Water In a Hot Pan

...goes Sizzle and POP! It has been a week of record high temperatures in California. Hot enough for me to wish for cold Midwest weather. Well, today I heard a loud clap, and looked out the window.

The overcast sky trembled, and then a raincloud let itself go. After a few minutes of a decent rain, it relaxed to a drizzle, and then stopped. Now there are gorgeous cumulous clouds in a blue sky.


Oh, California weather. You are an odd one.

Etsy Team

I joined my first Etsy Team today: California Crafters Club Of Etsy (CCCOE). I'm not sure what to expect, but I hope being part of this team will help me to build more connections, and hopefully more sales. It wouldn't hurt to make some friends along the way too!

Stretch Bracelets Help Stretch Your Dollars

I am really excited about my new stretch bracelets. They feature beautiful gemstones and glass, and are a more affordable alternative to Keikeaux's sterling silver jewelry. Stretch bracelets are a great way to get started in jewelry making too. It doesn't require more than basic skills, and is a fun way to let your creativity loose. I love that people of all ages wear this type of adornment. Just slip it on and go!

The one I am featuring today is made from gorgeous faceted jasper beads, and fits in with Autumn, which is now upon us!

Stretch Bracelets - New To Keikeaux

I am in the process of adding several stretch bracelets to my Etsy shop. This is a great way to enjoy gemstone jewelry at a lower cost! And they are simply beautiful.

Blog Feature!

I am featured in this wonderful blog by Arm Candy For You:

http://armcandyforyou.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-finds-on-etsy.html

Etsy Success Hopeful

I know it's been awhile since I posted something on my blog, so here is an update.

I am officially a small business owner! Keikeaux is my company now, and I am so proud. I am still not working a "9-5", so this is a big challenge for me. My savings have lasted a really long time, with careful budgeting. Now, however, I need to start making things happen.

I have been working really hard on my Etsy shop http://www.keikeaux.etsy.com, and you will see a big difference from a few months ago. I even started making my own artisan headpins and ear wires. They are very beautiful, and better quality than manufactured components.

I am adding more products and styles to my shop, so there are new additions every week. Thank you for keeping up with my "adventures". Etsy success, here I come!

Progress

I really like the way my newest photographs are turning out. It REALLY makes a difference. I even made another sale recently! 11 sales is progress, but I'm ready for more growth.


New supplies just came in too, so keep an eye out for Brand New designs in my shop.

Photography Improvements

I am going to reshoot many of my Etsy photographs today. I am happy with the quality and imagery of most of my recent listings. However, there is always room for improvement, and I am willing to try again.

I am going to use a different background. Be sure to check back to see how it went.

Reader Feedback

Here is an opportunity for you to tell me what YOU like.

What style of jewelry do you gravitate towards...chunky, bold, classic, chains, colorful, neutral?

I love bright bold colors, but am open to including a little variety in my Etsy shop.
Please leave your comments on this post.



p.s. my shop includes a little of everything mentioned :)

Positive Thinking

I'm doing good today. I went to a job fair, and also posted two new items to Etsy.
A gorgeous nautical necklace with polished shells and aquamarine glass, and beautiful matte purple earrings.

Yes, I Made A Sale!

I made a sale yesterday! After my last post, this was a much needed encouragement. I am sending it off today.

I hope this is a sign of a bright Etsy future.

A Little Down

I signed in to Etsy today to find items awaiting feedback - only these are items I Purchased, not Sold. I am currently still out of work, and would like some acknowledgment that what I am creating is worth my time.

I originally began making jewelry as a creative endeavor outside of my day-to-day routine. I loved seeing my imagination take shape in the form of a necklace or bracelet. I have the same feeling now. However, it is laced with other thoughts: Will this sell? Am I wasting my time? Do I continue to spend money that I can't afford to?

I submitted another job application yesterday. I want to begin my career, post B.A. I desire a job that compensates me for my degree, and has some creativity.

For now, I buy beads, create jewelry, and hope that I make a sale today.

New Blog Feature

I am officially featured in my second blog! See the interview here at:
http://funnyskycreations.blogspot.com/

Support is Awesome

Thank you to my two new followers. It's so exciting to know I am reaching people (even a few wonderful individuals!)

I am proud of the "loot" that I bought at the recent bead fair. I held back (not easy), but came out with some really great things. I just added a new necklace in my Etsy shop, made with Gorgeous green howlite from the bead fair.

I am waiting for more toggles in the mail. Once I receive those, you will see a lot more in my Etsy shop.

The Bead Fair is HERE!!

Today is the Bead Fair! I've been waiting for this for several weeks now. I am ready with my list (colors, gemstones, components), a permanent marker (to note the product and price) and my walking shoes. I'll pull some cash out, and that is my limit!

I went to my first bead fair a few months ago, and it was pretty overwhelming. There were two tents (and when I say tent, I mean huge silo) full of vendors. And not one of them was open to negotiation. Well, I'm a discerning shopper anyway, and if I really want something I'll pay for it. If I don't even get a buck off for other stuff, I'll pass. My dollar needs to work for me!

Keep an eye out for BRAND NEW items in my Etsy shop over the next few weeks. Remember, all of my jewelry is One Of A Kind or Limited Edition.

Quit Your Day Job

I read another Quit Your Day Job article on Etsy. It featured a jewelry artist. I am included in the many out of work, and would love to do this full time . We'll see how it goes.

Trying To Figure Out Treasury Titles

Yesterday night I created a Treasury titled "Vintage + Modern = HAPPY". I think it's a title that gives a clue to what's in store, but leaves room for curiousity (and clicks).

It has received 13 individual views so far, half as much as some Treasuries the same "age". What is in a Treasury title that will make you click or pass?

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=114798

Etsy Treasuries

I am honored to be included in a Treasury featuring my favorite color - PURPLE.
Please take a look: Hurry! It will expire in two days.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=114718

My First Blog Follower

I am so excited to have my first blog follower!! This blog is a work in progress, and I hope to add new features as time goes on...Maybe even promotional giveaways - everyone likes free stuff!

I am currently in the process of designing bracelets to add to my Etsy shop, http://www.keikeaux.etsy.com. Stay tuned for more beautiful creations!

Selfless Giving for a Good Cause

I created a new listing in my Etsy shop that donates $5 to a home for pregnant women in need of support.

See it here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40195415

They really, really like me!

I couldn't help myself with the title. I just got great feedback from a few of my first customers on Etsy. It's so great to hear that people like my designs. One of the orders was based on a "blind purchase": I chose the materials and pattern. I'm happy that it was received well.

The Romantic In Me

I'm one of the "PDA OK" crowd. I like holding hands, receiving flowers and smooching. It's barely mid-January, and V Day is on my mind. I've already added red heart jewelry to my Etsy shop to get me in the mood. Yes, love is in the air.