I just realized my last post was almost a year ago. Writing blogs is not as much fun as designing jewelry so I guess this is my excuse. With a family of seven design times can be rare so writing a blog seems a chore, however I do enjoy reading other blogs. So if any one out there in blog land reads this, thanks so much.
I'm looking forward to receiving my first Humblebeads order from Heather Powers and I know that I'll want time to stand still while I design with beautiful clay treasures.
Etsy is the perfect place to find awesome treasures to create with, there are so many talented artists the choices are endless it seems.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A miracle has taken place
I don't know what came over me, but I'm really proud of myself, I cleaned my creation station!!! I did not have the nerve to share a photo of what it looked like before but trust me it was bad. I decided to take the photo to remind myself how nice it looks because it may never look this nice again.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Spring, come quickly
I'm so ready for flip flops, leaves in trees, flowers in my window boxes, sun on my shoulders, reading on the porch swing, shopping at the farmers market...
My latest jewelry designs reflect this yearning and new items I'll be adding to Dream Girl Beads too. Oh and I must add, DGB has had over 10,000 sales!!! That's a lot of bubblemailers going out all over the world with beautiful beads and findings to happy jewelry designers. For me the hardest part is knowing what to buy, how much and especially what not to buy. With over 1,000 listings it can be difficult to say "no" on buying trips to new items I know will sell. Not being the most organized person has forced me to learn some new skills. I've had some pretty panicky situations filling orders and realizing I can't find an item that just sold. So far nothing has been lost but it can be very daunting keeping up with so many beads etc.
I've met so many wonderful customers online that I so appreciate and only 1 or 2 that I don't.
I've learned something about small orders, say under $10, a business owner can go broke. Now when I purchase from other small business' I make sure I spend more. The time and costs involved in running an Etsy business like DGB is much different than selling jewelry online. I've added free shipping for orders over $75 to encourage higher sales. Here are what it takes to sell a strand of beads.
1. shop and purchase the beads 2. photograph (with the camera you bought for the business) and edit the photos 3. price the beads 4. write up the listing discription and load photos on to your computer you purchased for the business and pay listing fee 5. when item is purchased, locate the beads and put them in a zip bag and wrap with bubblewrap, add business card and insert into bubble mailer 6. add the customers name and amount of order 7. weigh the package 8. log into PayPal and fill out info and print address label for package with printer that you purchased at Sam's Club along with ink and paper and pay s/h costs 9. trim address label and tape with mailing tape to package and ship. 10. return to Etsy and relist beads and pay listing fee
So please consider this when shopping on Etsy and visit my son Zach's new shop
www.selectyourself.etsy.com
My latest jewelry designs reflect this yearning and new items I'll be adding to Dream Girl Beads too. Oh and I must add, DGB has had over 10,000 sales!!! That's a lot of bubblemailers going out all over the world with beautiful beads and findings to happy jewelry designers. For me the hardest part is knowing what to buy, how much and especially what not to buy. With over 1,000 listings it can be difficult to say "no" on buying trips to new items I know will sell. Not being the most organized person has forced me to learn some new skills. I've had some pretty panicky situations filling orders and realizing I can't find an item that just sold. So far nothing has been lost but it can be very daunting keeping up with so many beads etc.
I've met so many wonderful customers online that I so appreciate and only 1 or 2 that I don't.
I've learned something about small orders, say under $10, a business owner can go broke. Now when I purchase from other small business' I make sure I spend more. The time and costs involved in running an Etsy business like DGB is much different than selling jewelry online. I've added free shipping for orders over $75 to encourage higher sales. Here are what it takes to sell a strand of beads.
1. shop and purchase the beads 2. photograph (with the camera you bought for the business) and edit the photos 3. price the beads 4. write up the listing discription and load photos on to your computer you purchased for the business and pay listing fee 5. when item is purchased, locate the beads and put them in a zip bag and wrap with bubblewrap, add business card and insert into bubble mailer 6. add the customers name and amount of order 7. weigh the package 8. log into PayPal and fill out info and print address label for package with printer that you purchased at Sam's Club along with ink and paper and pay s/h costs 9. trim address label and tape with mailing tape to package and ship. 10. return to Etsy and relist beads and pay listing fee
So please consider this when shopping on Etsy and visit my son Zach's new shop
www.selectyourself.etsy.com
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Stamping Tips
I discovered something I wanted to share with any one who may want to learn stamping techniques. I have found that Harbor Freight has the best prices for beginning stamp alphabet and numbers kits. I payed $5.98 for my first kit . Also get your anvil and hammer there. After getting more experience and making sure the items would sell, I bought a very expensive custom letter set that has a nice font and they come in a wonderful box that keeps the letters in place. The custom set has the letter on the side of the stamp that faces you when you stamp onto the blank.
I can't tell you how many blanks I ruined because a letter was stamped backwards. I took my cheap set and marked them with little stickers on the side that faces me so now I don't mess up and stamp letters backwards.
When learning be prepared to make a few mistakes. Write down the word you are stamping. Count the letters and start with the middle letter so your word will be centered then work from the center out.
To highlight your letters after stamping, dab on some acrylic paint over the letter with a q-tip and use your finger tip to fill the paint into each letter, then wipe off with a tissue.
If any one else has a tip to share I'd love to hear from you!
I can't tell you how many blanks I ruined because a letter was stamped backwards. I took my cheap set and marked them with little stickers on the side that faces me so now I don't mess up and stamp letters backwards.
When learning be prepared to make a few mistakes. Write down the word you are stamping. Count the letters and start with the middle letter so your word will be centered then work from the center out.
To highlight your letters after stamping, dab on some acrylic paint over the letter with a q-tip and use your finger tip to fill the paint into each letter, then wipe off with a tissue.
If any one else has a tip to share I'd love to hear from you!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dream Girl Beads
Calling all designers...
I've been busy with a new venture or maybe I should say "we" since my family is apart of my business. Last fall http://www.dreamgirlbeads.etsy.com was birthed. Since the economy has changed the way we spend, more and more creative girls are designing their own jewelry and now I can be a part of supplying wonderful materials to aid your design dreams.
I'm now a authorized dealer of Trinity Brass Companies gorgeous new components. Much like Vintaj Natural Brass at a fraction of the cost and they offer antique silver and antique gold also with a vintage flair.
I'm still a fan of Vintaj and love visiting their design gallery for wonderful ideas and I also sell a huge assortment of Vintaj Natural Brass at DGB, plus Czech Glass beads and semi precious beads and my handwoven bird nests plus many wonderful treasures to spark your design dreams.
So please come visit and tell me what you think. I love your comments and suggestions!
A portion of sales goes to help orphans find a forever family too!!!
I've been busy with a new venture or maybe I should say "we" since my family is apart of my business. Last fall http://www.dreamgirlbeads.etsy.com was birthed. Since the economy has changed the way we spend, more and more creative girls are designing their own jewelry and now I can be a part of supplying wonderful materials to aid your design dreams.
I'm now a authorized dealer of Trinity Brass Companies gorgeous new components. Much like Vintaj Natural Brass at a fraction of the cost and they offer antique silver and antique gold also with a vintage flair.
I'm still a fan of Vintaj and love visiting their design gallery for wonderful ideas and I also sell a huge assortment of Vintaj Natural Brass at DGB, plus Czech Glass beads and semi precious beads and my handwoven bird nests plus many wonderful treasures to spark your design dreams.
So please come visit and tell me what you think. I love your comments and suggestions!
A portion of sales goes to help orphans find a forever family too!!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
OUR ADOPTION IS FINAL AT LAST!!!
Sierra, Summer, and Sky are officially Weaver's now. Please rejoice with us, give a shout out to our Heavenly Father! We are so thankful to have these wonderful blessings.
I'm having a adoption sale in all of my shops for the month of August.
http://martaweaverjewelry.com/, http://martaweaverjewelry.etsy.com/
http://martaweaverjewelry.artfire.com/
Just mention the word "Adoption" in the message to sellers section of your purchase. Every purchase over $100 will receive a 10% refund, purchases over $200 will receive a 20% refund and spend over $300 and receive a 30% refund!
You'll receive your refund promptly after I receive your PayPal purchase, and you can combine your purchases from all 3 of my shops.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO SHOP WITH YOU AND COMBINE YOUR PURCHASE TO RECEIVE A LARGER REFUND. SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAYS EARLY.
Questions? Email me at mweaverjewelry@yahoo.com
I'm having a adoption sale in all of my shops for the month of August.
http://martaweaverjewelry.com/, http://martaweaverjewelry.etsy.com/
http://martaweaverjewelry.artfire.com/
Just mention the word "Adoption" in the message to sellers section of your purchase. Every purchase over $100 will receive a 10% refund, purchases over $200 will receive a 20% refund and spend over $300 and receive a 30% refund!
You'll receive your refund promptly after I receive your PayPal purchase, and you can combine your purchases from all 3 of my shops.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO SHOP WITH YOU AND COMBINE YOUR PURCHASE TO RECEIVE A LARGER REFUND. SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAYS EARLY.
Questions? Email me at mweaverjewelry@yahoo.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Reasons to Buy Directly from a Jewelry Designer
1. Especially now days, we are all looking for ways to save and spend our money more wisely. Compared to better department stores or online public jewelry lines, designers like myself almost always price our jewelry for less. We can offer discounts for multiple purchases and stand behind our work. If something breaks, we will fix it or replace it. If you lose an earring or a charm we can replace it. What store will help you get a replacement?
2. We do high quality workmanship, no mass production. We can tell you about the piece you are buying, the story behind our inspiration, what it is made from etc. You know what you are getting. Usually the piece you purchase is even more beautiful than pictured.
3. As a designer we are happy to adjust sizes to be customized just for you. Or make a design in a different color or add a different clasp, etc.
4. You don't need to worry about showing up at an event and finding others wearing the same jewelry as you. We don't mass produce. Our work is usually one of a kind or limited editions. However if you need to purchase earrings or necklaces for a bridal party, birthday, family reunion, etc. we are happy to accommodate your request. We love to create custom designs for you and can usually fix or redesign pieces you already have.
5. You don't just have to choose from what you see. You can ask for a different length or color. Prefer longer or shorter earrings? Just ask.
6. When you buy from a designer you form a more personal relationship than a catalog or dept. store clerk. We strive to make you a happy customer, and we hope you tell your friends.
7. We pride ourselves in doing quality work. You won't find jewelry from a department store that has had the time put into it as a designer puts into each piece we create. We shop for the beads and components, design the jewelry, price each item individually, photograph and load the photos along with writing a detailed discription of the jewelry into our online shops, prepare each piece for shipping. We don't make huge profits and most of us work from a space in our bedroom or family room but we love what we do. We adore your positive feedback because it is our goal to please our customers.
2. We do high quality workmanship, no mass production. We can tell you about the piece you are buying, the story behind our inspiration, what it is made from etc. You know what you are getting. Usually the piece you purchase is even more beautiful than pictured.
3. As a designer we are happy to adjust sizes to be customized just for you. Or make a design in a different color or add a different clasp, etc.
4. You don't need to worry about showing up at an event and finding others wearing the same jewelry as you. We don't mass produce. Our work is usually one of a kind or limited editions. However if you need to purchase earrings or necklaces for a bridal party, birthday, family reunion, etc. we are happy to accommodate your request. We love to create custom designs for you and can usually fix or redesign pieces you already have.
5. You don't just have to choose from what you see. You can ask for a different length or color. Prefer longer or shorter earrings? Just ask.
6. When you buy from a designer you form a more personal relationship than a catalog or dept. store clerk. We strive to make you a happy customer, and we hope you tell your friends.
7. We pride ourselves in doing quality work. You won't find jewelry from a department store that has had the time put into it as a designer puts into each piece we create. We shop for the beads and components, design the jewelry, price each item individually, photograph and load the photos along with writing a detailed discription of the jewelry into our online shops, prepare each piece for shipping. We don't make huge profits and most of us work from a space in our bedroom or family room but we love what we do. We adore your positive feedback because it is our goal to please our customers.
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