Karma by Morgan: Original Handcrafted Jewelry

Shut Down

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Hey Everyone,

I had to shut down my business this year due to law school and taxes. I have a lot of inventory I need to sell off as well as supplies. Let me know if you are interested. It was a sad day for me but law school is more important right now.

Good luck to everyone out there!

- Morgan

Treasury

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:14:00 +0000

Summer Love

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:04:00 +0000

I am in love with this piece!!!!

And the thunder rolls

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:38:00 +0000

WOW it is definitely summer! The thunder storms have been CRAZY!!! I made a treasury recently to reflect this weather...check it out!:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c187135d10a6d9163ea8aee/kaboom

Summer Goals

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:19:00 +0000

My summer goals (both business, academic and personal)

have at least 2 shows
get all pieces on etsy shop
lost 20 lbs
hopefully won't have to get knee surgery (long story)
read study guides for fall law school classes (DONE WITH FIRST YEAR!!! WOO HOO)
do yoga 2x a week at least.
adopt a dog
sell all the stuff I don't use from my closet on ebay
remain focused

Featured in a TREASURY

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:28:00 +0000

I was very lucky to be picked for a treasury over the next few days! Thank you so much Spotted Fish!!!!!

Check it out and click away! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bde00b587808eefa9a6b3ea/red-coral-reef

Glorious

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:23:00 +0000

P9100004.jpg
Originally uploaded by karmabymorgan

These flowers give me hope. I took this picture in September 2007 in Alaska before my cousin and I drove back to South Carolina. This grouping of flowers was on the property where she was working. Hi-Def is AMAZING.

My Favorite New Jam: ADELE - Make You Feel My Love

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:33:00 +0000

When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you
Haven't made
Your mind up yet
But I would never
Do you wrong
I've known it
From the moment
That we met
No doubt in my mind
Where you belong

I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling
Down the avenue
No, there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change
Are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet

I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love

Bamboo Coral Earrings - SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:23:00 +0000

My friend Erin just purchases these earrings for her Mother yesterday. I am so glad that she chose these earrings, they are so cute and will go with so much of anyone's wardrobe. I hope that she likes them and THANK YOU ERIN!

Bamboo Coral Earrings
Originally uploaded by karmabymorgan

We are the SEC by the Mighty Bobbleheads

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:34:00 +0000

AHHH I am ready for football this fall ALREADY! GOOOO COCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Mmm

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:44:00 +0000

I was very happy with the turnout for my show. A lot more people came than I expected and that is always nice :) I got some custom orders that I am mailing out this week - I will make them this afternoon and get them out in the mail during a study break.

Which leads me to my next point - SCHOOL COMES FIRST! People who didn't make it to my show are asking me when they can come and see my pieces, which is flattering and technically I shouldn't be complaining, but I must save the viewing days for Friday or Saturday afternoons only when I have some downtime. I think that is the only way, besides my etsy store, that this will work.

Will I have another show - perhaps but for now I am all business.

Upcoming Show this Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:10:00 +0000

So, I am having my first show of 2010 up here at law school. I have really gotten a great response from my classmates about my jewelry. This type of feedback is something that has been not necessarily missing but has stepped to the side for a few. A friend was admiring my work today and she was telling me how my work looked very professional - I am thankful for honesty and compliments! I have really been pleased with the response about my show, people are excited and I am even more excited to have a show again.

This show will be held at a friends house Friday afternoon and I think her location will be good because she has some couches, chairs and her place is really comfortable and inviting. Her step-mom and friend are even coming into town for it! I am thankful for her generosity in letting me have an event at her house. I must say, I have missed going to events and shows where I can expose my jewelry to the public. I am going to try to make a few more pairs of cool earrings before Friday, as I think those are an easier commitment than my necklaces mostly because they are more affordable.

I think of the steps I used to go through when I would go to a festival. Do I have my EZ-up? Do I have enough change? Did I remember my business cards? Did I bring my calculator and inventory list? Credit Card slips? Mirrors? Table cloths? It was quite a production to get things organized, priced and loaded into the back of my car. But organization really is the key to a successful show - that and CONFIDENCE. Something that I started to do at shows and festivals was talk about the pieces as if I was simply a seller, not that I made the items myself - it was a way to step outside my own fragile ego and sort of relax when talking to people. I don't talk in the third person or anything crazy like that but if I take it personally if someone says "OMG that is expensive" well that's taking down my defenses and I don't need that. Something essential to handmade businesses is to focus on the quality of material (if you use it). Now you don't have to shoot down any competitors or larger businesses that make a similar product - karma will bite you in the ass for that at some point (ha!). What I tend to do is try to make the customer feel valued and unique. I am also honest, even if it takes away the sale of something, if I don't feel like it is vibing with your skin tone or hair, I might suggest something else, even if it is less expensive. One of the worst things you can have is an unhappy customer. I wouldn't want someone to buy something and then regret it or think oh she let me get this but it really doesn't work for me. No. That is why mirrors are SO KEY to have with you. MORE THAN ONE MIRROR! The uniqueness factor is something I strive for in my business, I might make similar designs, but unless requested, I never try to make the same exact piece more than once. This makes the customer feel unique and that they have bought a one of a kind item. I find that this is important to anyone, even myself when I am a consumer, if I am going to spend my hard earned money on something I want it to mean something to me.

I know everyone has a slightly or drastically different approach to how they sell, their set up and their attitude. Confidence is key though. Without confidence in your product or art, well it just doesn't work for anyone.

Would I love to have my pieces still in a gallery or boutique - absolutely. Right now, my main focus is law school but perhaps this summer I can work on getting some of my pieces in a few boutiques. Who says you can't have two dreams at once?

Man Jewelry, Manwelry, Man Bling?

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:41:00 +0000

So as I am preparing for my first law school jewelry show next Friday, I have posted an invite/event listing on facebook where people can say if they want to come or not.

I have usually done only jewelry for women, because being a woman I would like to think I know what they like. But a fellow first year (1L to get into the cool law school lingo) asked me if I made some of my wood grain rings for men. I thought about it and while I have sold a lot of my pieces to MEN, I haven't made anything for them, leaving me out of a percentage of the market. I am going to make him this ring and potentially make a few other rings of varying "man finger" sizes and see what happens. Don't know unless you try right? I'd love to learn how to make cuff links.

My Recent Etsy Purchases - January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:53:00 +0000

I bought these owl cards, as well as some other awesome cards from etsy seller Alie Keegan I recommend that you check out her store and check out her other items. She is a prompt shipper and I LOVE the cards. As some of you might have noticed or know - I love owls and have recently been hearting all the owl items that come up on etsy that strike my fancy :)

I was lucky to receive a new iPod touch for Christmas this past year (which I am in love with), so I was on the search for a case that cushioned it as well as protected it and it would be swell if it had a pocket or two and then I found Blythe King's store on etsy. It was difficult for me to choose but I liked this item in particular because neutral and soothing and it looks secure.

I could probably write a short novel on the epic trail I have been on looking for the perfect law school bag. One that fits all my shit essentially - computer, law books, pens, highlighters, cords, phone, snack, notebooks, supplemental books. This bag is like my modern day Mary Poppins bag. In fact I showed it to my friend and she goes "I bet you could pull a lamp out of it!" hahah. But luckily I found this bag through a fellow Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team member on etsy and she too went to law school and told me that this bag worked for her - SOLD! I suggest you check out Clique Da Cour by Tiffany Gilstrap Scott. She has a TON of other awesome items and she is great at communicating with the customer, so don't hesitate to ask her any questions about her items.

I have really tried to buy more and more off etsy before I go somewhere else. I find that the items are of the highest quality and usually EXACTLY what you want and if they aren't, then you can request items and usually they can make you your custom request. Getting exactly what you want is so easy through etsy.

Amazon Night Bracelet: SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:44:00 +0000

Amazon Night Bracelet
Originally uploaded by karmabymorgan

My most recent sale!! Facebook has really helped my business in that it reaches everyone I know and even people I don't know through my networks. As an even bigger plus, it helps connect me with old friends, in particular my first roommate at boarding school, Hannah. She is from Germany and we reconnected on Facebook and she decided to purchase this bracelet (great taste, this is one of my most favorite bracelets!).

I am thankful for good friendships and beautiful things. I am also thankful for Hannah! :)

Costa Rica circa 2007/ I want to go to there.

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:10:00 +0000

PC070582.jpg
Originally uploaded by karmabymorgan

I loved visiting Costa Rica with my family after Thanksgiving in 2007. It was so beautiful there and we were fortunate enough to spend time in a cloud forest as well as the coast and jungle. This picture is from one of the last places we stayed and it was gorgeous, yoga classes right on the beach, incredible food, and wonderful people. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to travel and explore parts of the world. I hope that once I finish law school and work for a few years that I can take my family on an awesome vacation.

Happy Monday!

Beautiful Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:56:00 +0000

Beautiful Sunset
Originally uploaded by karmabymorgan

I love this photo of my NOLS Mexico Baja Sea Kayaking adventure in 2005. Taken on the Sea of Cortez near Loreto, Mexico.

The colors take me away.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:34:00 +0000

Happy New Year to all of you out there!

I hope that I can attain my resolutions this year...here they are:

successfully finish my first year of law school
attain a great externship for the summer
make sure to keep my business going
create AND sell my jewelry
spend more time at the gym
stick to schedule
cut back on coffee
give more hugs
moving forward after forgiving
laugh everyday

I think that list will keep me pretty busy!!!!!

Good luck to you all. I appreciate everyone who reads my blog and checks out my shop.

NEW ITEMS (finally!)

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:46:00 +0000

Law school, as some of you may know, has officially taken over my life. I was grateful for my break so that I could make some new items for my store. It was so therapeutic to make these new pieces and hope that yall like them as much as I do! If you have some time, please do check them out.

PS: Mention that you got to my store through the blog and I'll give you free shipping!

http://karma711.etsy.com

I forgot how nice it is...

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:47:00 +0000

I am a very lucky and blessed young woman - I really try not to forget that.

Since law school has taken over my life along with early signs of carpal tunnel - I have forgotten how good it feels when someone compliments my jewelry that I have made myself. Even though I wear my jewelry at school, it is something that people don't really focus on because we are all face down in books. This weekend, since I am not going home for Thanksgiving and having my annual Thanksgiving Sale with my mom, my parents offered to meet me at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC (love this town). A few people since I have been here have complimented my turquoise and white onyx earrings and luckily I still have my business cards and have handed a few out. It is good to know that what I think looks good - other people do too :) haha.

(thank god for Mac Computers!)

I am taking a break right now to write this as I am sitting by the fire in the lounge of the Inn. I am in the middle of wrapping up my law school outlines for finals as well as just taking sometime for myself.

I hope that each of you have a wonderful holiday season! Remember the good things in life!

XOXO

WOW

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Hello everyone - my loyal followers I hope you didn't forget about me. I am almost done with my first semester of law school! I have had little time to work on my jewelry but I think about it often. I am actually having a small show up here before the holidays with the girls, which I am hoping goes well.

I am still running my business - I did a variety of custom work after Mother's Day for a few weddings for girls I grew up with. Figuring out where and how I was going to get to law school took over a majority of my life.

Right now I am running a HUGE sale at my shop and hope that yall will take a few moments to look at what I have going on there. Basically, I am taking what I will consider as a best offer for all of my pieces on-line. With the economy the way it is, I still want people to enjoy my pieces - so if you are interested in ANY piece on my website, please do shoot me a message so we can work something out :)

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

xoxo

Something special for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:34:00 +0000

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

SUCCESS!

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Well the show on Saturday ended up as the biggest success I have had since Thanksgiving! I have sold more this week than I have in months. My Mother's Day sale (buy one, get one half off) was extremely effective and what was interesting was that most people only purchased one item. One lady really took advantage of the sale and bought two necklaces and two bracelets!

Maybe it is the times, but people still like good quality items and in the right environment, a sale, a holiday, and jewelry makes a fabulous combination :)

Check it out - there are still some items left! http://karma711.etsy.com

Omni Montesorri: EARTH FAIR- Charlotte, NC

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:26:00 +0000

So I will participating in the Omni Montesorri Earth Fair fundraiser on May 2, 2009. I am excited this is the first show I will do in 2009. I am going to work on pricing and get some incentives - like buy two get one half off - for anything. Gotta get my seller face on...I am excited and hope that I meet some cool people who appreciate my jewelry.

On another note, one of my girlfriends from growing up is getting married and asked me to make her bridesmaid jewelry :) So I will be working on that this weekend.

AND my other friend from growing up asked me make her baby a pearl bracelet for her baptism (?) or christening. I have never had either of those things, so i get a little confused when it comes to which religion does what with little babies. That sounds politically incorrect - forgive me.

HAPPY WEEKEND !

A little less stressed

noreply@blogger.com (The Unlawful Cook) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:40:00 +0000

I have been going through a lot recently - I moved into my first one bed room apartment (which I am in love with) and I just found out this weekend that I GOT INTO LAW SCHOOL!!!!!!!! So that's a few less things to worry about :) yay.

Hopefully I can get back to creating - finally.