Overdue update...........

Before I begin with my past due update, take a look at my new banner!!! I'm SUPREMELY pleased with it. I've updated my Etsy shop - banner and avatar - and I think I made a good choice. What do you think? And speaking of my Etsy shop, don't forget: FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING thru December 18th!

Okay, so on to my update. I never reported on the Black Friday show! drum roll...................one sale. To my mother-in-law. lol!! Really, it's okay. I was a bit disappointed, yes, but I accomplished so much because of it that I believe it was worth it.

First of all, I redid my table display and I was overjoyed with how it turned out! I put the table on bed risers so everything was eye level, changed the color scheme from what I was using last year (beige - the jewelry just blended in to the table) and made all new displays (btw, instructions for these displays I found on Beth Millner's blog (and this one) - she is an AWESOME jewelry designer!! If you haven't seen her work, go look!!)

Second, and most importantly (as far as I'm concerned) preparing for the show motivated me to create 3 new collections of jewelry! I'm also very pleased with them and how my work is growing. I LOVE what I do!! I thank God that He's given me this talent and the means to do what I love!

(These photos were taken by Julia Sloan, owner of Brazen Betties)

I don't really have an update on the Housatonic Valley Association Silent Auction. It occurred on the 6th but I don't know how my pieces did :-( If I find out, I'll let you know!!

And here is my praise report for the day: I have holiday orders this year! Last year, I didn't see any increase in sales over the holiday but that's changed this year. It is so cool to think that something I've created may be on someone's wish list for a holiday gift! I really am blessed!

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

Just wanted to give a quick update! I've been plugging away on inventory for the upcoming show. I was able to get five new pairs of earrings done yesterday afternoon - new designs! It feels so good to be able to sit at the bench and just create! By the way, five may not seem like much to some of you but I was overjoyed to have that block of time!! My plan is to photograph everything before the show so I'll be able to list them at some point. Still haven't ordered all the supplies I need to create everything I'm hoping but I've got a partial order on the way. Money is tight so I'm trusting in the Lord!



I've been sadly neglecting my Bonhomie Charms site since I put it up but I've committed to some print advertising for the holiday. We'll see what happens! I'll share the ad copy with you as soon as I've put it together (it's due tomorrow!!) I'm going to have to schedule in more work to the site so it's ready when the ad comes out - I'm planning for lots of business ;-)



And you all may remember that I intended to submit some pieces to the Sundance Catalog and I did! Forgive me for not letting you know at the time - I did it at the beginning of the month. I chose my Twisted Monogram Ring, my Love Knot Ring and my Blue Tear Squared Charm Necklace. I haven't heard anything but I may submit a few more pieces after this upcoming show, depending on feedback I get of my new pieces. I'm not certain there will be any interest in the pieces I sent......the same day I submitted, I received the holiday catalog in the mail and a few pieces in the catalog had a similar style to mine. Maybe that means I'm on the right track??



Last but not least, this has nothing to do with me but I think it's really cool! I stumbled across this "Peace Challenge" by a fellow TeamChristianArtistsandCrafters (CAC) member NewCreatioNZ. Check it out! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!

Sooooo out of the loop!!

I've been so busy lately that I missed CraftCult's "Heart Charts"! That's a pretty nifty little tool! It made me realize just how much I've been slacking in my promotions lately ;-) Well, my slacking days are over because...........(drum roll, please..........)

Little man starts preschool next week!! Hip, Hip, Hooray!! Yes, I will miss him but I've got plenty to occupy those two hours, three days a week! All kinds of new designs are bouncing around in my head - yes, I know. You've heard it before. But now I'll actually have time to work on them!!

Another item on my task list: I had some wonderful fellow jewelry artisans from the Starving Jewelry Artists forum review my website and they had some really helpful feedback so......a few more changes are a' comin!

In other news, I was approached by another local shop owner about consigning some of my pieces in her shop. I'm HUGELY flattered!! I've yet to connect with her to discuss the details but I'll keep you updated.

Last but not least, I've been giving some consideration to submitting a few pieces to the Sundance Catalog. I'm not certain which ones - it would have to be something relatively easy for me to produce in little time, I would imagine. I'm REALLY not certain that my work is..........compatible with what their looking for but it doesn't hurt to try, right? So, if you've got any thoughts on which pieces I should submit or the submission process itself or the catalog or you just wanna say "hey", comment away!