Spring Has Sprung!

and so has this new Vertical Budding Vine Necklace! I elaborated on my usual by adding some new features this time; hand-forged sterling silver leaves soldered onto wires which are then wrapped lovingly around the main fine silver stalk which is made from a real vine, and get this! This one has a little copper flower on it with a sterling silver stamen! This new piece is bursting with color and texture and it brings 3D to a whole new level. You feel like you're in the woods right now with your face a few inches away from a vine with all its lush foliage as it just begins to bloom! This is a necklace you can look at for hours with all it's details! But don't just look at it. It's fun to wear too! Be the envy of all your friends and even people you haven't met might just ask you where you got it!

And what is Spring without the "birds and the bees", well in this case it was two Luna Moths mating!

These guys were right outside my back door yesterday when I went out to take some pictures for my Etsy shops. Now how often do you get to see that! Since Luna Moths are generally very introverted creatures and don't show themselves often I would guess it's not very frequently!

I'm usually lucky if I see one each Spring but this year I've been lucky enough to see several; these two, an immature one a few days before that, and another full grown one about a month ago.

It must be a good omen of easier times ahead. Luna Moths are probably one of the gentlest animals I can think of. There is something about their spirit that reminds me of a dove and I've never really thought of them as insects. They seem more substantial, deeper, and higher-thinking. I've had them climb right onto my hand and look at me on several occasions. They don't seem to be at all afraid, just curious.

I've got lots of cool jewelry in the works and will be doing more things with leaves and flowers.

Be sure to keep checking my shop, come in and take something home with you.
http://Giftbearer.etsy.com

If you're looking for unique supplies I have been listing Cactus Quartz like mad! In fact I am using one right now for a piece of my own jewelry that you will be seeing in my jewelry shop in the near future.

See those and many more items here.
http://GiftbearerSupply.etsy.com
Secondary items are often only .75 additional shipping to destinations within the US, so go ahead and load up your cart! Several buyers have purchased 5 or 6 items at a time, and my stock of Cactus Quartz is starting to go but there are still some very nice stones left if you act soon!

Love At First Bite- Riol96

Great Cuisine on Etsy

3 triangles of Spanikopita with Greek Salad

Food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Etsy, but that is about to change! The number and variety of Etsy food sellers and delectible dishes you can get delivered right to your door is steadily growing, and searching the Plants and Edibles section yields a plethora of yummy handmade items both sweet and savory.

A lover of really good food from many cultures, I just happened to be doing a treasury one day and as I was searching through all the food items offered for sale I came across a shop selling Spanikopita. For those of you who have no idea what that is it is an authentic Greek delicacy often served in the finest Greek restaurants; like a savory spinache and cheese turnover or pie, but the crust is made from phyllo dough, a very light and flaky material that looks like thin rice paper and gets nice and crispy when heated.

Alma Karassavidas, the shop owner living in New York makes these delicious treats with an old family recipe handed down by her husband's great Grandmother who lived in Greece.

Alma guarantees in her listing that this will be the best you've ever tasted, and boy was she ever right! When I opened the box the aroma told me that these were going to be top notch! What you'll get rivals that served in some of the best authentic Greek restaurants.

They are made to order, take about a day to complete, and then ship Priority Mail.

Currently she is listing them as she goes, but if you want a larger order you can convo her and have her do a custom order for a larger quantity. I ordered 24 so they'd last me awhile. I knew that a dozen would be gobbled down fast. I put half of them in the refrigerator and the other half in the freezer.

To reheat;

Thaw the pieces to room temperature before baking

Brush tops with butter if desired.

Do not microwave, as the phyllo dough will become soggy in microwave.

Bake it at low temp 325-350 until heated through (10-15 minutes)

Pies can be stored frozen in an airtight container for 2-3 months if needed.

As you can see in the photo above I ate 3 pieces for lunch today already. They were so good I didn't want lunchtime to end, but there is always dinner tonight, LOL.

I highly recommend this seller and her delicious Spanikopita. It would be great for a wedding or party, or food for you or your family even without a special occasion. She just happens to have some waiting for you; http://www.etsy.com/listing/60814634/greek-spinach-pie

A Whitehouse Giftshop - A Suggestion for a Handmade Solution 

Could Bring More Money Into Federal Budget and Provide Needed Income To Artists

After watching President Obama's speech today I just had to go to http://Whitehouse.gov and leave comments. In alot of ways the President has taken a complete 180 on his position. Although it was evident that he himself was not comfortable with the current solution, he is bending almost to the point of breaking when it comes down to administering cuts. He says he is using a scalpel rather than a machete, but if you're amputating needed body parts and removing needed organs that is no real consolation.

What I heard was quite disturbing, and it was as much what he didn't say as what he did; cutting of more medications through Medicare and trying to replace them with generics, protecting seniors and children with disabilities (what about adults with disabilities?), stating that everybody will be sacrificing "a little", which ignores the reality that despite the fact that there has been alot of inflation and the cost of living has increased, those on fixed incomes have sacrified alot already by having no cost of living increase at the first of the year and are living way below the poverty level!

I had been meaning to write and tell him my idea for a Whitehouse giftshop for a few months now but have been working so hard to make ends meet I literally hadn't gotten around to it.

I don't agree with privatization when it comes to health insurance or other government services that would have the effect of putting people's basic survival at the mercy of big industries with a profit motive, but I think there is a place for private enterprise as a means to supplement the federal budget, and it could privide badly needed income to citizens at the same time!

This is not a tax, but rather offering products that people would buy in other venues . When people get something in return they don't mind nearly as much spending money.

This idea could be a win/win all around, and I really hope the Whitehouse will take my suggestion. With all the wonderful products for sale on Etsy, at shows, etc. not to mention all the artists who are struggling to pay all of their expenses, if such a brick and mortar store were developed by the govenment and products bought outright and/or on consignment quite alot of money could be raised and put into government services! This would definitely work with handmade products, but the whitehouse could also start other businesses as well which provide things that people already buy at other venues such a clothing, food, etc.

Getting back to the hand-crafted items though; not only could the Whitehouse have a physical store location out of which to sell these things made by hundreds or thousands of artists nationwide, but they could also set up an e-commerce site to offer these items online! Believe me, I would do it in a heartbeat!

They could do just a standard consignment contract to carry the artists' work; nothing too intimidating nor red-tape filled, and handle it like other privately-owned shops do. For consignment they could do a standard 50/50 split (or 40/60 in favor of the artist), but I would love to see as much bought outright as possible. That could provide alot of added security to artists working in a whole range of mediums and at the same time address the federal deficit.

Just imagine walking into a giftshop filled with all kinds of wonderful handmade items, paintings, jewelry, fiberwork, ceramics, glass, sculpture, and other cool things and knowing that your purchase is also preventing important services from being cut.

With nearly every important and needed service currently sitting on the chopping block; education, transportation, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and others, we can't afford to throw out any viable alternative. Granted it's different from the way the government usually operates but I think it's time to re-define its role in society and be willing to update its operations to solve the unique problems we're facing now. There are just some things we should not have to compromise!

Food and gas prices are soaring right now (and those of you who use silver know how high that has gone up).

If you readers like this idea please go to the Whitehouse website link above, and click on the "contact us" link at the upper right side of the page and tell the President!

And President Obama, if you're reading this (or if one of your staff is reading); please try this idea rather than giving into political pressure to cut things we desperately need. Contact me and let's talk! The country's bold economic problems call for bold solutions. This is the language of hope and it can provide a means of economic stimulus instead of impoverishment.



New Chromasome Stacker Rings By Giftbearer

A new twist on stacker rings, the stamped lines on these look like the chromosomes you see on scientific charts. This first set is size 7 1/2.

They look and feel great on your finger;

Alot of people now are wearing stacker rings. They're fun and stylish. If you like these but need another size please contact me on Etsy to place a custom order, let me know how many you want and I'll give you a quote and set up a special listing for you.

Copper is such a warm metal and it is one of the few pure metals that hasn't skyrocketed in price in recent years. I love working with it and have more things in-progress. Be sure to take a look at the other copper jewelry I have in my shop. I'm getting ready to renew my copper flower necklaces over the next several days. For those of you who have not seen them  yet; I have 16" and 18" and they come with a choice of several different gemstones.

Some copper chainmaille pieces are coming too, so stay tuned!

I addition to copper, I'm working on some sterling silver Spring and Easter designs as well.

Unkamen Gifts, and Unkamen Supplies from a Very Un-common Family;

Living Outside The Box

The Helmrichs are not like any other family you'll ever meet. Ralph, Karen, and their two children, Leah and Byron, ages 18 and 14 live a nomadic lifestyle and own a family business which produces handcrafted jewelry and supplies, mostly specializing in chainmaille, and tools, kits, and supplies for its enthusiasts.

Although they call both Livingston, Texas and Rolla, Missouri home, they spend much of their time traveling around the USA in their RV hitting the show circuits to sell their wares. Traveling with them are two dogs; Ivey, a Doxie, and Hookah, a Basset, and two cats; Triangle, and a new kitten, Whiskey.

The children have always been homeschooled and it's clear that all this extraordinary life experience throughout their formative years complete with the daily love and attention from both parents has resulted in compassionate, insightful, and mature individuals with wisdom beyond their years!

The family belongs to Schooling At Home Etsyians Team.

They have taken the Handmade Pledge and in keeping with this philosophy make all their gifts for one another. They also belong to the Fulltime Etsy Crafters Team .

These are just a few examples of what can be made with some of their unique components!

Ring Made from Japanese Flower Weave

Earrings Created from Mobius Weave

Bracelet made with Inca Puno Weave

Each member of the family has an important role in making the business successful;

Ring Made in European 4 in 1 Weave



Leah handles much of the packing up of orders, preparing them to be shipped to the many happy customers who place their orders online and she creates some of the jewelry you see in the Unkamen Gifts etsy shop and on the independant website; UnkamenGifts.com. She began making basic jewelry in 2005 when a fellow RVing friend introduced her to the craft. She found that she loved this medium and then made pieces for herself and friends, and soon she began selling it locally. Her school studies keep her busy but she maintains her own Etsy shop filled with interesting and colorful designs, Favmoongirl . Last summer she attended a hiking course at NOLS in Alaska, adding to the lower 48 states the family has traveled in.

Most of the tutorials on various chainmaille weaves the family has posted on Youtube feature her. Subscribe to their Youtube channel for all kinds of cool step by step instructions on using your jumprings and other components to transform them into beautiful jewelry!

Necklace in Jens Pind Weave

Byron , her brother,began collecting and learning to polish various stones with his father Ralph's help a few years ago. He started marketing them as "Gratitude Stones" because he recognized that "the root of true happiness is being grateful for everything that you have". He expanded his line to include magnets, pinback buttons and keychains. He also sews little pouches and hand makes all the paper envelopes to be used for packaging every piece that goes to buyers.

Bracelet in Byzantine Weave (Created from Ralph's special square wire jump rings wound with edges pointing outward)

Earrings in Barrel Weave

Karen who was previously an RN, Registered Yoga Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer now works fulltime handling the back-end of the business. She does the bookkeeping, maintains the company's internet locations, photographs most of the items, and does research and development including testing out all the products offered for sale. She also helps come up with many of the jewelry design ideas you see in the online shops and at shows.

Ralph's passion for jewelry began when he presented a necklace he'd made to Karen about 6 years ago. Seeing her wear and enjoy this necklace got the wheels turning in his mind and he was inspired to learn more advanced jewelry-making techniques, and he became really interested in chainmaille in particular. Being an engineer the precise and mathematical principles of the technique really appealed to him. He is semi-retired from his previous line of work and currently does only occasional consulting and trouble-shooting for aerosol manufacturers to supplement his income from Unkamen Gifts/Supplies.
 
He winds and cuts all the handcrafted jumprings and solders some more elaborate components, and he has some items you can't find elsewhere.
 

Ralph is a two-time cancer survivor having beat prostate cancer about 5 years ago. Last summer doctors found a spot of melanoma on his nose, and he has had 5 surgeries to remove malignant tissue and reconstruct the affected area. He is in the process now of undergoing a 6th surgery and will be taking some time off to recover until March 20th. He's holding off on all making of handmade components until he returns. Commercial components he has in stock and wire will continue to be shipped on schedule as usual, but if you do not have a deadline you have to meet to receive your handmade components you can contact him for a custom quote, get in que, then enter Coupon Code: "SAVENOWSHIPLATER2011" at checkout. He will be available to answer convoes and will ship your custom-ordered items when he returns. He can offer quantity discounts for many of his items of the same kind/size.


Research has shown that the more support somebody with cancer has the better the odds of a good outcome, so send your good thoughts and prayers his way during this difficult time.

Better still, place an order in one or more of his shops. I am a firm believer that "luck" doesn't happen in a vaccuum and really involves decisive action. Well wishes combined with action is a powerful prescription. Not only can you  "wish" good luck you can be good luck for him and his family.

I know from when my mother had cancer that treatment is not only a scary undertaking but expensive, and insurance (especially in this day and age of budget cuts and rising healthcare costs) doesn't cover everything.

I have some beautiful components he made and hope to put in another order when he returns. I can personally vouch for the quality of them. His exacting standards and wonderful customer service make ordering custom components a great experience. He is even creating some findings for me from my own drawing!

To order supplies go to UnkamenSupplies

For finished chainmaille jewelry go to; UnkamenGifts.etsy.com or http://unkamengifts.com/
 
For Jewelry for Teens and Young Adults go to; FavMoonGirl Creations
 
For Keychains and Accessories go to; Unkamen Keychains
 
For Leah's other shop of sterling and gold designs other than chainmaille; Startphyre Designs
 
Find the Helmrich family on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnkamenGifts
 
And follow their blog here; www.unkamengifts.com/blog/



New Metalwork by Giftbearer

This Weathered Poppy Copper Bangle is hand-forged and its inner diameter measures 9 1/2" .  This one should fit a 7 1/2" wrist, as most wrists are about 2" smaller than the hand. It has a lovely reddish heat patina and the center is a contrasting brass ball shined so that it gleams when the light hits it. With the cost of silver going sky high copper and other metals are a good alternative. The color is warm and rich, and I love working with it! I will be making more of these and other new and interesting designs. If you love it but it's not your size please convo me on Etsy to place a custom order.

Click on the photo above to read more about this bracelet and to purchase.

See the rest of my jewelry available for sale here;

Giftbearer 

In Full Bloom



Are you ready for Spring? I know I am!

Here are some bright orange flowers to keep you warm while you wait for warmer weather.

I have some jewelry in the works in these colors which will incorporate some flowers, so be sure to stay tuned to my shop.

I'm adding things just about everyday, so to see/purchase my current work go to;

Giftbearer

For jewelry supplies, please go to;

GiftbearerSupply

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

Click on the items in these shops and you'll be able to answer that question.



I got inspired tonight to make a Treasury about dogs. After weeding through thousands of Pugs, LOL, I finally was able to find a good variety of different breeds. I don't know what this fad is regarding Pugs but there sure are lots of them on Etsy.

I much prefer breeds like Greyhounds, Akita's, German Shepherds, Huskies; big, regal dogs with tapered noses, but for those of you who like little dogs with hair on their faces or little mini types I've included a few of those too.

Giftbearer Suggestion Box!

You Can Help Ideas To Hatch

Here's how; Just leave a comment here in my blog as to what you would buy; colors, styles, sizes, etc.

I'd like to turn all of my hearts on Etsy into sales, so let me know what you like and I'll keep that in mind when making my new pieces of jewelry!

I just listed a few things tonight (Feb. 16th),  so I hope you'll find something  :-)
More to come! Having to guess since nobody has left a comment yet.

Still listing! (Feb 18th).

I'm at 112 sales and 111 items for sale in my jewelry shop; lots of choices.

For jewelry go to; Giftbearer

For supplies go to; GiftbearerSupply

Do You Dream of Amethyst?

Amethyst, and Sterling Bracelet (Sparkling Lavender)

Amethyst just happens to be February's birth stone in addition to being in this winter's color forecast! There are two birthdays in my family this month; my son Quinn, and my dog, Carmella.

I just finished the above bracelet and as you can see it looks lovely with pink. Those are my courderoy pants it's resting on! You can also wear it with white, black, or any shade of purple.

The segments of woven mesh are Ndeble and they really sparkle with their rainbow surface, reflecting light in shades of lavender with pink and blue undertones.

All About Amethyst:

Amethyst ranges from nearly colorless to a very dark purple approaching black but is generally some shade of purple.

It has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale, and it's composition is Si02 (made from Sulfur and Oxygen).

The stone is a variety of Quartz which formed as a result of shifting of the earth's crust, called Lamellae.

The largest sources of Amethyst are in Southern Brazil and Uruguay, and also Madagascar. It is also found in Idar-Oberstein, Germany,  Argentina, Russia (mostly near the Ural Mountains), Canada,  in various African countries, and some is found in parts of the US such as Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, although not as much of that material is gem grade. Small deposits of dark Amethyst has been found in Australia.

The Amethyst found in South America is generally found in larger pieces, but African Amethyst is reputed to be better saturated although the rough comes in smaller sizes.

Experts can often tell a stone's origin from the color

History and Folklore:

Deposits are often very large with gem grade pieces often being as large as a fist! Some can weigh as much as 700 Carats. The first find appeared in Mexico in 1900 and the pocket measured 33 X 16 X 10 Feet! It weighed more than 8 tons!

The color was first attributed to Maganese, but is now thought to be Ferric Thiocynate.

The name Amethyst means in Greek "not drunken" origiating from the myth of Dionysus, the God of intoxication. The legend is that Dionysus was angered by a mortal one day and vowed to take revenge on the next mortal he saw, sending Tigers after a young girl named Amethyst who was on her way to visit te Goddess Diana.

To protect the maiden from the ensuing attack by the tigers Diana turned Amethyst into a crystal Quartz statue, but when Dionysus saw the statue he wept tears of wine, turning the clear to purple.

The Catholic Church associated the stone with piety and was believed to encourage celibacy in the Middle Ages. These and other churches of that era used alot of Amethyst in their decor.Chalices have been crafted out of Amethyst in an attempt to prevent drunkenness, and bishops have been know to wear Amethyst rings.

The stone has long been asociated with royalty and considered sacred, and this ideology spans many different cultures, including Tibetan, Egyptian, and British. In Tibet rosaries have been carved in Amethyst in the belief that this gemstone is sacred to Buddha.

Leonardo DaVinci believed that Amethyst was capable of "dissipating evil thoughts and quickening intelligence"

Astrological signs strongly associated with this gem are Pisces, Virgo, Aquarious, and Capricorn.

It is considered the traditional stone for one's 17th wedding anniversary.

Victorian jewelry often contained the pale variety of Amethyst known as "Rose De France".

Because of the strong emotional and spirital significance given the stone it would be considered much more valuable than it is today if it were not so readily available.

Sources:

http://www.gemstoneeducation.com/Amethyst.htm

http://technology.infomine.com/articles/1/717/amethyst.history.mining/history.of.amethyst.aspx

You can find lots of Amethyst in my shops and I am always adding more! It is a beautiful stone and provides great value in jewelry.  I have some very nice examples of it in both etsy shops. Just click on the pictures to get all the details and to purchase and be sure to look around while you're there, as I couldn't include all of my Amethyst in this article;

Amethyst Stud Earrings Precision Facetted by Swarogem Set in Sterling Prong Setting

Marisela-Faceted and Smooth AAA Amethyst and Bali Sterling Jewelry Set

Amethyst and Fluorite with Czech Crystal and Seedbead Necklace

Amethyst, Pearl, Hematite, and Fluorite Necklace

Autumn Corn Earrings

Sugilite/Amethyst Earrings

Natural Amethyst Crystal Point 4

 

Small Cactus Quartz (approx. 1 inch long)

(These Cactus Quartz and more available in my shop).

Share The Love!

Vote for my Necklace; "How Love Feels"

 

How Love Feels- 23" long; on leather cord, hand-stitched brown ultrasuede heart focal,

with ceramic, copper, Carnelian, and Variscite beads, accented with a rich brown mottled nut from the

Phillipines

This necklace is currently for sale in my etsy store and the heart is so heavenly soft you will literally feel how love feels! Everyone else seems to make their hearts red or pink so I decided to be different and go with a chocolate brown.

Click on the picture to go and read more and/or to purchase. It is one of a kind.

Fusion Beads is sponsoring a "Share the Love" contest and the one who gets the most votes will win a $250 gift certificate!

Voting is open through February 15th and the winner will be announced on the 16th.

To vote, go here!

You can vote once every day!



You Can Wear My Jewelry With These Accessories

If you like the beadwoven earrings and necklace but have so far held off on buying them because you wondered what you'd wear them with, worry no longer!

Let this treasury act as your personal shopper on Etsy!

Beadwoven designs are very under-rated and deserve to take a spot in your jewelry box next to your pearls, gemstones, glass, and metal. The end product that results is worth more than the sum of its parts. When you buy beadwoven jewelry you are investing in a true piece of wearable art.

Purple is in this winter and it is gorgeous when combined with metallic bronze/gold with hints of plum and/or blue! The beads I've used for the tubular mesh in this Triangle necklace; Volcanic Heart Center and Golden Buds earrings are hexagonal, with an irridescent metallic color which give them the effect of fish scales, and when the light hits them they are absolutely luminous!

To purchase these or my other unique jewelry designs available in my Etsy store, please go to;

Giftbearer

 

Check out the List of Items Listed Today by Members of Promotional Frenzy!

Here's my new pair of earrings (Click on photo for more information).

Metallic Gold Iris Beadwoven Carnelian Brass and Vermeil Earrings (Golden Buds)

 
 
jQjewelrydesigns - Labradorite and Silver Droplets Bracelet


http://www.etsy.com/listing/67295778/labradorite-and-artisan-silver-droplets



lindab142 - Pearl Wire Wrapped Choker

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67298986/big-pearl-wire-wrapped-choker-necklace



BijiBijoux - Amethyst Chandelier Drop earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67281470/amethyst-chandelier-drop-earrings



CalliopeAZCreations - Spiny Oyster Choker Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67229285/spiny-oyster-choker-necklace-with



Prittyfy - Drop Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67170608/emerald-green-cluster-drop-necklace



Galla15 - oval button ring

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67319535/swarovski-crystal-button-ring-oval



AngelasPaperArt- paper wristlet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67327929/brown-and-gold-high-fashion-paper-art



Hogans' Handiwork - Serrano Red Chain Cowl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67123538/serrano-red-chain-cowl-ready-to-ship



themayflower - spring color czech glass rondelle earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67302343/spring-colors-czech-glass-rondelle



Petite Hermine - Tell-tale Heart Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67322918/tell-tale-heart-necklace-gray-agate-and



Sea Flower Studios

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67329100/pink-leaf-necklace



zenbreeze - Crow Among the Stones cemetery photo:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67331081/crow-cemetery-tombstones-graveyard-photo



NewCreatioNZ - Sea grass print

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67217599/print-of-beach-grasses-at-seaside



PowersOfLove - Green Newsboy Hat with Buttons

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67149627/newsboy-crochet-chunky-green-yarn?ref=pr_shop



Turtlexiii- purple bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67333240/stunning-swirled-bracelet



KrystalsJewelry - Ambrelle - Gold Drop Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67333581/ambrelle-gold-drop-necklace



Tyss Handmade Jewelry - Orange ceramic beads antique brass hoops earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67334986/orange-ceramic-beads-in-antique-brass



sammi10 - cobweb felt scarf

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67336384/handmade-cobweb-felt-scarf-by-sammi10



SunnyCrystals - Rainbow beaded Leaf Pendant

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67263579/beaded-woven-rainbow-leaf-pendant-2



Thursday - List an item challenge Treasury (Part 1) http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4a7a940c166d919dc92be9/thursday-wow-new-today-part-1?ref=pr_treasury



Sewinggranny - Chic trendy oven mitt set:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67322531/oven-mitt-and-potholder-set-in-a-chic



MakingsByMary - American Girl Doll Poncho and Boots set

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67337796/poncho-and-boots-for-american-girl-size



Glitterbird Glamour - Suncatcher in the House

http://www.etsy.com/listing/38455644/suncatcher-in-the-house



Toddletags - Having a SAMPLE SALE...one of many sample listings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67192524/sample-sale-initial-laminated-bag-tag-by



Prendasbyenid - Simple Charm Bracelet in a Polyester Cord

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67339918/simple-charm-bracelet-in-a-polyester



PrintsbyFormedByFire-Airship From 1670 Vintage Dictionary Art Print

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67293955/airship-from-1670-vintage-dictionary-art



Crystalphotography - Chillin' Aceo

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67341133



CrimsonHill - Sea Clay Purifying Soap

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56943833/sea-clay-purifying-facial-soap-5-oz



BooBooZoo - Pain Manager Set

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67073255/peace-and-love-pain-manager-set



Galeaz Glass - Intricate Art Nouveau Heart

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66452903/intricate-art-nouveau-heart-glass-art



Kelly Designs - Pre Fab Bleeding Heart Logo Design

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67347016/pre-fab-bleeding-heart-logo-design



ArielSimone - Fun Racerback Stretch Lace Tank

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67348997/fun-racerback-stretch-lace-tank



Thursday - List an item challenge Treasury (Part2)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4aea1bd6e18eefa47fed4a/thursday-wow-new-today-part-2?index=0



CrochetedbyCharlene – Crocheted Rug or Pet Mat

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67356711/grayish-green-speckled-crocheted-rug-or



CarissasCreations158: Carissa's Sweet Mess (Macaroons)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67355624/carissas-sweet-mess-macaroons



CanineCloset: Belle Fleur XS/SMALL Collar

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67359580/belle-fleur-collar-xssmall-free-us



ToyStoryNutty (Kater's Acres) - Glitter Parker Ornament

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67365638/glitter-parker-polymer-clay-character



Jane Hamill - Bee Mine handmade lampwork glass heart focal bead

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67372861/bee-mine-handmade-lampwork-focal-heart



Giftbearer - Metallic Gold Iris Beadwoven Carnelian Brass and Vermeil Earrings (Golden Buds)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67382197/metallic-gold-iris-beadwoven-carnelian

Sabtis Designs - Elegant and Classic Pearls

3 Strand Ivory glass pearl necklace with antiqued brass clasp and links

Have a wedding and you need white accessories for that special day?

Well this shop has what you need to feel and look beautiful; the necklace, the earrings, even the bracelet!

The name Sabtis was derived from a combination of the Northern California mother's 3 children's names.

Her appreciation of beauty, style, and grace shines through her work.

Using a variety of metals including silver-plated, surgical steel, gold-plated, sterling, and some Hill Tribes silver, you can choose what you like in a wide range of price-points from $8.00 for a single pair of white glass pearl drop earrings to $175 for a set of 5 multiple strand Bridesmaids' Bracelets

Green aventurine, freshwater pearls, gold leaf, earrings

Most all jewelry in this shop is customizable for size and other features. Just contact Estee, the owner and she will be glad to assist you so that you will absolutely love your jewelry.

3 Strand Ivory glass pearl necklace with antiqued brass clasp and links

Although specializing in bridal jewelry if you want some color other than white or cream Sabtis has some designs using crystal, gemstone, and other beads you will enjoy for other occasions as well!

Graduated chunky beaded necklace with Celestial crystal accents black, green, gold

This fun and flirty necklace features a spring green fringe of crystal beads on gold-plated headpins and hoops contrasting with bold black round "druk" beads. This is sure to be a power piece for the woman with flair, not afraid to take the world by storm and make it fabulous!

JANUARY - FREE Shipping to the US and Canada Plus a Free gift!

You can also follow her on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/sabtisdesigns 

Sabtis Designs accepts many forms of payment including Paypal, Credit/Debit cards, and checks.

Go here:  Sabtisdesigns

Promotional Frenzy Presents; Out of Whole Cloth BNR Treasury

A compilation from 8 fiber artists

We are now an official Etsy Team!

For details on joining go here ---> http://www.etsy.com/teams/7512/promotional-frenzy-team

We're giving you a sneak preview before we open so that you can look through these shops and pick out something you need and/or want. Try to get there as close to opening as possible so that you have a good chance of getting your chosen seller.

If you have not been to one of our Specialty BNRs here is how it works:

1) We fill half the treasury slots with 8 featured sellers. The other 8 are left blank.

2) The first 4 buyers to call and buy from one of the sellers get featured in two spots! These usually go fast, so don't delay. The first 4 must be from different sellers (for instance if someone has already called/bought from one articular seller you can't buy from that same seller to get the 2 spots). If you're heart is really set on that seller please wait and watch until just after the first 4 are taken and we have 16 items on the board and then make your selection for the usual 1 spot. You will also want to buy in as soon as possible so that you have the best chance of getting sales, as we have found it works better not to carry people over and to have fresh things each week.

3) Once we have all spots filled (after first 4 have bought-in) it reverts to 1 spot for to each buyer and you can buy from any seller.

4) Please help promote the BNR, and feel free to post your specials if you buy in/are featured.

Let's make this a huge success and show all these fiber artists some love! There are a wide variety of items from which to choose and you will almost surely find something you can use or give as a gift. Please don't hesitate to inquire about custom orders, as most if not all of these artists are very open to customization.

Also, if I buy from you, you just might end up featured in my blog!

Why Food Sellers Should Join Promotional Frenzy

1) Do you have an old family recipe and everyone's been telling you to bottle it and start making a profit on it but you aren't sure how to get the word out?

2) Are you a fantastic and creative baker/cook who has an etsy shop but feels lost in the hundreds of other food sellers out there who are also selling unique and creative edibles?

3) Are you starting to see an increase in sales in your etsy shop but it's either feast or famine and you'd like it to be constant?

4) Are your food products really new and you'd like to test them and see what people think?

5) Are you your own best customer?

6) Do you think to Stumble refers to when you've had too much to drink?

7) When asked "Do you blog" do you answer "What's that?"

8) When you hear the word Twitter do you think they're talking about birds outside your window?

9) Does Kaboodle include "the whole kit and..." where you grew up?

If you've answered yes to any of these questions then you just might be in need of Promotional Frenzy!

What is Promotional Frenzy? you might be wondering.

How can it make my cakes and cookies disappear?

Take weight off my backside, and put weight in my wallet?

Can it replace those lonely nights when it's just me and a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough?

Yes it can!

Just about every day we've got something going on that will get you and your goodies off the kitchen counter and in front of hungry people with money burning a hole in their pocket.

Monday is our weekly BNR (Buy and Replace Treasury);

For those of you who are new to Etsy or have never ventured into the Treasury you are missing out on a state of the art way to advertise! 16 lucky sellers are featured in an online live gallery and people have a chance to buy from them in real-time, talk, ask questions. Buyers ask to buy from a particular seller whose item appears in one of the slots and buys an item or items meeting a certain minimum, then their shop replaces that which they bought from. 

Now comes the really fun part! Here is your chance to tell these potential buyers why they should want and buy your particular edible treats! Tell them how delicious they are, tempt them with special deals, and charm them with your excellent customer service. Ask their likes and dislikes. The BNR Treasury affords sellers and buyers avenues to connect in a way that no other section of Etsy does. There is more pre-sales interaction going on in a BNR Treasury than in the forums, or through convoes and e-mail. Those that return the following weeks after eating something scrumptious help you build your brand with their honest endorsements while the world looks on! It's kind of like being on TV or radio except on the internet! Other potential customers get to hear how cute the packaging was, how quickly the goody arrived, and then how quickly it was gobbled up. That is something you don't always get in written feedback. There is the potential to build lasting relationships with buyers in the BNR that might not have sustained through other means. The more people taste and enjoy your food items the more they talk about it, and word spreads!

Soon, before you know it you have people waiting in line to buy from you! And it doesn't stop there. Often sales from the BNR extend to after it's over. People who may not have bought from you when the BNR was open might heart an item and come back later in the week! Also, Google picks up the comments made in treasuries and so does Twitter and other such places. Facebook friends who have it posted on their wall might just decide that your fudge or sugar cookies are too tempting to pass up.

The girl planning her wedding might decide to order 25 cases of baklavah when she sees something posted about it and rushes over there to buy in with her handmade soap. Your pastries just happened to be what she was looking for, and thus a new customer is made and in turn she gets some promotion for her soap business while she puts in the order for her wedding dessert. She was going to spend $250 anyhow buying this from someone, and that someone might as well be you! If you hadn't been there you'd have missed out on a unique opportunity!

I know some of you are skeptical and saying to yourselves "BNRs are stupid. I don't need that. How will that really help me?" You may be thinking that you won't make enough to pay a bill or for tomorrow's lunch for that matter.

In the past BNRs have had the reputation of being places where only people looking for bargain basement stuff come to buy, but that is changing! As more people with varied taste and income levels come to Etsy to shop and to sell that stereotype no longer holds true.

A few weeks ago we decided to challenge the status quo. We thought, "OK, we procured lots of sales at the $3.50 price-point. What if we raised the minimum to buy in to $10.00 or $15.00? Some people were worried that nobody would buy in but an amazing thing happened. People did buy! Our first attempt was with jewelry and we started with 8 jewelry sellers, leaving the other 8 slots blank. The first 4 people to buy from one of the shops got two of the empty slots until all were filled. Then people started to be replaced. This was our first specialty BNR and the first time we'd raised the minimum.

Contrary to what some feared  there really was not a big drop in sales and the dollar amount brought in was about the same in that first one although this was achieved in a smaller number of sales. Then it and the number of sales steadily increased in the ones that followed.

Well back to how this impacts food sellers; I can tell you that since I've been running this BNR I've seen some food sellers who have gotten numerous sales in BNRs, bought out and back in again and again and have made a nice chunk of money to take home for the night! This varies somewhat depending on a number of factors such as whether it falls close to buyers' pay periods or how many other BNRs the buyers have participated in that week, but if you have a quality product, you get it shipped intact in a timely manner, and the customer loves it, you are very likely to be sought after in the BNR when the next week rolls around! This momentum builds comfidence in your buyers and you will find that you'll start developing some repeat customers as well as friends of customers who heard how good it was!

And one of my all time favorites I bought from in one of our BNRs;

 Miss Munchie - Pretzel Bread Bagels, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Tuesday-Promotional Frenzy!

This is where each of us lists an item of ours and adds it to a master list. That list then gets passed around on the forum thread we frequent (in the Etsy Promotions section), re-posted and added to by each participant. Food sellers have benefitted from this activity in that it increases the number of links out there as everyone uses various social networking sites as guided missiles of promotion and the group concentrates this activity throughout the day usually coming to a head around 9 PM.

Not only do total strangers see all that good food being promoted by 20 or more people in the thread and outside it, but it has been known to happen that those doing the promoting upon seeing all that wonderful food must have some for themselves and give into temptation. The community atmosphere and longer-term working relationships the thread nurtures is fertile ground for buying within the group. And don't forget that all these people have family and friends who also might taste some of that heavenly stuff sooner or later and come knocking on your door for more. Twitter with it's short and sweet little soundbites gets you lots of views fast, while StumbleUpon allows your product to be reviewed in a more lengthy and more permanent way which trickles down to reach a number of viewers over the next few days and even weeks.

Wednesday - Blogging;

Hump day is when the group takes the opportunity to fill cyberspace with reminders of all the wonderful shops included in this collaborative effort sometimes directly with a feature of someone they admire including links and pictures, and sometimes indirectly posting about other things while links to the shops are visible in the blog's sidebar for viewers to browse while they read the topic being written about. It could be something pertaining to business, a tutorial, or a feature or it could even be about family, or anything for that matter. The list of links in the sidebar are doing their residual job, providing another path to your shop, and like they always say sometimes the way to somebody's heart really is through their stomach. You never know who might be eating Etsy-bought sweets or salties while they type away in their blog. And last but not least; if I buy from you or think what you have is especially cool...you just might find your items featured in my blog!

Mocha Latte Da - Espresso/Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Then everyone comments on each others' blogs and those comments draw more viewers, followers, and potential buyers whose curiosity eventually gets the best of them and they go clicking around to see what all is in these intrigueing shops.

Thursday - List an Item;

Thursday is the day when all are encouraged to list something in their shop to keep fresh content moving for Etsy search and Google. Once listed (or renewed) that item gets placed on another circulating list which gets promoted by tons of people who are in the thread, much as is done in the Tuesday Frenzy. As if blasted from a canyon via megaphone, your product gets prime airtime throughout the day in all timezones. Who wouldn't love that!

Friday - Create a Treasury;

A picture is worth a thousand words and food is a very visual thing! Think about it. When you see those TV commercials dripping with deep, dark chocolate doesn't it make you want some? You pick a theme and/or color and go off to investigate what treasures the Promotional Frenzy thread holds. It is always a little bit of a surprise because along with the most visible people lies some buried treasure. For others looking for great things to feature that treasure might be you and something yummy you've made. With the number of people participating chances are your shop will show up in several treasuries and although it's not a BNR you might still get sales as a result of all that repeat exposure.  Utilizing the various social networks and even other threads in the etsy forum, your business gets broadcasted far and wide. People might not take notice the first time they see you in a treasury but the 3rd 4th, and 5th time is likely to bring some results you can really sink your teeth into (no pun intended, hee, hee).

My Etsy Brunch - An array of food sellers' items

Saturday - Solo Frenzy;

Usually held at 9:00 PM, the Solo Frenzy is a time for one lucky member to shine for the day! Sellers come up for this honor in alphabetical order and as long as you are actively participating your time will come! Those who can't be there at 9:00 PM (or other designated time) will be promoting items from your shop at various times of the day. With all that food flying around the internet something's bound to stick, (and I don't mean noodles).

Sunday - OFF to Relax and Recoup;

After all that work you will want to put your feet up (if you can tear yourself away from all the packages that need to be packed up, then shipped the next morning, LOL). I'm kidding, but partially serious. That does tend to happen alot once you've been with Promotional Frenzy awhile. It's just one of those annoying little side-effects of all those reciprocal links being propogated on your shop, multiplying like bunnies.

Calliope AZ - Home Grown Tangerines

Kind of like "Death by Chocolate".

Pernillas Something Swedish - Peanut Butter Cups

Although this was written with food sellers in mind many of the same benefits apply to sellers in all categories.