tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22897418695139159552024-11-05T18:48:46.363-08:00This blog is largely about Etsy, crafters, artisans and my jewellery making exploits. But, don't be surprised if you find an off-topic post or two! The author, Shara, owns the Etsy store of the same name. http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelsoftheisleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-55356456053126306902012-03-23T00:00:00.068-07:002012-03-23T00:00:06.968-07:00

Some people have such organized displays. ~The Table by leandog~ I love going to craft fairs, shopping at craft fairs and generally supporting craft fairs. Except as a vendor. No thank! The first time I ever went to a craft fair was only a few months after I started making jewellery. I had been approved for an artisans co-op and the adjudicators had praised my work and told me I had an

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-16367136514397966662012-03-20T19:09:00.000-07:002012-03-20T19:09:43.236-07:00

I find the first shoots of spring really motivating. The little green buds that pop out of tree branches or the ground are so bright and cheerful and you just know that it's going to warm up. I'm not the only one who thinks so. Check out this Etsy treasury filled with items that feature spring green.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-59864984297751235152012-03-20T00:41:00.003-07:002012-03-20T02:50:26.806-07:00

Argentium silver is great for catching the light. ~bracelet, stargate sterling argentium silver by argentium1~ I've always loved silver. If not silver, than white gold. There's something about yellow gold that I find tacky. I'm only speaking for me and my skin tone. Yellow gold looks great on many people and sometimes I wear it too. But I don't think that yellow is a colour for everyone.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-27755382703088220612012-03-20T00:01:00.000-07:002012-03-20T00:01:36.875-07:00

I was looking for a necklace I had favourited on Etsy years ago when I realized, "Hey, I bet I blogged about it." Sure enough, I had. And after I found the necklace I realized it had been two years (off by only one day!) since I had posted on this site. How lazy. In the last two years, I've been writing more and making less jewellery. I also had another baby (awww). So that, in a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-1299741393562572142010-03-23T11:41:00.001-07:002010-03-23T11:54:32.687-07:00

Spring is in the air and Etsians are sharing their love of the season through their creations.Today I was surprised to find that someone had found a photo of crocuses I have listed at my store AND they had included it in an etsy treasury. How lucky! Especially considering the quality of the other pieces chosen. Gorgeous ... a nice variety... and very fitting for the season.I'm not going to write

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-2599585436332405682010-03-09T12:31:00.000-08:002010-03-09T12:31:00.422-08:00

There's not doubt that Etsy is full of interesting, talenting creations (and some not so interesting) and it's easy to spend hours searching through the masses of stores and listings. One of my favourite things to do is look at the most expensive listings on Etsy.Today's search led me to this sculpture of Pope John the 23rd by Alan Somerville. It's being promoted for the Easter holidays and costs

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-12994392369705919552010-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:002010-03-08T12:31:41.909-08:00

It's been over a year since I updated this blog. Shameful. But in my defense I have been busy. I went back to school last fall and am working on my BA. I was going to do a double minor in History and English. Then I decided to minor in History and Spanish. Now we are moving (off the island ) and I'm going to a different university. I've switched my minors once again to History and Visual Arts.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-47817086929901472022009-05-18T22:41:00.000-07:002009-05-18T23:06:48.723-07:00

Choosing a clasp for a piece of jewellery can be one of the most critical decisions an artisan can make. The right clasp will should either add to or compliment a bracelet, anklet or necklace. The wrong clasp can be a disaster.Some clasps are two gawdy for a delicate piece while others may not match the tones quite right.A lot of artisans make their own clasps so the final touch is as unique as

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-5428450198230384452009-05-07T10:19:00.000-07:002009-05-07T10:22:30.512-07:00

It's been too long since I've written and both my blog and Etsy store have been sadly ignored. In my defense. I've had company. A lot of company. Loud company. Company that doesn't seem to go away. I should just lock myself up with some beads and never come out. So today I am posting on my blog and recommitting to it and my store. There's definitely more to come.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-48357185930408124972009-04-03T16:11:00.000-07:002009-04-03T16:35:27.000-07:00

When I was chosen for a Sneak Attack a few weeks ago I was also contacted by Pigatopia Studios about making some jewellery made from pig's tusks.My first thought... interesting! ... and odd!! LOL but definitely interesting. I love the concept of using natural objects in jewellery. I have a good collection of shells and sea glass that I will be using in pieces once I have enough materials.Of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-57669125890988174122009-04-02T19:44:00.000-07:002009-04-02T19:55:48.445-07:00

I wanted to keep the focus of this blog on creativity and artisans but I am so happy I have to share.My cat Molly went missing two and a half weeks ago. She's an older, lazy cat that sits on my balcony or the complexes steps during the day. She's social and everyone knows her so we were all shocked when she just disappeared. I searched everywhere, put up notices, went to the SPCA and the city

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-42154463720555266062009-04-02T11:58:00.000-07:002009-04-02T12:21:13.908-07:00

Last year my sister got married and I offered to make the jewellery for her wedding party. One of her best friends was a guy that ended up being a 'bridesmaid' I made pink pearl bracelets for the rest of the bridesmaids but for him I was at a loss.I searched the net for ideas and finally decided to do a boxchain chainmaille bracelet. It was so much fun and came so naturally. It was almost

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-48205127380696703702009-04-01T23:48:00.000-07:002009-04-02T01:07:13.052-07:00

Traditional, beautiful, elaborate hair ornaments from Japan are called Kanzashi. They have been worn since the Edo period and are still seen today during Japanese wedding ceremonies, on traditional Kimono wearers and they are gaining popularity in modern culture.There are many types of Kanzashi and the style and placement on a Geisha could tell the audience their position in society.Kanzashi

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-71868571102958132382009-03-27T02:33:00.000-07:002009-04-02T22:38:18.632-07:00

Everyone gets inspired in different ways. I love to browse through other people's work. I never copy anyone's creations. I don't think I could if I tried! But I love to get ideas, that merge with other ideas and take a life of their own.I have a folder in my bookmarks called "Inspiration" with links to works that really impress me. Now and then I'd like to draw attention to some of these pieces

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-1035485824365712042009-03-27T02:29:00.000-07:002009-03-27T02:30:40.949-07:00

I made 11 pairs of earrings yesterday which put me very close to my goal of having 50 items in my store by the end of the month.Exciting!Tomorrow I will be making some more hemp pieces including at least one necklace.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-7036273052147312232009-03-27T02:26:00.000-07:002009-03-27T02:29:00.068-07:00

I've decided to give away a free, custom-made hemp bracelet with every purchase over $10 from my etsy store.The bracelet (or anklet) will be made in natural hemp and you can choose the length, a bead or knot closure and a spiral or square weave. Just send me a note with your purchase!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-73309691284342117312009-03-25T02:45:00.000-07:002009-03-25T03:01:10.637-07:00

When I was fresh out of high school I spent my days, and as many nights as possible, working at a horse stables. Horse crazy was an understatement.Most days I would dress in lace-up "Ropers," Wrangles and a tank top. lol I wasn't too concerned about style. But one day some of my friends and I decided we would dye our hair. I chose the boldest red they had. Being a blonde my hair sucked up all the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-7058559181100609352009-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:002009-03-14T11:06:58.437-07:00

Tonight on Etsy I'm giving away a hemp bracelet with every purchase as well as offering free shipping on all items.If you take advantage of this sale please specify what length you want your bracelet to be. 7" in average for women and 8" for men. I will also make them with or without beads. I'm not able to offer special colour choices for this sale. Both the beads and hemp will be in neutral

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-42081677168276846472009-03-13T00:29:00.000-07:002009-03-13T00:34:15.076-07:00

My mind is buzzing. I'm motivated. Especially after the Sneak Attack.What I need it goals and I'm laying it all out here.It's March 13 and I currently have 20 items for sale in my store.I'd like to have 50, yes 50, items in my store by the end of the month. :oThose items will include new gemstone, chainmail and hemp creations.I'd also like to get ONE follower to my blog. That could be YOU.AND I'd

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289741869513915955.post-16736909823252134022009-03-12T23:04:00.000-07:002009-03-12T23:40:25.189-07:00

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of activity for me and my store.We just got up and running less then two weeks ago and things were slow... ok. Dead. I hadn't been on my store much as I was working on new items to add so I was very surprised when I logged on last night to find I had sold 10 items in a matter of hours.Thoroughly shocked I messaged a fellow Etsy user ( http://

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0