just a quick note....

hey, y’all!

lately, i’ve really begun missing metalwork. don’t get me wrong. i LOVE creating my charms. but there’s just something about that smooth metal….cutting, bending, shaping and joining pieces that, separately, don’t look like much but together create a beautiful piece of jewelry!

so i’ve added back into my etsy shop some pieces you haven’t seen in a little while.

the molten bar earrings, the stacking pebbles ring and the silver cup ring.....

plus more! so go take a look – maybe you’ll find something that lets you cross just one more name off your list :-)

very belated thanks :: {etsy treasuries}

despite my neglect of my etsy shop (and everything else jewelry related!) as of late, i was blessedly not forgotten! i’d like to offer some belated appreciation to the curators of some etsy treasuries in which i was included:

leaning on faith (just yesterday, actually)

greenness

lemon-y lime-y goodness

moss, hummus, ivy

romance with a tree

indoor garden, outdoor office

and i’ve just curated my own treasury: “go tell it on the mountain”……

showcasing all the ways to show your love of the Lord! it’s just awesome to see so many artists proclaiming their faith :-)

etsy front page!

so, remember i mentioned this ring had been featured in several treasuries?? well, one of them made it to the front page! congrats to the curator, kara compliment designs!

click here to see the treasury in all it’s glory ;-)

thoughts of spring…

this ring is currently featured in 17 etsy treasuries!! wow! i feel really honored to be included – it’s such an awesome feeling to know that others enjoy what you’re doing, ya know? so i started to wonder “why this ring”? i don’t know what’s going on in your neck of the woods but this winter has been BRUTAL over here. a record amount of snow, roofs collapsing because of the weight, snow day after snow day after snow day…… (today’s another one, in fact!). i think everyone’s thoughts are turning to spring and rightly so!!

so what says ‘spring’ to you? is it a color? a scent? let’s share some happy thoughts about warmer times to come!

Etsy Holiday Boot Camp

i thought i’d share with you a bit of week 5 – we’re already up to week 7 but i’m all over it, i swear!! anyway, week 5 FINALLY forced encouraged me to take a look at my camera settings in hopes of taking photos with at least some marginal improvement. guess what?? it worked! sorta. i can’t really show you since i was taking photos for the custom charm website but trust me, there was a whole lot less editing involved.

but here’s what i can show you……i was inspired by some before & after pics by some etsy veterans. since all of my pieces are made to order, i really don’t have much inventory hanging around waiting for photo retakes but i headed over to picnik to see if i’d really done all i could do. and then found out that i didn’t. here’s the before photo:

 

 

i just love this set. especially the way the light radiates through the dichroic glass stones – they almost twinkle! but this photo certainly doesn’t do a good job showing the radiance (and this was the best of the bunch!)

 

 

so here’s the same photo after some additional editing:

 

much better, right? no, it’s not perfect but at least you can tell what color the stones are! i plan to run the rest of my photos thru picnik – again, i realize that they still won’t be the best they can be but at least i won’t have to hang my head shamefully when admitting that i took the photos.

 

 

 

i was also very inspired with the write-up on staging your photos – i’m going to try to get back to that and i’m also considering using some live models…not sure who (or when, for that matter!!) but it’s definitely on my to-do list!

and in other news, today is the last day to enter my giveaway!! wanna win a custom, personalized “over the moon” charm? then head here to enter!

Etsy Holiday Bootcamp update & a surprise!!

it's been a while since i've posted on my bootcamp progress and for that i apologize.... rest assured, i haven't given up! so here's what's been goin' on:

first and foremost, i found a buddy!! NSPottery. she's an awesomely talented potter who creates beautiful, timeless pieces for your home AND jewelry (and you know i like that!!!)

you already know that i've been working on getting new items into my shop. with respect to the goals i'd set, i've secured one advertising opportunity and i think i may have another; the website has launched (yay!!! and that's part of the surprise!!); last week i was able to do 3 days at the bench - this week is looking good, too; and i still need to contact two brick & mortars but my bonhomie jewelry trunkt wholesale site is updated and ready to go! (didn't know i had one of those, did ya??)

so. one of our exercises was to determine 3 lists of keywords. words to describe our buyers, our style and our "key brand values" - our values as an artist and as a business owner. so here goes:

buyer: female, late teens to early 40s (yes, i know that's not one 'word'), individual, independant, strong, artistic, modern

style: bold, unique, comfortable, approachable, funky, modern, hip, wearable (is that a word??), well-made, durable

values: dependable, long-lasting, inventive, brave, reliable, worthy

what do you think? accurate? have i missed anything? (i'm sure i have!)

there are still items on the holiday bootcamp 'to do' list that i've yet to cross off - a bit of reading, especially on the bane of my existence photography tips so i'll keep you posted.

and now the surprise...........in honor of the launch of the new and improved bonhomie charms site (have you seen it yet? no?!?!? well, go look!!) i've decided to do a giveaway!! just in time for the holidays - though some of you have already finished your shopping. that's just not right! - i'll be giving away a bonhomie charm, newly designed and scheduled to debut friday. with it's debut, i'll officially announce the giveaway and all the particulars so be sure to check back!

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp - Week 2 Tasks

I didn't have a chance to post last week's Holiday Boot Camp progress so here it is today!

Last week's assignment:

• list my most popular items


• brainstorm new pieces to be offered this season


• find a Boot Camp buddy

and for extra credit: according to Google Analytics, note which items have the most page views and lowest bounce rates.

I'm still working on finding a Boot Camp buddy (anyone interested?) but I've got the request out there! And on to the numbers.............

According to Etsy Hearts (which are difficult to track because they disappear when the item sells - huge bummer), my most popular item is my Vessel Pendant from the Couleurs collection with 28 Hearts. I've got a three-way tie for second place with 16 Hearts each: Unbroken Enamel Ring and the Vessel Ring (same collection) and my Dichro Stacking Rings.

According to my sales, my rings are my most popular seller - earrings and necklaces don't even come close! The ring I've sold most often is my Wanting Rings (10 sales) and next in line is my Copper Double Spinner Ring (8 sales). Third place goes to three of my rings: the Vessel Ring, the Copper Single Spinner Ring, and the Twisted Monogram Ring, at 7 sales each.

And Google Analytics says: the Vessel Ring has had 841 page views with a bounce rate of 48.69%.

So what does all this mean?? Ummm..........I'm not really certain. No, actually - rings are my biggest attractors, especially the Spinner Rings and the Coleurs line.

Perhaps I should create a few new Spinner designs and I actually have in mind a new enamel design...........

What do you think? Am I on the right track? Fellow Boot Campers, did you learn anything unexpected by looking at your numbers?

pretend it's Monday..........

yes, i know. no one wants to actually pretend it's monday. but I'm late. so just go along with it, k?








this week's "featured items" are up and ready to go in my etsy shop!! purchase either of the "featured items" (or all, if you'd like - i certainly won't stop you!!) and receive a 10% discount, refunded via paypal. just enter code BJBLOG!

and................you might notice a special little pretty over on my sidebar??? yup, i've done it! i'll be participating in Gussy's Holiday Gift Guide!! view the gift guide november 1st thru the 3rd to get a jump on your holiday shopping - chock full of handmade goodness! (here's a two-fer for me: i get to participate in a super-cool holiday gift guide AND participate in a "high-visibility advertising opportunity". half a check for me - woo hoo!)

i have a sister who's holiday shopping is always completed well before thanksgiving. i would love, love, love to be that organized but christmas shopping in the summer just doesn't seem to work for me.

how do you shop for the holidays?

Etsy Success Holiday Bootcamp - Mission Statement

Here's the promised Mission Statement for the Etsy Success Holiday Bootcamp! To be perfectly honest, I'm not certain that this is a "mission statement" but it reflects my overall goals so here-goes:

Bonhomie Jewelry is committed to providing high-quality, hand-crafted, unique, fun and funky jewelry to its customers. Bonhomie Jewelry will increase it's charitable activities, through the holiday season and beyond, and will strive to provide excellent customer service.

Hmmm............seems kind of bland. I've never been a fan of mission statements because I've never really understood them. My bad. So how 'bout some specific goals:

1. Regular, relevant blog posting

2. locate & participate in at least two high-visibility advertising opportunities no later than November 1

3. launch the new Bonhomie Charms line and new website no later than Oct 30

4. post no less than 10 new items to my Etsy shop between now and Oct 30

5. solicit at least 2 new brick & mortar locales for wholesale opportunities

6. spend no less then 3 mornings per week at the bench


Am I being too ambitious? What are your goals?


Tasks to focus on between now and the next posting:

Make a list of my most popular items
Brainstorm new work to offer this season
Find a "Boot Camp buddy"

Thirsty Thursday

It's that time again!* Wow, this week really flew by! Okay, time to be social ;-) Here are a few of the blogs that caught my eye this week:

Lisa over at noodleBubble is a uk crafter, reader and a very clever girl! Stop by, say hello and enjoy ;-) I liked the Retro Housewife. Usually I try to stay away from "giveaway" sites but she's more than that. (though her giveaways look pretty cool - not the standard fare) What really didit for me is that she made me laugh. Outloud. That doesn't happen often!

I arrived at the party sorta early (#48) so there weren't a lot of sites to choose from (and I have to go pick up the little man!) Hop over and see what you can find! Maybe you'd like to share your finds with me??

Reminder: 10% OFF the "Featured Items" in my shop - just enter the code BJBLOG. And tomorrow we'll take the next step in the Etsy Holiday Bootcamp.

*quick note about my approach to memes - I'm really not a fan of those who stop by and just say "follow me!!". If you truely like my blog and what I have to say then I would expect a comment relevant to something I've posted - that's what I do when I visit these blogs - if they're my 'style'. I'm not in this for the numbers; I'm looking to increase my meaningful interactions, meet some new bloggers and learn something new.

New listing (finally!!)

Lawdy, lawdy..........how long's it been since I listed something new??? Seems like for.ev.er but the wait is over!!

I've been spending so much time on the new website and charm redesigns that I'd completely forgotten about my time I spent contemplating different methods of forging and manipulating metal. (here's a funny.....just went looking for the post I wrote re these pieces and found I'D NEVER POSTED IT!! it was still in draft format - sheesh!) So anyway........

Here's the Twisted Copper series. The first listed is the Twisted Copper Ring. I'll list the necklace and the earrings shortly. And remind me - I have other forged and manipulated metal pieces to list later on!

Featured Items and Holiday Bootcamp

So here are Monday's new featured items from my Etsy shop! Some whimsical, warm copper! Include the code BJBLOG in the 'notes to seller' when you check out and your 10% discount will be refunded to you via PayPal.

And now on to the Etsy Success Holiday Bootcamp! (holiday?!?! oh, no - not yet! oh, YES!) Each holiday season I have is better than the last but last year, I wasn't ready. I plan to be prepared this year!! So I'll start off with the pledge.............

I, Kirstie - Bonhomie Jewelry, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

I'm hoping to document my bootcamp progress on the blog - the next step will be my mission statement!

New features & sneak peek...............

This week's featured items: my Spinner Rings! (and probably my most popular items). Enter code BJBLOG for a 10% discount on either of the Featured Items (discount to be refunded via PayPal)

In other news, if you aren't a fan of my Facebook Page and you don't follow me on Twitter, you missed yesterday's sneak peek:

My new "Sentiments" Collection! Rustic, silver nuggets paired with a fresh water pearl. "Sentiments" will be available on the new website. Faith, Hope, Love, Dream, Believe, Peace, Truth.....what do you have to say?

New website progress....

So, I mentioned that I'm working on a new design of my Bonhomie Charms website as well as new designs for my charms. Here's my progress - difficult to compare because I can't show you the 'product page' - I need to make the charms so I can take the pictures (!!!) - but how do you feel about the overall design? I wanted something cleaner, a bit more sophisticated but still kinda funky, ya know??

CURRENT SITE:

NEW SITE:

So, am I succeeding? Any comments, tips, suggestions? Also, my plan was to use a paypal shopping cart but I'm wondering if I should look into another shopping cart service?

Also, don't forget: 10% DISCOUNT on my Etsy Featured items! Blog readers, just enter "BJBLOG" in the notes to seller and the difference will be refunded to you via paypal!

New promotion: 10% OFF Etsy Featured Items

Actually, I've been wanting to do this for some time - it just seems to make sense. Otherwise, what's the point of "featured items"??

So here's how it's gonna work: Facebook Fans, Twitter followers and Blog readers will be eligible for 10% OFF the purchase of any of my featured items in my Etsy shop. The respective codes will be listed on my facebook page, my blog and will be tweeted. My plan is to change the featured items weekly.

For my blog readers: BJBLOG. Just enter that code at check-out and the 10% will be refunded to you via PayPal. If you prefer to use a payment other than PayPal, just convo me prior to purchase and I'll create a new listing for you. Simple!

Weekend Deal: FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

I'm participating in my first "Weekend Deal" over at Etsy! For those of you unaware, every weekend Etsy pulls together various shops to participate in the current weekend deal - buy one, get one; free shipping; discounts, etc. (To find out which deals will be running and when, go to the forums and search "weekend deals". Etsy sponsored deals will be posted by MaryMary, the admin)

This weekend, I'll be offering free worldwide shipping for all items in my shop. The deal begins on Friday, October 9th and runs through Sunday, October 11th. When you check out, just enter "WEEKEND DEALS" in the convo and your shipping fee will be refunded!

See you there!

"Time" Treasury

This is the second treasury I've curated.....I'm beginning to get the hang of it! I made the first comment. Anybody know the artist who sang that song??

Click, comment and show some love, please! Only one day to go!

Etsy forums........

You can find so much useful information on the Etsy forums! Browsing around this morning, I came across this post, listing one jewelers inspirational artists. I'm so glad she did because I discovered Emily Gray Jewels.

I find that I don't pay as much attention to bead artists - probably because I haven't the skill for it, myself! But her work is so unique and outstanding - these earrings are my favorite:



Another bead artist who's work I've fallen in love with is Susan's of Hot Rocks Glass Jewels. Bold, colorful and quite a statement! I've many favorites within Susan's work - here's but one:

I have to remember to take the time to appreciate the other genres of jewelry design - I don't want to miss all the wonderful talent that etsy has to offer!

Advertising, Craft Cult & Craftopolis........

Wow! I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted. Sorry for that!! I've been busy with so many things.......my Virtual Assistant duties, planning my son's 3rd birthday party and picking out items for his 'big boy' room and, last but not least, jewelry! Life is good and we are blessed ;-)

I've been meaning to mention this - I purchased my first ad last week on Craft Cult! Only a 1 week run but I just wanted to test the waters. I still haven't had an opportunity to really delve into the ins and outs of Google Analytics but it tells me that Craft Cult was my highest ranking referral site the week of the ad with 100 visits but only 3% were new visitors. Craftopolis shows that I received 21 hearts that week (I LOVE the additions they've made to the Craftopolis site!!) when previous weeks averaged only 7 new hearts. One sale that week but that was from a previous customer. Still, all in all, I'm happy with the exposure for $15. I'd love to see an option during the etsy check-out process that asks the buyer where they found us! Then we'd really be able to guage how & where to spend our advertising dollars! I've included the photo I used for the ad. What do you think - clickable? not clickable? Suggested changes for my next ad?

And back to the additions to the Craftopolis site.....being able to view how many hearts were received on specific days is AWESOME!! But I still need Craft Cult so I can easily view what's recently been hearted. I'm wondering if this change will draw others away from Craft Cult. What's your preference?

Spur of the moment SALE!!!

Today through Sunday, July 26th receive a 10% discount on the purchase of any Etsy "Ready to Ship" item! Discount will be refunded via PayPal. If paying via check, please convo me and wait for a revised listing.

Happy Shopping!!