Sweet Sincerity Jewelry

2021-01-28T15:44:00.000-05:00

What the Heck is a Trunk Show, Anyway?

2015-11-09T13:51:00.002-05:00

Ah, yes, it's that time again, friends! The last week of crunch time before the FALL-WINTER 2015 Trunk Show on Sunday! If you've been watching the Sweet Sincerity Facebook page at all, you know that Brianna, my studio buddy from The Chronic Artist, and I threw a first ever Spring-Summer 2015 Trunk Show in May. However, you may be wondering, "What is this 'Trunk Show' thing you speak of?" Thankfully, things like dictionary.com exist to prove that I did not make this phrase up, and that it is IN FACT, a real thing. See? :)

So, as I was saying, last May Bri and I debuted our brand new collections that we had designed specifically for the season. It was amazing. There was great food, all of our favorite people came, we took orders for items in the new collection, sold other designs we already had in stock, and HAD A GREAT TIME!

So, here we are, six months later, at it again... Right smack dab in the middle of the Fall/Winter season we are going to have another shindig, featuring brand new designs. If you are in the area, come on over to say hi! We would love to have you stop in and see what new ideas we have cooked up. There will be shenanigans, I can promise you that. Oh, and chocolate covered bacon. You may just want to come for that! :)

Bri and I outside our venue, BLUSH! Do you like our nifty sign?

I Wish Tomorrow Were Monday... Oh Wait, It Is!

2015-03-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

You don't often hear people expound upon their love of Mondays. I can certainly understand why. For many people, Monday brings an abrupt end to their restful weekends with friends, family, and fun (an irresistible trifecta of things that begin with "F"). Replacing the leisure and frivolity of the weekend, is the harsh reality of THE WORK WEEK, which clearly is in all capitals because it's super scary and hard.

We even have a jewelry line together called B Squared

For me however, Monday is the day I look
forward to ALL WEEK! Why? Because, Monday means a return to the comfort and excitement of the studio, which is now located in a gorgeous and spacious addition attached to a friend's home. Also, I have the SUPER AMAZING privilege of sharing this workspace with my friend and fellow crafting enthusiast, Brianna Robinson, of
The Chronic Artist. We laugh, share tools and ideas, make stuff, watch far too much Netflix, drink tea, eat soup, and generally have a wonderful time every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday. The sound of dueling hammers (sometimes beating in time, but mostly not) fills the air, accompanied by occasional fits of uncontrollable laughter. In short, Mondays are AWESOME.

Bri with a "pounding" headache

Let me tell you a bit about this friend with whom I share my Mondays. As I mentioned, she is the crafter/artisan behind The Chronic Artist. When she is not bending and hammering metal to her will, she is a pediatric nurse, with smiles, hugs, and obscure Sci-fi quotes to share with her patients. Her artist style is kind of like-LOOK, THERE'S A SQUIRREL! By that I mean, she is interested in and talented at EVERTHING crafty-be that gourmet cooking, jewelry making, knitting, painting, sewing, nail art, and basically anything else that you could possibly think of. Once she made me a pair of hand-felted slippers, no joke. Believe it or not (aside from her mild fruit snack addiction) she is a really normal and well adjusted human being, which makes for a peaceful and happy work environment.

So, you can see why I love Mondays, right? If you happen NOT to adore Mondays and find my exuberance about them annoyingly chipper, my apologies. Just know, every Monday there are two little artisans, in a happy little studio, working away, hoping to make you something wonderful that will make you smile EVERY day of the week.

My Internet Breakup

2014-01-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

My dearest Internet,

We've been together a long time. I fondly recall all those years when I would patiently sit, waiting to dial you up, just so we could connect. Over time, you became my constant companion, traveling with me wherever me and my mobile devices would wander. Lately though, things haven't been quite right, and that is why I am writing you this heartfelt letter.

To put it bluntly-It's not me, it's you. You promise to reach me, but our connection is unpredictable at best. When I need you, it seems like you're never there. I can't stand this on-again/off-again relationship; it makes me wonder if our relationship is really worth the $40/month.

Yes, I understand that from your point of view if I really loved you I wouldn't have moved out to the middle of no where, forcing us to have such a long distance relationship. The truth is that I desperately need you. So please, be the strong information superhighway that I know you to be and get this under ctrl. Don't make me turn on my ALL CAPS.

Bethany

P.s. adorable computer pillow in photo found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/158443301/geek-pillow-computer-pillow-vintage

Insta-Love for Instagram

2014-01-10T20:30:00.001-05:00

Okay, now I know that I am super late to the party, but I just discovered INSTAGRAM & I LOVE IT. Like a lot. Possibly to an unhealthy degree! So, find me on Instagram, username bethanycoulombe and share my superfluous adoration for sharing random bits of life via snapshots! Oh, and you can get a sneak peak of my newest jewelry before its listed!

What Up Winter?!?

2013-02-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

print by Pretty Petal Studio

Hello again my internet savvy, blog reading, super chic friends! It's me, your favorite irregular blogger here, hoping you all had a lovely last few months. I find myself going through blog withdrawals, after a busy, BUSY blog-less holiday season. So far this winter in New England we've had a ridiculously manic season-we've endured chilling blizzards, followed by spring temperatures that melt all our snow away THE VERY NEXT DAY! Sorry, I didn't mean to shout, but seriously.

postcard by Here My Dear

ANYWAY....I will try to sum up the last few months of my incredibly interesting life (stop laughing) in one grammatically correct sentence. Because my husband hurt his back and couldn't work, I began to work as a Spanish-English interpretor for various individuals and at the hospital, where my sister recently gave birth to her second child. Not exactly sure if that really works as a grammatically correct sentence, but I tried. HARD. So, needless to say, although I am going to say it anyway, I've had a busy few months trying to work at the gallery, interpreting, keeping up with Etsy sales, taking care of hubby when necessary, visiting with my sister and new baby boy. C'est la vie, right? Or should I say, QUE SERA, SERA. We're all busy. And some of us too busy to blog apparently. To all of you who are super busy AND awesomely consistent bloggers, YOU ARE MY HERO(s).

Here's some custom work I've done over the past few months. Want something special made just for you? I'm your girl! Just not til April, because, we're moving!!!!! More on that LATER!!!! ;)

The Rise of Fall

2012-09-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

Top by outofline, cardigan by PierogiPicnic, pencil skirt by FineThreadz, earrings by Sweet Sincerity, purse by chicleather, ombre tights by BZRshop, heels by 12e61, bracelet by Sweet Sincerity

I honestly don't know where the time has gone; summer is really over, children are already back in school, family outings include apple picking and corn mazes, and that familiar cold nip has returned to the New England air. I find myself sadly saying goodbye to my toes, my summertime companions, that walked with me in the ocean waves, puttered bare around the house with me on lazy afternoons, and never missed an opportunity to look cute in my favorite summer sandals. For now, my tootsies are comfortably nestled in thick, warm socks where they will spend their winter hibernating, only to be seen again next spring. That's not the only wardrobe change that this new season requires. Though I often joke that Maine is one of the only places on earth where you have to wear sweaters all year round, when fall officially arrives, as it has over the past few weeks, sweaters go from being a casual luxury to an everyday necessity. Following the sweater closely on the top list of necessary seasonal accoutrements is the closed-toe shoe, a sensible compromise between the open-toe sandal of summer past and the looming inevitability of the dreaded winter boot. So, in the spirit of looking gorgeous in all types of weather, I compiled a selection of handmade items sure to keep you warmly in fashion. At the center of the color palette for this collection are warm pops of apricot orange and cool, rich charcoal grays. Gilding these plush layers of textiles are just a few Sweet Sincerity designs, including one of my very favorite new designs - the Scheherazade Earrings in Rose Gold Topaz (also available in an Amethyst Luster). I hope you like them as much as I do!

The Scheherazade Earrings in Rose Gold Topaz and Amethyst, available in my shop.

June-A Month in Review

2012-07-20T13:53:00.002-04:00

Princess Pink Garden Shoe Watercolor by Brownlee Art Studio

So now that July's almost over, I thought I would fill you in on what happened in June. At this point, I'm sure everyone has totally forgotten about the month of June, busily embroiled in hot, stick July fun. However, since I pretty much skipped over the ENTIRE month of June with barely a blurb, I figured that now the month deserves at least a few short words.

Green Computer Ring by Sypria

In terms of online sales, June was a total bust. Okay, not a TOTAL bust, but really, REALLY pitiful. I think I had a grand total of three sales last month. As I was sitting in front of my keyboard, feeling sorry for myself, I happened upon an article on the Etsy blog that talked about the SUMMER SALES SLUMP many sellers encounter. Apparently, this trend is due to the fact that around June, many pasty people blinkingly make their way out into the sun, after spending 10 months or so basking in the fluorescent light of their computer monitors. After reading the aforementioned article, I quickly ended my self indulgent pity party and decided to start preparing my shop for the BUSY upcoming holiday season, as the article suggested. Last year, October straight through til February, things got CRAZY online AND my brick and mortar shop. Therefore, I surmised that there were quite a few things that I could use my free time to do, in expectation of the busy season ahead. Then, my perfect little plan was thrown, careening, out the window. Unexpectedly, the very second the clock read 12:00am, July 1st, online orders came FLYING IN over the interwebs (thanks Amanda, that word never gets old). Perhaps at this point in the Northern Hemisphere people are retreating from the searing summer sun and returning to the soothing fluorescent light of their computer screens, conveniently located in a refrigerated indoor oasis. In any case, this unsuspecting little business lady has become unexpectedly B-U-S-Y! Not that I'm complaining, I'm just trying to catch my breath. :)

So June....right. That is what I was righting about! Well, the most notable thing that happened in June was my and Mateo's 6th wedding anniversary. We've been trying to save some money, so I had little financial leeway when it came to buying a "LIFE CHANGING, HEART STOPPING, OH-NO-YOU-DIDN'T" anniversary gift for him. What I ended up doing was really creative and fun, thankfully my husband seemed to think so too. I got him one small almost practical gift, his signature cologne, which I absolutely LOVE. His former bottle of cologne, that he'd had since we were dating, met it's tragic demise one day when it's beautifully delicate bottle encountered the beautiful but NOT so delicate marble floor in our bathroom (p.s. It wasn't my fault this time, FEW!). This small, almost practical, gift just didn't seem exciting enough for an anniversary present for my beloved, so I decided to spice it up a little. I made finding his gift into an indoor treasure hunt! I wrote Mateo 6 cards, one for each year we've been married, and scattered 5 of them in secret places all around the house. I gave the first card to him, which had a riddle inside, explaining where the next card was hidden. All of the riddles were connected to our own little inside jokes, silly memories, or important events in our lives, like: "What is the one anniversary gift you swear you will NEVER buy me again?" (answer, incomprehensibly large furniture...don't ask). Once he figured out the riddle, he would head to the location of the object in question and search for his next card, the last card revealing what his gift was! It turned out to be a really sweet way to laugh and reminisce about our past. Finally, after all of my gift giving shenanigans, we jetted off to nearby, scenic Bar Harbor, Maine with Mateo's parents, to stroll along the city streets, arm in arm, enjoying the ocean air.

Cards Can Be a GREAT GIFT! Check out some INSANE Handmade Cards that I found on Etsy! Lego Card by Silly Reggie, Message in a Bottle by Looking Glass Memory, 3D Hearts Card with Glasses by Wit and Whistle, Secret Message Decoder Card by Crank Bunny, Puzzle Card by Takara Wooden Treasure, Message in an Egg by Little Okins, Cake Post Card by Tang Baby, Chinese Calligraphy I Love You Card by Televised

So, in review, June was a pretty quite month, except for a few extraordinarily bright spots with my love. :)

Have a great July, everyone!

It's Like Football Season...Except for GIRLS!

2012-06-08T15:21:00.000-04:00

vintage inspired wedding gown by Sheena Espiritu Solis, peacock earrings by Sweet Sincerity, wedding bouquet by Dragonfly Expression, wedding shoes by Parisxox, pink champagne bridesmaid dress by Blush, boutonniere by Southern Ideal

It seems almost impossible to exist in the month of June without thinking about WEDDINGS. Maybe You are getting married, someone you know is getting married, you've been invited to a wedding, you were a June bride, or maybe you want to be in the future. I suppose it's possible that you live under a nice big rock ( with excellent Internet connection, obviously) and have not given a single thought to the subject, but now that you are reading my blog I'm the one not allowing you to exist without thinking about weddings! :) Ummmm....Sorry?!?! I just can't get weddings out of my head, because people I know are getting married, I was a June bride(as was my sister and my mother in law) and it seems all of my recent online orders have been for weddings. It adds a little pressure when the customer tells me they need the item by a certain date because they are wearing the piece to a wedding, in a wedding, or FOR THEIR WEDDING!!! It's such an honor to think that the work I do in my little Maine studio is going all over the world to be worn at such special events. I even took time to come up with a new bridal bracelet design (below). I hope to expand my wedding line in the future. Okay, seriously...how many times did I just say WEDDING in this paragraph? Answer: 9 times...yikes.

The New Bridal Bouquet Cuff Bracelet by Sweet Sincerity (with June birthstone, Pearl!)

It's hard to believe that I was a June bride a whole 6 years ago! If you're trying to do the math and figure out how old I am, I got married at age12...okay, not really. I'm SO excited for our anniversary because we almost always surprise each other with something special (except the time we decided on buying matching motorcycle helmets as our anniversary gifts to each other, but that's a whole other story). This year I have BIG, FUN plans!!! I can't wait to tell you all about them! Ciao for Now! :)

Obviously we've been well fed since then ;)

*Footnote: I would like to address the politically incorrectness of the title of this blog. A girl can love football and love weddings, hate weddings and love football, hate football and love weddings, hate weddings and hate football, or not have strong feelings one way or another about either football or weddings. And so can a dude. Any and all inflammatory comments made are are included merely for comedic affect, and hopefully, are not grounds for a severe butt kicking of the author.

Chasinging Blogularity: an analytical consideration of how NOT to be a blogging looser

2012-05-25T17:37:00.001-04:00

11 x 14 Art Print by Parada Creations (It's more like I wish I were a big deal on my own blog.)

It is my most sincere desire (you know, after world peace and my husband retiring at 35) that I somehow find a way to be a regular, successful blogger. I am so sick of starting EVERY SINGLE blog post with an obligatory, introductory "I haven't blogged in so long" paragraph. The problem seems to be that, as an artist, my right brain's need for spontaneity habitually trumps my left brain need for structure and routine. Basically, what this means is I only blog when I feel like it. I know, L-A-M-E! In an effort to see my goal realized, I am trying to analyze what makes successful bloggers successful, madly hoping that genetic predisposition has nothing to do with it. Here's what I came up with so far:

Don't wait until your blog post is perfect to publish it, or it will never see the light of day. In a perfect world everyone would have their very own unicorn...and live under a rainbow..and clean with the help of small woodland creatures. This is not a perfect world, and the closest anyone comes to perfection is on a resume...


(Throw your perfect little plans AWAY!) Moleskine Notebook by big and mighty

Add more Pictures! No one cares what you ate for breakfast yesterday or hear why you think your cat is depressed-all we really want is to see some pretty pictures!


(Do you see what's missing here?) Shabby Chic Frames by Mountain Cove Antiques

Keep your posts focused on one clear theme, and don't write a novel about it. It's best if your readers are not in a coma nor significantly aged by the time they finish reading your post.

Old Man Reading in Cafe by Dancing Bug Photos (He was twenty when he started reading my blog.)

Write a few blog posts when you have the time to do so, and then schedule your posts to be automatically published at different times throughout the week (or in my case, month and/or year). For instructions how to do this on blogger, click here.

(It's like you have your own personal blogging robot!) Pink Robot Personalized Typewriter Print by RukaRuka

Do you have any suggestions you smart, generous, good-lookin' readers? ;) If you're a blogger, I'd love to hear what you do to maintain your Blogularity! If you're a reader, I'd love to hear what you think makes a successful blog! Thank you in advance for your ideas, cuz I sure don't hate comments :) And I need all the help I can get!!!!!

Surviving Spring, New England Style: A Handmade Fashion How-To

2012-05-15T13:19:00.001-04:00


A collection in Coral- On trend for Spring: Wrap top by Lirola, Necklace by Sweet Sincerity, Umbrella by Jen Hanlon Ash Photo, Brown Top by zelaya, Capris by Salts, Wedge Heels by South Of Africa, Purse by loom and hyde, and Earrings by Sweet Sincerity

I have to say that when I started this blog a year or so ago to promote my growing jewelry business, I NEVER thought I would spend so much of my time writing about the local weather. The weather was simply a topic that I had never given much thought to, evident by the fact that I habitually wore WHATEVER I wanted to wear, WHENEVER I wanted to wear it. Yes, that was me, the girl who, regardless of the forecast (something I never watched, by the way) wore sandals in January, tights in August, and almost always found herself umbrella-less in a down pour. Yes, I am ashamed to admit, the extremist expressions "Fashion Slave," "Beauty is Pain," and "Fashion before Practicality" were part of my daily rhetoric. As I got older, and just a smidge wiser, I miraculously realized that fabulous form and flat function can, in fact, co-exist. After years of inappropriate dressing (for the weather that is) I have picked up a few tricks that make living in such an unpredictable climate fashionably do-able. So, in order for YOU too to survive the capricious whimsy of atmospheric conditions, I have compiled a list of absolute ESSENTIAL for any fashionista who is crazy enough to live this close to the North Pole.

Live it Up with Jewelry

I promise I am not just saying this because I am a Jewelry Designer. Jewelry is one DURABLE fashion accessory that you can pretty much rock all year long! That is of course with the exception of feather earrings, which I suggest you leave at home on a rainy day unless you want to have a "bad feather day" in addition to a bad hair day.

Invest in a Colorful Umbrella

If you do, not only will you avoid getting completely drenched, you may find yourself a little cheerier from the beautiful bright colors of your oh-so-practical accoutrement, despite overcast skies. (HINT: you want to find an umbrella that is so bright and beautiful you look forward to rainy days so you can use it.)

Consider Wearing Shoes that are the Color of Mud

Spring in Maine=Mud, simple as that. So, wearing cute, brownish, WASHABLE shoes is a necessity. If your not adverse to wearing a platform shoe, those few extra inches will elevate your tootsies above most murky puddles, keeping your feet high and dry.

Wear Capris

Not only are these stylish bottoms complementary to most body types, they also are a perfect choice for spring wear. When the weather seems to be having as much as an identity crisis as capris themselves (you know, they're not long enough to be pants/not short enough to be shorts), you'll have enough leg coverage for a cool, rainy day with enough skin exposed to let your ankles feel a warm breeze if the weather warms up.

Layer on the Shirts

One tank top that you wouldn't mind sporting out in public + One long sleeve shirt + One wrap or light jacket = Spring Preparedness. If it's a little brisk out you're covered, but you can progressively peel back the layers when you start sweating like a pig. (NOTE: Avoid sleeveless turtlenecks as your base layer-they are the deceptive little liars of the sleeveless world. If it's 90 degrees Fahrenheit out, your arms may be cool but the rest of you will be wishing for an icy death, as the turtleneck acts like a thick, smothering scarf around your neck!)

Carry a Giant Purse

After shedding layers you may find yourself wondering, "Where am I gunna put all these stinkin' clothes when I must, by necessity, disrobe in public?" Enter awesomely large purse. If you store your layers in your bag when you're not using them, when the climate inevitably turns frigid cold again, you have them close at hand to put back on.

Umbrella Garland by GFetti

Well, I sure hope that helps! Happy Spring Dressing! May the Weather be always in your favor ;) And if it's not, may you always have an umbrella.

Swimsuits and Snowballs

2012-04-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

Retro Pin Up Swimsuit by TheRedDolly

With the onset of warmer weather (or for us in Maine, slightly warmer weather) women all over the world start dreading the coming season. No, not summer...That's right, Swimsuit Season! Really, in what other setting is a person expected to walk around in public wearing almost nothing? Plus, how unfair is it that swimsuit season and ice cream season come at the same time? Now, I wouldn't consider myself a prude, but after putting on my fair share of hibernation weight this winter, I'm going to try to put down the cupcakes and find a swimsuit that is fashionable yet modest. While on the beach this year, I'd like to feel comfortable, covered, and CRAZY FABULOUS. Oh, and I'd also like to be sure all my body parts are all securely fastened and will not spill out in public... I think that is a reasonable request, don't you?

"Snowy Beach" by CarolynCocherane

So, even though I'm thinking of beach weather, I have at least two more months before going to the beach is even an option. March and April are always a strange time of year here in Maine, with the weather ranging from unseasonable warm days that feel like summer, to cold, overcast, and snowy days, within the same week! Oh Manic Maine, how I love your predictable unpredictability. :) This time of year does pose a fashion problem, though-it's always difficult to know how to dress for the day. If you step outside on a chilly morning in a sweater and jacket, by mid afternoon you may very well be sweating profusely inside your greenhouse of a turtleneck, praying for a tank top to randomly appear for you to change into so you don't have to rip all your close off at the office. Like I said, it's a strange time of year when one can be thinking about swimsuits and snowballs at the same time.

Bursting With Brilliance Notebook by KatieBlairDesigns

So, speaking of snowballs, Sweet Sincerity Jewelry's success has been SNOWBALLING like crazy and I'm not quite sure what to think of it. All of my efforts to design, photograph, and promote Sweet Sincerity in the past are paying off NOW, without me having to work very hard to get sales. The problem is, though, that most of the items I've been selling are the same few MADE-TO-ORDER designs. Made-to-order designs require me to constantly make new items from scratch before I can send them out, and making the same time-consuming designs over and over again doesn't exactly satisfy my creative itch. Also, spending so much time on Made-To-Order pieces means that I have little to no time to create new pieces. As an artist and entrepreneur (two occupations which, at times, seem mutually exclusive) this dichotomy leaves me perplexed. WHAT TO DO? Should I keep in stock only One-Of-A-Kind items that are ready to ship ASAP or should I continue to make a lot of Made-To-Order items because I know they sell well.. In order to sort this issue out, I made the pros and cons list above. I know, I know...ANOTHER LIST! What can I say, I'm a list maker. I also did a little research to see what other online sellers do, and it seems that most people offer a little of both. I found this excellent article on just this issue, where loads of artists and craftsman talk about what balance works for them.

So, after you've melted your brain by deeply contemplating this complex business problem (sorry about that) here are a few pretty things to look at. OOOh....SHINY!!! Enjoy some of the latest collection that Sweet Sincerity Jewelry has been included in :)

Spring is in the Air!

2012-03-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

Yellow Silk Blouse by Leanimal, Bootcut Gray Pants by andwhatelseisthere, Zipper Rose Hairpin by JillsBoutique, Rutilated Quartz ring by SweetSincerity, Hammered Gold Bracelet by SweetSincerity, Kallisto Bag by milloo, Striped Cardigan by KarinaManarin, Yellow Bow Shoe Clips by No144

It's hard to believe that just a week ago, we were experiencing a full blown snowstorm here in frosty New England. This week, the sun has been out, melting what little is left of our remaining snowbanks and warming the temperature to a balmy 60 degrees Fahrenheit! Ah, the beauty of the manic Maine weather. In order to celebrate the fact that spring is in the air-whether is remains in the air is anyone's guess-I decided to pick out a few Spring Fashion Finds to share with the great big blogosphere. The color palette for this collection is cloudy gray and sunshiny yellow-a perfect reflection of the colors of the spring season here. Enjoy these fabulous finds, perfectly coupled with a few Sweet Sincerity pieces!

'til next time!

The Thrill of the Sale and the Agony of the Return

2012-03-05T15:03:00.001-05:00

Melancholy Art Print 8.5 x 11 by SarahSlam

After a wonderfully busy and successful December through February, I regretfully find myself in the season of the dreaded RETURN + REFUND. Ah yes, after months of nonstop hard work in the studio, now my attention must be given to a less enjoyable part of running a business-dealing with THE UNIMPRESSED CUSTOMER (insert terrified shudder here). There are all kinds of different unhappy customers: some are laughably offensive and insulting; some are sweet, and yet unwaveringly demanding; and others would simply like nothing more than to return their item and get their money back with as little communication as possible. As any artists knows, when you pour your heart into everything you make, spending hours trying to make a design JUST RIGHT, it can be hard not to be totally dejected when someone is less than impressed with your work. If history teaches us anything, it is that a depressed artist is not a good thing. So if you find yourself in a similar melancholy place, horribly anticipating dealing with the next snarling, demanding customer, stop cutting off your ear and see if the following tips can help you.

How to Deal Positively with Negative Feedback:

JUST BREATHE 5x7

1) First off, after the shock and disappointment has set in that your customer is not happy with your work, I suggest taking a DEEP BREATH. This is so that your head does not explode, as I hear tell that gray-matter is really hard to get out of carpets. This introspective moment is also to help you pause before you contact your unhappy customer in the defensive, childish, unprofessional, and completely inappropriate way, that you really would like to. Deep breath in...Deep breath out... Don't you feel better already? Repeat as necessary.

2) BLOW OFF STEAM (if you need to). When turning your attention to the specifics of a customer's complaints, be sure to distinguish between Constructive Criticism and unnecessary or unreasonable Insults. If the difficult situation involves criticism of your

Blow Off Some Steam by IRONSIDE

work, feel free to try and learn what you can from this critique. Feedback is an excellent opportunity to examine how you can make your product better. If however, this criticism fails to be constructive and degenerates into purposely insulting accusations (as in, "you didn't do this(untrue thing)/you didn't do that (untrue thing)/you have horrible craftsmanship,etc"), make sure to "blow off some steam." Save your crazy, ticked off rantings for a special friend/spouse, because speaking to a customer without a BRAIN-MOUTH filter will probably not cause them to instantly "see the light" and realize how awesome YOU or YOUR WORK is.

Thumbs Down T-Shirt by AcrossTheBoardDesign

3) Next, in a cool, collected, and professional way, DO ALL that you REASONABLY can to resolve the ISSUE your customer has with their order. In the Etsy blog post article entitled "Not Everyone is Your Sweet Aunt Kate" you will find fantastic suggestions on how to run your online business-what to say/do to help facilitate good communication, how to deal with a customer that is upset with shipping delays, or how to handle a request to return a custom order. If after applying these suggestion, you still do not have a happy customer, this quote from the aforementioned article can be helpful:

"On a rare occasion, you might find yourself in a situation with a customer that you will not be able to please no matter how hard you try. If you find yourself taking too much time away from working on your business or handling your other customers, it might be time to cut your losses. While you want to do everything you can to turn them all into a Sweet Aunt Kate [the sweetest lady alive, always delighted with your latest crafty endeavor, no matter what it is], there will be times when all you can do is politely thank them for their business, apologize, and go on with your work."

Give Me A Kiss Vinyl Wall Decal by VinylWallAccents

4) MAKE LOVE, NOT WAR. If someone DOES end up leaving you NEGATIVE Feedback online, so that your potential future customers can see it, you still may have YET ANOTHER chance to salvage your good reputation as a shop owner. Etsy has a great option for sellers called "Kiss and Make UP." If both buyer and seller agree to retract any negative/neutral feedback given, it is also removed from your shop's public rating. Then, you can sleep well at night, knowing that future customers can clearly see YOUR AWESOMENESS, and not be distracted by negative comments made by disgruntled former patrons. It's as if the nasty little kerfuffle never happened :) Hooray!

5) If NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING works, GET SOME PERSPECTIVE. Reading other small business blogs, or talking with other self-employed people can help you see that everyone has to deal with stressful customer situations at one time or another in their career. I found a great blogger who wrote about what she learned from some of her difficult transactions-Check out her observations about running her indie business here. Another helpful thing to do is to look at the feedback ratings of other successful sellers, who's work you admire. 99 times out of 100 they WILL HAVE some negative/neutral reviews, which make up a miniscule percentage of their THOUSANDS of successful sales and overjoyed customers. The fact is, the more successful you are, the more sales you make, the more you people you deal with, and the greater the likely-hood that you may meet someone who you cannot please no matter what you do. C'est la vie, c'est la guerre.

provided by Fabbydabbystones

6) Finally, if you feel disheartened, discouraged, and downright dejected after dealing with unhappy customers who don't value your work as much as your Sweet Aunt Kate (who "displays or wears your latest [creation] as if it were a Picasso or the Crown Jewels"), may I suggest a tried and true formula of VACATION + RETAIL THERAPY. If you need to find inspiration to continue on in your trade, taking a little time off and finding new things that inspire you can help remind you why you loved to do what you do in the first place. Personally, when I see gorgeous, gleaming gemstones, a striking or unusual color combination, or an intricate, detailed pattern, my imagination goes swirling off in all kinds of different crazy directions, leaving negative feelings of past challenges behind.

I hope these little suggestions help!

'til next time...

Nap Time for This Workaholic

2012-01-27T12:13:00.002-05:00

Tea Print by hairbrainedschemes, Embroidered Pillowcase by CraftFlag, Throw by BehindMyPicketFence, Robe by thebrooklynhaus, Pajamas by sandmaidensleepwear, Mask by FeminaLab, Chai Tea by AproposRoasters, Cup by TheVintageParlor, Slippers by ign00te

It's hard to believe that it has been over a month since my last blog post! For better or worse, the feverish, December shopping rush has carried into January, which leaves me little time for my beloved blog. GASP! I know, isn't that just terrible? I admire professional bloggers who have the time and energy to post something new and intriguing EVERYDAY. Obviously, I have to wait MONTHS to find something worthy enough to share with anyone! HA! Because of of the flurry of this sustained craziness, I find myself more than a little tired. So, the subject of today's Handmade Fashion Finds is NAP TIME. On this rainy, overcast Friday morning, I'm wishing I could just snuggle on the couch ALL DAY in my pajamas, with a thick, soft blanket and a cup of chai tea in my hands. Enjoy the restful luxuriousness of the handmade items above, and if you MUST WORK like I must today, make sure to pour yourself some tea to comfort you while you work. :)

Print by catalyst54

However, getting to work in the studio today will be a kind of relief, because I finally have a little time to start some new designs. Not having the time to do that is a little like CREATIVE TORTURE, because I have new design ideas running through my head all the time, 24/7! I forget sometimes that there is only one of me, and I'll probably never have time to implement all the ideas that I think of on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I still want to. Even the gorgeous gems that I have purchase recently are anxious, waiting for me to make them into something spectacular. I think they might be developing a complex, thinking that I am ignoring them. Okay, maybe IT IS time for a nap, I am attributing human qualities to rocks...

My Bio on the Maine Jewelry & Art web page

One HUGE thing that I MUST report that happened in the past month is that I officially became a co-owner at Maine Jewelry and Art. Papers were singed, money is being exchanged, and I am officially a part owner of a gallery! It's giving me a lot of great experience running a shop which will come in handy when/if I have my own Sweet Sincerity Boutique in the future. One of the other UBER-talented co-owners of the gallery does our website, Anne Reigstad of Ymir Glass. She even made me my own BIO page! Ahhhhh! I hate talking about myself-it's so awkward-but I managed to chuckle my way through talking about my life's achievements. (if you've already read a bio of mine feel free to skip to the end of this post-you already know anything remotely interesting about me):

Domino Pendant by taylorrain1

"My name is Bethany Coulombe, I'm currently somewhere in my 20's (a lady never tells exactly where), and I live in Bangor, Maine. By some miracle, I find myself married to a sweet, funny, little french carpenter, Matthew, who is not only a wonderful human being, but also looks amazing in a suit.

Ever since I was a child, I ALWAYS knew I wanted to be an artist. I loved drawing, painting, sculpting, and the prospect of having a job where I thought I had to wear a little french beret. Of course, I did think about going down a few other career paths as I grew up (eg. a ballerina, Stone Philips' co-anchor on the Nightly News, an architect, an art teacher, a construction worker, a medical receptionist, and a foreign language translator) before I decided on being a Jewelry Designer.

When all was said and done, my inherited artistic abilities (thanks dad!), and my general, overwhelming joie de vivre and love of sparkly things (thanks mom!) led me to comfortably settle into jewelry making. I'm not going to lie, I still secretly want to be a ballerina, but the thought of being the only student over 3 feet tall in an introductory ballet class makes me realize that the ship of opportunity has REALLY already sailed on that career path.

Vinyl Wall Decal Quote by urbanexpression

In terms of accolades from accredited institutions, I am a 2004 graduate of John Bapst Memorial High School, I graduated summa cum laude with Honors in 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Romance Languages (concentration in French and Spanish) from University of Maine Orono, and I am currently enrolled as life-long student in the School of Hard Knocks, where the tuition is high but the lessons are priceless.

I also love to blog (www.sweetsincerityjewelry.blogpost.com), to participate in community volunteer work, and shop-while attempting to control my seemingly insatiable love of pretty shoes and overpriced handbags."

~More to news to come, I'm sure...but Ciao for Now! :)

Bundle Up and Snuggle In-Winter Makes it's Grand Entrance

2011-12-24T16:56:00.003-05:00

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gloves by LaimaShop, scarf by theuniquebird, hat by niseylee, coat by JulyS, dress by ThongbaiTatong, purse by borsettabags, socks by AldysCreations, boots by Kraaiennest, leggings by sandmaiden

Over 5 Carats of Delicious, Chocolatey, Smoky Quartz

Usually, by this time of year in New England, we find ourselves buried under SEVERAL feet of sparkly, fluffy, beautiful, FRIGID snow. Believe it or not, until YESTERDAY we could still see the green grass in our front lawn! WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?!? However, I'm pretty sure that now, winter is here to stay. Weep you poor little Sun Worshipers and say good bye to your natural tans, but rejoice you adorable Snow Bunnies, it's time for winter frolicking (does anyone else think that word looks like "frog-licking?"). Regardless of how you feel about winter (or frogs for that matter), one great thing about this change in season is that it's finally time for some CUTE, SNUGLY winter fashion. Yes ladies, it's time to get some practical boots (insert sad face, I know), thick socks, hats, gloves, and layers of wool to survive until spring. You know, when it finally comes...in June. Above are just a few wonderful, handmade items that I came across in warms shades of coffee, chocolate, yellow gold, pumpkin, cream, and oatmeal that can warm your spirit on even the coldest winter day! :) Oh yeah, and I strongly recommend drinking large quantities of hot chocolate. I think the perfect finishing touch to this outfit is the Smoldering Sienna Stud Earrings, back in stock in my Etsy shop !


I need a back-up pair...hahaha

Speaking of seasons-what a crazy SHOPPING season it has been this year! I have been working my BRAINS out and my fingers OFF-filling online Etsy orders, replying to customer emails and inquiries, working extra days (and nights) at Maine Jewelry & Art, and doing jewelry repairs for customers at the shop. I'm pretty sure I can feel the gray matter is leaking out my ears as I type this and my fingers permanently conforming to the shape of the keys on the keyboard. I have had so many online orders this month that I actually reached and SURPASSED 200 SALES on Etsy! Hurrah! Thankfully, I keep reminding myself that I will be able to sleep at some point in the near future. Just the fact that I am able to blog is a good sign that things are slowing down to a more manageable pace so I can take a few moments to sleep, eat, and get back to CREATING new pieces!

Anne Taintor Postcard by ArtisticEphemera

Despite the crazy, insane business of the last couple of months, I still really have enjoyed myself. And doing what you love is priceless. When asked what I liked best about this time of year, this is what I said (ignore the parts where I sound like I'm trying to be a smarty pants parts):

"As a small business owner myself, I see, first hand, the hustle and bustle of large quantities of people coming in and out of the shop this time of year. But, my favorite part of all of this increased activity is helping people find the PERFECT gift for someone they love. Many customers come in, timidly looking around the shop, quietly contemplating what gift their special someone would like best. Then, more often then not, after narrowing down their choices, they ask for an opinion, as if anyone could possibly know which gift would better suit the person THEY know and love. In asking for help to make this important decision, it's as if the gift comes from me too. It's like a special secret between the customer and I, as we pick out that perfect gift, hoping the recipient will be pleased with out joint selection. Yep, helping people give gifts to the people who really matter in their lives, that's my favorite part of this time of year."

Funny Thank You Letterpress Card by creativitycards

A big thank you to everyone who has supported Sweet Sincerity in the past year, while I metalsmithed, wire wrapped, hammered, and beaded myself completely LOCO! A special THANK YOU to my beloved, adorable hubby for doing the laundry while I was feverishly doing this. It has been a crazy/beautiful journey-thank you ALL for taking the ride with me! 2012...here we come!

Feeling Flakey-It's Practically Winter

2011-11-07T14:41:00.002-05:00

boot cuffs by krochetlady, cloche hat by BKMHattitude, earrings by SweetSincerity, coat by yystudio, skirt by tinahillstrom, scarf by Baymut, gloves by luxgloves, clutch by BresBoutioque

As I have just recently said goodbye to the very last drops of summer and embraced the cool, crisp autumn weather that I had been so effectively ignoring, it was quite surprising when Bangor experienced a FREAK SNOW STORM just over a week ago. That's right folks, we here in Maine managed to survive 5 whole months of above freezing weather before we were reminded that we live in the ARCTIC TUNDRA. That crazy OCTOBER storm, that canceled events and got the plow trucks out for their first run of the season, left a definite chill in the air that is here to stay. I guess it's a good thing I really like winter. In order to continue loving winter, despite the many excessively chilly and sometimes overcast days, I have attempted to develop cold weather dressing into some what of an ART FORM. Now, I understand that many people don't mind putting on a giant puff jacket that makes them look like a marshmallow and wearing head to toe wool. I have no problem with that, "To Each His Own." However, because I need to stay SANE and warm, adorable winter outfits are at the top of my priority list. Although I hate to jump the gun and talk about winter fashion before the weather is simply too frigid to continue wearing flip flops, I though I might make an exception just this once. So, as a preparatory measure to ensure the happiness and good mental health of those living in the Northern Hemisphere, I have compiled some "Fall to Winter" Fashion Finds that are sure to come in handy as the air gets, inevitably, chillier.

Speaking of the chill in the air, I am REALLY looking forward to being part of a couple more Maine craft fairs during this fall/winter season, including.... THE BIG CHILL!!! THE BIG CHILL is a follow up fair to THE BIG THAW that I did last April as my very first craft fair EVER. I'd like to think that I have learned a lot about craft fairs since then: what to sell, what to expect, how not to dress, and other vital facts. I'm sure somehow I'll still show up to THE BIG CHILL in fashionable, yet completely weather inappropriate clothing/accessories in some way. That's just how I roll, unfortunately. Impractical clothing aside, I am REALLY looking forward to reuniting with my fellow crafters and artisans on December 3rd at the Mayo Street Arts Center in Portland. So...if you live in Portland, Maine, or if you're up for a day trip, come visit! It'll be really fun! :) Especially if I trip over my 5 inch heels and fall on my face like last time. :)

ANYWAY, as a way of saying goodbye to Summer/Fall weather, Mateo, my hubby, and I decided to take out our 30 year old Jeep OFF-ROADING, while the ground was still soft enough to totally cover it with mud. AND THEN... we decided to invite my parents to come with us! I think it's safe to say that my parents are not exactly the dare-devil type. I so wish I had a picture of my mother's face as we splashed through mud puddles, climbed up steep, rocky hills, and scraped against countless branches and rocks in our rugged little Jeep. Mom and I ended up giggling loudly and uncontrollably every time we were thrown around and splattered with mud in the back seat, as we clung on to the 30 year old upholstery for dear life. It was utterly hilarious. My husband had such a great time that afterward, he had me take all kinds of pictures of his Jeep covered in mud. He also kept asking, "Are you going to blog about this? There are hardly words for how adorable I think that is. :)

Another cool thing that happened since my last blog post was that I was on Etsy's front page again, but this time FOR REAL!!!! Not to say that the l ast time wasn't for real too. But this time my earrings were featured in such a prominent spot that everyone could see them just as soon as they logged onto Etsy! It's a freak coincidence that I even saw this treasury because it was on the front page at like 2am. I am not normally awake at this time, but for whatever reason that night I couldn't sleep. So, I got up and turned on the computer, only to see this glorious sight! HOORAY! I got lots of emails and a few big sales out of this fantastic exposure. Basically, it was pure awesome.

Running with Scissors by VillainAccessories

With regard to other fields of awesomeness, I realized that it's getting close to my one year Etsy-versary. Although I technically set up my online shop in December of 2009, I didn't really do much of anything with it till October 2010. I sold my first item November 15th, 2010. Now it's almost a year later and I've hit over 150 online sales, I done so many craft fairs I feel like a veteran, and I have my jewelry on display in an art gallery! It 's so great to see how the business has grown and changed in just one year. It feels like I've been making jewelry forever, and it's so hard to believe that it's only been a year since this crazy little adventure started to take shape. I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has encouraged and supported me during this wild ride. If I were to write a memoir about all my experiences in the past year, it would most definitely be called: "Running With Scissors: how to do really stupid things and somehow come out with both your eyes and all of your extremities." Okay, I guess the title needs a little work. The probability of me actually writing a memoir anytime soon is pretty slim, so I guess I have the time to work on it! ;)

"Fall"-ing Behind and Ketchup

2011-10-19T09:19:00.002-04:00

Clockwise from Left to Right: Ring by SweetSincerity, Scarf by LoveKnots4Baby,

Earrings by SweetSincerity, Shrug by fayefayeyang, Shoes by extraseed, Cuff by SweetSincerity, Bag by ACAmour, and Sweater Dress by OnTheHook

Oh hello again! I've finally found my way back to the glorious blog-o-sphere to celebrate the season that is officially upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere, with a few Fall Fashion Finds. Honestly, I really believe the best part about Fall, besides warm apple cider and brilliant autumn foliage, has got to be THE CLOTHES! Sweaters and sweater dresses, scarves and jackets, closed toed shoes and knee high boots, I could go on and on about what I LOVE about Fall Fashion. Of course, here in chilly New England, we like to mix our scarves and long sleeve shirts with flip flops, in order to hang onto every ounce of above freezing weather that we have! :) Yes, the native Maine fashionista is a strange and rare bird with odd grooming habits influenced, in part, by the harsh climate of her natural environment. LOL

LAPTOP Weapon of Choice Keychain by riskybeads

So, I know that it seems like EVERY TIME I blog, I just HAVE to write about how long it's been since my last blog post. It seems silly to keep repeating my self, but it's ALWAYS true. So for good measure, let me just add, "OH MY WORD, IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I BLOGGED!" Okay. Now I feel better. Hopefully none of you remember when I optimistically forecasted that I would be blogging at least two times per week. Yeah, that so didn't happen. I've tried to analyze why I have become such an infrequent blogger, even though I absolutely adore it.

I have come up with the following reasons/excuses:

1. I find that my husband is just too cute to ignore.

2. I've finally come to grips with the fact that my house will never clean itself.

3. I am constantly re-writing, re-editing, re-doing any given blog post to make sure I didn't say anything too ridiculous.

4. I have not yet joined Procrastinators Anonymous. Maybe tomorrow...

5. Most of the time, I simply do not find myself that entertaining, why would you?! :)

6. After a year of sitting in front of my computer for long periods of time, I find it almost impossible to sit and focus for more than an hour with out some SERIOUS FIDGETING!!!

ANYWAY...here are some highlights of the last 3 weeks or so since the LAST TIME I remembered that I have a blog:

The Provoking Muse Cuff got featured on a New England Made BLOG!!! :) New Duds picked the Provoking Muse Cuff as one of their favorite things from Maine crafters-What an honor! :)

Click here to check out the blog post I was in!

Sweet Sincerity Jewelry was part of an Etsy Maine Team treasury list that got to the front page of Etsy... This can be amazing exposure for an Etsy shop resulting in a lot of sales. So that was pretty exciting...Except, our Earthy Glamor Necklace was one of the alternate choices in the bottom row of the collection that may/may not have actually appeared on the Front Page of Etsy. So close, and yet so far!!!! Regardless, here is the beautiful collection that a fellow Mainer put together.

Alee, I, and Sweet Sincerity were featured on a photography blog! My neighbor, Ashley Erin, is a fantastic photographer. She has a really interesting project going on right now-she's going to do 365 portraits in 365 days, chronicling all of her work on her blog. She asked us to do a shoot with her, and we were THRILLED to be a part of her project! If I had a billion dollars I would hire HER to take pictures of my jewelry, instead of trying to take them myself with a cheap camera! P.S. I just noticed that Alee and I are wearing the same colors in these photos. This was TOTALLY unplanned. So much for my theory that I was adopted...hahaha. Thanks so much Ashley for these great photos!

And lastly....The Sweet Sincerity Facebook Page reached OVER 150 "likes", and to celebrate we're doing another GIVE-A-WAY for the ever so popular Flight of Fantasy Peacock Earrings.

Enter here for a chance to win!!: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=hp#%21/permalink.php?story_fbid=154780211284479&id=189451207741944

All things considered it was a pretty good few weeks, minus the utter lack of blog-age...'Til next time! :)

Be Careful What You Wish For-the Ups and Downs of a Brick and Mortar Shop

2011-09-25T21:55:00.003-04:00


Funny Get Well Cards: Feel Better, Get Well Soon by printerettepress, You Should Be Quarentined Get Well Card by HeartsgGrowFonder, More Medication Please by aYadesigns, Get Well Soon Your Replacement Is Getting Tired by ableandgame

It is sad to say that the thing that is compelling me toward my keyboard, beckoning me to publish detailed rantings of the beauty of success and the ugliness of defeat, is that I am almost completely incapacitated by a VICIOUS FLU BUG that is going around. I am basically incapable of doing ANYTHING productive. In between fading in and out of consciousness and taking mass quantities of Day Quill, I had the brilliant idea that today might be good time to catch up on my computer work. You may be thinking that publishing one's private thoughts while being in a weak, sleepy, and highly medicated condition is not the smartest thing in the world...and in this I believe you would probably be correct. Then again, that is what I do best, going ahead with half-baked ideas full bore, regardless of the wisdom in doing so. Ha ha ha.

The Gallery...Ain't it Perdy?!?!?!?

Okay, so pretty much what has taken up most of my time lately (and has kept me far, FAR AWAY from my poor little blog) is the fact that I have been doing A LOT of work at the gallery downtown where my jewelry is on display, MAINE JEWELRY AND ART. It's definitely a change to go from just having an online business, and occasionally doing a craft fair, to having a brick and mortar store to staff and care for. In order for this blog post not to be long, boring, and emotionally scaring for you poor readers I have devised a simple, slightly humorous list of the pros and cons to having a Gallery/Store that I have observed thus far.

ANY QUESTIONS? Expounding on my Pros/Cons List:

Yes, running a brick and mortar store will probably be good for your overall personal hygiene.
Yes, you may encounter a few people who are part of the general public that make you feel better about the state of your own metal health.
Yes, our store did get robbed recently of cash, merchandise, and snacks.
Yes, you read correctly, I said snacks...
Yes, paying bills and doing anything that in any way resembles grown-up responsibilities is indeed a GIANT BUZZ KILL.
Yes, you may encounter people who call you "honey." Do not be fooled by their sugary sweet patronizing tone, this is not actually a term of endearment. NOTE: These people should always be treated with the respect, and may be graciously forgiven if they purchase anything in your shop over 10$. LOL!!!!

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the owners of Maine Jewelry and Art. All characters referred to in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. LOL

Check out these designs AVAILABLE in my Etsy shop too!

All in all, I'm having a good time living, learning, making new things, expanding my business locally and online. Who knows where all of this hard work will lead to. In the end, it doesn't really matter to me, cause I'm loving every minute of it...or nearly every minute, just don't call me honey. LOL!!!!!!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation...

2011-09-06T11:42:00.004-04:00

industrial simplex school wall clock
by AMradio

Don't worry, I promise this blog post wont actually be one of those BORING essays that every school aged child has to write when they go back to school, reducing their summer of freedom and folly to a bland 500 word essay. Instead, I hope to enthrall you with fascinating tales of victory and defeat, learning and exploration. Okay, not really-my summer was no where near as dramatic as the last sentence seems to indicate. However, I've HAVE worked like a crazy person, learned A WHOLE LOT, and made some great headway in establishing Sweet Sincerity Jewelry as my MORE-than-40-hours-a-week-full-time job. So prepare to be impressed. Ha ha ha, not really.

One of the MANY Configurations of the
Sweet Sincerity Booth at Craft Fairs This Summer

Seriously though, I HAVE learned so much this summer about life, the universe and everything! Well, mostly what I learned was about craft fairs, really. I did 5 local craft fairs, learned how to set up my display quickly, efficiently, and without it tipping over in the wind (SCORE!!!!!), how to price things for the local market, how to interact with a few scary customers who wanted half of my inventory for only 20$ total, and much, much more! Some of the craft fairs that I participated in made me hundreds of dollars, and others made me value the priceless nature of experience (which basically means I made next to nothing on them, but got to practice how to set up my craft fair booth). It's been a whirlwind of activity for the last month and a half, which is why I have yet again lapsed into complete and utter SLACKER TERRITORY when it comes to filling my shop with new things and BLOGGING!!

Chef Hats by softsweetfeet

Another event that has severely impacted my motivation to blog and list new things on the "interwebs," as my hilarious metal-smithing teacher calls it, is that my lovely bff baby sister got a NEW not-so-part-time job as a chef at a local pub. I'm really excited for her to have a job that she really likes, but that of course means that I'm left all by my lonesome to get motivated to work, blog, and produce. Yeah....I really miss her. LOL. But she's never been too busy to come and support Sweet Sincerity Jewelry despite her busy schedule. Hooray for that!

OK, now I will go on a crazy rant-all you normal, well-adjusted people feel free to ignore this paragraph ENTIRELY. So let me start of by saying that I HATE the evil insensitive advertisers who begin advertising fall merchandise before summer is actually over. Here in Maine, we value every drop of summer we can get. From the day it hits 65 degrees Fahrenheit to the first flurries of winter, we here in New England are happily wearing our shorts and flip flops. Winter accounts for about 7 months here, so whenever it's above freezing, there is cause for rejoicing and randomly breaking out into song. Advertisers who clearly have no idea what it's like to live here are ALWAYS sending out fliers AT LEAST 2 months early, advertising what's new for the coming season. That's just plain insulting, because we know we won't be letting go of our flip flops til November, and we won't be enjoying the spring thaw til June. We also know that fall is really just a harbinger of doom, and we'd rather not think about the long cold winter that is just around the corner. Common!!! Just let us hang on to our warm weather, PEOPLE! Look at me, going on this crazy tirade, and after I just gave in and changed my Etsy banner to a fall theme! HA! GIANT hypocrite ends rant.

A Small Sample of the Sweet Oceanside Line!

In other, more balanced/less insane news, I've started a collaborative jewelry line with my metal-smithing teacher, that is now being shown in the Maine Jewelry and Art Gallery!!!! How exciting is that? The line that we are doing together is called "Sweet Oceanside" and consists of sea glass, pearls, shells, and other ocean-y type elements. The shells and sea glass have been picked off the beaches of Maine by our own family and friends. Isn't that neat? Last Friday, I also put some Sweet Sincerity Jewelry on display in the Gallery. If you are in the area, please go check it out! Maine Jewelry and Art is located in the heart of Downtown Bangor, diagonally across from the Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street. I can't believe I have anything in a gallery! I feel so special...BLUSH! It feels good to know that I've learned so much that I can now call myself a metal-smith!

So yeah, It's been a busy summer Sweet Sincerity-wise, but it's been fun-and having a job that you love is truly priceless! So now, lastly, enjoy some of my favorite collections that Sweet Sincerity Jewelry has had the privilege of being a part of.

And here's a collection I put together of other talented artists! Enjoy!

Learning Experiences Can Be Uncomfortably Sweaty

2011-07-27T15:43:00.002-04:00

"Holy Cow" by inspiredpetportraits

HOLY COW. Those are the first words that come to mind when I think about my first OUTDOOR craft fair last Thursday. It was the downtown Bangor Outdoor Market in Pickering Square that happens every Thursday from 5-8pm. Let's just say I was incredibly unprepared! The whole day getting ready for the fair, I was totally CHILL. I casually organized the jewelry, made a few new things, helped my mom complete a project for a family member, and slowly got everything together necessary to take to the fair. My mom helped me get ready, and she was more nervous about the set up than I was, frantically asking me questions all morning long. Meanwhile, I was secure in the knowledge that I had a plan in place that had worked out wonderfully at THE BIG THAW craft fair in April. Boy, was I in for a surprise when I went to set up my booth downtown. There were so many other factors involved in setting up a booth OUTSIDE, like the BEATING SUN, WIND, DIRT, and customers enthusiastically rummaging through the jewelry before I even had it out of the storage container! My whole set up blew over about 5 times, scattering (and breaking) jewelry everywhere! I was so hot and sticky that MY SWEAT WAS SWEATING while I had to redo my whole display OVER AND OVER AND OVER until the wind finally stopped blowing!!!! It was totally NUTS!

Imagine this...only sunny, 95 degrees, and REALLY WINDY!
picture taken from
http://www.downtownbangor.com/index.php?id=2&sub_id=122

I was all but ready to pack up and go home when my friendly market neighbors from BLUE CEDAR and CARROT TOP FARM took pity on my hopeless situation and tried to help. They offering up coolers, bungee cords, twist ties, and their PURE MUSCLE to help me set up my tent and have it actually STAY standing! May God bless them with pretty babies and an unending supply of cookies...or whatever their happiness equivalent would be. Seriously, I don't know what I would've done without them. Oh wait, yes I do-I would've gone straight back home and never gone back! My husband and my father also arrived on the scene to help, bringing weights and ties and other wonderfully MANLY things that were SOOO helpful in saving my craft fair career.

This collage pretty much sums up how I looked that day.
"Black Gloves" by matouenpeluche
"Bad Hair Day" by VeryMaryMary3

So picture this. At the beginning of the evening I am in A SKIRT (I don't know what I am thinking when I get dressed for these things), with a BLACK (bad choice) short sleeved sweater shirt, a cute black pair of crocodile flats, with my big, sparkly Turquoise Gala jewelry set on, my hair down and straight (which was a miracle in itself), looking put together. By the end of the night, I was covered in SWEAT, DIRT, and unidentified SMUDGES on my legs and arms! My ridiculously too hot shirt was soaked with sweat and covered, in what I can only imagine to be lint and various other debris from having to move around the display and everything at least 4 times! My DUCK FLAT feet are aching from my "practical" flat shoes (that have zero arch support), and I have CRAZY LADY HAIR! With practically no make-up left and a very clear "I need a seriously need a shower and a nap" look on my face, I was a sight to be seen. I took pictures of all this ridiculousness, as I always do, documenting my most humiliating moments for others enjoyment. However, to add INSULT to INJURY, my computer was acting up when I went to download these horrible shots of hideousness and utter chaos and they were COMPLETELY erased. But then again...that's may be for the best. :)

"Audience" fine art photograph by Susiegrafie

Toward the end of the night, I was walking though the other vendors' booths, both to see what they had for sale and to see how in the world they were managing to keep all of their lovely stuff firmly attached to the ground. More than one of them recognized me by saying, "Oh yeah, you were the girl who had such a hard time setting up!" AHHHHHH! yeah... that's me. Gotta love knowing during some of your most embarrassing moments, you have an audience! I'm blushing just thinking about it!

what I want next... ;)
Re-Purposed Appliqued Clutch by cosmossewing

I'm going to stop whining now (I bet you're glad) and talk about something LOVELY. One extremely bright spot in my day was bartering with a fellow vendor at the fair, COSMOSSEWING. I traded her one of my sterling silver dichroic glass rings for a gorgeous upcycled bag made from second hand clothing. It's nice to make new friends by giving them presents right away! Be sure to check out her Etsy shop, as well as her Facebook page!

So now, I have to RESTRUCTURE my entire display to make it as HEAVY, and as CUSTOMER FRIENDLY as possible. As so many other experienced vendors told me, "Don't worry, it's a learning experience." Oh so true. I learned I want an INDOOR BOUTIQUE now more than ever! Just kidding.

Badge or Magnet by TheBusyBadger

I'm a Lover, not a Writer

2011-06-29T00:21:00.000-04:00

Lazy Summer fine art photo by ReflectedLight

SIGH!!! It has officially been three weeks TO THE DAY since I have blogged. Oh yeah...right...now I remember-I have a blog! How easily I forget. With the onset of warm, summery weather here in normally frigid New England, I seem to have lost almost EVERY OUNCE of my once fierce work ethic. Summer was made for sitting in the sun on the patio, drinking ice tea and lemonade, while listening to the sound of laughing children, don't you think? A simple whiff of whatever happens to be cooking on the grill makes my mouth water, my stomach grumble, and any thoughts of hard work fade quickly away. It sure doesn't help for our anniversary my husband finished the stone patio in our back yard, which is now the perfect place for day dreaming, barbecuing, and sun bathing! See what I mean?

SUMMER FUN: First Family Dinner on Our New Patio!!!

In someways this lazy summer pace is a good thing, because my inventory isn't diminishing too quickly. "WHY ON EARTH could that be a good thing?" you may be asking. Because starting the third week in July, I will be doing another craft fair, and this time it's LOCAL! Here are some details:

Bangor Outdoor Market

"The Outdoor Market features 38 vendors selling Maine-made fine arts, select crafts, specialty food items and produce. All items are handmade, prepared or raised by the vendor. Items available include; art, baked goods, cheese, clothing, food, furniture, handbags, jewelry, photography, pet products, toys and much more. The market is located in West Market Square and along Broad Street/Merchants Plaza on Thursdays June 9th-August 11th from 5:00 PM- 8:00 PM." - http://www.downtownbangor.com/index.php?id=1

So if you are in Bangor, Maine on a Thursday night in mid-July through August, come and stop by and find our little booth. I'm really excited to be included among the vendors who are part of this years Downtown Bangor Outdoor Market! There is a FREE concert series going on during the same time the market will be held, so it's sure to be a good time had by all! :) Here is a list of the upcoming bands that will be playing:

The Blue Ukelele by SussanahTucker

Remaining 2011 Cool Sounds lineup includes:

June 16th-Rog & Ray (Caribbean, latin and island style)

June 23rd-The Scharff Brothers (Alternative, pop, rock-n-roll)

June 30th-Sam and Yuri (Folk-rock fusion)

July 7th-Evergreen (Bluegrass, folk, blues, old‐time, country and swing)

July 14th-Kayla Wass Band (Country)

July 21st-Teen Jam

July 28th-RetroRockerz (Good‐time music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's)

August 4th-FLASH! In the Pans (Steel drum- mix of traditional calypso, pop, swing, blues, and classical)

August 11th-The BArSTuARDS (Rock/Folk with Celtic influence)

I just sounds smart...LOL

My lack of motivation for creating new things has allowed me become a more consistent reader/commenter on the Etsy blog, which lead to a quote from me being feature on the blog homepage! So that's a good thing, right? That exposure helped me get a lot more people noticing my shop. That's right!! Spread the word! I even figured out (thanks to my techno savvy friend Jaclyn) how to take a screen shot of my little 15 seconds of fame so I can cherish this fleeting moment FOREVERS! LOL.

Just because I haven't been super motivated doesn't mean everyone's been a slacker! Check out these beautiful treasuries that other talented artisans put together, including Sweet Sincerity Jewelry! Hopefully you will hear from me again soon!

Boutique Dreams

2011-06-07T21:26:00.002-04:00

Black Ornate Cork Board by shugabeelane
Zesty Apple Green Mannequin by CorsetLacedMannequin
Hollywood Regency Wedding Chalkboard by RevivedVintage

So, here it is...The cold hard truth. I am, in fact, a touchy feely, HGTV show watching, baby-loving, matchy matchy, cumpulsive NESTER. That's right, you heard me-a put down roots, pick out curtains, make a house a home, NESTER. Sometimes I dream about being the kind of person I thought I would be in my mid to late 20's...you know the ultra focused, motivated, business minded career woman, with no roots in any particular area, but for sure going somewhere AWESOME, and FAST. However, in my journey of self-discovery I have realized that I AM NOT that type of person at all! I'm like the exact opposite of that! I know...Crazy right?!

Candy Apple Butterfly Chair by ReclaimTheThrone
Full Length Oval Mirror by GloryBDesign
Amy Butler Sandlewood Mannequin Dress Form by CorsetLaceMannequin

Why am I sharing this interesting, yet irrelevant (and extremely personal) moment of self discovery with you (i.e. making you read all this long-winded introspective when all you wanted to read about was some pretty jewelry)? Well, because that leads me into the topic of this blog post, my dreams of one day soon opening a SWEET SINCERITY BOUTIQUE. Turns out that this hard core, determined jet setter just wants to settle down and open up a chic boutique. Who woulda thunk?

Simply Chandelier Vinyl Wall Decal by urbanwalls
Pink Orchid Refinished Wood Chair by trinaroseboutique

So in line with that dream, I have been planning, calculating, and praying that I can find SOME WAY to make this a possibility. So far, I've gotten in contact with (but have yet to finish all the tedious paperwork for) a local small business development center that helps with business planning and financing. Apparently, going from a small, successful home business to a brick-and-mortar, REAL DEAL, store front BOUTIQUE requires some serious cash. Therefore, I am setting up the "Start a Sweet Sincerity Boutique Fund," starting NOW! I even added a "donate" button to the right margin of this blog so that you too can donate to this worthy cause if you are so moved! Ahhhh! I know! That's so...COMMERCIAL of me!!! GASP! Although I hate money with a passion, every now and then I DO have to come down off my idealistic cloud of obliviousness and realize that money is necessary to make dreams a reality. A fact which, as you already know, I deeply resent! LOL! :)

Sweet Sincerity Jewelry's Display at THE BIG THAW, Portland, Maine

So, enjoy the great decorative boutique finds that I have sprinkled throughout this post-All these picks are based on the color palette and layout of my BIG THAW craft fair display in April! Perhaps in the coming months, I'll be posting pictures of my real boutique! Wouldn't that be AMAZING! We'll see what the future brings, as I get closer and closer to making this dream a reality... TO BE CONTINUED!!!

In the meantime, here are a few treasury collections that Sweet Sincerity Jewelry has been included in! Enjoy the hard work of other worthy artists!

100 SALES-A Reflection on Success, Free Gifts, and Fashion... you know, just the important stuff

2011-05-27T01:12:00.003-04:00

1615 Vinyl Lettering by DesignDivasGallery

Yes, we did it. We finally reached 100 Etsy
sales. I feel dizzy with excitement as I write these words, but that very well could be due to my annual "lose-those-five-pounds-before-you-have-to-be-in-a-swimsuit-in-public" diet. LOL!!! I didn't expect to be this excited about reaching this goal, but I really just can't contain my spastic joy at achieving this milestone. THANK YOU ALL for being so supportive,encouraging, and inspiring-helping Sweet Sincerity Jewelry be what it is today. Tear! I'm feeling a bit verklempt, chocking back tears of joy! Don't worry, I'm not actually crying...well, maybe on the inside. Again, that is very possibly a symptom of the post-winter hibernation diet! :)

Speaking of Swimsuit Season (cause for a shout of both "Hooray!" and "Ugh!" simultaneously), check out some amazing Beachy Items that I put together for this weeks SWEET SINCERITY FASHION FINDS!!! I am so in love with the black monokini, it's ridiculous, and the FANTABULOUS skirt can also be worn as a quick pull on strapless dress! All of these lovely items are perfectly matched with Sweet Sincerity's Earth-tone Onyx Bracelet and Earrings Set. What more could a fashionista want? :) Oh I know...FREE STUFF!

FASHION FINDS

Swimsuit by holieb, Skirt/Dress by SweetCakeCookie,
Bracelet and Earrings by Sweet Sincerity, Sandals by tuto, Shrug by marcellamoda

FREE STUFF!!!!!

These are the little cosmic beauties we are giving away...
the Stellar Earrings $25

So speaking of FREE STUFF, in honor of our 100th Sweet Sincerity Etsy sale, as well as our 100th Facebook Business Page "LIKE" we are doing a GIVE-A-WAY! Okay, honestly we just really decided that giving stuff away free is super fun; we didn't really need an event to inspire the present giving. We like getting presents too, just FYI. :) If you want to get in on this sweet deal (no pun intended-seriously we are not THAT lame), here's how to play: To enter just go to the bottom left of our Sweet Sincerity Business Page and click on the word "SHARE" to share our page with your friends. Then, add a comment here, on our Facebook page, to tell us that you have entered!

Marylin Monroe Tie Tack
by pretentiousjewlery

Using www.random.org we will come up with the winner Wednesday, JUNE 1st! So Stay Tuned for All the Excitement! Perhaps I need a nap...I am still irrationally joyful, even while talking about giving away our jewelry for free... Who am I kidding? I love to give stuff away just as much as I like get grocery money for it! Gotta love the quote from Marylin Monroe to the left...I wish I had found this for my big rant on HOW I HATE MONEY! :) That would have been a perfect! What can I say but, "Right on, Marylin. Right on."

Confucious Print by ecceprints

So, after much reflection on what I might have learned over the past 100 sales, I've realized that success is not just something that happens. Okay, that might be an oversimplification of the matter, but hopefully you know what I mean! Perhaps my long lost friend, who never failed to put me to sleep in English class can say express my sentiments more clearly-Henry David Thoreau said, "Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." The meaning that I infer from this quotation, as well as what I've learned in my short months of freakishly pursuing business efficiency, is that success is a result of boring sounding, everyday, "busy work" type things like consistency, hard work, adaptability, and perseverance. No, I'm not kidding...sorry all you capricious artistic types, of which group I am a member. I know when I first started my Etsy shop, I had all kinds of dreams of "being discovered" one daysomeone would recognize my amazing talent, paying whatever I asked for my "priceless" work, therefore allowing me to live craftily ever after, no longer as a starving artist (except in preparation for swimsuit season, of course). The reality seems to be, though, that these noble (albeit tedious) qualities-like hard work and determination-are just as important to success as vision, creativity, and a unique perspective on the world. I know. BUMMER ON THAT! No, just kidding. I have no aversion whatsoever to hard work, especially when it doing something that allows me to say everyday, "I love my job!"

Photos Shoots and Fashion Finds

2011-05-16T20:03:00.006-04:00

shirt by larimeloom, skirt by aloha2summer, ring by sweetsincerity
sandals by feesk, bag by ikabags, bolero by yasemine67

So, the other day, as I was trying to promote this blog by listing it in a blog directory, I found myself faced with an EXTREMELY perplexing decision. Should my blog be categorized as a shopping, a business, or a comedy blog? I really couldn't decide where all of my crazy rantings should be filed away, as if there is a simple word to describe all my insanity! After far too much thought on the subject, I ended up characterizing my blog as a FASHION blog because I figured that jewelry is part of fashion, right? Yeah, I'm not sure that I picked the right label either!!! However, in an effort not to lose anymore sleep or waste anymore brain power on the subject, I think I'll just go with it. I really do LOVE fashion, and to be perfectly honest, I am CONSTANTLY shopping on Etsy for my own selfish purposes, finding insanely awesome clothing and accessories all the time. It's not a stretch AT ALL to talk a little more about fashion-y things every now and then on this blog. :) So, to that end, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to share some of my excellent ETSY FASHION FINDS, paired with some of our very own Sweet Sincerity Jewelry. These gorgeous, flowy choices can be worn from spring to summer! LET THE SUN SHINE AND THE TEMPERATURE RISE! All these wonderful picks highlight one of Sweet Sincerity's new rings the Elemental Ring, in sterling silver and green turquoise!

Speaking of fashion, the other day, Sweet Sincerity visited a local park for a PHOTO SHOOT! It was a beautiful, sunny, spring day-perfect for picture taking! Initially, I was hoping that we could do a behind-the-scenes-of-the-photo-shoot video to post this on this blog, but a SERIOUS of technical difficulties, I had to can that idea. So, instead, we have a fun little slide show set to some silly music. I think it does the trick! :) What you can't see in this photo shoot is Baby Kahlyn sleeping in her stroller ,as we all scurry to get things done, hoping she doesn't wake up cranky! Funny how our photo shoots are postponed for feedings and diaper changes. For the baby...not us, of course. :) LOL! Enjoy the slide show, and watch for new pictures and new items in our ETSY SHOP!

Now, you can enjoy some more fashion finds from OTHER Etsy sellers who have included Sweet Sincerity Jewelry in their fab treasury collections!Oh, and as a closing note-I figured out how to change the settings on this blog so that ANYONE can EASILY comment! So FEEL FREE!!!! :) More semi-interesting writing about lovely jewelry stuff LATER! :)