Scavenger Hunt.......

EDITED POST: Since we haven't had any winners yet, I'm updating the clues. See below!!

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Before I get to the scavenger hunt, let me just tell you that all the new pieces - with the exception of the series yet to be named - have been listed in my 1000Markets shop so discounts are available there, as well. Now............

I promised games so here we go!! We're gonna have a scavenger hunt with a bit of a twist. Here's what you need to know:

1. All of the items to be found are located in my Etsy shop but you'll have to search the listings!
2. You'll be looking for pictures of the items to be found.
3. Once you've found all the pictures, convo me via etsy or send me an email via my blog with the locations of the items (Don't post your answers in the comments - you may give something away!)
4. The first one to locate all the items correctly will win a piece of their choice in the color of their choice from the Couleurs Collection.

Here's the caveat: I've selected a few lines of poetry which contain the clue ;-) For example: roses are red, violets are blue..........you might be looking for a rose, you might be looking for a violet. Get it? The clue will always be a noun. And here's another hint: once you've figured out the clue, it will be hidden within a listing of a 'relevant' piece! So here are your clues:

1. How, from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks, Rowling on orient pearl and sands of gold….

2. The city and the sea, And momentarily, The breezes playing with the sunlit dust, On either slope a silence fell.

3. 'Twas my custom to stroll by a clear winding stream, With my boots full of dew from the lush meadow green.....

4. Something spontaneous, fluid: see the hand's unintended imprint on the shore, fireworks dissolving into the black sky....

5. O when her life was yet in bud, He too foretold the perfect rose.


5 items for 5 series! A free set of stacking rings is open to the next 4 purchasers of items from the new line. And don't forget: 10% off any other items in either shop - etsy or 1000markets - using code VLAUNCH. Lastly, the "Name that Series" game is still going on and the ideas so far are awesome! It'll be tough to pick a winner!

Now get to searchin!

Name that Series...........

Time for a contest! You know I'm big on naming my pieces. Each the series in the Couleurs Collection has been named:

"Wanting" - a synonym for incomplete

"Vessel" - according to Webster, a container for holding something and a person into whom some quality is infused

"Held" - this piece brings to mind a mother and the security of being enveloped in love

"Measured" - I've been doing a lot of thinking about who I am and who I want to be; do I 'measure up' to my expectations

The last series, done in rose, hasn't been named yet. So here's the contest - submit your names for this series in the comments section. The person respobsible for the name chosen will receive FREE a piece from that series - either the necklace or the ring - in their choice of color.

Let the games begin!! And don't forget - we're down to the next 4 purchasers of the new collection who will receive a FREE SET OF SILVER STACKING RINGS and metion the code VLAUNCH to receive a 10% discount off any item other than the Couleurs Collection.

Edited to add: FORGOT TO MENTION: Name suggestions shouldn't be color specific since each piece is available in each color! Sorry!!

Let the launch begin!!!

A bit late and I do apologize..........a bit of a rough start today but it's only going to get better!!

Bonhomie Couleurs debuts in my etsy shop, available now and available shortly in my 1000Markets shop!

Now lets get started with the festivities!! The first five purchasers of Bonhomie Couleurs pieces will receive a FREE SET OF FINE SILVER STACKING RINGS!!! And......

Good for today only, receive 10% OFF any other item in my shop by using code VLAUNCH. Just enter that code when you check out and the 10% will be refunded to you.

These offers are good in either shop. Throughout the day, I'll be posting more games and opportunities to save here on my blog so keep checking!! Follow me on Twitter for updates or become a fan on my Facebook page.

Let me know what you think of the new line! Happy, happy day!

Color countdown..........

Two days left until the Virtual Launch Party!! I'm excited and a bit nervous.........obviously I really like this new line and I want it to be a success but even more than sales, I'm hoping for positive feedback. Please like me! ;-)

So we already know that my new line is comprised of enameled jewelry and it's entitled "Bonhomie Couleurs" so maybe you're wondering what colors I'll be using?? (Or maybe you haven't given it any thought at all. Who knows. Let's just pretend you've been on the edge of your seat in anticipation!!) Working with metal doesn't provide much opportunity for color unless stones are your thing and I haven't done much with stones thus far. Because of that, I really wanted these colors to pop, ya know? To alleve your curiosity, I took a pic of my color samples:

What do you think? Bold, bright.........do you have a favorite?

Learning experience...

I'm so excited! Ya know what it's like when things just come together? I've had quite a bit of time at the bench this week so I've been working on designs for the Virtual Launch Party and also some stock for Brazen Betties.

I really enjoy my time at the bench - I find creating and working with metal relaxing. Especially the finishing process. I've been making jewelry just over a year now and it's amazing how much I've learned and to see how my skills have improved over this period of time!

For instance, speaking of finishing, when I first began crafting my idea of 'finishing' was hitting it with the polishing cloths. Now, thanks in part to my hubby, I wouldn't dream of letting a piece out the door without starting with my rotary polishing bits (varying grits) and then using my 3M radial bristle disks - I love those things!!! I still plan to purchase a tumbler - more so for the purpose of work hardening pieces like earrings - but right now I have the time to enjoy this processes.

And my handcrafted bezels have gotten SOOOO much better! We all know that I'm 'sawing impaired' (nope, still haven't mastered the jewelers saw!) but thanks to my punch & die set and my rotary sanding discs I can turn out a decent, bezel set ring!

Hmmm....I'm noticing a possible rotary tool dependency...oh well! I'm a power tool kinda gal, I guess!

Okay, time to get back to the bench. Don't forget - "Bonhomie Couleurs" debuts on Tuesday, June 30th!

Mark your calendars.........

It's official! I've set the virtual launch party for Tuesday, June 30th to debut "Bonhomie Couleurs"!!! I'm really excited! The line is coming along well - I had all afternoon yesterday to work at the bench - and I've been planning some 'events' for the party: games, contests and give-aways!

The launch party will happen from 8am to 8pm EST. Anyone can pop in at my blog any time that day to join me in the celebration. The line will be available in both my etsy shop and my 1000markets shop. Spread the word!!!

Virtual Launch Party??

I'm taking a breather and hangin' out with the little man in the back yard. I've finally taken a moment to tend my gardens - sort of. I dead-headed some roses but couldn't bring myself to do any weeding ;-) This rose is one of my favorites. Picture's a little blurry but you get the idea. The color gradient is just beautiful!

Which got me thinking about my new line "Bonhomie Couleurs"........ I did manage to work on one other ring design and I've got a few other ideas in mind. I'm really happy with the idea of this line....I think I've really captured 'me' and my style. I want to do something special so I'm thinking about a virtual launch party. I'd like to choose a date toward the end of the month - I'll have to take a look at my schedule - and launch all the items in the line simultaneously on etsy and 1000markets. I'll set up an event on facebook and myspace and have some specials available to the launch party attendees. What do you think? What would you like to see at a virtual launch party? Any tips, tricks or suggestions? I'm open to all - I'd like to make this spectacular!

The Temple.......

My newest listing on Etsy........Sterling Silver & Freshwater Pearl Temple Pendant. In my descriptions, I'm trying to do a better job of sharing the story behind the name. I created this pendant yesterday afternoon, after a particularly thought-provoking church service. Actually, I was working on a pair of the Molten Bar & Pearl Earrings for Brazen Betties and as I was polishing them, this idea for a pendant came to me.

The Temple is only a building. A building of significance but still, only a building. The real importance lies in what comes out of that building and what it holds dear. A Temple holds dear the word of God and teaches the word of God to those who enter. Those who enter come out again stronger and more faithful for those teachings. No matter the condition of the building, if it is serving it's purpose, it will contain a gift greater than the most precious jewel.

Odds n' ends....

I'm still working on filling a few orders so I haven't had a chance to do any more work on my new line. I realize that this isn't nearly as exciting but I have run across a couple things of interest over the past few days so I'll share them with you. Warning: if you're more organized and on top of things than I am (and who isn't??) this will probably be old news for you!!

Twitterers....find out who's not following back FriendorFollow.com. No sign up required, just enter your twitter user name.

Did you know that Craftopolis has added Treasury countdown clocks? Still hasn't helped me snag a treasury but at least all that counting and adding is out of the picture!!

I just got my first international sale on etsy (woo hoo!!) so I found this etsy thread pretty useful. I've been shipping all of my packages USPS Priority flat rate and utilizing the postal pick up service but that's not going to work for international packages. I think it's about time for me to get an inexpensive postage scale. At least this way I can still handle my postage online and just drop off at the post office. Thoughts? Anybody have an easier solution?

What's goin' on..........

Here's some big news (for me, anyway!!) Leah Michon of Michon Jewelery, a fabulous jewelry designer and mom extrodinaire has featured me in an interview! You can read it over at her blog. Make sure you check out the rest of her blog - she's got fabulous tips on everything from 'green' jewelry fabrication to photography tips! Thanks so much, Leah!

In other news, I found out yesterday that I'm in five, yes FIVE etsy treasuries at the same time!!! Catch them quick before they expire!

Ring, Ring! Who's There? by Maison Milli
Travels with a Starving Artist by Pixes Treasure Chest
Frosted Pecan by Artistry by Ramona
Spruce Up by Noah's Ark Collection
bubblicious by Michon

Thank you all for including me!! The generosity and support from etsian artists is wonderful! The treasuries are awesome and also be sure to check out the curator's shops - beautiful work!

Faith in times of trouble - Sunday Contemplation

I watched "Titanic" again last night. Have you seen it? (who hasn't?!?!?) I couldn't imagine the thoughts going through the minds of the passengers and I pray to God I'll never have to experience that kind of terror first hand. It always brings a tear to my eye when the quartet begins to play "Nearer My God to Thee". A testiment to lasting, enduring faith in God. It brings to mind one of my favorite songs by Natalie Grant - "Our Hope Endures"




The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

Launch Party

"Loveli Marie," a clothing line by Connecticut locals Jessica Prouloux and Kali Schenkman debuts today at Brazen Betties, 95 Main Street, Torrington CT. "Loveli Marie" represents the journey to achieve your personal best; through creativity, determination and optimism.

Expect Music, Models, Food, Drink and Fashion! You'll also have a chance to meet other 'Brazen Betties' designers.

Saturday, June 6th

2-6pm

Twitter.......

The other day, I mentioned promotions. Do you Twitter? Are you following me? I've decided to have an impromptu weekend sale but only my Twitter followers can participate! The sale begins today and will last through Sunday, June 7th.

Start following me on twitter to get the secret check-out code!

"Blue Moon......."

Highlights from the Starving Artists Etsy Team

Facebook Business Page

Promotion, promotion, promotion............it's a lotta work!! I've had a Facebook Business Page for sometime now but it's kinda just been sitting there. Yesterday, I happened to read this Etsy Success digest and decided it deserves a bit more attention.

I really believe in rewarding those who do the work. Following a blog, reading updates on Facebook............I consider that work. Afterall, everyone's busy...........it's hard enough keeping up with your own stuff, let alone someone else! That being said, I'm going to make it a point to have special offers for my blog readers, special offers for my Facebook fans........and anything else I can think of! So work with me here.........check out my Bonhomie on Facebook and 'fan me'! You won't be sorry!!

Oh, and here's a little tip - you might have noticed that the address for my Facebook Business Page is not obnoxiously long with strange characters (http://artist.to/bonhomiejewelry). I used Memorable Address to create a personalized address. Works for personal pages, too!

Sneak Peek - Bonhomie Couleurs

Here's what I've been up to.....enameling! Not a great photo but you get the idea. I'm REALLY enjoying this medium. I like the organic feel and since I'm enameling over copper, supply cost is reasonable and I can play as much as I want!!

I've decided to call this line "Bonhomie Couleurs" and I'm still working on other design/color combinations. I also have in mind to make a bit more of a statement with this particular pendant - perhaps a bold, oxidized copper chain. Right now it's hanging on a rubber cord. As with all of my items, this line can be customized to suit your color/shape preference.


So, you saw it here first!! I've got some orders to fill and some other non-jewelry projects to take care of but you should see the first listings of Bonhomie Couleurs in my shops by next week sometime. If you don't, get on me about it!! Please let me know what you think - comments always welcome!!