tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40667637464074667992024-03-05T00:04:52.929-07:00Desert Shine JewelryLife in the desert...living sunnyside up.Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-61411534283429275762012-08-14T21:14:00.002-07:002012-08-14T21:21:02.258-07:00Try Something New This MonthOne of the things I learned from my show frenzy this past year is that it's easy to get stuck in a rut. I found myself making the same jewelry pieces in different variations rather than looking around to see what else I could create to keep my shop fresh and new. When we finished shows for the season, I went into a huge creative slump and couldn't think of anything new to make.<br />
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I specialize in wire wrapped and wire woven pieces. I love wire and working with metal. But I also love beads (who doesn't?) and decided that if I was ever going go get motivated again, I needed to learn some new techniques. I started with a beaded necklace that I saw in a magazine. Here's my version of that piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH83nvuFUkVtvDgVWM-gKbznCdE_UkUHD2TOVnhYoYQvBeqJGuO00_QeAcoyw3s3gzRSXgBU6rLEomO_jagdJsJHcn0ayh0cSGQNQty-V_6pkGNeRncIgDWJhB29mSS3AlSxKdGPJOXgd/s1600/Beaded+Cab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH83nvuFUkVtvDgVWM-gKbznCdE_UkUHD2TOVnhYoYQvBeqJGuO00_QeAcoyw3s3gzRSXgBU6rLEomO_jagdJsJHcn0ayh0cSGQNQty-V_6pkGNeRncIgDWJhB29mSS3AlSxKdGPJOXgd/s320/Beaded+Cab.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
I had so much fun doing this! It really started my creative juices flowing. A friend of mine had the cutest pair of earrings that she found in a local garage sale. So I decided to do a version of those next. Here they are.<br />
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<a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/5886120/il_570xN.364728119_1c58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Copper and Button Freeform Earrings" border="0" height="150" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/5886120/il_570xN.364728119_1c58.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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It's amazing how inspiration really jumps out and grabs you when you're trying new things! <br />
<br />We left Arizona in May and drove over to visit our Son in CA for a month. While we were there, we checked out an Arts and Crafts Fair in Livermore, CA. I met some incredible artisans there and decided to give PMC another try. I'd played around with it previously but really didn't get the concept. I tried making a PMC button and added it to a leather cord to make a bracelet. The picture is a little blurry, but you get the idea. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs56h4OqBg3kqrld6mrsFsAd4l-Ea3xssoBBBBQtAjMXiDqvH3lZsqNK9iSHvwDOA3kLP_MSpqAmBzdrIUyofdRv1Ar9NZS3Q1s2PpyXRIKoGXMby-njoapAawd9_QyDjp05IkwBeW5e1Q/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs56h4OqBg3kqrld6mrsFsAd4l-Ea3xssoBBBBQtAjMXiDqvH3lZsqNK9iSHvwDOA3kLP_MSpqAmBzdrIUyofdRv1Ar9NZS3Q1s2PpyXRIKoGXMby-njoapAawd9_QyDjp05IkwBeW5e1Q/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="238" /></a> When we arrived in WA at our Daughter's house in June, she had all of her scrapbooking supplies out. We started looking through them and I spotted a bin filled with brads and rivets of all sizes and colors! Before long, here's what happened!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ibS8e_JD_9_DLStL1ZZHSwo7QvKo0-R_FWAIzQkCKNfwM02Xl8rXLqNJ1CctXBMo6pnbcVTgonwWnjW2JanJ7e7tDJYBrBzmpLfUbHeWIFicQAPDcl1K5unJy85ZZg7kkgPObQ37kkqH/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ibS8e_JD_9_DLStL1ZZHSwo7QvKo0-R_FWAIzQkCKNfwM02Xl8rXLqNJ1CctXBMo6pnbcVTgonwWnjW2JanJ7e7tDJYBrBzmpLfUbHeWIFicQAPDcl1K5unJy85ZZg7kkgPObQ37kkqH/s200/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="186" /></a><br />
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It's so easy to get stuck and lose our inspiration. We feel comfortable with our niche and it's hard to branch out to try new things. But there is inspiration all around us and the rewards are so worth it! I challenge you all to try something new this month. <br />
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Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-80745825634951419122011-09-27T19:37:00.000-07:002011-09-27T19:37:26.567-07:00Rockin With FriendsThis summer, we spent some time with our long-time friends Gordie and Karen Eslava. Karen and Gordie are avid rock hunters and Gordie is a talented Northwest Lapidary. You can find his work at <a href="http://www.rareearthtreasures.etsy.com/">http://www.rareearthtreasures.etsy.com/</a>. <br />
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Gordie and Karen spend time with us in AZ every winter and we visit them in Washington State in the summer. We've shared lots of laughter and made so many memories throughout the years. They have a beautiful home on secluded acreage. Here's a picture of our RV camped there this summer.<br />
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My Husband John and Gordie have been friends since elementary school and whenever they get together, Karen and I are convinced that they forget how old they are and revert to their childhood. This summer, they spent much of their time playing horseshoes and lawn darts, but Gordie also taught John how to cut and polish cabochons.<br />
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Gordie has a great shop. You can see it in the background of the picture above. Gordie and Karen have spent years collecting beautiful rock specimens and you can see them displayed everywhere in the yard outside his shop. If he wants something new, all he has to do is go outside and choose a new rock to play with. How cool is that?<br />
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Here are some pictures of John learning to grind and polish the rocks. They started with a piece of Jasper.<br />
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Once he had the rock shaped, Gordie showed him how to polish it. Here is his finished cabochon. I think it looks great! Can't wait for him to do more. Good job, Babe!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NyHXKAqtVSK2utAvWJgE42oBDtREKNRi4c-NpzLSj-pCALSgcE5fufNXNUMSBOvHdymUGWRw3Rbk3KAUIsSH2IREApeG3qor-sQNIy76liq7pCl4-_vH8aPbd4KOjaLPvKeJVh51qkHC/s1600/100_7254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NyHXKAqtVSK2utAvWJgE42oBDtREKNRi4c-NpzLSj-pCALSgcE5fufNXNUMSBOvHdymUGWRw3Rbk3KAUIsSH2IREApeG3qor-sQNIy76liq7pCl4-_vH8aPbd4KOjaLPvKeJVh51qkHC/s320/100_7254.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-76098690529284802632011-08-16T22:33:00.000-07:002011-08-16T22:33:19.640-07:00Living in the DrivewayDid I mention that we're living in our RV in our Daughter's driveway right now? When we moved to AZ two years ago, we promised our Kids/Grandkids that we'd come up to visit in the summertime. Since temps can often run 115 degrees in the part of AZ where we live, it sounded like a good plan at the time. But I'm beginning to rethink that plan.<br />
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The first summer we arrived in Olympia a month behind our original plan (My Mom, who lives with us, fell and broke her hip that April). We were looking forward to spending a quiet summer at my Daughter's home, looking out at the forest across the street from her house. <br />
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I imagine the look on my face must have been priceless when we arrived to find all of the trees gone across the road and heard my Daughter announcing airily "Oh that. They're building a Win-Co over there." Our entire summer (Except when we went camping, which was often!) was spent listening to loaders and dump trucks and the never-ending beeping of large equipment backing up. They started every morning by 6am and often worked until dark. Geesh! To top it off, summer never did arrive in Washington last year. (If you live here, you know what I mean!)<br />
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So this year, we came a little later, thinking maybe summer would be better this year since we didn't have one last year. We parked in our usual spot next to our Daughter's driveway and settled in for a nice visit with our Grandkids. We went camping over Memorial Day weekend with our extended family, had a wonderful time. And the weather cooperated. Finally! A fun summer on the way for sure.<br />
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As we drove around the final corner to our Daughter's house after that camping trip, I noticed heavy equipment parked in a vacant lot. "Nah, couldn't be for anything around us," I thought. We parked the RV, put out our awning, watched our Grandson play baseball that night, came home and went to bed.<br />
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At 7am, the first generator started, startling me out of a sound sleep. Then a huge rumbling sound got louder and louder until it seemed to stop right outside our door. I got up and peeked out the window at the huge letters outside our windshield that said "Ditch Witch". This massive rumbling machine was attached to a truck that said "Directional Boring" on the side. John went outside to talk to the workers and found out that they are putting in all new gas lines along the street! They've been here now for the past 3 weeks.<br />
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I'm thinking now that the AZ summers may not be so bad... Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-5771612056299786262011-08-10T10:39:00.004-07:002011-08-10T10:55:31.160-07:00MEGA SALE - Promo Frenzy Team Great Deals!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>The Promo Frenzy Team is having a MEGA sale. You can find the participating shops here - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team/discuss/8773512/">http://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team/discuss/8773512/</a><br />
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Be sure and check out all of the shops listed. You'll find some great items there. Here are a few of my favorites!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img alt="6 Piece Silver Tulip with Golden Pearl Dangle Bead Drop Charm Set" height="133" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.262360163.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaughingPenguin"><img alt="MEGA Sale Grumpy Frog Bottle Cap Necklace (SB 007)" height="200" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.261778342.jpg" width="119" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCraftingPlace"><img alt="Scrap hair bow barrette - pastel" height="153" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.251353171.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-33351633965537118672011-07-27T09:48:00.000-07:002011-07-27T09:48:28.478-07:00Having Fun with In-Home Shows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG76iGv1J9MxdF9r1Nweupfa_DFfPNH4AUIkNSzDnDKskYi0R8ZiUJBuwr00NRAn6aR57i_4CcRmZMVwuEJ6qEPrmJxPyE3ddYv0jGEDaGFq1JwMohMBSFGg8_TWuadclp9bK24Tg61oH/s1600/100_6913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="210" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG76iGv1J9MxdF9r1Nweupfa_DFfPNH4AUIkNSzDnDKskYi0R8ZiUJBuwr00NRAn6aR57i_4CcRmZMVwuEJ6qEPrmJxPyE3ddYv0jGEDaGFq1JwMohMBSFGg8_TWuadclp9bK24Tg61oH/s320/100_6913.JPG" /></a></div><br />
While we're traveling this summer, I've been doing some in-home shows. I was surprised how many of my friends were willing to do a show for me. And I have to say, we've had so much fun! <br />
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The last one I did was hosted by my Daughter Carrie. (We're staying in her driveway in our RV right now.) She wrote up "Jewelry Open House" announcements and sent them to a few people that she doesn't see often, including a card in each that gave the person 10% off any purchases at the show. She posted on FB that she was hosting a show and giving people the opportunity to "See Lynne's latest designs before she leaves town". Then we turned her living room into a jewelry shop. I placed my tables around the perimeter of the room and set up shop just as if I was doing a booth at a craft show. <br />
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Carrie asked if I would be willing to do a door prize; of course I would! So she made up entry forms for each attendee to write their name, phone number, email and a box to check if they'd like to be notified of any specials I have in the future. <br />
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We had about 10 people come in and out that night and had a great time. Everyone loved being able to wander around the room (sometimes over and over) to look at everything. They especially loved the "10% off everything, tonight only" offer. We had refreshments, we laughed and talked about the items I've made, the origin of the stones I use and about the materials used in my jewelry. I had 9 sales and received 3 special orders that night totaling several hundred dollars.<br />
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One thing we didn't anticipate was how many people said they wished "my Mom" or "My friend" could see the jewelry. I overheard Carrie say "well, don't worry, because we're going to leave this all out for a few days; you can come back tomorrow and bring anyone you want." What a GREAT idea! I've had several other people stop by and buy since that night. I know that this idea isn't an option most of the time, but it started me thinking that maybe I should do the same thing at home once in a while. <br />
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If you're thinking of doing in-home shows, give it a try. You don't have to put everything on display and can make your show as small or large as you like. It takes some planning and is work, but it can really be fun.Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-86287772359793928622011-07-19T21:31:00.000-07:002011-07-19T21:31:54.994-07:00Traveling With Beads<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When we retired and moved to AZ, we promised the kids that we'd come back up to WA every summer. Okay, so that sounded easy. Until I decided to take my jewelrymaking seriously and start selling. Now, we have an RV full of beads, display items, wire, our show tent, tables.... My Hubby keeps reminding me that we have a weight limit. But I've discovered that it IS possible to carry around my supplies and inventory; and still have room for our clothes and food. THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION! (I'm yelling that because I have to constantly remind myself that I have to stay organized.)</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's so easy to spread out in an RV when you stay in one spot more than a few days. For instance, right now, I'm typing on my PC at the dining table. The computer takes up about 1/4 of the table. The rest of the space is covered in half-finished projects that I have to complete before Thursday night's in-home trunk show. Not so organized, huh? But the good news is that my inventory is organized in clear containers, clearly labeled. My beads are stored in drawers in a small metal cabinet with locking wheels that I picked up at Ikea. It's just the right size to fit at the end of our bed and has 6 drawers that are perfect for small containers of beads. My wire is neatly stored in one of those plastic accordian type file folders. I love that because I can label the different types of wire and keep them easily accessible.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>My wirework tools (torch and related fun stuff) have been banished from inside the RV. Hubby is afraid I'll catch us on fire....I only dropped a little piece of melted wire on the throw rung once! Geesh! The compromise is that I can easily set up a table outside - and he's put everything in a storage compartment that's right up front next to the door.<br />
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Pliers, nippers, and anything I use daily is stored in one of those stacking boxes with the handle on <br />
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Now...if I could just figure out what to do with this stuff on the dining room table!<br />
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</div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-44869046803374047772011-07-06T08:47:00.001-07:002011-07-06T09:28:07.492-07:00The Square - Check it out.<div><div>Do you have an Iphone, Ipad or Android phone? Check out the Square! This great little gadget allows you to take credit card payments. Signup is free and there are no monthly fees. There is a 2.75% transaction fee instead, which is much more feasable for those of us who have sporadic sales. It's a great little tool to have at shows.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You simply download the mobile app, complete the short signup process, link the square to your bank account and within a few days, you'll receive your square in the mail. It's only about an inch square (hence the name) and attaches to the top of your phone in the headphone jack.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's a link to find out more info.</div><br />
https://squareup.com/<br />
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</div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-62184450651484884652011-06-23T11:46:00.001-07:002011-06-23T12:55:43.014-07:00Top 10Hey, check out our Etsy Promo Frenzy Team's entrys in the Top 10 contest! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Handmadetop10 is having a contest for $450 dollars in ADVERTISING! Our team has entered and needs your votes!</span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="850" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.handmadetop10.com/Lists/BlogGetTop10.php?ListID=66ofba7g1" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Click here: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://handmadetop10.com/#/Lists/66ofba7g1" style="color: #0192b5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://handmadetop10.com/#</a> and then click on the Etsy Promo Frenzy team box about halfway down the page.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Be sure and vote for us. We'd love to win! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">You can vote multiple times every day. Invite all your friends to vote for our items! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-90453218954180677862011-06-14T12:51:00.001-07:002011-06-14T12:52:42.464-07:00Time FliesIt's been a while since I posted here. We've been so busy. Did 2 shows in March...a 10-day show and a 3-day show. Great response to both makes me rethink my plans about doing shows. I may try and do more this winter.<br />
<br />
In May, we left AZ and headed north to WA. We've been here for a couple of weeks now and I feel as if I've been flying around in a tornado. So many people to see. We went camping with family last weekend in Ilwaco and spent the day on the beach, playing with our youngest Grandchild. He's so cute!<br />
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I received an order to custom wire wrap 12 stones! That kept me busy, I'll tell ya... I finished the last one yesterday and got them all in the mail today. Now I need to get busy replenishing my inventory. I plan to do a 4 day show in July at Ocean Shores WA. Should be fun.Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-78258667974201363842011-02-26T09:44:00.002-07:002011-02-26T09:48:40.558-07:00Etsy Treasuries From Amazing ArtisansCheck out these wonderful treasuries created by some very talented Etsy artisans.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d690f8e9abc6d91c2624938/white-washed" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d690f8e9abc6d91c2624938/white-washed</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6844bd31b76d9100fe7a44/buzz-around" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6844bd31b76d9100fe7a44/buzz-around</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6817dc4d128eef145578ab/botanical-gardens" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d6817dc4d128eef145578ab/botanical-gardens</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d67fd5692b36d9129033d67/cede-mile-failte-romhat" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d67fd5692b36d9129033d67/cede-mile-failte-romhat</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d67dc91c4038eefdabf519d/waiting-for-a-peachy-spring-day" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d67dc91c4038eefdabf519d/waiting-for-a-peachy-spring-day</a><br />
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We work very hard on these, so if you would click on the items and leave comments for the curators, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks, LynneDesert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-8013596326692768942011-02-25T20:51:00.001-07:002011-02-25T21:10:50.000-07:00Doing Craft Shows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3RCLkCV3aEc-5HNqw6h1eg72GQJgg4YfwvNOrvC962pOcMCjFwOyz3xeblvlaXEAsUah3wHoVHNMWOfXNORffnT8m-Aw_9iDr0UDs3iuXYndXbY9MMwnWozq9D2AOeIM3c5sweS3gmLP/s1600/Copper+and+Suede+Cuff+Bracelet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3RCLkCV3aEc-5HNqw6h1eg72GQJgg4YfwvNOrvC962pOcMCjFwOyz3xeblvlaXEAsUah3wHoVHNMWOfXNORffnT8m-Aw_9iDr0UDs3iuXYndXbY9MMwnWozq9D2AOeIM3c5sweS3gmLP/s200/Copper+and+Suede+Cuff+Bracelet+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I'm trying to get ready for a 9 day craft show starting March 4th. It's a lot of work, but I like doing shows. You meet so many nice people and it's fun to show of your work in person. I love my Etsy shop, but have to say, I do miss the face-to-face contact. I love visiting with people, showing them a particular piece and explaining where the stone or beads came from. I enjoy hearing their stories and finding out where they live. Because we live in AZ, we meet a lot of people who are wintering here from other parts of the country.<br />
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I've spent the past week organizing my jewelry, creating last minute items and making changes to a few pieces I wasn't happy with. Organizing my bead boxes is kind of like finding Christmas presents that you forgot about. I even came across one piece that I forgot I still had. Guess I should take pics and list it, huh? One thing that always worries me about shows is "What if I sell something at a show and it also sells in my Etsy store?" Of course, the fact that it has never happened doesn't enter my mind; just the "what if?' I could put my shop on vacation, but that creates its own set of problems. So I've decided to print out my Etsy listed items, cross them off when they sell at the show and then deactivate them on my smartphone. Should work.<br />
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Setting up for a show always makes me nervous. Did I forget anything? Did I set up my displays to show my pieces in the best way possible? Will anyone stop by? Will they like my things? I wish my Daughter was here to help me. She just has a way with displays that I don't have. She's so creative and talented when it comes to decorating.<br />
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Okay, I'm rambling now and procrastinating. Time to get back to work!Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-13417290052904150572011-01-05T09:04:00.000-07:002011-01-05T09:04:31.518-07:00Valentines Day ListingsI've been listing some items for Valentines Day. What do you think?<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65138892/wire-wrapped-gold-valentine-angel">http://www.etsy.com/listing/65138892/wire-wrapped-gold-valentine-angel</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuKXfHfF5BsGVtfewM_Mjy4QKzZAaYxtDWXph4OYAxtnTiL0vWx-byP17-XzfQdBtIa3AVrLxoTXsKnSVqJT5vunKXCb2YE-sbBqgs-wvrtBqy1WH8cfbbxuisOoUDwN-Z_WaudofKCH7/s1600/Gold+Angel+Pendant+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuKXfHfF5BsGVtfewM_Mjy4QKzZAaYxtDWXph4OYAxtnTiL0vWx-byP17-XzfQdBtIa3AVrLxoTXsKnSVqJT5vunKXCb2YE-sbBqgs-wvrtBqy1WH8cfbbxuisOoUDwN-Z_WaudofKCH7/s320/Gold+Angel+Pendant+007.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-52471712084360331522011-01-05T08:28:00.000-07:002011-01-05T08:28:17.520-07:00Bead ShoppingI took my Mom up to Las Vegas yesterday to shop for craft supplies. We had a great time. Found a bead supply store that was huge. <br />
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I've been going through withdrawals ever since we moved here from Olympia. We lived right near Shipwreck Beads. If you've never heard of Shipwreck beads, they are the largest bead store in the world. They have a huge showroom (something like 8,000sq ft)! If you've never been there, or heard of them, check out their website at <a href="http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/">http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/</a>. <br />
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The first store we visited yesterday was the Gem and Bead Mall on Sunset, right across from the airport runway. The store is large, roughly half the size of Shipwreck Beads. They have lots of findings and some beautiful pearl and stone products. Their prices are good and they have a membership program. For $45, you get a one year membership (or 2 yrs if you live out of town). You get $30 off of your first purchase and a huge discount on products after that. If you do a lot of beading, this is a great deal. The only negative I found was that it was freezing in there. The young woman said that it is always cold in the winter and hot in the summer because they have trouble with the heating/cooling system. Since it is part of a huge warehouse complex, I can see why. Here is their website - <a href="http://www.gemandbeadmall.com/">http://www.gemandbeadmall.com/</a><br />
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The other place we went to was Hobby Lobby in Henderson. WOW! I'd never been to one before. We didn't have them in Washington. That place was amazing! They sold everything from home decor to scrapbooking to kids crafts. We spent a long time in there, just looking at everything. We found all of the items on our list (that we hadn't already bought at GBM) and never even went to Joann Crafts, even though we went to Henderson just to go to Joanns. <br />
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One of the negatives to moving where we are now is that there are no good craft stores nearby. I miss Shipwreck Beads and being able to run over to Joanns whenever I need that one finding or that special bead...sigh...Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-80656330349858051102010-12-24T21:37:00.001-07:002010-12-24T21:37:58.142-07:00Peace on EarthWishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Enjoy your family and friends tomorrow. LynneDesert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-2925403261717689292010-12-20T12:20:00.000-07:002010-12-20T12:20:12.429-07:00Change is good...isn't it?Today is one of those days when I struggle to remind myself why we moved away from our family and friends. I think it's probably because my family is all gathering for Christmas parties and cookie exchanges and we're not there to join the fun. I miss watching the Grandkids open their gifts and miss the smells of dinner preparations. I miss hearing the guys yelling at the missed plays on TV football games and seeing friends that we don't often see during the rest of the year.<br />
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BUT, and this is where I give myself a reality check. They're all stressed to the max trying to get everything done; they're madly cleaning house and putting out holiday silver and dishes; they're making sure they have enough chairs and tables for everyone. They're balancing their checkbooks, making sure they aren't overspending and worrying they'll forget someone. They're groaning at having to attend another work party with people they wouldn't necessarily associate with outside the workplace.<br />
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So, although I miss them terribly and could cry easily today, the rational part of me knows that I don't really want to be in the middle of the chaos. Working full time while trying to get everything done in time for Christmas wasn't fun, especially the last few years. I was tired all the time and couldn't wait for the time when I was living in sunny AZ and not having to do all that work. My shopping was done early and packages were shipped. I'm working on my new favorite piece of jewelry instead of worrying if I have enough plates for Christmas dinner. So the adjustment continues...Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-77749613901534563432010-12-17T11:33:00.000-07:002010-12-17T11:33:18.865-07:00New Etsy TreasuryCheck out this Etsy Treasury created by Meredith Dada at<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/meredithdada?ref=pr_shop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/meredithdada?ref=pr_shop</a>. She makes beautiful french beaded flowers and gifts. She has graciously included my Hammered Sterling Earrings in the treasury below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d0ba110239a6d91b0405b16/beads-and-wire?index=25">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d0ba110239a6d91b0405b16/beads-and-wire?index=25</a>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-49552277148101886762010-12-14T20:44:00.002-07:002010-12-17T08:04:55.258-07:00ReconnectingI reconnected with a friend last week. Carey is one of my Weight Watchers buddies. A couple of years ago we spent hours on the WW boards, comiserating on gains and cheering each other's losses. I haven't visited the boards for a long time and I'm so glad she found me again. She popped into my Etsy shop and went crazy, buying some of my favorite pieces (I know, I always say that. But they ARE!) and contacting me with a request.<br />
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Carey inherited a boatload of stones and cabochons that her Grandfather had spent years cutting and polishing into beautiful pieces. Carey asked me to wrap a few of them so she could give them to the Great Grandkids of her Grandfather. What a great idea! I felt very honored (and a little intimidated) to do it. Here are the results. Thanks for the great opportunity Carey and I'm glad we reconnected.<br />
<img alt="RESERVED - Vintage Wire Wrapped Marble Pendant" height="181" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.200895225.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="RESERVED - Copper Wire Wrapped Turquoise Pendant" height="186" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.200899439.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="RESERVED - Argentium Sterling Wire Wrapped Unakite Pendant" height="177" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.200901848.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<img alt="RESERVED - Gold Wire Wrapped Jade Pendant" height="176" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.200902843.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="HOLIDAY SALE RESERVED - Wire Wrapped Jade Pendant" height="200" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.201874108.jpg" width="182" /><img alt="RESERVED - Vintage Wire Wrapped Marble Pendant" height="179" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.200896486.jpg" width="200" />Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-74290166042657082522010-12-04T19:53:00.000-07:002010-12-04T19:53:15.046-07:0016th Annual Olde Fashioned Christmas<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Had a great time today at the show over in Needles. Met some awesome people and made some new friends. Sold some of my favorite pieces. I'm glad they're going to people who will enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY5f6MklCEEkHKWIhtfxGCPEJM1BM04U9JvbK50NvpE0NaJ81AJANBJ4bMkMYVGdZZFiCl-vSXQYRSk3yyx0lVrzwZ_O17hEsNYL-GkYqls9Cmlzca5vBui-DxqEfCYKkz0Z2klumWJ5L/s1600/Sterling+Wrapped+Bronzite+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY5f6MklCEEkHKWIhtfxGCPEJM1BM04U9JvbK50NvpE0NaJ81AJANBJ4bMkMYVGdZZFiCl-vSXQYRSk3yyx0lVrzwZ_O17hEsNYL-GkYqls9Cmlzca5vBui-DxqEfCYKkz0Z2klumWJ5L/s200/Sterling+Wrapped+Bronzite+023.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-40618035075167464292010-12-03T15:50:00.000-07:002010-12-03T15:50:06.710-07:00Contest Coming Soon!!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned. I'll be having a contest soon. You could win this necklace & earring set or one of my other pieces! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.154114820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.154114820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-27941098882408956602010-12-02T20:08:00.000-07:002010-12-02T20:08:02.676-07:00Organizing for Craft ShowsOkay, so I'm doing a craft show this weekend. I never think I have much inventory until I start packing it all up. Geesh!!! There must be a better way to organize all of my jewelry. I did read somewhere that a good way to pack display items is to leave them on the display and wrap them with that plastic shrink wrap like you'd use for your furniture when you move. <br />
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Any other ideas?Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066763746407466799.post-56286590083496284332010-11-21T21:33:00.000-07:002010-11-21T21:33:30.190-07:00On Being Far AwayA year ago, we moved from Washington State to Arizona. We had planned for it, dreamed about it, talked it to death for years. Most of the time, we feel as if it was the best decision we ever made. But there are times we question the wisdom of our decision. Like yesterday.<br />
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My Daughter called to say she was taking our 13 year old Grandson to urgent care because he was in terrible pain with a stomach ache. Since he's a tough kid, just the fact that he was doubled over and gasping, was reason enough to take him in. Within hours, he was in surgery to have his appendix removed. Luckily, it hadn't burst and he's home again tonight, eating his favorite mac and cheese, but for Papa and I, the harsh reality that we are 3 states away, hit hard . We wanted to rush to help, but we're so far away that it wasn't reasonable to jump in the car and head out.<br />
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I still believe that moving here was the best thing for us...but it isn't always easy.Desert Shine Jewelryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02775956094226634784noreply@blogger.com0