What a nice way to start off the week- this and the end of the torrential rains. My Flutter necklace included in this charming treasury. I love the Dalmation photograph- a portion of the proceeds goes to animal rescue, a cause near and dear to my heart. So click away!
Check out this great shop local story on etsy featuring many BEST members! I couldn't get it together to get my photo in- ironic since I USED to be a photographer! But I am so proud of my fellow members and my city. Check it out at : http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/gift-ideas-shop-local-baltimore...
That handsome and brave guy surrounded by those foxy crafty ladies is Etsy's very own V.P., Matt! He was in Charm City on Friday and met up with us at Rocket to Venus for drinks and some crafty talk. So Whitney guessed right and wins $5 off any item in my shop, good till Jan. 1st 2009. Whitney, email me and I will give you the "code" to use. Thanks!
Check out this lovely treasury created by BEST member Jen Menkhaus!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=45921
Thanks!
I am in the process of re-assessing my pricing structure, and it's hard. Help! I need some feedback here.... I have been charging $40 for the medium size pendants below. But, I have recently been using more layers of colors, which means more firing in the kiln. I think a lot of people might not really know how time consuming enameling can be. You have to prepare the metal, I do 2 fires of counter enamel (the layered glass on the back), then 2 layers of the base color. Then each color of the image requires a separate firing. Granted, the piece is only in the kiln appx. 2 mins each time, but they have to gradually cool from 1500 degrees between each fire which takes a while, and not to mention waiting for the kiln to heat back up to the right temperature in between each fire. Then there is sanding, smoothing and polishing of the edges, and finally making the cord or chain.
I am not complaining, I love enameling, but I am wondering if I am not short changing myself here? The cost of copper and silver has gone up, not to mention the additional energy usage of my kiln factored in. When I initially started selling my pendants on etsy, there were only a few other artists working with enamel, so I wanted to keep my pricing competitive. $40-45 seemed to be the going rate, but now I am not so sure. A co-worker just today said I was way under charging for pieces like the one below. I have this piece listed at $50, but am thinking that's a steal! It's a larger pendant, 2" in diameter, and has layered colors. Plus I have now been offering the larger pendants on sterling chain, which is an additional cost to me. 
I do think I should charge more, but how much more? I have several large shows coming up this summer and I have always found my work sells better in person. So I would like to re-vamp my pricing structure before then. It's tough, because I really think a lot of artists on etsy drastically under charge themselves, but those are the ones with the huge sale totals. I want to stay competitive, but I definitely don't want to charge one price on etsy, and then another at shows. So what's a gal to do? Any thoughts??
I've been meaning to post about these awesome turntable covers that I commissioned for my husband for xmas, but somehow time got a way from me. So I figured I'd re-instate the Friday Etsy Finds post with some DJ inspired items. Enjoy and happy weekend!
Turntable covers by Me and My Machine. I asked her to make 2, the second one we came up with a special design of a pair of headphones on the table. These are awesome!
Turntable ipod case by Quiet Doing.
Headphones silk screened tee by Coolest Tees.
Turntable silk screened tea towel by i love pink dots.
And for the babies... "Punk rock baby set" by low lee pop.
Next Friday January 18th is my one year anniversary on etsy! To celebrate I'll be offering a different piece of my jewelry each day on sale for %30 off. It will start on Monday Jan. 14th through the 18th, and I'll be featuring a different piece each day. So check the shop daily to see if your favorite is on sale! If the initial sale item is sold, I'll choose another that day, so keep checking back! Thanks to all my customers and friends for their love and support this past year. Cheers!
Psssst! Check out this chickadees blog! There is a profile about me- Dandelion Blu- today!
blushing!!!!
"Bamboo" Enamel on copper
"Graffiti Cutouts" enamel on copper
"Grafftit Teardrop" enaeml on copper
"Queen Anne's Lace" Enamel on copper
"Spring Oak Leaf Choker" enamel on copper, sterling silver chain
No real "theme" here, just a few of my current faves!
Tiny gardens by Green Ware Design. The pot is hand made and then filled with beautiful succulents.
Steel ornaments by Megan Auman Home, I'd hang this all year!
Letter press hedgehog greeting cards by Papered Together.
Silk screened "Fy" hoodie by Circular Accessories.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!
That's me wearing my new Julie Lake necklace as we headed out for an amazing birthday dinner. It's my favorite new piece, welded stainless steel. My husband rocks! Maybe he'll get me the earrings for Xmas......
Take the Handmade Holiday Pledge! I did! Support artists and their blood, sweat, tears, and immensely creative talents buy shopping indie designers, artists, crafters, etsy, etc. And just think, those hand stitched, organic cotton plushy toys won't be on the latest recall list....
Commenter #3!!!!! I know, Iknow, I said I'd post on Friday who the randomly chosen person was.... but the birthday festivities began a little early Thursday evening and, ummmm, I forgot!! So commentor #3 won a pair of my "Tiny Disco" earrings as well as a special surprise of a pair of nesting hair pins- all because I tumbled "over the hill" so to speak.
I can't wait to post a pic of the lovely necklace my husband got me, created by one of my favorite artists, Julie Lake. I am also a proud new owner of a torch- what 30 year old gal doesn't want a blow torch for her birthday! Can't wait to get it set up and light something on fire! Watch out now!
Sweet Chardonay Soap by Bohemian House
Wine journal by Bonefolder
Wine glass print by Jadelaine
Wine rack by Anthony David Oliver
Wine stoppers by Rhythm of Color
Hmmmmm, wonder what I am thinking about??? Happy Hour anyone????
Some new enameled earrings, I call "Teensies" Kiln fired enamel on copper with sterling ear wires. The enamel pieces are appx. the size of a nickel. They'll be in my shop soon!
August Earrings, gold fill wire and vintage beads
Graffiti Brooch, kiln fired enamel on copper
Blossom Hair pins, vinatge brass and vinatge beads
Sprouted Necklace, hand sawed sterling silver
Oak Leaf Brooch, kiln fired enamel on copper
Finally able to get a few items posted in my shop! It was looking pretty lonely!
