BLESSED!

Count Your Blessings!

The Taffy Box introduces the Copper Collection, Blessed necklace! Just $24

Your Business Identity

Once you have taking the leap and decided to take your "hobby" to the next level, it usually means you are instantly a business person. That doesn't mean you enjoy it, or even aspire to the business side of things. But it does mean you need to take some things more seriously, and one of those things is your identity.

The first thing you will need is a name for your company. Maybe you already have one that you use, but is it "right" for you? There are a couple things to consider in naming your business:

• Does it describe what it is that you do? Will be people be able to figure out what your craft is?
• Is someone already using that name? That's as easy as "doing a Google"! Type it in and see what comes up!
• Don't use JUST your own name...not yet! When you get to be Martha Stewart or Amy Butler, then go for it...but if might first take some time!
• Does it look okay visually, or even sound okay? Write it down and say it out loud over and over...would YOU go check that company out?
• Make sure it's not too long, too difficult to remember, or too hard to spell. And don't try to be funny...not everyone get's humor.

So you have a name, what next? Now you need to have a logo designed. After working in THAT industry for 12 years, I have lot's of input...but that's for another post. Come back to find out some hints and tricks to creating a logo for your newly named business!!

I would love to hear some of your company names. I always get a kick out of perusing Etsy and reading them, but honestly...there are only a few that stick with me. Take your time, think about it, get some opinions, but don't waste anymore time!

Wire Artisans' Guild, an Etsy Street Team

I'm a member of an Etsy Street Team called "The Wire Artisans' Guild". We are a diverse group of wire wrapping jewellery designers whose styles range from Elvish to simple and elegant, to extremely intricate - but all are handmade with great eye for detail and with high quality materials.

Every month, we have a challenge. For August, the challenge theme was "Africa". Below, you'll find some of the pieces that we created on that theme. Lovely, aren't they?

You'll find a complete list of Guild members in our Team Shop or by searching for the tag "teamwireartisans" at Etsy. Welcome to visit our shops! Mine is called Silverknuten - Simple, elegant, wire wrapped jewellery by Lotta Knutar

Gold Vermeil - What is that?

If any of you are into jewelry, then you must be keenly aware that the price of gold and silver have recently gone through the roof. As of 5:00pm Friday gold was at $964.00 per ounce and silver at $18.84 an ounce. OUCH!!!

• The average person, and I'm not saying YOU are average...just your means of income, cannot afford to buy anything in pure gold karat. It's just way too expensive. But for as fun as silver is, there is just something about the golden sheen, the warm glow, the richness of GOLD! The lust for gold is truly eternal.

• So what is a girl to do?

• The answer? GOLD VERMEIL. First you ask what is gold vermeil? And how in the world do I say that word?

• Truthfully, most people pronounce it wrongly...but now you will have the knowledge...and knowledge is power. Vermeil - pronounced VER-MAY, is the official industry designation for a heavy gold electroplating over a base of sterling silver.

• Actually it is the heaviest gold plating achievable. When people talk of gold plating they usually mean .5 microns of gold, but vermeil has at least 2.5 microns which is equal to at least .0025 of a millimeter, or 100 millionths of an inch of gold. That doesn't seem like a lot, but in the world of plating it's quite substantial!

• The gold must be at least 10 karat and is typically applied in 14 karat or 20 karat, so it truly is real gold. The benefit? The gold layer is thicker in Vermeil then in most plating techniques, so the layer of gold is longer lasting then in any other plating options. The cons? Because it is actual gold over top of actual sterling silver, the cost is still not cheap. And sterling does tarnish when not cared for properly, and the tarnished silver can show through and darken the gold layer.

• But still, for me personally it allows the look of gold without the inflated price. I use Gold Vermeil extensively and have loved the results...as have my customers. I have included some pictures of my designs utilizing this metal, and if you would like any more info just contact me...I'd love to chat!

Thanks for stopping by! HAPPY Monday!

lisa

New Goodies to share

It's been a very busy week, and I've had very little time to blog - let alone interview another artist! So forgive me for featuring myslef, but this is some of the latest and greatest from StudioJewel!



Sterling silver handcrafted hoops with grey freshwater pearl drops...the necklace has a large handcut circle dangling from double looped chains. I'm loving the neutral "I go with anything" color!

This is one of my new favs! Three handcut shapes - 2 sterling, 1 gold - they hang from a 32" chain which can be doubled or left long. Bold, and statement making.

Thanks for looking, I should have these listed in my Etsy shop very soon!

Take My Survey and You Might Win!

Hey, PM's! ! I'm a jewelry designer and am wondering just what type of jewelry people like to wear. I've posted a survey on my blog. If you take the survey, then comment in the related post (in red so it's easy to find), you will be registered to win a free pair of earrings! Hurry, survey ends in two days!

Register your vote at http://www.jkbrownstudioalamode.blogspot.com/

I would love to hear from you!

xoxo

Mermaid’s Treasure

Exquisite Bold Designer Necklace fashioned with Rose Quartz, Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Mother of Pearl, Aventurine, Pearl and Shell. Unique and one of a kind!

Genuine Sterling Silver .925 Silver Lobster Clasp

Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Mother of Pearl, Pearl, Aventurine & Shell

18" Long (adjustable up to 19” with attached extender) plus 1-1/2” drop

One of a kind available at
Lady Lynn's Boutique

[jewelry, designer necklace]

Dashery now at Kiss My Style!

Oh my gosh, I couldn't be more excited. Lorian from Dashery has raced me with her pieces at Kiss My Style! I LOVE HER WORK! (I own 4 pieces and I can sense more in the future. Here are some of the pieces you can now find at Kiss My Style

Jewelry for the bride to be...

These are some pieces I recently designed for a wedding. Each bridesmaid had designed her own dress to fit her style. The bride requested a uniquely designed piece of jewelry for each of her Posh Gals.

It was fun to capture their style and create something to fit with their overall look. I love the idea of gifting the girls with something that is truly all yours.

Let me design something special for your special gals! I could do this in any color combo for your wedding. So.....whatcha think?

Enter and Win: Teething Bling Contest

Last week on my Internet Radio Podcast I spoke with Co-Owner Amy Maurer of SmartMom Jewelry. We talked about how she and her business partner came up with the idea for Teething Bling, pretty and practical jewelry for moms to wear and babies to play with and chew on.

Amy was gracious enough to give away 10, that's right, TEN pendants for HerBigIdea.com listeners and readers!

To enter:

1. Go to the SmartMom Jewelry website and find your favorite color pendant.
2. Write a comment in the blog post on HerBigIdea.com saying which color you would love.

Rules:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
2. One entry per person
3. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific on June 30, 2008.
4. A random winner will be chosen from elgible entries.

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Elaine of Her Big Idea has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.