blogging.

I'm in a Treasury!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:49:00 +0000

I finally made it into a Treasury! My first one! My Abstract Leaves necklace is featured. I am so honored.

This Treasury was made by Emburr. I checked out her shop this morning. she makes awesome pottery pieces. When you get the chance take a look! Click to see her shop.

Don't forget to check out her wonderful Treasury, Olives and Red Wine.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=62404

COMING SOON...

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:03:00 +0000

I have been very busy this month preparing for relatives, (see my blog archive for the "Travelers From Afar" post), and taking many new pictures; some of pieces already in my shop and some new pieces yet to be posted.

When I say new pieces there are not newly made. They are pieces that I have not gotten around to photographing until now. However, I have been working on a few NEW pieces. Look for new items in my shop like Precious Metal Clay, more earrings, and more necklaces.

Also I got accepted to the Etsy Bloggers Street Team! That has been keeping me busy making my way around the forum and message board. They are so many great Team members and awesome blogs! Unfortunately, I missed that last Blog Carnival. I hope my Team forgives me! I am working on my post for June.

Leaves!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:40:00 +0000

It has been a while since I featured Etsy artisans. I decided to feature some artisans featuring my favorite obsession, leaves. Take a look at all the wonderful pieces!

The Lokelani Earrings

The Chrysanthemum

Crystal Fern Necklace

Tina Francis Designs

Tuscan Vine Painting

Wall Express

Origami Leaf Notecards

Lucky Stars Origami

Irish Tote Bag

Dip Your Toes

Ivy Leaf Branches Wall and Surface Art Decor

HouseHold Words

Little Birdie Mini Note Cards

Blissful Blooms Paper

Be sure to click the shop name below each picture to go to the artisan' shop to see more beautiful items! Enjoy!

Special Sale for Blog Followers and Facebook Fans

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:25:00 +0000

I know my last few posts were pure shameless promotion, but I am having a special sale this Memorial Day weekend. . All of my blog followers and all of my fans of my Facebook page can get 20% off anything in my shop. Sale ends Monday at midnight.

Facebook: JewelryWorks by Kim Fan Page.

My Shop: JewelryWorks by Kim.

I was featured today!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:26:00 +0000

I woke this morning to find a message from Reana from Papier Blue. I was featured on her blog! A week or so ago I was in the Etsy forums and answered her open request about featuring artisans on her blog. She had some nice things to say about me. Lately she has been featuring alot of great artists on her blog. Check it out. papierblue.blogspot.com

On the Fringes

This is one of my favorites.

Travelers from Afar

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:14:00 +0000

I have some exciting family news to talk about! We are getting ready for relatives from India to arrive. My husband's cousin and aunt will be arriving in the United States (in Florida)on May 13th. This will be their first trip ever to the United States!

A little back history: My husband has not been to India since he was 8 years old. While he was there he was even able to go to an Indian school. He became very close to his cousin, so he is very excited to see him again after all these years. The aunt that also will be coming on the trip is my husband's mom's sister. I feel the need to specify the relations because per Indian culture; all relatives that are older than you are referred to as "Aunt" and "Uncle". My point being my husband's cousin and her husband ; although they are only 3 years younger than us, call us Aunt and Uncle. It took me a little getting used to because I am an only child and no one else calls me "Aunt". I on the other hand have never been to India; nor my daughter.

Bangalore, India Botanical Gardens

They live in Bangalore, India which is in southern India.

Now when they arrive in Florida, they will be greeted by my in-laws who plan to spend the first week of their visit at Disney World and all of the various parks there. Their second week they will be driving up to New York state to see some of NYC and Niagara Falls. My sister-in-law will be the tour guide for that portion. She lives only a few hours from Niagara Falls. Then finally around June 1st they will be coming to CT. My husband and I are trying to think of some great places to go around here; we'll see what we come up with.

This post was not supposed to be a promotional one, (for Etsy) but earlier in the week I made my first treasury and I was looking for new ideas. So I did a basic search for "India". I came across some great bindi shops! I never even thought to look for handmade bindis at Etsy. This kind of information is great for me for two reasons; I am a belly dancer and I am always looking for new ways to adorn myself and for the more obvious one; my husband is Indian and I do enjoy wearing saris (with a bindi) for family functions.

Take a look at some great bindi artists:

Miischelle

photo courtesy of Miischelle

BigAss Bindis

photo courtesy of BigAss Bindis

Dhuni

photo courtesy of Dhuni

New Look For My Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Sun, 03 May 2009 00:23:00 +0000

I have been away for blogging for a while. But now I'm back. I am excited to say I have changed the look of my blog. I was very bored with the way it looked before. But I think this theme is more 'me'. I love the minimal look!

I hope my followers are not ready to abandon me. So let me know if you're still out there and critique my new look. (I do realize there are a few bugs to work out, but I hope to have them worked out in the next few days.)

16 Things About Me

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:11:00 +0000

I have seen this list floating around Facebook and other blogs. So I thought I would give it a try. It also gives a little glimpse into who I am. Have fun!

If you are blogger, maybe it will inspire you to do the same. Make your list and leave a link, I'll go check it out.

16 Things About Me (in no particular order)

1. I am a Capricorn.

2. I am happily married.

3. I have a teenage daughter.

4. My favorite color is purple.

5. My favorite flower is the carnation.

6. I am a modern (lyrical) dancer, a belly dancer, and choreographer.

7. I can't act to save my life.

8. I am sometimes neurotic.

9. I love nature. Two of my favorite things to do is to walk in the woods in no particular direction and walk on the beach alone.

10. I love to get dressed up.

11. I rarely wear sneakers, except to exercise.

12. I rarely wear socks, only stockings because I am almost always wear dress shoes even with jeans.

13. I love the number 13. It is my lucky number. I was born on the 13th.

14. I feel naked without wearing rings, earrings, and a necklace everyday.

15. I am a science geek. I love Chemistry, Biology, and Astronomy. My ideal job is working in a microbiolgy research lab, although to this day I have only worked in a Organic Chemistry lab.

16. I believe that everyone has a soulmate. I'm glad I found mine, my husband.

April Artisans' Feature Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:53:00 +0000

This is the third week of Etsy artisan features. This week I am featuring Designs by Kari and Kreated by Karina.

Designs by Kari. This jewelry designer started when she was 10 making jewelry with her mother on Saturdays. Since then her her love for jewelry making has grown.

One piece that caught my attention right away was the Blue Turquoise Chrysanthemum Ring. This ring is a nice example of innovation in using findings in a different way. She used silver plated filigree and shaped it into a ring and then added a Lucite flower cabochon. The result was a really cute ring!

This ring is also available in other colors.

These earrings are called Angel Wings. She admits this is the first attempt using gold findings.

I think they are beautiful!

Throughout her shop you will find wonderful earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

She also carries of few Breast Cancer Awareness pieces.

In addition to her jewelry, she also carries several findings and beads.

Come visit Designs by Kari. You are sure to find something special.

Remember Mother's Day is fast approaching.

Kreated by Karina. Her shop is filled wonderful soaps including whipped soap, soap tarts, petal soaps, and men's soap. She also carries solid perfume and lip balm.

A unique service; which I have not seen from other soapers, which she offers is Soap or Lip Balm of the Month (6 month subscription). You can even choose your own scents and flavors.

As mentioned; she sells Petal Soaps that you can buy for yourself or to promote your shop. You can have your shop name printed on the tag. What a great promotional tool for both shop owners! You can give a sample to your own customers (who will remember your sweet gesture) and Kreated by Karina might gain a new customer.
Mother's Day is coming soon. Maybe a gift or Soap of the Month from Kreated by Karina is the perfect gift for your mom. Come check out her shop.

April's Artisan Feature Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:27:00 +0000

As promised, I am featuring two artisans this week from other countries.

The first artisan, the third in my series; of the week is Haannh of Brilliant Batik. She lives in Malaysia. In her shop Brilliant Batik you will find beautiful hand-painted fabrics, made to order cushion covers, greetings cards, and bookmarks.

Her passion is hand painted batik (a wax resist dyeing process) on silk. She says "I attempt to make batik more trendy and classy to modern living." Her hand painted fabrics can be used for home decor, fashion, soft furnishings, and multi-purpose items. Many of her designs can be customized to fit a customer's needs.

The newest additions to her shop are fabric bookmarks and greeting cards. The bookmarks and greeting cards are made by cutting shapes of fabric from her hand painted silk and from vintage hand block batik cotton. Then the shapes are applied to fabric, cards, or hand painted water color images.

Mother's Day is coming up soon! I great place to find a beautiful hand made gift.

If your thinking of redecorating a room or giving it a fresh burst of color; maybe a new dress, a gift for a friend, or just some wonderful artisan pieces; check out her shop Brilliant Batik.

The second artisan, fourth in my series; of the week is Daphne from La Cravate du Chien. She is also a member of the Etsy European Street Team. This graphic designer says "I started with crafts four years ago just as a hobby and now I can't stop"

La Cravate du Chien is a cute, shop filled with unique items.

The first thing that caught my eye in her shop were the incredibly funky 'Huge Button earrings.' They are very cute, brightly colored and playful.

The one thing in her shop you should not miss are the 'choco late' replicas made from fimo clay.
Her eye for detail makes these 'chocolates' look good enough to eat. These 'chocolate' creations are then made into magnets or sometimes a brooch.

Being a jewelry designer myself I was intrigued by the design of the 'Royal Necklace'. It is made from leather, ribbon, and semi-precious stone. This unique necklace really makes a statement.

Her necklaces range from bold to subtle. Two other necklaces stood out for me. The 'Blue Felt Necklace' and the 'Red, Orange, Black-Necklace'. The 'Blue Felt Necklace' does seem unusual but the colors are vibrant, yet it seems to fit in a jeans and t-shirt casual kind of way. I love the design of the 'Red, Orange, Black-Necklace'! A really great use of color and pattern.

Come and see what other wonderful surprises you can discover at La Cravate du Chien.

April Etsy Artisan Feature Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (JewelryWorksbyKim) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:20:00 +0000

This week I decided to give some attention to the artisans on Etsy that are sometimes overlooked. There are many Etsy sellers and buyers that are not from the United States, but instead from all the other corners of the globe.

This week you will be getting to know two of those artisans. I post my features on Fridays to drum up exposure and business for the weekend, so check back on Friday to see who gets the limelight.