Facebook Fan Giveaway!

Micro Golden Citrine Earrings

Now that the Something Blue Facebook Fan page has over 500 fans it's time to show all of you wonderful fans a little bit (well, actually a LOT!) of appreciation. So I've decided to host a fabulous giveaway and here's the scoop:

The Prize: A $100.00 (one hundred dollar!) Gift Certificate to be used in my Etsy Shop!

How to enter: Simply post a comment* here on my blog and you are automatically entered.

The Details: Giveaway runs through the end of March (ends March 31st at 11:59pm PST) *You may post only ONE comment. Multiple comments will be deleted. In order to qualify you must be listed as a fan on the Something Blue Facebook Fan Page. A winner will be determined by a random integer generator . The winner will be announced on April 1st, 2010 on the Something Blue Blog AND on the Something Blue Facebook Fan Page.

Good Luck!

WEEKEND DEALS!

Virgo Medallion Necklace
25% off + FREE worldwide shipping throughout the store!

A great Labor Day weekend sale awaits you! This is the perfect time to do a little early Holiday shopping, but I bet you'll find something for yourself too...
25% off plus FREE worldwide shipping!
Don't wait! Visit my shop now...the sale ends Monday, September 7th, 2009.
See you there!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!

Bright Side Project Giveaway!
"August is Sugar, Sugar month!"

I am pleased to announce {and so honored to be included!} that the The Bright Side Project is featuring Something Blue this month and hosting a really fantastic giveaway donated by yours truly. In order to win all you need to do is answer a simple question (I'm not going to tell you what it is, you'll have to find that out by visiting the site!) Submissions will be accepted until September 7, 2009 at which point I will read every submitted answer and choose the lucky winner on September 8th. I am so looking forward to reading everyone's responses... I can barely contain my excitement!

So, pop on over to The Bright Side and check out all the great giveaways they're hosting this month...you won't be disappointed!

P.S.- Daily Candy describes the site and it's mission perfectly here: Mrs. Brightside

Front Page Treasury

I made the Front Page of Etsy today! What a great way to start the weekend...

Now, off to write that post about my Etsy Experiment. Sorry to keep all 3 of you waiting!

My brief hiatus...or, why I've been neglecting my blog

It's been awfully quiet around here...

Wow, it's been almost two months since I last posted! I haven't fallen off the face of the earth but it sure feels like it. Remember that Etsy Experiment that I posted about back in March? Well, let's just say it was successful and that's one of the reasons I haven't had time to blog. But I'm back now and my next post will be all about the results of my experiment. I definitely learned some things so stay tuned!

1000 Markets

1000 Markets

A community of marketplaces...

I just opened a shop on the new hand crafted site, 1000 Markets.  It looks like it will be a great venue for selling my work and I'm excited to fill my shop with lots of lovely items.  After all, Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

From their "About Us" page:

"Our merchants are small, independent, artisan businesses built by people who love their craft.  They make & sell unique products based on their own vision, personality and story."

300

300 hearts

Show me the love...

I had a couple of pretty simple, year end goals for my Etsy shop.  300 hearts and 50 sales and I reached 300 hearts yesterday!  

BUT, I'm still 2 shy of 50 sales...8 hours and 20 minutes to go. Will I make it?

StyleList

Garnet Luster Necklace in Gold fill

Delightful...

Today I was featured on the  StyleList Blog, a style guide website featuring celebrity style along with the latest trends, from hairstyles to fashion to shopping and yes...jewelry!

You can read the article here (I'm just below Hugh Jackman...but, I'll spare you the puns): Something Blue

Thanks to Mallory Whitfeld at MissMalaprop.com who wrote the article/interview giving my work a new opportunity to be seen by so many more people!  Thank you :)

Think Pink!

'Think Pink' charm bracelet

Look good...for a good cause!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I have designed a few special "Think Pink" pieces to feature in my Etsy shop and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure fund.  

If you've never visited their website do it today! They have a ton of information there including this Breast Self Exam guide which you can download.  It's all about early detection and prevention...

Quote of the day

Mint Chocolate Knot Apron Dress

available from Plainly Janes on Etsy

apple orchard. child's dress

available from bustle on Etsy

After being dressed in an adorable, hot pink tank top and super cute pair of tan shorts with flower and button appliques, my 2 1/2 year old daughter looked up at me with her big brown eyes and announced in the saddest little voice:

"But I don't have a dress on...I can't dance"

Looks like I need to do some shopping on Etsy!

New Packaging & Branding!

New packaging v.4

hmmm, I wonder what's inside?...

After many years of the same simple (but beautiful) packaging I decided it was time for an upgrade.  I'd had a new identity package put together a couple of years ago, which included tags, so I wanted to utilize those in the new packaging and branding.  A few prototypes later...and here it is!  I'm now using gloss finish, two part jewelry boxes and wrapping them with a gloriously wide (1.5" or 36mm), double faced, satin ribbon in blue (of course!) and topping that with another gorgeous, double faced, satin ribbon (.25" or 6mm) in a chocolate brown which is threaded through the Something Blue tag and tied with a dainty bow.  I love how these turned out and judging by the reaction from my customers it's a definite success!

Weekly Feature 5: Something Blue

Because everyone needs a little 'Something Blue' in their life...

In my DREAMS

I came across evesimone on Etsy just the other day and was blown away by her uniquely beautiful photography.  Her keen sense of color and raw compositions are so intriguing, I can't take my eyes off of them.

Eve was kind enough to share what inspires her, among other things:

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I try to capture moments, my style is basically everyday moments that pass.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Traveling inspires me, new places, fresh faces.

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: My Etsy shop opened in March of this year; there is so much amazing work on Etsy it can be a bit overwhelming.

Q: What is your favorite shade of blue?

A: Electric blue is my favorite shade of blue!

Coney Island Wonder Wheel, Emulsion Lift

Design Preview: Fall 2008...

Golden Crocus Earrings
Gorgeous, Green Tourmaline

For the last few weeks I have been designing and creating tons of new pieces for the Something Blue Fall Collection...
I know what you're thinking, a little late, huh? After all, Fall is just around the corner! But circumstances beyond my control, read: toddler underfoot, have kept me from dedicating the quiet time, reflection and physical presence required to accomplish such a task. So I say, better late than never! And quite honestly, these pieces go far beyond Fall, and can definitely be worn year-round.

Petal Necklace

A single, lustrous, Keshi pearl

Here are a few examples of what's to come. You can already purchase a few of these pieces on Etsy ...just think of it as a sneak peek.

Majestic Earrings
Hand carved Fluorite

First Treasury Feature!

My first Treasury Feature on Etsy

Luminesse Earrings

I awoke this morning to an e-mail from clearcutcrafts2007 (who, by the way, have some really beautiful, 3D butterflies in their shop) alerting me to the gorgeous treasury they featured me in.  I think, and this really is my unbiased opinion, that this treasury is definitely worthy of the Front Page on Etsy....time will tell!

What a great way to start the week!

Weekly Feature 3: Something Blue

Because everyone needs a little "Something Blue" in their life...

Sky Filled with Poppies, sugar & creamer set

So sweet

Today's Something Blue feature is Alina Hayes whose pottery & jewelry has an ethereal quality to it, so beautiful...and I'm in love with the unexpected flower elements she uses. Now a fellow Californian, Alina is originally from New York.  She has some wonderful items in her Etsy shop, be sure to take a look!

Petit Tuile Earrings in Turquoise Matte

Really unique

This is what Alina had to say...

Q: How would you describe your 'style'?

A: My style is a balance between contemporary and traditional, but I still tend to lean on the modern side.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I get inspired by nature, plants and flowers.  Organic shapes and colors, other potters and artists.

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: I have been selling on Etsy for 11 months :)

Q: What is your favorite shade of blue?

A: My absolute favorite shade of blue is the Robin's Egg Blue. I love how vibrant and rich it is and that you can incorporate it in almost everything.

Weekly Feature 2: Something Blue

Beach Cottage Shabby sign

Grab your towel and a good book!

Well, here it is already week 2 and I'm thrilled to share with you my latest "Something Blue" find from Signs by Diane. These wonderfully charming signs are all hand crafted by Diane & her husband Pete in Bucks County, PA.  I came across Diane's beautiful signs perusing Etsy where you can see many more of her lovely creations.

Romantic Cottage Chic sign

makes me want to curl up with a hot cup of tea...

Diane was happy to share a bit of insight on what inspires her...

Q: How would you describe your 'style'?

A: I would describe my style as "shabby cottage style"!  Though I live in a new home, I fantasize about having a cute Victorian cottage with lots of gingerbread and a wrap around porch...on the beach.  Maybe someday!

Q: What inspires you?

A: I get my inspiration from going to my local flea market and "treasure" hunting!  I also get ideas for signs just by driving around and noticing all kinds of signs on the road!

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: I registered on Etsy in April of this year but started listing in my store in the beginning of May. So glad I did!  My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!

Q: What is your favorite shade of blue?

A: Well, blue is probably my favorite color and I love many shades of blue. I just love vibrant shades like cobalt mixed with softer, lighter shades as in a lovely blue sea glass bracelet.

A work in progress...part 2

Well, it's not a hugely noticeable difference, but progress has been made!  The backyard studio and home of Something Blue, is looking better, if only slightly. The before picture is at the bottom of this post, in an attempt to spare you from too much scrolling (thoughtful, aren't I?)

My husband installed the new fence, which not only looks great but keeps the oh-so-nosey neighbors at bay.  And as you can see, the tangerine tree has been drastically cut back.  Good for us, not so good for the squirrels, who love to perch themselves in the branches while eating tangerines and laughing, yes, laughing at our 3 dogs. This drives our dogs insane...which, in turn, drives ME insane.  I am so very happy to have that problem solved, at least until the next tangerine season. 

Also pictured is the patch of dead, overgrown grass (see that little dog?  That's Wrecks, one of our 3 Jack Russell "Terrorists".  He looks like he's in trouble, doesn't he?  That's because he's always in trouble...hence the name.  But, I digress) I have been killing that crab grass over the last few weeks because I have learned that you can't just pull out crab grass...it comes right back, with a vengeance.  So I'm making sure it is D E A D, before starting on that planting bed there.

You can also see (if you squint) that the real grass, St. Augustine, is starting to fill in.

Stay tuned...

The first "before" shot, June 08

Mini Moo cards have arrived!

I received my first order of Mini Moo cards on Monday and I must say I'm quite pleased!  The quality is far better than I expected.  Even the box they're packed in is pretty cool. It's a hard, white plastic that will certainly be useful long after the cards are gone. I can't wait to start handing these out and including them with my orders.  My only complaint is that the reverse side text is not as customizable as I would have liked, as far as text styles and colors.  But I love that when you download your images from flickr you can include the name of the item (if you have named your photos appropriately prior to this step).  You can see an example of this in the last photo.  

I also ordered the Mini Moo card holder which I was really excited about.  Unfortunately when I opened my package the cardholder was nowhere to be found...I sent a quick e-mail to customer service which was answered the following day by a real, live person named Daniel. Impressive. Daniel told me he was sorry for the inconvenience and a new cardholder was on it's way.  That's my kind of customer service.

I decided to have half the cards printed with the Bridal line and the other half with the Everyday line.  I already have my favorite images and it will be hard not to pass those out first!

Here is an example of the images I chose....

Bridal line & Everyday line

Reverse detail

Now that have these fabulous little cards I'm trying to come up with more ways to use them.  I think I'll poll my fellow etsians...they are always so creative.

Pssst! There is a coupon code for 15% off your first Moo order! (wish I had known about this ahead of time)

So, I thought I would share....the code is: 2RB2CK

Weekly Feature: Something Blue

From here on out I'll be doing a weekly "Something Blue" feature showcasing the wonderful artisans whose work, like mine, is available on Etsy.  This feature's theme will be...you guessed it, the color blue. It happens to be one of my favorite colors (surprised?) so why not indulge my visual senses, and yours of course, with this new weekly feature?

With great pleasure, allow me to introduce Bird Watching.  A self described nature lover whose delightful, hand drawn bird pendants will capture your heart...

Blue Chickadee Pendant Necklace

Isn't she cute?

Light Blue Bird Pendant Necklace

Irresistible!

I had an opportunity to ask the designer some questions and here is what she had to say:

Q: How would you describe your 'style'?

A: I'm not sure I have one set style.  I am in to so many different things, it just depends on what I like at the moment.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Nature definitely inspires me, as well as looking at all the other great shops on Etsy!

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: I have been selling on Etsy since March of 2008.  So, about 5 months or so.

Q: What is your favorite shade of blue?

A: I like the pure, primary blue the best, I think!

A work in progress...

I am lucky enough to have my very own studio.  Sure, I have to give it up when guests arrive but mostly it's mine...ALL mine. It doubles as a guest house, has a bathroom with a shower and is a fairly compact unit measuring about 170 square feet. It took ages  to renovate the inside, (at least that's what it felt like) mostly because my fabulously talented husband did it all on his own, and he has a real job after all.  There are a few things that still need getting around to, but for the most part it's perfect.

The exterior is a whole different story.  I would love to have it re-stuccoed (that will definitely have to wait!) then painted.  And, I hate the door overhang. So, eventually I'll replace it with one of those canvas type awnings that are held up with iron spears.

In the meantime, I am going to undertake a little landscaping project.  My inspiration is a mix of Mediterranean meets desert, meets tropical.  In the planting bed in front of the studio I want to plant a red banana tree, directly in front of that ugly pipe that goes up the wall.  Of course the first thing I'll need to do is get rid of all that insidious crab grass, ugh I hate that stuff!  

I also have this really great cast concrete frog fountain which I will utilize in that planting bed as well.

My plan here is to chronicle the progress.  I'll post pictures of my latest plantings or ideas I might have.  Now that I'm accountable I hope I'll be more motivated...stay tuned!