12.23.2008

Merry Christmas!

Hello gang!

I just wanted to be sure to wish you all Happy Holidays and Wonderful Wishes!

To go out with a bang, I nabbed a happy and colorful treasury and I was pleasantly surprised to be told I was also IN a treasury...:D

So here's my fun creation: Strawberry Mint Daiquiri

And I'm in this gorgeous little compilation that is just SO thoughtfully planned!
Appreciation Anthem 4

Enjoy yourselves and I'll see you all after Christmas!

12.18.2008

Made in Quebec


I had another opportunity to showcase our now larger EtsyQ Team in a lovely treasury filled with pieces I want...*lol*

Seriously, if I could afford it, these little guys wouldn't have been around for you to see!

Enjoy!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=27629

Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree....

Or whatever my mother has cooked up...:)

It seems that she took my little threat to heart and concocted something to put presents under...*lol*

That's my mother for me...she always aims to please...:) I told her that if she didn't have a Christmas Tree, I wasn't coming over seeing as it just doesn't feel like Christmas when you wake up to nothing.

It seems, however, that her actual tree is stuck behind bikes, tarpaulins and two feet of snow, so she made an effort and created something else....except she won't tell me what that something is! Fine revenge for her for the little threat I suppose...;)

I'm so looking forward to spending Christmas with her and family...:) I'm making her and my sister a wire-wrapped ring each...the first rings I've ever created. My sister's will be garnet with silver and my mom's is turquoise with copper (seeing as she can't wear silver). I wanted to make my mom's with real gold wire, but at 35$ a foot, I just couldn't afford it. The copper will look great though...so I am happy...:D

So tell me, do you guys have any traditions or people you're looking forward to seeing over the holidays?

12.16.2008

Gitter and Gold!

I happened across one of the items in this treasury and they just sparked a total Attack of 80's Cartoons...:D And So I named it after the lovely Jem of Glitter and Gold fame...;)

Of course, it's a tiny bit less tacky...just a bit!


I'll be coming back later with a link to the shops seeing as realized that it's nice you can get to them from the treasury NOW, but once it expires, you're stuck searching for them!

To check out the treasury itself, go here!

One item has sold so far! So exciting!

12.01.2008

Holiday Etsy Fest ends tonight at Midnight!

Afterward, everything goes back to regular price so if there's something you've been eying, now's the time to reserve it so that you can still get the sale price!

Check out my shop for more details: Gifted Designs. I've sold 3 pieces so far and I'm ecstatic!

I also received my jewelry boxes today so I'll be able to carefully pack everything that has been purchased and send them off nice and safely to my customers...I'm SO HAPPY about that!

Let's face it, it doesn't take much to make me happy...*lol*

Be well, everyone!

Wow!

I got to be in three more fantastic treasuries! I'm so honored...especially seeing as I was grouped with some of my favorite Etsiers!

Here are the three of them:
Mardi Gras earrings featured!

Charmony necklace featured!

Quintessence earring featured amongst other fabulous Quebec Talent!

Go check them out and don't forget to comment and click on all the items...the shops deserve to be explored...:)

11.30.2008

Felt up!


You know, treasuries are very, very addictive...;)

I was able to grab another just in time. I love it when I check randomly and TADA, I get a chance...Perfect timing!

Here you go!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=24054

Be sure to click on the images to go see the other items in the shops. The creators are all really wonderful and talented artists and designers and they deserve it!

Have fun looking!

11.29.2008

3 items sold so far!

Weee! So, as many of you know, I'm having a HUGE sale in my Etsy shop currenlt along with about 200 or so shops!

I've sold 3 items so far! They are actually some of my newest items...:)

I'm very happy seeing as I know the people they are going to and I know they will have good homes!

These are the pieces I sold:
Crystaline Earring
Crystaline Necklace
Promenade Necklace

11.28.2008

Aqua Adored Treasury!


So I finally nabbed another treasury on Etsy after 3 times of telling myself I wouldn't forget...;) It features some of my favorite items and sellers through a soft aqua color theme.

I think it really is pretty, if I do say so myself...:D

Go and check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=23535

Be sure to click on the images and go and see what each seller has to offer. You'll find excellent gifts for the holidays and maybe these shops will become favorites of your own!


On top of being able to make this lovely treasury, I was also featured in a treasury! The lovely Cat of OublietteOubliette is wonderful and she's always trying to get me some traffic, which is ALWAYS appreciated and so she put me in her newest Montreal Tribute Treasury!

You can go and check that one out here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=34137

Again, a really awesome selection of potential gifts!


I also found my Redded Bliss being featured in this gorgeous treasury filled with Holiday Etsy Fest shops!

Here it is: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=34148

11.26.2008

HOLIDAY ETSY FEST TIME!


Helllllo everyone! That's right! The HUGE Holiday Etsy Fest Extravaganza is only an hour or two away!

I'll be offering an AWESOME sale from Nov. 27th to Dec. 1st!

My shop policies explain everything you need to know concerning payment options and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have concerning the event, how to sign up on Etsy, how to pay, etc, etc!

I'm really excited to be doing this. I'm so excited that I listed SIX new items and I hope to keep listing through-out the sale! I'm fact, I'm just excited to have a second page of listing for my shop!

Here's my Blog entry concerning the event and who's participating other than myself: http://gifteddesigns.blogspot.com/2008/11/huge-sale-holiday-etsy-fest-fever-has.html

Enjoy the sale and I shall do the same! Stay tuned to this blog and my shop for the announcement of the WINNER of the 50$ Gift Certificate!

I'll also be posting mini-features for whoever is a shop owner on Etsy who purchases from me as an extra small thank you...:)

So go, go GO! YAY!

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate!

11.21.2008

New items!

As I've said, I've been a busy little bee and so I posted three new pairs of earrings this evening for you to enjoy...:D

I made these delicate and lovely pair of earrings with rose quartz and sterling silver. The rose quartz was given to me as a gift from a supplier on Etsy. They are simple in design, but I'm sure they'll still grab some attention and will get people talking...:)


Yet another set in which the makings were a gift. All the beads were given to me by a fabulously wonderful friend. I names them chime because when I picked them up, they looked like the chimes you see on porches that float about in the wind.


Now these I had a BLAST making. They totally made me think of being in new Orleans during Mardi Gras. They are bright, loud, flirty...pretty much an extension of me...;) I really do love them!


I sold two pairs of earrings this week to my best-friend. These amethyst, pearl and silver earrings where actually designed specifically for her, but she turned around and surprised me by wanting to purchase my Black Currant earrings! I was more than happy to hand them over. They'll be going to a good home!


So far, I have 6 pieces of jewelry sold. I'm really proud of myself and I can't wait for everything else I've made to find a home.

Aside from all these, I still have three jewelry sets to list (a total of 7 items), a set in the works and a lot more ideas rummaging about.

I'd love to know what YOUR favorite piece of jewelry is and if it's a OOAK handmade piece or if it was purchased at a jewelry store.

Feel free to share with me! if enough people comment with an answer to my questions, I might just do something fun for you all...;)

11.18.2008

EtsyQ Treasury!


So I woke up at an ungodly hour this morning (4:45am!) purely to nab a treasury spot to highlight my fellow Team Mates over at EtsyQ. I feel they are well worth me being exhausted right at this moment...;)

I just wanted to highlight their AMAZING talent before I collapse into bed and hopefully sleep like the dead for the next 8 hours...:D

Click on the image to go to the Treasury...:) Enjoy it and most of all, enjoy their work and visit their shops. Having artists of this caliber to look up to and grow from is no small thing. I'm so appreciative!

11.17.2008

Charmony


I've just listed this really lovely necklace and earring set. I'd absolutely love your thoughts on the pieces and how I photographed them. I aim to keep improving!

Necklace
Earrings

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Holiday Etsy Fest from November 27th to December 1st! I'm so excited about it!

Also don't forget about EtsyQ's HUGE Giveaway!

HUGE SALE! Holiday Etsy Fest fever has arrived!


Hold on to your hats everyone! A GIGANTIC SALE is coming to Etsy!

Almost 200 shops have all banded together to participate in the Holiday Etsy Fest Extravaganza running from November 27th to December 1st, 2008!

My shop is located at http://gifteddesigns.etsy.com.

What's GREAT about this sale is that each and every shop is in charge of what kind of sale they want to offer. So at one shop you'll find free goodies, at another, a discount and at yet another, the chance to win even MORE goodies! BOGO, BNRs...anything is possible!

That's wonderful, Shannon, but what are YOU offering???? I never thought you'd ask! :D

During the Holiday Etsy Fest, I will be offering a wonderful 10% off a single item purchase and an even more fabulous 20% off the total of sets! What's even BETTER is that for each single purchase you make, your name goes into a gorgeous raffle box and gives you a chance to win a 50$ Gift Certificate towards your next purchase! Fabulous, yes! I KNOW!

EVEN BETTER THAN THAT? Purchase a set and you'll get 5, count them! FIVE raffle tickets! Who wouldn't want to win 50 free dollars...especially right now...:D

I am also offering FREE gift wrapping! And I mean really gorgeous gift wrapping...I go ALL OUT in a tasteful, fashionable way! I love to do it! I can even send your gift directly to your giftee...:)

So mark your calendars and get ready to get set because November 27th will be your chance to GO, GO, GO and grab some absolutely gorgeous Etsy Finds at a steal for the Holidays! I wouldn't be surprised if you find something for everyone on your list! A hassle-free Christmas is one of the BEST gifts we Etsians can all give you for your wonderful support...:)

For the HUGE list of participating shops, go here!

Everything has been conveniently categorized so you can shop for EXACTLY what you're looking for. Everyone's shop has an Etsy mini to show you a glimpse of what you'll find stashed away in wait for you...:)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY SHOPPING, EVERYONE!

11.15.2008

New items!

Hello gang!

I've been a busy bee and I posted some beautiful jewelry for you to ooh and ahh over...:D Feel free to ooh and ahh in the comments...*lol*


First up, we have this lovely pendant necklace in silver and bamboo coral. It really is an interesting piece. It commands it's own attention even though it's small. I'll definitely be making more pendant necklaces. It offers a lower price point for my customers...:)


Next, I decided to play with some copper and made these fun and flirty dangle earrings. They really swing when you move! I paired the copper with some green glass focal beads and blue and aqua czech glass seed beads for contrast. I really like how they turned out!


Last, I made these lovely dangle earrings using freshwater pearls, silver plated leaves (which have lots of detail!) and silver colored findings. Usually, I would have kept the pearls for my Crystal Collection, but I really loved the way they worked with the purple czech glass seed beads so I made an exception...:)

Notice that I've been taking a different style of photograph? I actually went back and COMPLETELY revamped the photographs for all my pieces. I feel the new method is MUCH better and really shows off my jewelry...:) I would love to hear what you think about them so feel free to critique!

For more info on the pieces above, just click on the images. They'll lead you to their associated Etsy Listings which tells you everything you need to know about them.

Don't forget that EtsyQ is hosting thier GINORMOUS Giveaway!

I'll also be posting on Monday about a fantastic Shopping experience I'm participating in for the Holidays and I have 4 new pieces to list as well as about 6 more in construction!

Stay tuned!

11.09.2008

So much stuff going on!

Wow...it's been one of those weeks!

So much has been going on and I haven't really been able to update much of anything!

Firstly, seeing as I don't think I really emphasized it, I'm now an extremely proud member of the EtsyQ Street team! It's a Team dedicated to seller from around Quebec and it's actually getting me to practice my French...*LOL*

Currently, the team is hosting an AMAZING Giveaway for the Holidays. Seriously! It's 215$ worth of goodies! Click on the banner below to go and check out what's up on offer. I'm SURE you're going to LOVE everything! I know I do!


Go! Go! Go! it's so easy to participate...:d There are instructions in both English and French, so people should be able to join easily...:)

Secondly, I posted a new item...XD It's a gorgeous necklace and so far, I've had really positive feedback from people for it!


I would LOVE your feedback on my new style of photograph. I am personally loving it way more than the plain white background, but I'm not the one who'll be buying it...so if you could tell me what you think in comparison to the other photos in this blog, it would be HUGELY appreciated!

I find the new photographs totally play up the assets of each piece and the photos themselves actually look like they took effort and that i find the pieces to be worth that time and effort. The only thing I'm still missing is the display picture so people can see how it hangs, but I'm hoping to rectify that next week...:)

Thirdly, I won a cool contest! The wonderful Pam from Cleopatra's Closet had a little contest running for this ring and I won! YAY! I can't WAIT to wear it...isn't it beautiful? Go give her some love and maybe YOU can win something gorgeous like that too!

Next, I made a Flickr account...:D It's not really ready yet seeing as I'm still editing all the shots I took of my jewelry. Yes, I was crazy enough to retake shots of ALL my jewelry! I'll be putting those up to showcase on Flickr as well as everywhere else. I'm hoping they will intrigue people a LOT more than my old shots!

What else...oh yeah! I'm in the process of selling the Peacock Pearl necklace and earrings set! I'm SO EXCITED about that. It's my first sale to someone I don't know IRL...:) She's excited too!

Now, if only I could figure out why Spellcheck just doesn't want to work in this window when it has no problems anywhere else...*lol*

Have a fantastic day and don't forget to go visit all the places I linked to above!

10.30.2008

Interesting things!

Hi guys and gals! I hope you're all having a fun creative day! I'm feeling creative for jewelry, but I am at work and so I have to bottle it up for later...:D I'm crazy enough to have brought my tools to work and so I shall play jewelry over lunch...;)

So...some things that have been going on...:D

1- I got a treasury! Taken a look here and go clicking away!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=17790
Here's a screen cap for you guys...it's so nice and colorful. PERFECT for if your stuck with cold and gloom outside!


2- I became a member of the FABULOUS EtsyQ Street Team! I'm so flattered that I was accepted and I had my first chat with them. It was brief but fun and I was nervous for NOTHING...:D My French needs some serious improving though!

3- I have about 4 different pieces in progress and I'm not progressing! I need to get a move on!

4- I bought colored paper and brought some props to work. I intend on retaking ALL my pictures for my items! I know, I'm nuts! Thank GOD I don't have THAT many!

5- I need to clean my house...badly.

6- I need to buy cat food. My girls were giving me the evil eye this morning! It's not MY fault that Jessie ate what you two left behind!

7- I need to set a goal and make a goal poster. I think it'll help envision what needs envisioning and get me on the right track to start my business RIGHT...:) I also need to go and try to register my business name!

8- I need to finish my two commission!

9- I need to join Flickr, Google Groups and the Unique Women in Business yahoo group!

So that's just a few things that are running around in ma brain right now...O_o
Tell me what's going on with all of you?
Do you have projects that need doing?
Are you putting them off?
If so, why?
Is there anything you're excited about?

Laters!

10.27.2008

Weekend...:)

I went to hang out with my wonderful mommy this weekend...:)
She's awesome...Hung out with my sister too...:D

They brought me to a new bead store in Mascouche. It's quite reasonably priced and I like the fact that it's a bead bar type deal. You don't HAVE to buy a whole string of beads...only what you need.

What I DID notice, which actually had me quite surprised and a little annoyed, is that acrylic beads are as expensive, if not MORE expensive than the semi-precious and precious stones I've been buying on Etsy!

I think that's horrible! I can get a whole string of amethysts on Etsy for 4.00$, But to buy a focal bead in plastic costs me 2.00$? My amethysts were about 0.13$ a bead...I bought TINY acrylic ones for earrings and they were 0.40$ a bead. That just makes no sense to me. Unfortunately, I'm not really finding suppliers on Etsy for just regular beads. There are plenty of suppliers for vintage and buttons, crystals, glass and stones and spacers though.

The whole reason I was interested in purchasing what I see as 'cheaper' beads in the first place was to offer a lower price point to my potential customers. When I calculate everything it almost comes to the same thing! The only supplies that actually ARE cheaper are what I string the beads on and other findings. At least THOSE aren't more expensive than real silver!

So, in the end, my 'cheaper' items, aren't really that much cheaper...:( Especially if I work on them for a long time seeing as labor is included in the final cost. I AM getting faster as I go, but still....

All in all, it was a rather disappointing thing to discover because I feel it limits what I CAN create at a lower price point. I feel I've started branding myself with rather signature style pieces and, though I understand that I will be including some simpler work, I don't want to be forced to only make simple little pendants for those who might not have as much loose change about. I don't feel it's fair to those customers to offer something that seemingly didn't take as much work...:(

The trials that plague me!

On a completely different note, the treasury I was in on Etsy made it to the front page!

You can see the screen cap here: Etsy Front Pagers

My Agate Astray was featured...XD The irony? I MISSED IT! *LOLOLOLOLOL*

10.24.2008

Yay again!


The lovely Cat of OublietteOubliette was kind enough to include me in a fantastic treasury featuring some of the best Montreal artists on Etsy.

I'm totally flattered and totally grateful!

Here is the treasury...go and see all the pretties!

Made in Montreal

10.23.2008

New listing...It's a goody!


I posted a new listing today in my Etsy store: Agate Astray

It's a beautiful, classic necklace with unusually shaped and sized agate stones. I paired the agate with some beautiful deep burgundy mookaite beds and contrasted the whole thing with silver instead of gold or copper...:D

Tell me what you think of it. I know I LOVE it...it's light, it's pretty and when I tried it on for size, it made me feel like a fantastic Jewelry Designer and an all around successful diva...;D

I also nabbed a bunch of Project Wonderful spaces and I'm going to try Facebook again.

It was kind of weird on Facebook...I learned that people don't go on Facebook much over weekends...*lol* I got ONE click on Sat & Sun...but THIRTY-FOUR on Monday alone...so I'll try and create a more eye-catching ad and try different days to see which works best for me.

Today was a really quiet day at work...I managed to finish some projects, but some were seemingly already done before I got to them...so I'm a little confused. Mind you, a state of confusion isn't exactly surprising when it comes to me...but still...*lol*

I'm going to be going out with a friend tonight and I might drop by the craft store to grab some beads...XD We'll see how we're both doing time-wize!

In the comming weeks, I'll be posting a blog or two or three with Coupon Codes in them. Stay tooned and you migth get the chance for a discount! YAY! Who doesn't love a good sale!

10.20.2008

Wow!


Not only do I get to toot the horn of fellow artisans by making a treasury, but I get my own horn tooted IN a treasury too!

Handmadehelp included me in one of her treasuries...I'm really honored and grateful...:)

Go check out her shop out, as well as the treasury, and see if you can help those dealing with cancer by finding one of her posted items it's forever home...:)

Great Gratitude Treasury

Enjoy! I know I have!

Treasury #3!


Yay! I got a treasury!

I swear, getting these is like participating in a sport! You just never know if you're going to get in! I tried yesterday and the count went directly from 340 to over 500...I never even saw it drop below 333....and now today I'm in...WEEEEE!

These items are really beautiful...go check them out!
pink & grey serenity

10.19.2008

Tag, you're it!


And so I am...the lovely heatherknitz was kind enough to send me a poke with this fun little meme...I'm so weird...I love these things!

Here are the rules:

  • Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
  • Share seven facts about yourself on your blog – some random, some weird.
  • Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
  • Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

And here we gooooo!

  1. I'm 'blind' in my left eye...except it's not normal blindness...basically, when my right eye is open, the picture from my left eye gets discounted. It's actually really interesting to read about: Amblyopia. Aside from that, I am nearsighted in the right eye, farsighted in the left (antimetropia), have Strabismus, Duane Syndrome and that whole melange leads me to having very little depth perception to the point where I'm only legal to drive in certain parts of the country...which means I am not going to be driving ever...:D I also have Nocturnal Myopia, which means my perception and light intake is further shortened at night...so going outside at night in areas unknown to me can be dangerous. Anyway...all those links are really facinating reads and all this doens't bother me at all seeing as I was born this way. I DO find it kinda ironic that when God went around tossing about talent, He chose to give the chick with the screwed up eyes a visual one...*lol*
  2. I am scared of olives...really. The worst part is I know it's COMPLETELY STUPID. My step-father told me that the green olives with pimentos in them were baby eyes...and he proceeded to graphically tell me how they were extracted from said babies. I was 5 years old when he told me this. Needless to say, every time I even see just a PICTURE of olives, I get that conversation playing in my head along with all the visuals. I can't seem to get over it either. I don't run away screaming, but it takes a lot for me to even look at them. ICKKKKK!
  3. I own over 40 pairs of shoes...:D
  4. I'm a very proud Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and I won the Name The Bear Contest to name our 2008 Teddy Bear...:D Tobee is his name and it's a reminder that the bee isn't supposed to be able to fly because of it's body proportions compared to it's wings, but it doesn't know that, so it flies anyway. Just like the bee, we too can be what we want to be...:) Tobee's proceeds go towards the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation which donates to the Look Good, Feel Better Program as well as to womens' shelters across Canada to help women and children dealing with Domestic Violence. It's an honor to have been chosen and Tobee proudly sits on my desk so that I too can be reminded that it's up to me to fly...:D
  5. I kill plants...I don't know why. I can't seem to keep the poor things alive in my house! I've got a Money Tree at work and it seems to be growing, but I doubt it would live long if it were actually here!
  6. I'm dyslexic. Thank GOD for Firefox's spell check...or you guys would think you're reading another language!
  7. I have three beautiful cats all living with me in my one bedroom apartment...all three are seniors, gals and are various calico/tortie colors. That's purely by fluke as I adopted August and Jessica together from a wonderful friend at work and Kaleeka has been with me her entire life...I'll have to post pictures so you can see my babies! It's nice that even my cats match...;)
Now, who to tagggggg?????

lillyella

rosecreekcottage

conscientiascameos

fioretta

bathbodycandle

bloominglily

beadifulthings

Enjoy!

Wow...I got a few things done!

Though none of it was jewelry...*lol*

I'm actually waiting for a whole lot of findings seeing as I've pretty much run out of everything! Next Thursday, I'll be going out to buy a lot of stuff for my Casual Collection as well...:) I'll be able to make more things to offer differing price points...:D

So I went around and revamped all my branding on the sites I'm on to include my hot pink... I find it stands out a lot more than just the aqua. I also started making Project Wonderful ads. I'm hoping those will help people find me so they can be wearing my products...such an exciting prospect!

I'm feeling much better now...I was a little discouraged because my Facebook ad has netted me THOUSANDS of impressions (how many people SEE the ad) but so far, only 1 person actually clicked on my ad!

I'm not a quitter though. I'm sure I'll find a formula that works on Facebook soon enough...:D

To help me feel better, I did the revamp and made myself a FABULOUS fried-egg sandwitch with strong cheddar and ketchup on stone ground whole wheat bread. MAN was it ever good! I also made myself a simple smoothie with strawberries, peaches and plums in orange juice. I'm actually going to try my best to have a smoothie a day. That way, I'll definitely have more fruits in my diet!

I'm DETERMINED to actually start my exercises on Monday...I swear, if I don't, I never will! I've basically been told that it's either I lose weight, or I become diabetic...ick! As much as I like myself just as I am, Diabetes is no joke and I already have enough to deal with with Hypergycemia! It was suggested that I get down to 125-130lbs and I think that's crazy....I don't look anywhere NEAR my weight now so I will look SKELETAL at that weight! I told the doc that I would go to 140lb max and he said that was better than what I'm at now so he was OK with it. So that leaves me with 35lbs to lose. I'm actually worried about losing my curves...I like them!

So you all have my permission to kick me in the ass if I don't get up at 6am tomorrow! *lol*

HA!...my oldest gal is sprawled on teh bed and snoring...XD I need ot get a camera so I can spam this blog with kittie photos!

10.17.2008

The saga continues!

So I made my Facebook page and now I've set up an ad. I got 100$ in free Advertising on Facebook and so I intend to use it to the best of my abilities!

Let's see if it gives me results! It's certainly a learning experience...:)

10.16.2008

Facebook!

I just made a page for Gifted Designs on Facebook...:D

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Gifted-Designs/29866958251

I'll be putting up some advertising for it and I'm attempting to get into Project Wonderful slots. I'm also hoping to get some advertising going in some magazines and local papers and in other areas on-line.

Wish me luck!

10.14.2008

And here they are!



So here are 3 of the 4 pieces I finished this weekend...:)

The Black Currant earrings will definitely be going up on Etsy shortly, but the necklace for Charmony is in an undecided state...:)

Right now, I left the copper wire thin, but it bends if hit the wrong way. I'm concerned that if it bends enough at the same spot, it will break on whoever will own it. So I am now hunting for copper wire to wrap the single wire in...:D I need the wire to be thin enough so it will keep it's delicate personality.

Once that's done, I will then list it along wiht it's matching earrings...:)

Enjoy!

10.13.2008

The weekend was productive!

So I made 4 different things this weekend...XD Mind you, one piece is still missing it's toggle clasp, but I should be getting that soon enough. Meanwhile, I'll be checking out the shots I took of the other three pieces and I'll be posting them soon...yay!

I am also going to be finishing up my business card for Gifted Designs as well as my code coupons. I will be sending them out for goody bags to a lady nice enough to be asking for them. Probably will make about 50 or so for her...so we'll see what happens from that!

Speaking of code coupons....stay tuned to this very blog to get YOUR chance at a special deal! With the holidays coming, people are already out looking for that special something. What's more special than a unique, handmade piece of jewelry! I don't know yet which days I will be posting up my special code coupon, but it'll definitely be more than once...:D

So keep watching!

10.11.2008

Just listed!


I just listed this gorgeous classic set!

I really had fun making these...they were much more difficult to create than they look...;) They consist of sterling silver chain, circles and wire with multi-colored freshwater blister pearls. The necklace is a lariat-style piece. Classic and elegant, but still modern!

If you're interested, they are up in my Etsy store...:D
Necklace: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16120831
Earrings: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16121177

Enjoy!

Yay!

So the Unknown Etsy Artists treasury I was set to be in has finally arrived...:)

We'll see what happens as a result! Here it is if you'd like to go and see the unknown!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=14040

Enjoy!

I'm off to bed with hopes that the NyQuil will kick in and knock me out...:D

10.08.2008

Twitter!

So I heard from some fellow Etsians that Twitter is an excellent networking source. I chose to try it out and see if I can get my name out there...:)

Here's my twitter account if you're interesting in following!

http://twitter.com/gifted_designs

10.07.2008

Terra Firma



This is my latest jewelry set...:D I'll be putting them up on Etsy soon.

The necklace features a beautiful Agate pendant slab and the stones are Picasso Jasper and lovely African Opals. All the wire work is copper.

This necklace took a VERY long time to make, about 8 hours total, because of all the wire-wrapping. The bracelet also took time for the same reasons. Both the toggles were made by hand. The earrings were quicker, but it still took a good hour because the wire gauge was thick enough to require some maneuvering not to damage the ear-wires with my tools!

This really is one of my favorite sets!

Cool Blue...New Treasury!


I got my second treasury...these things are addictive!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=13480

I hope these items do for you what they did for me...:)

I'll be adding three new items to my listing on Etsy...so stay tuned!

10.05.2008

My first creations

Though I don't have any WIP photos of these pieces, I figured I would share them and explain a little of what I used to make them.

I'm rather proud of these pieces...:D

I have two Collections that I am working on, the Casual Collection and the Crystal Collection. The Casual Collection consists of pieces made from less expensive materials, though no less beautiful to look at. Buttons, acrylic beads, tiger tail, nylon, silver and gold plated metals and findings, fabrics, the materials are endless! The Crystal Collection features higher end findings and beads made of semi-precious and precious stones, lampwork beads, precious metal findings, other artists' pendents and the like. There are so many things to choose from that I doubt my creativity will ever run dry!


So, this is the second necklace I ever made, the first was given to one of my best-friends as a gift...:D It was made using a hard choker style necklace, large and small acrylic amber beads, wood beads and seed beads. This necklace was practice for me and the initial design was from a beading book. I modified it a little by adding beads, adding some wiring to keep the falls spaced and changing the metal from gold to silver. The earrings that go with it were the first pieces of jewelry I designed by myself...:)


The next necklace was designed around the lovely glass pendent that I found at my local Art Supply and Crafting store. I had seen that you could use ribbon in jewelry creation in the beading magazine and I wanted to try my hand at one of the simple designs in that same magazine. Well, the necklace ended up taking a life of it's own! What's fun about this necklace is that the beads are not glued in place, you can move the large green stones up and down to where-ever you feel is best...:D This necklace was my very first jewelry sale!


As I was going along and joined the Etsy community, I kept coming across shops that used beautiful stones in their work. I started looking for stones myself and found many wonderful suppliers on Etsy. I was thrilled with that! It gave me an opportunity to support the site that's supporting me...:D

Redded Bliss was designed in honor of my friend Sandra's wedding. I wanted something that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and I had a whole string of gorgeous red coral bamboo. I used 26g silver wire and first formed the petals...then I used delicate silver chain, more wire and a profusion of silver beads. The flower took a really long time to make. It was tricky getting each petal twisted together without bending the wire in weird angles...*lol* I DID figure it out and I am very, very pleased with the results. I wanted to test the strength of the chains and so I wore it to Sandra's wedding...:) The chain may LOOK delicate, but it was able to withstand everything I did that night!


My latest piece is one of the prettiest pieces I've done so far. Mind you, I'm biased having been raised with a mom who's birthstone is the Turquoise and who has waxed eloquence on how great the stone is...;) I couldn't sleep one night and I got frustrated so I got up to get some water. On the table, I had left open the turquoise container, though I don't remember why...so I sat down and started puttering with it. Turquoise Treasure and it's matching earrings is the result! I had to wire-wrap the gorgeous slab and initially, I was going to leave the slab by itself, but it kept telling me it wanted to be even more flamboyant than it already was, so I made the two falls to accompany it...:) Yes! The beads 'talk' to me...;) Hidden with all the Turquoise and lemon jade is silver beads and it's all made with sterling silver wire. There isn't a jump ring in sight and it's all really solidly put together...:) I'm really proud of everything I've done so far!

Aside from these lovelies, I have two full sets waiting to be photographed. One set is a necklace, bracelet & earring combination. I just got new tools, so I'll be able to finish the earrings now without mutilated the gorgeous earrings wires. Once that's done, I'll be able to shoot the trio and post them...:D The second set is a lariat style necklace with matching earrings. I'm changing all the jump rings on them seeing as I had a gauge that wasn't thick enough and they were opening with very little effort. Lesson learned! I purchased lock rings of a thicker gauge and so the necklace will be perfect after I replace what's there. Basically, I have to reconstruct the necklace...;) It'll be worth it though. It's beautiful!

I also have two necklaces in various stages of completion and I have about four Crystal Collection and three Casual Collection pieces that are floating around in my head...:D

So stay tuned for more goodies!

10.01.2008

Treasury


Just wanted to post my very first treasury.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=12104
There are some gorgeous things in there! It's ending in 7 hours and so I decided to take a screen cap for those you who might want to revisit it or look for the artists involved...:D

I should be able to start posting new items soon and I am thinking up contest ideas...:D

Enjoy that treasury!

9.25.2008

Here I am...:D


Hello and welcome to my little corner of cyber-space!

My name is Shannon and I'm a 34-years-young, born and bred Montrealer with two degrees in Fine Arts and Illustration & Design, 1 1/2 of a degree in Interior Design and I work full time as a Graphic Designer for a small, but growing, Home Goods company. Art is in my blood and some of my friend's jokingly say School is in my blood too...;) They aren't that far off seeing as I'm considering attending some jewelry courses to expand on my knowledge and start creating different types of jewelry...;) I've even started a book collection!

I live in a large two bedroom apartment with my three beautiful cats Kaleeka, Jessica and August, all three being seniors, one of which is cuddling my hands and keyboard as I try to write this...:) Large as my apartment is, it still barely holds my art supplies and now I've added all the beads! *lol* Aside from making jewelry, I love to draw, read, eat fabulous food, watch show jumping, hockey & design oriented programs on TV, play with my cats, hang out with my wonderful friends & family, play make-up with or without other people, shop and most important and fun of all, laugh.

I often get asked how I got into Jewelry Design. I honestly have no clue! *lol* I can tell you when I started listing, which was in July 2008, but I can't tell you why I made my first piece...:) All I know is that I was introduced to Etsy in January 2008 by my best-friend, started getting ideas and inspiration from the amazing artisans all over Etsy and then made a profile in February. Initially, I wanted to make wonderful papers and create a Gifting empire. That's where the name Gifted Designs came from. The name has a double meaning...it salutes the act of giving gifts to those you love while highlighting that I am a gifted individual and that I love sharing that with everyone...:) I don't really know when my focus shifted from paper crafts to jewelry, but it did and am I ever GLAD! I still want to make paper goods, but it would be as a compliment to my jewelry. I honestly never even conceived of how much I would LOVE making jewelry! The bug really bit me in the bum!

Gifted Designs' purpose is to create beautiful, OOAK pieces of jewelry. No two pieces will ever look exactly alike. Why? Because I believe that Beauty is individualistic and that each person expresses that Beauty in different ways. Therefore, they each need their own pieces...:) Jewelry makes the beauty you feel on the inside spontaneously combust to the outside of your being. When YOU feel beautiful, it is contagious and those around you start feeling pretty awesome themselves. It truly is a gift you are giving not only to yourself, but those around you. To help in bringing out that inner beauty, I have two collections to choose from. One has absolutely stunning precious and semi precious stones and artisan made glass or ceramic and the other is more eclectic with found objects, different metals, glass, textiles, buttons, paper and anything else I may get my hands on...I even considered door plates once! These two collections provide the variety needed. I truly feel that EVERY woman out there is beautiful and deserves to FEEL beautiful!

I'm hoping to share my crafts and myself with you and that you enjoy reading about my exploits!
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