SassyDLite

Introducing Tali's Creations Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:39:00 +0000

This weeks Featured Artisan is Tali - Tali's Creations! Beautiful creations by a beautiful lady! You can find Tali's Creations at:

Artfire

Facebook Profile

Facebook Page

Introducing Tali's Creations Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:47:00 +0000

This weeks Featured Artisan is Tali - Tali's Creations! Beautiful creations by a beautiful lady! You can find Tali's Creations at:

Artfire

Facebook Profile

Facebook Page

NEW Pandora Starter Bracelets Now Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:24:00 +0000

We are so excited to announce the arrival of our new braided leather pandora starter bracelets! These cute starter kits are so hot and fashion forward. Each bracelet comfortably fits 6 1/2 to 6 3/4 inch wrists. Downward sizing is possible by simply adding a knot!

Affordably priced at $23.95 each bracelet also ships with a FREE GIFT!
Bonus includes 3 tibetan silver metal charms which will fit any pandora style bracelet.

Putty Beige Braided Leather Pandora Starter Bracelet

Black Braided Leather Starter Bracelet

My First Scamming "Buyer" on Etsy - Tia Callarman of 747 Timber Run Havana FL 32333

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:08:00 +0000

I guess it was bound to happen to me at some point but it is truly with mixed emotion that I am reporting this unfortunate incident, namely the first scammer I've had the misfortune to come across in my three plus years as an etsy seller.

Negative feedback for this etsy transaction has been left as follows:
"Etsy sellers beware - DO NOT DO BUSINESS with this party! This is a SCAMMING BUYER. After waiting a day, I sent a friendly reminder for payment, at which point the 'buyer' acknowledged by convo that she wanted the item and promptly forwarded funds.

After that, this person did not respond to my convo enquiry about whether modifications were required prior to shipping. Despite no reply, I went ahead and shipped this necklace because prompt shipping is a hallmark of my online businesses.

United States Air Force Sterling Silver Locket part of Tia Callarman 747 Timber Run Havana FL 32333 Scam

Six hours after I marked the item as shipped, this individual launched a paypal dispute to recover her funds. Since the shipment would have just left Toronto (for Florida) the timeline and details in this case show deliberate deceitful intent.
PayPal reviewed the case and because I didn't have a tracking number as evidence of shipping (a $14 service that this person had not requested or purchased) the chargeback was decided against me. This is a classic scam. The purchaser gets your high quality handmade goods and then to double the hurt they also recover all of the funds involved. Although the majority of online shoppers are honest, there are those like Tia Callarman who do find all available loopholes in order to cheat.

This transaction is an example of the type of abuse that I did not expect to contend with on Etsy. I have asked Etsy to remove this individual from the community so that other honest esty sellers are not subjected to this form of emotional abuse and financial damage.It was never clarified by PayPal exactly what the basis of this party's dispute was concerning the transaction. I still do not know if Tia Callarman of 747 Timber Run, Havana Florida 32333 is claiming that her etsy account was somehow used in an unauthorized way. If so, it would have been decent and ethical if this individual had contacted me to explain her position. This party has been silent with zero reply to my 2 short convo attempts to establish contact and receive clarification."

Finally, it is ironic that I even used the PayPal Ship module so here's a copy of the Tia Callarman Ship Label...

There are several individuals named as currently residing along with "Tia Callarman" at 747 Timber Run, Havana Florida 32333. In future posts I will be listing these other individuals by name. If the Tia Callarman party had any conscience they would have marked return to sender on my package so I would at least have recovered my item. Abuses such as this premeditated scam have a ripple down affect that result in higher prices for everyone else.

Cool Bling Runnings:: Ebony Loc Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:15:00 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me the twists and turns (get it?) that my life takes! A couple of months ago our friend DB-H who's also a fan of my jewelry asked if I could provide her with a few cool looking sterling silver or glittery charms to adorn her dreadlocks. That was admittedly uncharted waters for me - something I'd never thought about creating.

Okay, I hesitated a bit, gave it cursory thought and promptly replied to her that it's no problem to put together a small assortment of tiny charm bling... and just off the top of my head I also promised that I'd figure out a way to secure the charms in her dreads perhaps using smallish (7mm) sterling silver spring rings.

Well off I went to ponder this project, but upon close inspection of my sterling silver spring rings (under my strong magnifiers) I wasn't thrilled with how they would pan out (although small, professionally made spring rings are better than nothing and they'll do in a pinch I suppose).   But on further reflection, it seemed apparent to me that a spring ring wouldn't provide enough 'catch' meaning it would be prone to slide off.

Another issue that came to mind was how my 7mm spring rings (with their diamond cut edges) would be apt to get caught up in the hair. Now admittedly it was 30 years ago, but I was once trained as a professional hair stylist, so proper hair care is quite important to me.  And my ethnic mix that includes African genes has given me an acute understanding of just how fragile black hair really can be, so above all else I definitely don't want to promote solutions that might damage the hair in any way.

So what to do? Well, by some miracle of fate and technology I found online references to many, many forms of handmade dreadlock hair accessories. Really cool stuff to be sure :)

Dreadlock jewellery making techniques date back to the beginning of time. Some loc jewelry making techniques can easily be replicated today if you possess basic wirework skills, small scraps of wire (small scraps of precious metal wire are even better in my opinion).

The copper wire used here is is 20 gauge round copper wire provided courtesy of my friend Lois of A Beaded Affair located in Philly, PA. I recommend you buy an introductory amount of Lois' 18 gauge or 20g round copper wire for this project.

Email me if you need a tutorial on how to work this project. To finish off, just toss in a few leftover crystals, shells, glass beads, charms, souvenirs, or well, if you've got access to even tiny quantities of extraordinary genuine gemstone specimens... then voila!

There you have it... dread jewelry, loc jewellery, dredlock charms, dreadlock adornments... well whatever you wanna call it... we now have 'em! and we'll work them up in any diameter to perfectly fit the size of your locks. Just let me know what metal, what diameter/size, and which adornments will make you most happy :)

New Shop on DaWanda is Now Open

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:15:00 +0000

Dawanda

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Our OWOH Winner...

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:14:00 +0000

okay so the entries have been tallied and I'm a bit late with this... but our winner is:

Darcey of 365 Days of Discovery and Barefoot & Breathless!

Check out Darcey's INTERESTING and WELL WRITTEN blogs:
365 Days of Discovery

Barefoot and Breathless

On the above e-logs, Darcey explains the ins and outs behind some of her creative pursuits. This artist appears to execute everything she does with notable precision. I'm still trying to find out if Darcey operates any online shops. If she does, I'll post a follow up article about what she offers for sale online!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment. I especially wish to thank all of my new followers for joining this blog network. As promised, I am now following your blogs too :)

Our One World One Heart (OWOH) Blog Contest and Free GiveAway Item

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Here is a picture of the SassyDLite entry in the 2010 "One World One Heart" (OWOH) blog giveaway event. If you're our winner, SassyDLite handmade jewelry by Oracle Gem Designs will send you these genuine gemstone blue sapphire earrings!

These classic earrings measure almost 1 1/4 inches in length and all metal is sterling silver. I called this creation "Arabian Nights" because these stunning deep blue sapphires conjure images of a star filled Arabian sky at night. Jump on the Magic Carpet to enter (see instructions below)!

PS, on my sister blog (click HERE) I'm offering a second beautiful giveaway too!

The One World One Heart (OWOH) event is designed to boost the efforts of bloggers as it encourages blog writers from across the globe to connect and get to know one another better. For more information click this image:

How to Enter: While you're here, please follow my blog (click the Follow icon to the left) and to enter the giveaway to receive this free item, just leave a comment on this blog post. Remember, if you're my winning entry I'll need to be able to contact you by email so please include a valid email address in your comment.

Getting Connected: If you're a fellow blogger, I'd love to hear from you so send comments or suggestions. Write me and I'll visit your blog too or simply feel free to write just to say hi.

How to Participate: Jump on the magic carpet and go for a quick spin! Visit THIS LINK to find a complete list of 2010 OWOH participants (called Magic Carpet Ticket Holders).

Each of the 2010 OWOH participants is currently offering at least one free giveaway item so enter as many of the giveaways as you like!!!

And if you're not already involved in this remarkable global project, please make yourself a note to join us next January for the 2011 fun!

Contest Closes: February 15th at midnight Eastern time. The winner will be announced here on February 16th, 2010.

Last Minute Shopping?

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Last minute shopping doesn't have to be a hassle. At Oracle Gem Designs we have something totally unique and tastefully created in all price ranges. Our handmade jewellery is popular year round but I've cooked up some amazing last minute deals for the savvy Christmas shopper:

This Saturday December 12th ALL Gahooletree genuine gemstone birthstone earrings on sterling silver earwires will be reduced by a remarkable 50%!

This Saturday we're also featuring a large selection of NEW SassyDLite pieces at savings up to 80% off retail.

AND here's the best news of all. This Saturday we're offering our unique handmade artisan jewellery at TWO locations within the GTA!

David will handle our booth at the R.H. McGregor Holiday Arts and Craft Sale, 555 Mortimer Avenue (Coxwell north of Danforth & adjacent to Toronto East General Hospital) from 10 am to 3pm;

AND once again this week I'll be at Beach United Church West, 2002 Queen Street East (between Woodbine and Lee) in the Beaches (10am to 4pm).

We've pulled together our best sellers, many crammed with quality features like sterling silver chains, genuine gemstone & swarovski crystal accents. Special holiday pricing is well below wholesale so get there early for the best selection. Hope to see you there!

London Gem and Mineral Show

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:36:00 +0000

On Sunday November 22nd we took the time to travel over 250 kms to London Ontario for the London Gem and Mineral Show. What an exciting array of mineral and fossil vendors were in attendance at this event. The highlight of this show for me was Sumar Minerals who was displaying the most interesting fossils, specimens and mining stuff that I've seen around here!

The selection of local area bead vendors was however very disappointing, further proof that if I must undergo a 500 km round trip just to find a grouping of bead vendors then I might as well continue the extra few kms to the states where Intergem shows offer a hundred times the selection, better quality, friendlier vendors, no purchase minimums, no sales tax, and incredible discounts on bulk purchases.

A few members of The Toronto Beading Society were displaying their wares at the 2009 London Gem and Mineral Show. By accident I found myself at the Robert Hall Originals booth where I was offered no wholesale discount even after I offered to present my vendor permit. Apparently these folks want to make it as difficult as possible for designers to cash in on the tax concessions to which they are entitled. When I offered to show them my vendor permit I was advised that I'd have to fill out their tax exemption forms. We emailed this vendor ten days ago for clarification on their wholesaler dealings and if a response is forthcoming we will advise.

Lots of vendors at this show were however accepting presentation of a valid Ontario Vendor Permit as proof of B2B status by immediately dropping the taxes... but sadly this can't be said of the Robert Hall booth. The Robert Hall Originals site claims to offer wholesale terms. They advertise bead courses for budding jewelry enthusiasts so one would assume that B2B terms form a good chunk of their business model. But perhaps if you're willing to plead and grovel while standing at their trade show booth you'll get the discounts you're entitled to. Dunno!

Blue Sapphire Bead Loft was running a retail special (50% off select semi precious strands) and I was told they offered no discounts on fine beads (their selection of finer cuts was okay but not of outstanding quality). The Blue Sapphire website has no valid email address currently published and there appears to be widespread confusion online concerning the status of a Brampton location (which is apparently now closed).

The Blue Sapphire site claims to offer wholesale terms for shows and some sort of a wholesale database (but if you want to be included there I guess you'll have to phone since their published email doesn't work). I didn't try to call them and at this point I won't follow up to see if their published phone number is in service.

A booth with an interesting selection of gemstone beads was Kulu Trading where they told me all prices were as marked with the exception of a scant discount area. This appears to be an Ottawa based venture and I didn't gather links or contact info but hey guys, I was getting a tad discouraged :(

Such is life in my handmade jewellery world. My American friends always ask why I shop for materials in the states. well, it's a "no brainer". Now you know why I also like to use a reputable and accomplished bead cutter located in India and why I import 90% of my materials. So, my designs differ from those of other local artisans? Go figure!

Recent Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Saturday November 21st was an interesting day spent at the Orchard Villa Christmas Bazaar on Valley Farm Road in Pickering. Unfortunately the appearance turned out to be a "Value Draining Process". This event is one that I attended three years ago -- when crowds were sizable and the quantity & quality of vendors in attendance was noteworthy. But things have changed considerably (perhaps due to economic downturn but I'm more inclined to view poor attendance as a sign that this event was not advertised properly and it's date is an issue as other desireable crafty bazaars take place on this weekend). Either way, serious changes need to occur before this venue becomes a viable exhibitor opportunity once again.

On the bright side, David helped me and almost everything on display at our booth is now priced. I'm also pleased that I took the time to develop this fresh new assortment of jewelry pieces. None of the items currently offered in my online shops are offered at this year's booth, and this approach will make things so much easier to account for.

This past weekend we appeared at the Brooks P.S. Bake Sale and Craft Show on November 28th. Sadly this event attracted almost no traffic but we took the opportunity to network there. Sales were few and far between but we took a few orders for custom work so the day wasn't a total loss. We also met some local area artisans who shared their insights on the craft scene and economic conditions here in the Greater Toronto Area.

I view all shows, exhibits and personal appearances as being a worthy investment in my business. Even if the unspeakable were to happen - if we didn't even recuperate the table fee, I'd still focus on the positives. Every time there's an oppportunity to get out in the community and demonstrate my version of fine handmade goods I'm building my brands.

The odd slow show should be viewed as a cost of doing business. Similar to enrolment fees for trade groups and affiliations, show fees are a valid cost of getting your name out there. These sunk costs can't be avoided.

So if sales are slow and we're attracting no interest at our booth, we stand in the aisle and hand out business cards or brochures. Promotion is all about getting Your Name out there and making a good impression. Doing live shows increases your overall credibility.

Furthermore, all appearances create a grand opportunity to publish your activities via a blog and site too - thereby establishing an online record of your bona fide artist status.

Show Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Find out what Oracle Gem Designs handmade jewelry is all about. We're planning to exhibit new work this holiday season at these upcoming Toronto area shows:

Sat.Nov. 21: Orchard Villa Christmas Bazaar, 1955 Valley Farm Road, Pickering, ON, L1V1X6 10-4pm Free Admission
Sat.Nov. 28: Brooks Road P.S. Christmas Craft Sale, Brooks P.S., 85 Keeler Boulevard, West Hill, M1E4K6 10-2pm Free Admission
Sat.Dec. 5: Not Your Granny's Craft Sale & 21st Annual Christmas Artists' Market @ Beach United Church West, 2002 Queen Street East Toronto 11-4pm Free Admission
Sat.Dec. 12: R.H. McGregor Holiday Art & Craft Sale, R.H. McGregor P.S. 555 Mortimer Avenue East York/Toronto 10-3pm Free Admission
Sat.Dec. 19: Not Your Granny's Craft Sale & 21st Annual Christmas Artists' Market @ Beach United Church West, 2002 Queen Street East Toronto 11-4pm Free Admission

Drop by and say hi!

Personal versus online shopping:

Free bonuses or other online promotions are not available when shopping in person.
At personal appearances/exhibits not every item currently available for sale in our online shops will be on hand. If you are planning to attend one of my shows in order to examine a particular creation then kindly email me in advance and I'll bring along whatever you're interested in.
Sometimes purchasing online via custom request is faster, easier and even cheaper. Drop me a line for a prompt quote.
To avoid the crowds and get your shopping done from home, just email me with your ideas. I can usually replicate any design within a day or so (both current and sold items if the materials are still available in our inventory). I'll reply with a prompt quote and your goodies can be on their way to you in no time.
Using our PayPal payment gateway a PayPal account is NOT required. You may bypass PayPal login. Payment with any major credit card is fast, easy and totally secure.
Buy with confidence because with us no sale is ever final! This means if you require an adjustment, repair, replacement, exchange or refund just contact me.

Upcoming Events- Christmas Bazaar at Thorntonview

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

I'm pleased to announce that I am invited to show my work at the Annual Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale scheduled for Saturday November 14th at Thorntonview Long Term Care Residence (186 Thornton Road South Oshawa). Thorntonview is situated across from the old Oshawa Civic Auditorium, the former home of our Oshawa Generals.

This event is near and dear to my heart because my daughter Kate resides at this long term care facility where she receives fabulous care and plenty of loving support. So I'm looking forward to another fun day shared with Kate as well as the opportunity to make new friends and attract new fans of my handmade jewelry. All proceeds from this craft sale support the Thorntonview Residents' Council.

Sponsors are asked to provide a donation so I'm designing a special piece that Thortonview will use as a door prize, raffle item, etc.

This venue is warm and intimate, but the beautiful Tea Room located in the new Corbett wing will again be serving hot beverages and delicious festive sweets so please drop by to say hi.

I'm particularly pleased to announce that this year we're bringing a large selection of brand new & very affordable pieces - many items priced at $20 or less! Shown above are fun and funky bracelets featuring colourful lampwork glass beads embellished with my cold forged brass findings (only $6 each!). Shop early as quantities are limited.

Hope to see you there!

FREE Bonus with ANY Purchase

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:03:00 +0000

That's right! While quantities last receive these adorable brass charms with ANY purchase at Gahooletree Supplies on etsy :)

Seem too good to be true? Well I must admit this IS a really good deal and there are no strings! Purchase any item from this online bead and finding outlet, and I'll ship your bonus asap!

I purchased these beautiful charms from a recognized eBay Power Seller and then imported them directly from Hong Kong. When they arrived here in Toronto I was astounded at the gorgeous quality of these beauties. The stampings are of a very high quality! I was so happy to have found something this cute because these heart shaped charms work perfectly for my handmade jewelry designs.

SO I purchased a large quantity of these findings from the same eBay power seller (their feedback score is 20,000 plus) because I just knew that this item would make a wonderful addition to my online jewelry supplies business -- jewelry designers were bound to just love them!

But I've recently been banned from selling these on one of my sales sites because a US based manufacturer insists they hold the copyright for this design. Being accused of copyright infringement is totally unfair in this instance. I'm not a US firm and hence cannot be legally pursued in the courts AND I legitimately purchased and imported these into Canada.

Anyhow, the US based findings co. obviously has gaps in it's supply chain and they're taking their frustration out on anybody they can. So take advantage of this situation and grab your bonus while quantities last!!!

Calling all Copper Wire Artists to Join Us on Ning

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Working with Copper Is Fun!

Find more photos like this on Copper Wire Jewelers

Stay Tuned to Win!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:13:00 +0000

Get ready because we're rolling out the Christmas Cheer...

At eSMArts our team of independant artists and crafters has prepared a Christmas Gift Basket full of unique items to warm your Holiday!

Full details to follow so please check back and be sure to
Enter to Win!

Black Mauve and Grey Bracelet With Lampwork Glass by SassyDLite on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Mauve is my pick for accessorizing black & grey this season. Grunge, Goth or Glam... the mauves have my vote!!

Moss Amethyst Faceted Nugget Necklace by SassyDLite on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

So many shades of grey.
Another fashion forward design from the Fall 2009 SassyDLite handmade jewelry collection

Lavish Labradorite Drops by SassyDLite on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Grunge, Goth or Glam... another fashion forward design from the SassyDLite Fall 2009 handmade jewelry collection!

Larvikite Double Strand Bracelet by SassyDLite on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Grunge, Goth or Glam... another fashion forward piece from the Fall 2009 SassyDLite handmade jewelry collection

ONLY $29!!!!!

Amazing Larvikite Healing Necklace by SassyDLite on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:34:00 +0000

Fall 2009 must have.
larvikite aids weight loss and improves brain function

TCM Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Kate will be so pleased to see that I finally made time to grab the TCM widget. But I'm gonna have to change my layout template for this gadget to fit perfectly because the narrowest version I could find was 300 pixels wide.

Maybe I've done something wrong! LOL because I added this gadget to my Gahooltree blog and it fit perfectly even though that blog has a 3 column layout.

Please Vote for a Winner of the eSMArts August Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Our etsy street team called eSMArts participated in a fun design challenge last month. The design theme was Nature/Natural.

Above is a studio pic of my Design Challenge entry: black leather fronds embellished with Thai hilltribe silver and featuring prehnite, brown quartz and moss aquamarine gemstone accents suspended beneath my long slimline sterling silver hand forged ear wires.

In our team competition you'll see a picture of this earring sitting atop a knarly piece of bluish green soapstone.

Overall, group involvement in this activity was low :( but please take a look at the entries and cast a vote to help us determine a winner! Here's the voting link:

Poll: (revised 9-7-09) Who Should Win the eSMArts August Challenge? The theme is Nature/Natural

I didn't intend to list this item for sale on etsy right away... but last night Anna, jewelry designer and owner of BellaDonnasJoy of Nova Scotia (a fellow eSMArts team member and etsy seller) brought to my attention that etsy sellers can now rearrange their shops in a variety of new ways to achieve visual appeal... SO, you'll find this creation called Warm Earth Black Leather Earring with Aquamarine, Prehnite, Quartz and Thai Silver now duly nestled within our selection of 'greenish' pieces :)

VivaLaModa Handmade Fashion Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Anna_Lee Husband) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:28:00 +0000

We were featured in the first issue of VivaLaModa! Viva La Moda is an online fashion magazine whose mandate is to demonstrate how quality handmade and vintage items are truly fashionable.

One of my men's items (Ammonite pendant and leather cord) was chosen for a Father's Day feature on page 31 of VivaLaModa's premier issue. Thank you so much Ainhoa for your careful consideration. Keep up the great work with VivaLaModa!