What's New and What's Happening

I can't believe how long it's been since I've written! I promise I've just been busy rather than lazy.

This last week I passed my Colored Stones class with the Gemological Institute of America bringing me a step closer to my gemologist diploma. Since completing this class I've found time to paint and to wire wrap a bit. I look forward to bringing new pieces to each of my shops soon.

I held my anniversary drawing in my jewelry shop but never got around to blogging showing what was being given away. It'll be a surprise to my winner whose raffle ticket was drawn today. Missed this drawing? No worries because there'll be one in my art shop in August.

I plan to add more gems to my gem shop, however, since I'm taking Gem Identification next, I am going to hang onto whatever I can until I'm done with this class.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Considering a Store Close

I have a passion for jewelry making and design but the reality is, the time it takes to produce my pieces and the cost of my supplies versus the price that moves them through my store leaves me at a financial disadvantage. There are so many jewelry artists out there and in order to compete with others' prices I feel I'm having to sell myself short.

In order to get items noticed among the hundreds of thousands on Etsy I must advertise and/or consistently relist pieces to move them toward the top of the "most recent". Doing this also puts the piece in a brief front page viewing as "recently listed items". This costs money and can add up quickly. So while Etsy's commission is very reasonable, an item, for example that cost me $5 to make that I'm selling for $10 on clearance, I may have to pay several dollars in relisting fees to get it noticed before it actually sells; thus being out time and possibly money. This is not to mention Paypal's fees.

In my jewelry I use sterling and fine silver. If you've followed precious metal prices lately, you'll know they've gone up exponentially. In fact sterling wire prices alone have nearly doubled since I started my Etsy shop just less than 2 years ago. Fine silver in clay form has always been pricey but so far my vendor has kept the prices the same. As a result I've been making more items out of fine silver lately. While the supply cost is not much different, my prices are higher because it takes me 2 days to make these pieces. I've considered doing a tutorial--and perhaps at some point I will. Experiencing the labor that goes into PMC and Art Clay pieces in forming and finishing them, I've come to appreciate other artists' creations in a renewed way.

So, what's happening now in my jewelry shop is I've clearanced out many pieces. I have no official plan should I phase out completely. I'm considering pulling some pieces I've gotten compliments on from family and friends and may save them as gifts and keep some samples of work for my own collection; things I've put a lot of heart into. I will not likely reduce the prices anymore than I have but have a coupon code being offered on my store's front page for additional savings. I also may auction some off on Ebay.

Another shop I'm considering closing is my gem shop. I've got hundreds upon hundreds of loose gems. Listing these take a bit more time because each one is measured weighted and sometimes run through expensive tests before being photographed for entry into the shop. It's a bit much for a $5 gem. I've got a coupon code floating in that shop too.

As for my art shop, I don't have plans to close it down anytime soon. I need some sort of outlet after all. I do, however need to move things along so, that store as well has a coupon code.

I'm not going to close out anything in a haste. I thought posting this might give people a head's up as to what may be coming. If there is something you're interested, please consider purchasing it while it's still there. If there are multiple items you're interested and want to make an offer for a discount, I'm totally open to that.

Thanks to those of you who have taken time to read my blog and especially those who've supported my shops. I can't thank you enough.

Last Blog Update for 2010

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah time. Thanks to all my wonderful customers I was able to, not only give my family a decent Christmas, but pay for my first class of school. I've begun my courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to become a gemologist. I've studied gems for more than 15 years and as you may know, I sell them on Etsy as well. I have a complete gem lab and a vast array of rare and exotic gems used for my study so this is right up my alley.

Between caring for my 3 children and my dear husband, and managing all their appointments, I'm finding time to study, paint, make jewelry pieces and manage my shops. I'm not Super Woman so something is going to have to give--and it can't be my kids or husband so it'll be time on my projects. I'll be a bit slower paced on getting pieces made and listed.

I've reduced prices (some drastically) in my art and jewelry shops on most items to clearance out older pieces. New jewelry should be released by next week and I hope to create and list more new paintings sometime this week as I have ideas stewing in my head.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2010. I understand we're in an economic recession and there are many things you can choose to spend your money on. I'm humbled and honored that you'd chose to invest in one of my art pieces whether it's a painting or pendant.

May God bless you and keep you safe. Happy 2011 to you and yours,

Melissa

Terraterra and EmBound

I just had to show off these adorable Scrabble tile pendants made by Maybe Kinda Crafty, Etsy user name "terraterra". These pendants were produced using my art images and are fantastic ideas for stocking stuffers. Terraterra sells these necklaces at $7 each plus shipping, however, if you buy 3, you can choose a free one.

Here is a link to view necklaces made from my images: http://www.etsy.com/shop/terraterra/search?search_query=emboundart&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5430443&shopname=terraterra

Thank you Terraterra for featuring my art in your jewelry!

In other news, My EmBoundArt shop is going to be debuting it's new necklaces too. They aren't scrabble tile pendants but a little bigger. I have 1 inch circle and square necklaces. I've been working on these for quite some time. I've considered using this pendant style to do custom art pieces as well as customer's submitted photos. My "goal" is to have these necklaces listed sometime this week. But with 3 kids, and a busy schedule I'm not going to hold myself to that.

This week has been productive. Last night I managed to FINALLY get a bunch of new gems listed. I have morganites, sapphires, tanzanites, alexandrites, zircon, and more. I've got many more items to list but the camera battery died so I'm off the hook for now. I also got quite a few custom paintings done (likely to be reveled in the next blog).

I'm excited to see what new items other Etsy sellers are putting out as the holiday season draws near. If you're a seller, feel free to post your shop and what's new in the comments. I'm looking for cute inexpensive gifts for my nieces and other family members if you would like to share some ideas with me.

Digital Collage Sheets for Artists

I'm excited to introduce my digital collage sheets available in my Etsy shop now. These are great for making Scrabble tile pendants, glass tile pendants, magnets, pins, buttons, scrapbooking... and so many other things!

I have 2 different sheets available. One is bugs (ladybugs, butterflies, dragonflies, bees..) and the other is birds, fish, crosses, hearts, abstract, flowers... Check out the listings for more details. The picture in this blog is reflective because my husband used photo paper to print the file out on.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EmBoundArt?section_id=7413277

Labor Day Good Stuff

If you've visited my shop in the last couple days you've seen my biggest sale to date; buy one piece, get one HALF OFF (excluding my promo chains). There's one day left for this sale. Still can't find something you like? I've got about 20 pieces soon to be listed!

Coming soon are some more leaf pendants I've had stored away, genuine sapphires in fine silver, Koroit boulder opal wire wrapped, fossilized sea urchin, natural in form copper from Arizona, more pearl bracelets and more! What you see in the picture is not all, but it's what I have finished so far.

Prints: Their Debut

I just got done stocking my shop up with tons of prints! Some of the prints I'm now selling were never sold as originals in my store. I've gone with the more affordable-for-all option of using the photographic paper for prints rather than the pricier giclees. My prints are on Kodak Professional Endura paper. The Endura paper is made to last up to 200 years if kept in a dark space out of sunlight, and up to 100+ years with typical display! The colors are bright and overall, I'm happy with them. My scanner doesn't tend to grasp the crisp lines and often exagerates color but this can all be seen in most of the first photo images of each painting in my shop. I don't mind this as it makes images more vivid.

Pricing is as follows:

3.5x5" is $ 3.75

5x7" is $ 6.00

8x10" is $10.00

Hi All,

I've been on a ladybug kick lately and made a couple versions of ACEO series of them. With Summer having arrived I'm longing to see bright colors. It has been overcast and rainy here in Oregon. Please visit my art store when you get a chance.

I also have a special going on in my Embound shop. $10 off any of my ID style bracelets until the end of June and $5 off my leaf pendants.

My gem shop was recently stocked with many new listings so be sure to check those out.

Coming Soon... PENDANTS!

Yes, while I'm not ready to post photos, I've acquired some really cool boulder Opals and Spectrolite/Labradorites. I even picked up a Larimar cab too.

I'm still running my clearance sale until these items are listed. I plan on going through all my current listings, tweaking some of the pendants (cleaning them up) and rephotographing them. They will then be relisted at their original price.

Thank you for your support and to those of you who left positive heartfelt feedback. I so appreciate you.

http://Embound.Etsy.com

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE

This is by far the biggest sale I've done so please take a minute to browse my store at www.Embound.etsy.com. UP TO 50% OFF!!

I've been very slack in blogging, however, I do have some announcements:

I have some new paintings I hope to have listed within the next couple weeks. I haven't had time with the holiday to scan and photograph the images.

I am considering letting my gem store fade out. Some of the exotics I have are becoming harder to come by or replace so those may be pulled first.

I hope to add to my jewelry store soon. As with painting, wire wrapping takes more time than I've had lately. I have purchased some supplies and plan to get moving soon.

I'm Still Here

I've been busy with mommihood lately and haven't taken time to write with any store updates. With harvest parties, doctor appointments and other errands, I haven't had much time to really sit. Okay, that's a bit of a lie...

...I've been absolutely addicted to Bejewelled Blitz on Facebook. After the kids go to bed my husband and I snuggle in with our lap tops and both play this game. Not sure where the time goes but it's kept me from painting or writing. The game is insanely addictive for us and last night I hit a high score of about 204k. I really need to get a life!

At the end of last week I marked all my fine silver and many other pieces down permanently. I invite you to check out my store and see some lower prices.

Today is the last day of the $5 off sale in my store (http://EmBound.Etsy.com/). In the mean time I'm preparing to release some new pendants, some of which contain dichroic glass provided by TheCraftyKind on Etsy. I plan on doing some work with Art Clay and dichroic glass as well. Some of my latest pendants also contain faceted tourmaline rondelles in addition to apatite. I tried to bring out some of the colors in my design.

In my art store, I'm currently doing an indefinite promo of some free little goodies with any purchase. I won't be publishing what those things are. :)

I spent some time today sorting through gems. I've only listed a small portion of gems I have on hand. I have about 30 listings I plan to do this week in my gem store.

Please keep in mind, I love to do custom orders when I can so please don't hessitate to ask!

Happy shopping :).

Promotion Time Again...Think Holiday Shopping!

SPECIAL!!...$5 off any wire wrapped or fine silver pendant/necklace--EACH PIECE! $5 will be refunded to your Paypal. Offer doesn't apply to special orders, $5 promo neckchain or earrings. The holidays are right around the corner! Offer is good through Oct. 11th. http://embound.etsy.com/

So, as you can see, I have this promotion going on. I've reduced many of my pendants already and wont be doing promotions too often so please take advantage of this offer.

I also just got done listing a ton of gems in my gem store http://EmboundGem.Etsy.com/. If there is ever something you like there and want it put in a casting for you, please let me know (email me through one of my store pages) and I'll see what I can do for you. I have MANY, MANY more gems on hand if there is something special or unique you're looking for.

Also, remember I've taken some discounts off many of my paintings. http://http//emboundart.etsy.com/.

To save shipping between stores, if you convo me, I may be able to combine shipping between my 3 stores. Happy Shopping.

BIG Price Reductions

I just got done going through my art store and reducing prices on nearly all my pieces of art. Not only that, but I just went into my new gem store and reduced most of the prices in that shop that well. Stuff is priced to move!

Please take a minute if you haven't lately and browse my stores:
http://Embound.etsy.com/ for jewelry
http://EmboundArt.etsy.com/ for my art
http://EmboundGem.etsy.com/ for loose gemstones

Store Number Three!

Ta-da! Introducing EmBoundGem...

This store will be for selling loose gems and other supplies I may come up with in the future. Right now my focus is still primarily on my jewelry store www.EmBound.Etsy.com.

My hope with EmBoundGem is to fulfill special requests. Those working with PMC and Art Clay may especially find this store a real treat. I'll be selling a variety of cuts, clarity and overall quality including a section for scratch and dent stones. I have a lot of very rare gems as well that are of good quality.

I am not a Graduate Gemologist, however gems are a passion and hobby of mine. I've been studying gems since I was a teenager. I have a full gem lab in my home and will be happy to answer any questions people have about their gems. I am a gem geek!

I will probably begin listing later this week and do my wire wrapping and painting in the mean time.
Please add my store to your "faves" in your Etsy account.

School Time is Here

Now that school is in session I find my days more organized. This means I have better scheduled time for creating. My jewelry store has picked up a tad more too so I know it's not just me feeling more settled and finding time.

This year my oldest entered 3rd grade and my youngest son started Kindergarten. Kindergarten! He is the one in the photo. If I didn't have my 14 mo. old daughter at home, I'd feel old (however she does make me feel old in other ways). I'm glad we were blessed with the opportunity to go through the baby thing one more time--and the newborn thing for the first time!

As shared in my prior blog, I have ammolites on their way. I've continued to paint and draw. I've now limited myself to one painting or project per day. I've been slacking off with my Bible reading at night with projects and watching Discovery Health until 2 a.m. I need to reset my priorities.

I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my blog and browse my stores. Your support means so much. God Bless!

Introducing EmBound ART on Etsy!

I've been listing like mad so I can go back to my main store but I'm so happy to have a place now for my paintings and drawings.

I invite you to check it out. Currently I only have ACEO sized art but will add larger projects in the near future.

www.EmBoundArt.Etsy.com

New Reductions...With a Catch

I've reduced many items in my store. That's great news huh? Well there's a bit more too it and I hope you'll like this idea. Many of my pendants came with 20" sterling silver box chains. Some people would rather have them longer or shorter and while I'm not in a position to accommodate all their requests, I am able to reduce the price so my customers can use the money to get what they want. I'm still offering the 20" sterling silver chains in my store for only $5.

Some of my pendants were reduced beyond the $5 deduction for chains. Please check out my MANY one of a kind items in my store and stay tuned for some new items in GENUINE sapphire!!

Trying New Things

If you check my store frequently you've noticed I haven't been listing new items lately. There are a few reasons for this. For one, supplies are pricey and until I make some more sales, I won't be able to bring out many new items. Two, I've been taking my creativity to a new dimension. I've been painting. Using watercolor pencils and a micron pen, I've been having a blast bringing to life new ideas--and old ones.

In my art I'm able to share my faith, my love for my kids, adoption and my love for nature. I hope in the near future to be able to feature some of my paintings/drawings in my blog and share the individual inspiration for them.

Etsy has many talented artists selling on their site. I'm not sure whether I'll be sharing any of my ACEO (art card sized) paintings. I'm so new to the world of painting and this was literally the first time painting since I was taking art in high school! While I'm happy with what I've produced, I'm not sure of the interest others will have in my work .

Below is one I painted. It's a larger version of an ACEO I did. It represents the new life I have in Christ as He touched my heart giving me a new life in Him.


The next I painted for the family room to bring out the colors. Didn't feel it really went with it so it's in the kitchen which connects to the family room.


Below is another shot of my art card sized paintings. Each one has it's own story.

The last picture is one I painted tonight for my daughter's room. I'm really going to have to do something for my boys' rooms. My 8 year old is a bit tired of Buzz Lightyear.

Back From Vacation

There is nothing like coming back home from vacation and using your home shower and sleeping in your bed.

My family and I just came back from a trip to an RV resort in Neskowin, Oregon. The highlight of the park were the bunnies! They were everywhere and would come right up to you (in hopes of food). These cute little critters were EVERYWHERE! Babies and all.

In addition to playing at the RV resort and swimming in the pool, we visited the coast, outlet stores, and the Tillamook cheese factory on the way home. We had a great time.

While in the RV, I got my boys to sit for over 2 hours watching Mary Poppins. You'd have to know my boys to know just how amazing that is.

My sale has ended but I have some new items I'll be listing soon. Hope everyone is enjoying their Summer and staying cool.