To List or Not to List - Input Needed

I've created a few pendant necklaces and am not sure about listing them and wanted to get the opinions of my loyal blog readers.

It would help me if you would comment and put the number and Yes or No about whether I should list these at one of my online shops.

1. Green glass triangle necklace on a green cord with large silver cones that you would tie on. The price would be around $7.50. The length is 28.5".

2. Purple cats eye, smooth bead and a pink lampwork bead are on a brown cord with hook and eye closings. I consider this car jewelry. It's 13" long. The price would be around $7.

 

3. The last one is a heavy chain with a terrific sterling silver toggle clasp with a few lampworked turquoise beads, turquoise beads and silver rose beads. It is about 16" long. The price would be around $15.

Do you think it needs more beads? I can add turquoise glass beads to fill in some of the links on the bottom, but that would raise the cost.

I really appreciate your input and any suggestions you have.

New Items for Valentine's Day and every day

I finally had a chance to take some photos that can be published, if you know what I mean. 

We all know Valentine's Day is coming, and I have some new items to introduce to you.

Love your Dog KeyChain or Collar Charm 

I've been getting into digital art and images for my scrabble and glass tile necklaces and magnets, but also for you to use. 

Digital Images for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Glass and Scrabble tile magnets

Valentine's Day Digital Images - Art

So don't wait! Shop for that special someone in your life. 

Jewish Holiday - the New Year for Trees

"What is so special about Tu B'Shevat [sic] on Saturday at sundown, January 30, 2009.? Historically, nothing memorable occurred on this day. Why do we celebrate the New Year of the Trees?

Man is compared to a tree. "A righteous man will flourish like a date palm, like a cedar in the Lebanon he will grow tall. Planted in the house of Hashem, in the courtyards of our God they will flourish. They will still be fruitful in old age, vigorous and fresh they will be, to declare that God is just, my Rock in Whom there is no wrong" (Psalm 92). This is one of my favorites - Linda B.

This is the miracle of spring. This is what gives us all new life every year and is part of the strength behind the saying "When Adar comes (in a few weeks!) simcha (joy, goodness) is increased."
For the children of Israel, the blessings flow upward. They begin with the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, our roots, and they flow upward into the branches and outward into the leaves and blossoms at the very outer edge of the Tree of Life. It is nurtured through its roots and the sap flows upward.

Source: NOT OF THIS WORLD by Roy S. Neuberger Posted Jan 27 2010 The Jewish Press

The EtsyChai team has several Going Green with the EtsyChai team blog posts about members' handmade green and upcycled items, ways we recycle and about planting trees.  Here are a few items from member shops:

New Leaf Pendant Necklace

Tabletop Flower Pot

Fairy Hair Clippie

Seder Plate

How are you Going Green or recycling this year?

Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds

First, I want to thank you so much for reading my blog posts and your comments. I love hosting my weekly finds blog post and sharing unique Etsy items with you.

So, here are this week's Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds, including knitted, crocheted, jewelry, art print and painted handmade items.

First is Jan's Handmade Afghan - 10% of the proceeds will benefit Haiti

Steampunk Locket

Canvas Painting

Mohair Cowl

Toyko Tower Print

If you like these items or know these sellers, please help them by Retweeting or posting their items on Facebook. And applaud them on their talent.

Again, thanks for reading.

Valentine's Day Items

I'm a little behind in getting a couple of Valentine's Day items photographed. I already have several red and heart items in my shop ... and I know Valentine's Day may be more about the greeting card, chocolate and flowers industries.

So, here are my current offerings for your perusal.

Red Circle of Love Pendant

Red posie earrings

Honey Onyx and Red Siam Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

Red Cat Swarovski Earrings

As you can see, my prices are affordable and can fit any budget. And, I love working with clients on custom orders.

Happy Wednesday.

WellspringCreations - EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week

I'd like you to meet Judy, owner and designer of Wellspring Creations. Her wire wrapped creations are to die for, im my opinion. She says, "I discovered my passion when I found wire. There is great satisfaction in combining a stone and its perfect wire-wrapped setting. It's synergy: the sum is greater than the two parts."

Check out this fabulous Blue Sodalite Heart Pendant

And, here is a fabulous wire wrapped garnet ring

Judy thinks "of Twitter as a cocktail party: I go to meet new people, touch bases with old friends and, occasionally, talk about my work. Most of my tweets are comments or responses to other people's tweets."

Judy of WellSpringCreations is offering a free handcrafted gift with any purchase from her Etsy shop during the week of January 25-31, 2010.  Use code: SOTW in the comments at checkout.

To learn more about Judy and Wellspring Creations, please follow the links below:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WSCreations
Etsy Shop: http://www.wellspringcreations.etsy.com/
Facebook: http://www.artist.to/WellspringCreations
Blog: http://www.wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/
 
Please tell her that Linda B. sent you over. Thanks and happy shopping!

Monday - Move Gently into the Workweek - Waves

Waimea Bay shore-break surfing pioneer, husband, and father of two, Clark Little has gained nationwide recognition for his photography with appearances on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and many local news stations across the U.S.

Clark Little on Good Morning America (2009):  It all started in 2007 when Clark 's wife wanted a nice piece of art to decorate a wall. Voluntarily, Clark grabbed a camera, jumped in the water, and starting snapping away capturing the beauty and power of monstrous Hawaiian waves from the inside out.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Enjoy.
Linda B.

My New Jewelry Designs

I've listed a few new items at my Etsy shop and am working on Valentine's Day and Passover items now.


First, here's one of my upcycled necklaces: the wood beads are from another necklace that a friend gave to me to recycle.

Brown Jasper and Upcycled Wood Beads Silver Chain Necklace

This necklace is made of brown jasper gemstone beads, upcycled wooden beads and Czech glass beads.

Owl or Trees Scrabble Tile Pendant
This Pendant is made from an upcycled Scrabble tile.

Mardi Gras Earrings
These earrings are made from glass and cat's eye beads.

I have some new pictures of some redesigns too.

Big Purple Heart Necklace

Purple Wine Gemstone Earrings

Pewter wine bottles are added to purple glass beads
and pink jasper gemstone chips.

New Leaf Pendant Necklace

This necklace has a large silver leaf focal point and different shades of green glass beads.

Let me know what you think. I'm always interested in your feedback.

Wire Wrapped Jewelry and Tutorials by WireBlissMeiWireBlissMei: Giveaway to 3 Lucky Readers - Ends 5th February 2010

Check out this fabulous Wire Wrapped Jewelry and Tutorials by WireBlissMeiWireBlissMei: Giveaway to 3 Lucky Readers - Ends 5th February 2010

I hope I win - fingers crossed.

Linda B.
http://lindab142.etsy.com

Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds

Each week, I post in the Etsy Forums asking for submissions and comments on my blog. So, here are this week's  Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds. 


Candle Holder

Love is Wonderful Card

Zodiac Aquarius Amethyst Purple Earrings

Status Update Tees

Milk White Rose Romance Necklace

Watch for my post in the Forum threads next week to be on my blog. 

Linda B

http://lindab142.etsy.com

Heart Health

The American Heart Association is introducing an online quiz to help people gauge how close they are to the seven secrets to a long life:

1. Stay away from cigarettes 
2. Keep a slender physique
3. Get some exercise
4. Eat a healthy diet 
5. Keep your cholesterol: 
6. blood pressure
7. and blood sugar in check

The heart association found just that in a recent survey that showed 39 percent of Americans thought they had ideal heart health, yet 54 percent of those had been told they had either a heart disease risk factor or needed to make a lifestyle change to improve heart health, or both.

Bumblebee Heart Glass Pendant

Turquoise Glass Heart Earrings

Thanks for reading. Comments are always welcome.

Linda B

Sweetwater Designs - Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week

Wendy of Sweetwater Designs opened her Etsy shop on 1/9/09, so it's her Etsyversary! Her sale for JAN 18 - 24, 2010 is: FREE US SHIPPING on all items in my Etsy shop - PLUS a 10% discount on purchases totaling $50 or more*

My favorite in her shop is her Fabulously Funky Shell Necklace

Look at the exquisite wire wrapping
technique between the shells.

Matching Fabulously Funky Shell Earrings

Wendy admits that "I love to work with metal 

wire (sterling, copper, brass) and love the sparkle and unique qualities found in glass, stone, and semi-precious beads. I choose materials of quality and pride myself on representing my materials and jewelry with integrity. I purchase my materials in small quantities, so I sell limited production or one of a kind pieces."

So, please visit her shop and tell her Linda B. sent you there. 


Thanks.

Happy Birthday Aquarians - Jan 20 to Feb 18

If you were born between January 20 and February 18, your astrological sign is Aquarius. Aquarius - called by the Greeks Hydrochoos, "the Water-Pourer." "Aquarius" is a Latin translation of the Greek name.

Aquarius is open-minded and usually holds no prejudices. Aquarius is serene and friendly. Aquarius will listen and learn from anyone to find the truth. Aquarius has so many interests that there are times his energy is spread too thin.

Aquarius makes a sincere friend. Marriage for Aquarius may take longer as he does not open up easily. Leo is the best sign for marriage and partnerships.

The greatest compatibility is with Gemini and Libra.

Virtues: Great intellectual power, ability to communicate and to form and understand abstract concepts, love for the new and avante-garde

Famous Aquarians:
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Lord Byron
Charles Darwin
Charles Dickens
Clark Gable
Abraham Lincoln
Norman Mailer
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Paul Newman
Jack Nicklaus
Babe Ruth
Ronald Reagan
Burt Reynolds
James Dean
Mia Farrow
Virginia Woolf

Gemstones:
Garnet
Amber
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Lapis Lazuli
Hematite
Turquoise

Turquoise & Aventurine Teardrop Pendant

Amethyst Wine Earrings

Lost Mitten - EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week

Let's have a look at Etsy Twitter Team mate, Lauren's work from her Etsy shop .

Her love of gaming and use of bright colors can be seen in this Nintendo Mario Coasters Set


she also creates Mystical Ninja Buttons Nintendo

Follow her on Twitter: @lostmitten
Fan her Facebook Pages: http://www.facebook.com/lostmittenetsy
http://www.facebook.com/lostmitten
Read her blog: http://lostmittenblog.blogspot.com

2010 Goals & Plans - EtsyBloggers Team

The EtsyBloggers Team is asking members to post about goals and plans for 2010.

First, I have already put a plan in place about limiting my time on the computer, without a particular focus. For example,  there is a difference in my items views and Google Analytics if I don't post in the Etsy forums, on Twitter, Facebook or byhand.me. I now spend about 45 minutes posting online after work. Then, I go down for dinner and watch TV and take some "me time."

Second, I plan to reshoot some of the photographs in my online shops. This is a continuous goal - striving for better images.

Black Onyx Silver Earrings

Third, I plan to continue my weekly Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds blog post to give other Etsy owners a little exposure. It's so much fun looking at items for unique finds.

Fourth, I am already looking into doing some local craft shows this year. If you do shows and work full-time as I do, it's really tough to make up sleep.

I hope to walk some shows this year to determine whether they would be good shows for me. Usually, I just apply to the show and try it. I don't almost make back my table money, but I do get the opportunity to pass out cards and talk to people and meet other Etsy sellers at the show.


If you have any tips about checking out shows, please let me know.

Fifth, I hope to learn more about HTML and my blog by year-end. I'm giving myself a lot of time because there are some new jewelry and wire beaded items I'd like to create by Spring.

Do you have plans or goals that you'd like to share? I'd love to read them.

Linda Blatchford
Jewelry Designerchic
http://www.lindab142.etsy.com/
http://www.linorstore.com/
www.lindab142.artfire.com
http://cafehandmade.ning.com/profile/Linda649 
http://linorstore1000markets.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/linorstore
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24930325@N03/3290978341
http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/profile/Linda
http://twitter.com/lindab142

Linda's Top 5 Etsy Finds for Thursday

Every week, I post in the Etsy Forums asking Etsy shop owners to post one item in the forum thread and 1 comment on my blog. I love looking for unique, beautiful items. So ... drumroll ... here are this week's top 5:

Assorted Miniature Polymer Clay Donuts

Marquise in Black and Gold, Handmade Leather Mask

Morning Sky- 5x7 photo card, blank inside

Jennifer Pleated Purse

Valentine I love You card

If you or your friend is in this week's Top 5, please promote it. And, if you get a sale, please be sure to let me know. 

Watch for next week's Etsy forums post looking for you to Post 1 item for my Top 5 Etsy Finds Blog. Maybe you'll be on my blog next week. 

And, if you get a chance, please check out my Etsy shop at http://lindab142.etsy.com