Merry Christmas

Hand Dyed Silk Crepe Scarf in Deep Reds by Ocean Avenue Silks

13 teeny tiny miniature square Christmas envelopes by teenytinyenvelopes

Lace Mohair and Bead Scarf by ohmay designs

20s BUTTON earrings by Allie's Adornments

Want. Need. Love.

I'm on a quest to highlight various social media outlets (previously, I posted about Pinterest, Blogging, and Twitter). This month I'm going to tell you about one you probably haven't heard of. It's called Wanelo.

Wanelo?

It's a social media interactive wishlist. With hashtags.

Or, it's kind of like Pinterest, but just for products.

I like it because I can sort of bookmark items that I like so I can find them when I'm ready to buy them. It's also a great way to find items I might not otherwise find, just from viewing the feeds of people and/or stores that I follow.

It's also a great way to post items from my shop, giving them another place to get noticed.

The more "saves" a product has, the more visibility it gets.

You can check out their About Page and their FAQ. It might be worth your time. Who knows? Maybe items from your shop have already been posted there. (I've posted items from most of my blog posts there.)

This post was contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs who is on Wanelo as ZiziRho.

Artist Profile: cserpentDesigns

Happy December everyone!

I first got a glimpse of Susan's work over on our Facebook page and was hooked.  I had to learn more about this artist and these beautiful pieces.  If you're near  San Diego county you can check out her pieces in person at the Fallbrook Art Center right now! (more on that below)

Without anymore delay, let me introduce to you Susan of cserpentDesigns 

Describe your shop:
At cserpentDesigns you'll find one of a kind jewelry designs handmade by me, Susan Estrada. In my designs I use precious and semi-precious gemstones, precious metals, artisan glass beads and any other sparkly, beautiful thing that would look beautiful in a design. 

How would you describe your style?
Until I asked my hubby I would have said my style was all over the map. He said my style was circular and loopy :) As he noticed I tend to use or create circles, swirls, loops and round objects in my designs. I'm just not into hard, straight edges! I really love making designs that feel organic and earthy but I certainly don't limit myself to that.

When did you learn to do what you do?
I started designing jewelry in 2003 (I think). A fellow soccer teammate talked me into going to a wire wrapping class when we had a 4 hour break between games at a soccer tournament. I had a blast in the class so I took more classes at bead stores and at one of our local community colleges. I've also learned quite a few things by reading books and through online tutorials. I still continue to learn (silver casting is next on my list) so I can continue to improve and expand my design knowledge.

What are your favorite pieces to make?
Earrings are very satisfying to make because I can finish them quickly. But from a design perspective my 2 favorites are wire wrap intensive bracelets with lots of dangles and metal forged designs of any kind. I love doing the wire wrap bracelets because I can combine so many different beads, colors and textures into a gorgeous and dangly design. I love metal work because I start with the basics of a piece of wire or sheet metal and through hammering, melting and soldering I created something unique and beautiful.

What inspires you?
I get inspired all over the place - at the mall, walking through my neighborhood, shopping in a store. I tend to get color ideas from the outside world and then I pull out beads and stones in those colors and let the beads inspire me. I am often amazed when the beads themselves talk to me! I really do get some design ideas from the beads themselves. Sometimes it can take them years to talk to me, but when they do the design is just perfect!

Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
My next great adventure is selling through my own website. My Etsy (cserpent.etsy.com) and ArtFire (cserpent.artfire.com) shops work for me now - but I would love to be able to promote my own website at some point in the future. 

What does your work space look like?
I swings between a mess and a totally cleaned up space. When I'm in the throes of design I have wire, sheet metal, bead boxes and tools scattered all over my desk, the floor and any other nearby flat surface. Once I finish up one or several designs I can't stand the mess and have to put everything away so I can start new designs with a clean slate. 

What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?

I rarely have this but I do splurge once in a while and have a cinnamon or chocolate roll with coffee. On a daily basis I really do enjoy my bran flakes sprinkled with raisins and strawberries (when they're in season) - and, of course, coffee!

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
I am a software designer in the integrated circuit design industry where we design those microprocessors in your cell phones, DVRs and many other places. I also play soccer, hang with my hubby and dogs and play in my garden (though I do that less as I've started designing more jewelry).


Where else can we find your work (online an in person)? 
You can connect to all my sales sites from my website (www.cserpentDesigns.com). On my website I have links to my Etsy (cserpent.etsy.com) and ArtFire (cserpent.artfire.com) shops. I also have links to the jewelry for sale at Gili Anna's in La Jolla, California and at the Bead and Glass Boutique in Pitman, New Jersey

Are you doing any craft fairs this year?
I did several this year and right now I have designs available at the Fallbrook Art Center Art of the Holiday (www.fallbrookartcenter.org) show. I update my website (www.cserpentDesigns.com) regularly with information about new designs and upcoming events.

Where can we learn more about you? 
My website (www.cserpentDesigns.com) has links and information to every place I'm available online. You can also read my blog (cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com) to see what's going on in my jewelry life and personal life. I'll be updating it almost daily when I'm shopping for new gemstones and meeting new (and old) friends at the Tucson Gem Show in February!


                ..................................................................................................................

So that, ladies and Gentlemen, is the wonderful Susan. Make sure to visit her shop, tell your friends and your neighbors too. I might just have to gift myself a new pair of earrings this year.

Cyberweek Sale

Terah Classy Creations is having a sale this week. Terah says:

I'm running a sale this week (expires Saturday, December 7). Just enter the coupon code: CYBERWEEK for 20% off your entire purchase! My shop includes beadwoven, and wirework jewelry, and hand-knit accessories. You can also add a personalized, hand-stamped tag to most of my jewelry designs for great gifts!!!

Everything in my shop is hand-crafted by me, and I take great care that my pieces are durable, comfortable, and unique, and enjoyable. I try to use use high quality materials like Swarovsky Crystal, Fresh-water pearls, etc. It's also fun to combine varying metals and beads in innovative ways for completely unique jewelry. I believe if something is worth taking hours, weeks, or months to create, it's worth treasuring for years to come!

 Make sure to check out some of Terah's creations...

Flower Necklace

Bridal Purse - OOAK

Personalized Metal Jewelry Tag

Necklace - Asymmetrical Beadwoven Golden Flowers & Leaves

Infinity Scarf/Wrap

You can also find Terah on Facebook, on Twitter, and Terah's blog.

In a Gifty Mood

Just a quick reminder: Some of our CCCOE teammates are having sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make sure to check them out.

This month, this isn't so much a gift guide as it is a collection of things that you might consider gifting to a friend or family member. (Well, that's as good a "theme" as any, right?)

For some reason, I'm drawn to textiles, and here are a couple scarves that would go perfectly under the tree.

Large Multi Color Handwoven Scarf by michaelawhitney

Ruffled Cotton Flannel Scarf by Preston Court

If you're looking for some seasonal jewelry for you or for a gift, here are a few earrings that exemplify the season.

Dangle Chain Bell Earrings by Theresa's Jewelry Studio

Upcycled Large Bike Tube and Polymer Clay black Flower Jewelry Earrings by pearlreef

This bracelet has the colors of the season with a sentiment that can be worn year-round.

Follow-Your-Bliss Bracelet by DistinQue Jewelry

Or here are some earrings that can be worn year-round and would make great gifts.

Aqua Hoop Earrings by Copper Tree Art

Beadwoven Earrings by Terah Classy Creations

So, how's your Christmas shopping going? Done? Started? Abstaining?

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs who is about halfway done with her Christmas shopping. 

Sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Christmas is coming...

...And several members of the team are having specials for the kickoff of the season: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (In case you weren't aware, Black Friday is November 29th and Cyber Monday is December 2nd).

Over at teenytinyenvelopes

Miniature Square Christmas Vellum Envelope Note Card Set

shipping will be free to any US address on purchases from Black Friday through Cyber Monday (custom listings not included).

~ ~ ~

Over at Nans Glam

Purple Amethyst Dangle Earrings

everything will be 15% off for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

~ ~ ~

Both annie k designs 

Poinsettia French Coffee Press Cozy

and Fall into Christmas

Dog Christmas Tree Skirt

will also be offering free shipping for Black Friday and Cyber Monday orders.

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Bella Beads Originals 

Red And Black Turquoise Strand Necklace Set

is running free US shipping throughout the holiday season.

~ ~ ~

Make sure to check out all these shops for these special holiday deals. Happy shopping (and Merry Christmas).

Hashtag This

Social media is a good way to promote yourself and your shop. There are tons of different sites out there. Which one should you spend the time and effort cultivating?

(Previous posts: Pinterest. Blogging.)

Twitter seems to get all the press lately. Hashtag this. Live tweet that. But what is Twitter?

Twitter is a place where you have 140 characters to express a thought, idea, or link to an audience. Tweets (that thing you express in those 140 characters) are all public, so anyone with a Twitter account (and even those without) can see any tweet you write.

Tweets are easy. You just input them into the site or your smartphone, hit "Tweet" and you're good to go.

But tweets are also short and quick, so they're easily lost in the general noise of the internet. You can look at the best times to tweet, but even then your tweet won't get a lot of views for more than a few minutes.

Twitter is best used for things other than promoting your shop, anyway. While it's good to link to it, I find that people who only tweet self-promoting links soon get dropped from my following list. I prefer people who tweet thoughts and things that are going on with them.

Twitter is also for interactions. It's great to respond to someone who posts a random tweet and then get a conversation going.

If I had planned this post a bit more, I would have asked you all to send me your Twitter handles to include here. But I can include the team Twitter: @CCCOE. And I ask you all to include your Twitter handle in the comments, so I can follow you.

Are you on Twitter? What's your Twitter name? Do you find that Twitter helps promote your shop?

This post contributed by Liz A. from Zizi Rho Designs who does "have a Twitter" @ZiziRho, but uses it more for random student quotes than for promoting the shop.

Around the Team

Some new and fun things from the members of the CCCOE team...

Make sure to check out ohmay designs' new children's section featuring cute knitted booties like these:

Beaded Mango Orange Mary Janes

New at teenytinyenvelopes, gift card holders:

Gift Card Holder

From annie k designs, just in time for cooler weather:

Green Paisley Fleece Fingerless Gloves

From Bobbles By Carol, a newly handcrafted set of necklace and earrings:

Jasper Necklace

Jasper Earrings

Art Deco is a very popular wedding theme right now--riding on the tails of the Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey. Over at Shanna Michele Designs, these table numbers join a collection of Art Deco designs:

Deco Craftsman Wedding Table Numbers

And finally, from Nans Glam, a new pair of earrings. Nan says: "They are different since I am using rose gold fill wire. I create the earwires out of rose gold fill wire as well." Perfect for this upcoming holiday season.

Cherry Jade Dangle Earrings

Make sure to check out these items as well as all the new things our members are creating. And keep an eye out for the announcement to be included in the next "Around the Team" post (on the message board).

Blogging

Social media is a good way to promote yourself and your shop. There are tons of different sites out there. Which one should you spend the time and effort cultivating?

Last month I highlighted Pinterest. Next month...?

There are a lot of different social media avenues to try. What works for me may or may not work for you. Take a look. Try. Experiment. And when you find one that fits you, that's where you should focus your social media efforts.

How useful is a blog when it comes to promoting your shop?

A blog is a good way to detail your process. Show pictures of works-in-progress. Highlight new product lines. A blog can also tell your customers all about you.

But, blogs are a social medium. If you want visitors to your blog, you're going to have to visit blogs, leave comments, and interact with the blogging community.

Blogs should be updated regularly. (That can be as frequently as once a day or just checking in once a month.) Rather than going it on your own, you could always go in with a couple fellow crafter/business owners and start a group blog.

(Shameless plug: Or, if you want to get your feet wet, this blog is always looking for other contributors. /shameless plug.)

The blogging community can be very supportive. You might fine a few blogging buddies who will let you post on their blogs, expanding your reach. They may link to your shop just because, giving you some extra exposure. Of course, you'll do the same for them.

Bloggers from CCCOE:

• Indy and Cleo
• Allie's Adornments: Victoriana
• Allie's Adornments: Buttons
• And mine: Laws of Gravity (although mine is less about my shop and more about...other things.)

Do you have a blog? Do you enjoy blogging?

Do you regularly visit blogs (besides this one)?

And Now for Something a Little Different

I never know quite what I'm going to end up with when I start writing these posts. But then I came across this guitar pick, and I had a theme. Stuff I would not expect.  

Hand Stamped Guitar Pick by Kottage Kreations

Or music. Perhaps I'm thinking of music. Because this is a cute onesie, and... Guitar. Pick. Guitar Pick.

Acoustic Guitar Baby Onesie by Finch Pickles

And this just made me laugh.

Acid Etched Copper and Leather Dog Tag by Texturz

Continuing what is turning out to be a rocker theme, this cuff would fit perfectly at any sort of concert.

Black Patent Leather Cuff Bracelet by Misha Girl

Here's a different sort of crocheted hat. We usually see beanies, so this would be something you would not expect.

Apres Ski Crocheted Hat by Betty Adkins

Here's a bit of wall art for the dinosaur enthusiast. Or the 5-year-old in all of us. 

Digital Silhouette T-rex by Bokeh Ever After

Of course, I couldn't do a post without a pair of earrings. And they're orange, too. Bonus!

Topaz Teardrop Briolette Earrings by Love Your Bling

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. Make sure to visit all these wonderful shops (links in the captions). They're worth your time.

Next time, I'm doing another post for those of you having special events at your shops. Check out the CCCOE message boards for details.

Pinterest, Anyone?

Are you on Pinterest?

I stumbled across this article which talked about how of all the social networking sites, Pinterest pins last the longest. For those of us with shops on Etsy, this is a great marketing opportunity.

Do you use Pinterest? Has it helped bring buyers to your shop?

Around the Team

Today I'm trying out a new blog feature. The call went out to the team to let us all know about anything special going on in their shops.

I got...um...one taker.

Ah well. Next time, let me know what's going on in your shop (or feel free to post it in the comments).

September 22nd is International Car-Free Day, and what better way to celebrate than by riding a bike!

Block Print Greeting Card by Mystical Mountain Card Company

And make sure to use coupon code "GETMYSTICAL" for $2 off a purchase of $10 or more.

What's going on in your shop?

Artist Profile: An Astrid Endeavor

If you're anything like me, you'll see the name of this month's shop and think: Who is Astrid and what is she endeavoring to do? Well, Astrid id delightful and I believe she's endeavoring to take over the world -- you know one carefully embroidered accessory at a time.  Check out my interview with her below and then head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and show this awesome artist some support.

Rain or shine

Describe your shop
I make unique hand embroidered jewelry and home décor as well as beaded jewelry.


What are your favorite pieces to make?
Currently, my favorite pieces to make are from my latest collection inspired by my love of textile wall hangings.

Each of these pieces are somewhat improvised and become one of kind. When I start I know the basic color combination and shape- but as I make each one it evolves and changes as I add colors, or beads, so I never know what the end result will look like exactly - it’s very cool, and I love how individual and textural they are!


How would you describe your style?
I would definitely say my style is unique and modern with ethnic influences. My undergraduate degree was Medical and Cultural Anthropology as well as art, and I have always been interested in other cultures and how they adorn themselves. Like my own personal style, my jewelry reflects a love of modern design, respect for traditional materials, influence from other cultures, and sometimes a nod towards the quirky and kitsch. I like my jewelry to be statement pieces in and of themselves! 

 


When did you learn to do what you do?
Growing up I was taught many different art forms and making things to wear and play with was how I was raised. My mom would organize summer “art camps” for us at home and one summer we focused on embroidery. Fast forward to years later as I had to adjust my jewelry making techniques because of time constraints (work and family) and safety issues (baby in the house so no more metal working or lampworking in our apartment!) I utilized my knowledge and love of  textiles and embroidery to create pieces using minimal supplies and tools and embroidery was something I could  do in the quiet moments after my little one went to sleep at night. I know I am going to get back to using metals and glass as well as other mediums in my jewelry, but I am so excited with all the incredible possibilities by using textiles and thread- I have so many ideas, that I’m not in any hurry!

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

 

What inspires you?
I am truly inspired by people and the human condition. It’s so fascinating to me all the aspects that go into living this one amazing life- so full of beauty, color, textures…And of course, the natural world around us that provides an infinite amount of inspiration each day.



Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
I’m really excited about potential collaborations with other artists and creative people. I’d love to have seasonal pieces that appeal to everyone and for regular customers. And of course, having my creative work be a major portion of my income would be a dream!


What does your work space look like?
I think my creative workspace could be described as “organized chaos” I am a person who uses her senses a lot, so I love to have my visual field full of colorful, inspirational images. I also love to be surrounded by things I can touch and experience like rocks, ribbon, and other tactile things. 

photos courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
I do have a full time job so that keeps me busy busy busy. On my free time I spend it with my daughter making things for her as well as getting out and exploring the world; traveling, swimming, going for walks, museums, music, and THE BEACH; which is my favorite place in the world.


What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
For breakfast I love to eat a salami sandwich with butter and brewers yeast. Weird, I know.


Where else can we find your work; Are you doing any events this holiday season?

Right now I sell primarily via my shop - AnAstridEndeavor - on Etsy:

I have sold on flash sale sites like Uncovet, OkayAfrica, and CurioRode as well as a few sites overseas.  Locally I will be selling at Wonderland SF and also have a selection of my jewelry at Angela Adams in Portland Main.  AND I hope this holiday season to be a part of the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco!!! 
                 (I don't know about you guys but I'm exhausted just reading that)

The big news right now is that I am participating in the Martha Stewart American Made contest for American designers, artists, and craftspeople. I’m so excited to be a part of this and would love your support- you can find my profile here: http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/81005

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

There you have it. Now head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and vote, vote vote, Then head to Astrid's store and shop shop shop! Remember:

OK not really, but I couldn't help it!