CONTEST WINNER!

Congrats to Drea from Faeried Treasures for winning our contest! You will receive one large, stunning Golden Green Quartz gemstone shipped to you absolutely free of charge. We hope you enjoy your prize!!

Everyone check out Faeried Treasures beautiful jewelry. Remember to contact us when you create a piece with our gemstone and we will post it on our blog!

NOTBEES.COM CONTEST - LAST DAY TO ENTER!

LAST DAY TO ENTER OUR CONTEST!!!!

Click HERE to enter. (Entry is in a previous post)


WIN a fabulously large Golden Green Quartz Gemstone, shipped to you absolutely FREE!


GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS!

notbees.com

CONTEST - Win a FREE Golden Green Quartz Gemstone

The "I MADE THAT!" blog is run by the owners of Not Bees..BEADS! and we are asking for your help!

We have racked our brains trying to come up with a tagline for our gemstone/bead/jewelry supply shop and we thought, why not host a contest and hear some ideas from our wonderful readers?!

So here is the deal, if you can think of a catchy tagline post it here in the comments section (along with your email address) and we will add your name into the draw to win one stunningly large, faceted Golden Green Quartz Gemstone!

These gemstones are our newest addition to our website (http://notbees.com/) and we are giving one away absolutely FREE!

Enter as many times as you like to increase your chances but you have to have a new tagline for each entry.

An example of a tagline: Your #1 jewelry supply store.

We are looking for something clever and catchy. Using the bee theme from out store would be a great idea.

The retail price of the Golden Green Quartz is $10.

Thanks to all that enter! We can't wait to see your idea's :)

Jessie

I MADE THAT Admin.

*Enteries accepted until April 30 2009, Draw will be held May 1st* Winner will be posted on our blog*

Gem of the week - Tourmaline

This week we are focusing on the lovely gemstone, Tourmaline.

Tourmaline is found in many locations across the globe including: Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, USA, Pakistan and Mozambique to name a few.


It is said to symbolize wealth, friendship and love and has healing properties including regulating blood pressure, strengthening the heart muscle and nervous system. Also it is said to stimulate the digestive system and immune system.



Tourmaline is linked to a number of star signs based on colour. Blue Tourmaline is linked to Libra, green to Capricorn and pink/ red to Scorpio.



Application and care of Tourmaline is as follows: should be discharged once a month under running water and recharged by placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours, except for pink Tourmaline which should not be charged in sunlight but rather in an amethyst geode.



*Information cited from: Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer and Gisela Schreiber

Featured Seller - Celeste Lauren Designs

What part of the world are you in?
I live in Fort Mill, SC right outside of Charlotte, NC.

What does customer service mean to you?
I believe the thing that attracts customers to you initially is the great quality of work shown in your product. However, in order to retain these customers and gain new ones depends a great deal on customer service. This involves how responsive you are to requests, fast shipping, communication, and doing whatever it takes to make the customer happy. If I don’t offer something in my shop, I will always go above and beyond to get the materials I need to make exactly what the customer wants and I think people really appreciate that enough to make them come back.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?
Wow, I’ve had so many and met so many great people via Etsy. They are all memorable in some aspect but the most encouraging is when customers message me praising my designs and quality of work enough to want to carry it in their boutiques. Also, I get so excited every time I have a sale, not because its a sale and I get money, but because it feels so awesome and rewarding that someone else appreciates something that I’ve made with my own hands.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?
I think more than any other type of artist on Etsy, there are more jewelry designers and very talented ones at that, so its really competitive. I think that my designs are all such a variety of styles and full of color which attracts all types of people to them. I also try to take good pictures of my jewelry to make it standout. I love what I do and I think that shows in my work thus attracting people to my jewelry.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?
I’ve always been a creative, artsy person but choose to veer away from this in college and major in business thinking I would one day make more money and be happier. Of course I was completely wrong, and found myself longing to draw, paint and create again. So last year I decided I wanted to make a necklace for myself and I did. I enjoyed making it so much that I quickly became fascinated by beads and gemstones and I ended up teaching myself how to make earrings with a lot of trial and error. I’m self-taught and I am always learning as I go along. I can hardly picture what my life was like before I discovered my passion for jewelry making.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?
No, I’m self taught through lots of trial and error.

What is your goal for the next year?
My goal is to attract new customers, retain old customers and figure out the best way to do that. I’d also like to put even more time into my jewelry business. I have a day job and a puppy so balancing all 3 can be challenging at times but also very rewarding. I’ve realized that making jewelry is my true passion so I will take it one day at a time and remain positive for what the future holds.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?
I just keep designing new jewelry which is doing what I love. This keeps my mind off of other things. I try to stay positive because sales will come in time.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business? Most of my customers have heard of my jewelry through friends. I’ve also some done advertising on Facebook and Google. I recently donated some of my jewelry for a big charity fundraiser auction in Charlotte which likely helped get my name out there. If you love what you do, offer a great product, fast shipping and excellent customer service most people will return to your shop again.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?
Don't try to do everything at once because you can easily get overwhelmed. There is so much you will want to do but it will take time. Patience is key. Also, take great pictures of your product. I heard this when I first started and it really is true. My pictures weren’t that great in the beginning so I made sure to try to improve them and noticed a big increase in the views of items and sales once I did.

Celeste Lauren Designs, we fell in love with your store the moment we stumbled across it. We love the mix of colour and shapes of the gemstones used in her exquisite pieces. Luxurious and feminine, her pieces will have you dripping in sparkle and colour!
Our fav is posted above, the Lemon Quartz and Minty Green Chrysoprase Briolette Earrings.
Visit her online store and treat yourself to these celebrity style handmade masterpieces!

http://celestelaurendesigns.etsy.com/

Featured Seller - Carollai

What part of the world are you in?

i live in new york city.

What does customer service mean to you?

it means treating the customer as i would wish to be treated myself.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

post purchase, a customer said she had been 'stalking' my item which was why the 'times viewed' number was so high. sounds silly but i just thought that was so sweet because she loved the item that much. after purchasing the particular item, she asked me to make a matching pendant. i happily did! i like that i can create additional pieces for someone that truly loves my handmade designs
.
What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

well, we all passionately make handcrafted items and love our craft... so, i'd have to say that we're just all really different, even in the similar types of things we sell on etsy. each person has their own taste, style and way of doing something and the entire shop face and product line represents that. for example, i love using swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones to create classic, elegant and at times, playful pieces. someone else's interpretation of classic, elegant and playful would likely be represented very differently.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

my "life" skills have been grown and strengthened through life experiences, both good and bad. my jewelry making skills have been honed by practice, patience, continued research and trial and error.

Do you have any formal training in your craft?

nope! but i'm learning more and more each day through experimentation and once in awhile, online tutorials.

What is your goal for the next year?

to keep enjoying what i'm doing. enjoy the creative process. enjoy making jewelry that i absolutely love. perhaps branch out to note cards and greeting cards, as my undergraduate studies were in graphic design. it would be absolutely awesome if during all that, i also continue making sales and building a stable business with steady income.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

my husband and sister who support me and remind me that there will be good times and tough times. i also try to get back to the process of creating as that brings me joy and reminds me that first and foremost, i do what i do because of the fulfillment in the process. usually when i get back to the basics, my heart doesn't fret so much over the sales. of course i still wish i could get numerous sales in a week and a client base that loves my work and tells all their friends to buy from me!

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?

i've sent emails out to my friends asking them to pass along my shop info to their friends. i've also opened up a blog, http://mustardseedbycarollai.blogspot.com, where i share more of who i am as well as provided a giveaway. still figuring out how to 1. keep my clients and 2. get new ones. any suggestions? :D

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

be passionate about what you choose to do and don't get discouraged! it can be hard to get started and build up clientele (i'm still working on that too) but if you're doing something that you love, then there is still joy in the process of creating.

We just fell in love with carollai's stunning jewelry the moment we saw it! Our fav earrings are pictured at the top of this article, we encourage you to check out her shop featuring gorgeous gemstones, beautiful colour combinations and oodles of creativity! Thanks so much carollai for allowing us to feature your pieces. We know you will do awesome in 2009!
Visit carollai's shop located at http://carollai.etsy.com

Featured Seller - Blue Scarab Jewelry

What part of the world are you in?

I am in Franklin, IN, near Indianapolis

What does customer service mean to you?

Everything! I would not be in business without my customers, so I make it a priority to give them a wonderful buying experience from start to finish.



What is your most memorable experience with a customer?

It would have to be this super-sweet gal that lives here locally to me. She admitted that she is "Addicted" to my shop, and whenever she has some extra cash, she pops in and purchases a new piece(or two!) of jewelry. She always asks for extra business cards to hand out for me. That is the greatest compliment for a customer to be so into your work that she wants to help get the word out!

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?

I pour my heart into the pieces I make, and I do think it reflects in my work. Plus I believe that Quality craftsmanship and Customer Service are all part of the package, so I thrive on giving my customers a fabulous experience from the moment they step "eyes" into my shop. I also offer a "Lifetime Guarantee" on my work, so if anything were to happen to their jewelry, they can always send it back and I'll fix it!

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?

Online tutorials, crafting forums,20and over 10 years of tweaking and perfecting! A great thing about making jewelry is that there are endless techniques and processes, so I am constantly learning new things, which I love.
Do you have any formal training in your craft?
Nope, unless you count online tutorials lol:)

What is your goal for the next year?

My goal for 2009 is to take my business more seriously and work on keeping a consistent Style & Image. I want to be one of the shops where you just see one of my item photo's and say "Oh, that's Blue Scarab!" If I want to be taken professionally, I have to get it together professionally.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?

Creating new pieces always keeps me motivated and hopeful. That and perusing the other fabulous Etsy shops that are still doing well in tough times keeps me going.

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?

I am walking advertisement for my jewelry-I NEVER leave the house without a couple pieces on, and people always ask where I got it from. I have business cards handy and whip them out like crazy! And I always put discount coupons in with my orders to encourage repeat business. I also like to include something else small I've made, usually a stamped bookmark or a card, just to say "thank you."

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?

One thing?! Always believe in yourself and stay strong. Success will not happen overnight, but don't let that discourage you. Keep pushing!

Thanks Blue Scarab Jewelry for the fantastic interview! We love your exquisite wire wrapping and stunning gemstones! Each piece is interesting to look at, and very unique! We wish you all the luck with your sales this year, we know you will do awesome!
Check out Blue Scarab's official website at http://bluescarabjewelry.com, and to view more pieces like the one you see above, visit their online shop, http://ambersjewelry.etsy.com

Meditation Offerings & Gemstones!

For many of us, meditation is an extremely important part of our lives. The space you choose for your meditation should be special, and located in an area where you can sit either on a meditation cushion or a chair comfortably, while enjoying your time alone.

If you have the ability to assign a personal space, where you can spend a few moments or longer, just enjoying the benefits that meditation brings to your body and your inner being...you will understand the importance of adding items to your meditation area that would inspire you.

Often, a personal meditation space includes items that instill calmness, happiness and inspiration to continue your practice. Offerings are a small way to personalize and introduce a balanced environment. Pictures, incense, statues and Gemstones are often the "offerings of choice".

Gemstones, with their own beneficial Metaphysical Properties, can bring a grounded feeling to your practice, and is a wonderful way of giving back something precious during your meditation session. The beauty and natural essence of gemstones would be a wonderful addition to your surroundings.

Enjoy your quiet time!

*Bracelet shown: Gemstone Jade Fluorite Meditation Bracelet by VintageBohemian, available for $16.99.

CITRINE - Metaphysical Properties

CITRINE

Helps digestion and aids in mental and intellectual functions. Increases self-esteem and energy. Balances and dissipates negative energy.

Featured Seller - Wild Rose Jewels

What part of the world are you from?
I am living in Red Deer Alberta, originally from Halifax Nova Scotia.

What does customer service mean to you?
Customer service is seeing a need and meeting it, making sure people walk away feeling happy with their experience.

What is your most memorable experience with a customer?
My most memorable experience with a customer on Etsy would have to be getting my first sale! I've only had one so far, so not too much to draw from in this area. But it sure made me feel great to know that someone else liked my work enough to spend money on it.

What sets you apart from other sellers who are selling similar items?
I think what sets my jewelery apart is that it is not trendy, you could wear it next week, next year, or ten years from now and still feel good about it. I'm all about classic style.

How did you learn the skills that make you successful today?
Do you have any formal training in your craft?
I have no formal training in jewelery making whatsoever, it's just something I've been playing around with.

What is your goal for the next year?
My goals for next year are to continue to create, to improve my shop, promote, promote, promote, and increase sales.

What keeps you motivated when sales are slow?
I stay motivated when sales are slow because I truly enjoy what I'm doing. I didn't start making jewelery to make my fortune, it just makes me happy to use my hands to make something beautiful. I enjoy the process. However, sales would be nice . . .

What do you do to attract new clients and encourage re-occurring business?
To encourage sales, I'm just trying to get myself out there, be seen. Alot of posting in the Etsy forums, Facebook, not to mention telling everyone I know.

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who is considering opening their own store of handmade items, what would it be?
To anyone wanting to start selling their own handmade items, I would say, just go ahead and do it! Jump right in. You will learn alot on the way, I'm learning new things everyday. That's half the fun.


Check out Wild Rose Jewels on their website www.wildrosejewels.etsy.com

Beautiful pieces Krista! Thanks for being a part of our blog. We wish you many sales in 2009 :)