TaLaisa's Bead Drawer

The Blog: Or otherwise known as The Forgotten

2011-04-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

I apologize. I don't seem to juggle too many balls very well. I've dropped the ball on the jewelry blog, but not on the jewelry. Facebook has become the easiest way to post new jewelry. But for those of you not on Facebook I have this need to keep the blog going so if I post something pretty will you forgive me for neglecting the blog?

I sure hope so.

Island Princess

2010-11-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Big. Bold. Beautiful. Jumbo wooden beads, carved tribal beads, carved bone bead. Natural beauty.

Purple Pearls

2010-11-01T17:14:00.001-07:00

On the Fringe

2010-11-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

Fringy Smoky quartz beads dance around your neck and frame large green turquoise beads and freshwater pearls.

Smoke and Crystals

2010-11-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Fall's latest gorgeous neutral. Not quite gray not quite tan, somewhere in the middle. Goes with everything glams up anything. South Sea Shell Pearls, crystals and a bit of pewter (lead free).

Baby Blues

2010-11-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

Two matching bracelets. One for Mommy. One for baby. Bluegrass Jasper and sterling silver.

Spring Cherries

2010-05-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

In PINK!

I have to admit I've been thinking about making cherry earrings with pink stones for a long time. I don't know what I was waiting for I love how they've turned out. The cherries hang from handmade (by ME!) antique bronze earwires and are made of pink howlite. Howlite is a stone that resembles turquoise but can be dyed fun colors and isn't nearly as expensive as real turquoise.

**I love using my handmade earwires to make earrings. I think it adds a bit of style and a unique handmade touch where it isn't found in commercially made earrings. I do have traditional french hook earwires as well as lever backs that can be used for your earrings. I try to please everyone.

Mother of the Bride

2010-05-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on a set for a Mother of the Bride. I'm thrilled to have been asked to do this project. The colors requested were in gemstone terms, peridot, smoky topaz and amethyst. I used those precious gemstones and crystals and pearls along with sterling silver. All beads are hand wrapped in sterling wire. They certainly make a statement, at nearly 3 inches long. They could easily be worn for any other occasion that calls for knock out earrings.

Spring is Blooming

2010-03-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

At least it is on my beading table. I've had so many fun carved flower beads sitting in my stash. Today, while it was snowing outside, I sat inside and planted my own little earring flower garden. Do you think they'd take the grand prize at the garden show?

2010-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

I love this set. I don't love the photographs of this set. I was trying to go neutral on the paper because I didn't want it to compete with the jewelry. I think I went a little bit too neutral. I love the watermelon pink coral. I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to go with the pink and then I had some customers request pink and black jewelry. I love the look of the black lava rock and it happens to go spectacularly with the pink watermelon coral.

2010-03-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Mother of pearl is one of my favorites for big earrings. They are lightweight and can be worn big without hurting your ears. These white mother of pearl coins are fun with a little bit of flirty swing.

The black earwire are kidney style which gives them even more big impact. The silver pair are on handmade earwires. I think the handmade earwires add a little bit of extra style. They are a little tricky to make but the effort is well worth the outcome. And I learned how to make them myself and these are one of the first sets used in my handmade earrings.

2010-03-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

PINK! PINK! PINK!

A mix of pink stones play nicely together in these fun pieces. These came about when I noticed that I had a big pile of pink beads. And those pink beads were begging for attention. I hope they're happy where I put them.

2010-03-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

These earrings are some of my very very favorites. I've been thinking about them for years. Yes years. I've had the turquoise middles for 2 years and as long as I've had them I've wished I could find some wood teardrop beads to put them in the middle of. I found some at Hobby Lobby. I had to buy them. Had to. Despite my efforts to not patronize box craft stores for my beading needs. (As a designer, their prices are highway robbery even with coupons). So here they are. I made 4 pairs. I hope to be able to track down a source for more of the same but possibly in different colors. I kept one for myself and I've worn them all day every day since I finished making them.

More new stuff

2010-03-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

I can't reasonably wait until tomorrow to post another bunch of pictures. I've been really excited to share them and I'm going to keep posting until my husband begs for a turn on the laptop.

This bracelet took more time than I expected. Probably due to my own insistence upon hurrying. I had to change out the clasp at the last minute, without cutting all those beads loose. It was hard to cut the original toggle in half but I figured the time I saved and the beading wire were worth the cost of one measly toggle.

There are 5 strands of beads. The smallest is one of liquid silver with a few stamped silver beads adorning it. The rest are variations of green beads in glass of all kinds. It's really fun and has the layering look without the expense of buying multiple bracelets. I couldn't finish it off without a charm and matching earrings. Maybe I'll make another couple of sets in different colors.

What's New?

2010-03-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, let me tell you. Or rather Show you. That's the reason for visiting this blog anyway, isn't it? Pictures. Jewelry. Sparkly things that make it fun to be a girl.

This set was a gift and a bit of a collaboration. A collaboration with my husband. I was initially shocked at his interest in helping me. He had plenty to say about what he thought looked balanced. If I hadn't had the picture proof of the incident I may not have believed he'd helped me either. Maybe it had something to do with the recipient? It was made for his cousins' wife. We went to Las Vegas over Valentines weekend and while the boys went to rugby Praveen kept me company. I'd admit we got up to a good bit of girly fun as well.

The stones are green agate and by the size of the stash I have of them I'd say I was smitten by them when I saw them at the gem fair. So gorgeous and I love how the bright green pearls play off of them. The reddish tiger eye and bits of silver balance the whole thing out.

Technical Difficulties

2010-03-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

We've had a few computer problems. And the photo editing software hasn't been added back to the computer.

The upside is that I've had the laptop, so I can update the blog. But without pictures. And what, I ask, is the point of a jewelry blog without pictures? On the upside, is there an upside to a jewelry blog without new pictures?, I've been beading like crazy! I have lots of new stuff waiting to be photographed and added to the blog. In fact I think I'll cut this short and go take some pictures.

I can't wait to show you what I've been working on.

Back. In. Action

2010-02-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

I missed a whole bunch of days of posting jewelry. For a good reason. I went to Las Vegas for Valentines. I thought I'd find some fun bead stores with something a little different than I've seen around here. Suffice it to say that my treasure hunt was boring, for lack of better words. The finding of the bead store was more fun than the hunt inside the bead store. My husband's cousin's wife and I went scrapbook and bead store hunting while our husbands were watching the 7's Rugby tournament.

I didn't take any of my supplies or tools on our trip, so I have a few silk knotted pearl bracelets to photograph and post. Those only require 3 things, pearls, silk, and french wire. Those will be up later tomorrow. The bead store did have giant, orange-y coral freshwater pearls. They were to die for, can't wait to show you the bracelet I made with those.

These red coral earrings were made before Valentines Day and sent to the lucky recipient in time to be a fun love day gift.

Wild Thing

2010-02-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

These earrings are so much fun. A smattering of pink chalcedony, aged metal and crystal all clustered together on a big kidney earwire for some flirty swing.

The one that got away

2010-02-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

I love this necklace. I love it so much I forgot to take a picture in my haste to take it to it's purchaser before I changed my mind and kept it forever. A few weeks ago I borrowed it to take to a boutique sales presentation, while I had it in my hands I snapped a quick pic. Maybe I'll make myself one. I love the design of it so it will be made again in other colors, and will be available for purchase at Pebbles in My Pocket and Etsy. You know, if I don't keep it for myself.

I love the combination of the antiqued brass/bronze finish and the purple. It's gorgeous. It's made up of freshwater pearl, hand antiqued brass findings and glass beads. Aren't the giant bronze faceted beads gorgeous?

Perfect Red

2010-02-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

I love red.Red beads.Red jewelry.Wearing red makes me happy. It brightens my dull mom wardrobe and it's a neutral in my accessory arsenal. For Valentines week I can't help but do something red. These are stacks of sliced, polished, red bamboo coral. So fun!

Valentines or Spring Pink

2010-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

Another pair with the pink, just a little more feminine and flirty and romantic looking than the last pair.

A little something hot .

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm trying out something new. I usually wait until I have a gazillion pictures to post and do a collage. But my assistant (husband) suggested that maybe it'd be fun to post one picture every single day. So that's the goal. One new thing every single day. Be on the look out for some eye candy.

Today I've been working on pink and more pink and even more pink. Pink is a challenge for me. A challenge I'm taking head on. Starting at the ears.

What could be hotter than hot pink and lava rock?

Custom Earrings

2009-12-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

I had a very fun custom order request. This client sent me pictures of her gorgeous family members and asked me to make a pair of earrings for each gal.
Here are the results. I'm appreciative of the custom order, it was a creative stretch and just the challenge my creativity needed to wake up.

What's New?

2009-12-09T18:35:00.001-08:00

Classic Pearls with a twist

2009-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today I tried out a new techinque, knotted pearls. It's a slowly dying art. In the world of strung and crimped jewelry, silk knotted beads are a luxury mostly found at high end jewelry stores. Today I found out why. It is time consuming, a little bit tricky, and most definitely not easy. But, I did it. And I had a great teacher to show me how. (If you need awesome beads for a little project; from lucite (fancy for plastic) to stones, crystals and more. Check out Heart Beads Jewelry in Murray. Awesome store. And Trumaine will teach you how to do almost anything.

Here's what I made while the kids were at school.

Winners Report

2009-11-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Some of the prizes given were earring styles made previously, but there was one pair that kind of surprised me. I usually have a picture in my head when I start an idea, I know what I'm going for. But this one came out of the clear blue sky. I didn't know where I was going with them until I was finished. I'm so excited with the way they turned out. So, thanks Karlie for the challenge for bigger bolder earrings. I hope you love them! I realize it is difficult to tell but they are giant brown mother of pearl flat circles hanging from long kidney wires and they have two little charms hanging from the wire wrapping, one champagne freshwater pearl and a tiny swarovski crystal.

Winners:Update

2009-11-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies,

Thanks for being patient. The prizes are on their way.

I'm taking care of the winner's prizes in the order they replied to me. I have finished Karlie's earrings, Kim's earrings, and Brooke's Bracelet. All 3 are waiting delivery or pick up.

Next up is Nicki's necklace and Diane's earrings. I'm still waiting to hear from Megan about which red earrings, I'm making. Cherries? or another pair of casual red earrings?

You're a Winner!

2009-11-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I held the drawing for the give away. Highly technical names on paper tags (I've punched a gazillion to tag jewelry!) And used a little blue dish and had my boys draw out names.

Here is the list of winners.(Check out the typed list at the bottom as well, in case you can't read my writing. Also another winner's name was left out of the picture by accident.)
Email me at talaisa(at)gmail.com to claim your prize, discuss color choice and arrange delivery.

Kitchen sink style Necklace: NIC
Bracelet: Brooke
Earrings: Karlie, Kim, Hea, Diane, Megan(somehow the tag flew off the paper and I didn't notice until Caleb asked where his teacher's name was)

And now I have to finish tagging and inventory-ing 50 more pieces of jewelry.

It's kind of a Big deal

2009-10-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy little beader lately. With no time to post, just bead, bead, bead. Oh and there has been paperwork to fill out and pricing and excitement of all kinds.

Why you ask? Well I'll tell ya. My jewelry is going public. That's right. No more relying on dealing out of my home office for sales. Although I will still continue to sell it out of my office, online through email and the blog and continue to do custom orders, it won't be my only means of selling my jewelry.

I know. Lots of words and still no clear answers. So here it is, in as few words as I can manage. Which is still plenty. I'm a talker, with a lot to say.

My jewelry is going to be sold in 3 THREE! boutiques here in Utah. Yep by next week (fingers crossed) my designs will be for sale in Pebbles in my Pocket stores. And soon after, their online store. Can you believe it?? Me either. How I got in is a long story. One I'll save for another day. But lets just say it took some nerves of steel, some guts and a little bit of naivety (had I known the person I was talking to was a manager, I probably wouldn't have been so quick to ask all those questions that got me in the door). And of course a little bit of trust in all those people who believed my stuff was worth a second look. That's many of you! So thank you!

In celebration of my new selling venture and as a thank you to the visitors of this blog I'm doing a give away. Yep. Three lucky folks who leave a comment on this post will be receiving a TaLaisa's Bead Drawer Original. I'm not exactly sure which pieces I'll be giving away. Most of them are on their way to Pebbles to be numbered and sold (fingers crossed!).

I'm sure that I'll be doing a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a necklace. In the comments please tell me what you'd like to win if chosen. Custom, semi-custom (previous design new colors, etc), or something you've already seen posted here or on facebook.

I'll be taking comments and counting them as entries until November 3rd. Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, but whatever you do don't forget to enter!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2009-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

These rocks are seriously awesome! They are dark navy blue and have silver sparkles. Sparkly rocks! Who doesn't love that? It's a cool stone called goldstone, it comes in brown and navy. Love it.

The necklaces are really long, you can wrap one of them 3 times. It also looks amazing as a 6 or 7 wrap bracelet. The stones are faceted for extra sparkle.

The second necklace is a interchangeable charm on a long dark heavy chain. It looks so cute layered with a long strand of tiny freshwater pearls. On the charm hangs a mother of pearl carved rose, a large faceted slab of crystal quartz, some pewter charms and a giant south sea shell pearl.

What's new?

2009-10-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been busily beading and yet you'd hardly guess it to look at this blog, most of my newest designs have been showing up on my facebook page. It's time they make their debut over here as well.

Happy Valentines

2009-02-09T12:41:00.001-08:00

I've been working on a few custom orders. These are a Valentine's gift order. They're for teenage girls. I hope it hasn't been so long since I was there, that I have forgotten what cute and stylish looks like.

Spring Fever

2009-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

There was a ton of snow outside when I made this, yet something inside me insisted on making stuff that would go perfectly with spring and summery outfits. I'd be liable to fit it in with any outfit I wanted just because it's just that cute and fresh looking. There are more springy things in my camera waiting to be uploaded too.

A Heap of Baubles

2009-02-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

This set of four pairs of earrings were created for a customer for her Christmas gift. Her husband told me that she had told him that she really wanted to be surprised, with earrings made by me. AND that whatever I made would be perfect. (I discussed with the wife previously the colors she wore most, there was also another pair made to match a sweater of hers. . . I never photographed them. oops)

Earthy Mother of Pearl

2009-02-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

This necklace was a custom piece that I made for customers' Mothers' Christmas present. From what I heard, she couldn't wait to wear it. I had so much fun making it and working with the customer to find the perfect color and design combination.

As seen In:

2009-02-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Bead Trends Magazine

These are the pieces that were seen in Bead Trends January and February issues. The dark red set; bracelet, necklace and earrings were in the January issue. The tiny red coral bracelet, amethyst bracelet, champagne glass and pearls and the pink pearl with sterling heart charm were all in the February issue.

Ch-ch-changes

2009-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

The neglect of this blog has not been because I've given up the Jewelry dream. Rather I'm trying to decide which way to go with it. I've been exploring options of setting up a shopping cart on this site and making the jewelry I post, purchaseable. I've also been looking at setting up shop at some additional selling markets.

I have also given much thought to trying to go wholesale and sell to shops in bulk rather than be the end seller. The one problem I have with that is that shops could request that I only sell certain designs exclusively in their stores, which means if I post it here, I'd have to direct you to the shop I sold it to.

I still haven't decided what I'm going to do. But I'll keep making jewelry, in the mean time.

Recently there have been some laws put in place that makes it illegal to sell children's jewelry without it undergoing testing. Each individual piece. The testing is very expensive and would make most child sized bracelets cost prohibitive. Hopefully there will be an amendment to rectify the mass small business wipe out that will occur when the law goes into place, in 8 days.

I will keep the blog up to date as decisions are made and will be once again posting lots of finished eye candy.

Baby's First Multi-color Pearls- Bracelet

2008-11-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

This sweet baby bracelet is made of multi-colored dancing freshwater pearls. It is a sweet dainty bracelet that will go with almost everything in baby's closet.

In the RED-Earrings

2008-11-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

These are the earrings to go with the red sets. Simple go with anything red. Both are hung on kidney style earwire, it makes them longer and have a little swing. I can put them on traditional french hooks if you want them instead.

Life is a bowl of cherries

2008-11-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

These earrings are fun and a bit whimsical. And 100% cute. I had the red beads hanging out in my bead tray after making the in the Red set. Instead of figuring out how to organize the loose beads I turned them into several pairs of cherry earrings. I love how they turned out, I should avoid organizing more often. (or not, because a cluttered desk is distracting).

Want your own pair? They're listed in my Etsy shop, NOW.

In the RED- Necklace

2008-11-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is the necklace to answer the need for red. IT's bright, shiny red howlite coins and rounds. I would plan my outfits around the necklace, for this one.

In the RED- Bracelet

2008-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

I love the color red. I wear it with nearly everything and it instantly makes me happy. This is a double strand all red bracelet. It's made of red howlite, sometimes it's called red turquoise but I think that is a misnomer.

Granny Smith

2008-11-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

This bracelet it chunky, unabashedly green and oh so spunky! I LOVE it! It's simple in color but packs a punch. And should you need it to, I'm sure it could act as a self defense tool. These are some seriously huge, heavy, green turquoise slabs.

Wilma- the Bracelet

2008-11-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself. All I could think of as I was making this bracelet was how jealous Betty Rubble would be if she happened to see her fashionable neighbor Wilma wearing it.

It's plain and simple and yet pretty and fun to wear. It's made up of white quartz polished pebbles, or mini boulders if you prefer. They're some serious rocks. The clasp is a fun stylized heart with a faceted white quartz charm dangling from it.

Black Tie-The Necklace

2008-10-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here is the necklace that goes along with the Black Tie bracelet and earrings I posted here.

It turned out more gorgeous than I imagined it would. I love it. And sadly I cannot find the dealer that I bought the black onyx from. Yet. So this is, right now, a limited edition and is already spoken for. It is 19 inches on the shortest setting and 21.5 on the longest setting. I think it looks best on the short setting with the extender chain and charm at the back of the neck, for and added sparkle. It'll look great coming and going.

In Black and White

2008-10-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

My 15 minutes have started. I have my first set of jewelry in the November issue of Bead Trends Magazine. The issue wasn't in stores on Friday, but maybe soon. I'm on page 130 and on the Table of Contents page too. I'll be posting my pictures of it tomorrow.

I also got an email that I'll be on the designers to notify list when another (different) magazine needs to request jewelry for their next special issue.

Cocoa and Cream

2008-10-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Apparently I'm hungry today. Because every name I came up with for this necklace was food related. I'm just going with it. This is one long necklace. It is long enough to wrap twice and can be two equal length strands or one choker length strand with a longer strand that hangs mid chest on me or even one really long strand that hangs to the navel. I also tried it out and it makes a pretty cute 6 strand bracelet.

I adorned the clasp with an amazingly gorgeous step-cut twister smoky quartz rondelle and giant pearl charm. It looks really pretty no matter where it ends up. This necklace is made up of glass and freshwater pearls in a myriad of shades of brown and ivory. I love it. It turned out better than I dreamed it would.

In other somewhat related news. I've decided that I need a sewing body form or a headless mannequin or a neck form for the necklaces. I realize that it is difficult to imagine how they'll look on, when they are laid out on the table top. And I love him but I don't think my husband understands the artistic need for my head to be cut off and the flash to be off in the pictures. Or I'd be my own model.

Custom Made

2008-10-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

Made for a custom order. These were fun to make. They are two of my most favorite colors. I dealt more with the misery of too much choice when it came to bead selection in the colors needed for the order.

Both sets will go with either black or brown and consist of pearls, silver, fossil stone and dyed howlite.

Did I mention these were fun to make? I love this job.

Temple Ornaments

2008-10-05T17:32:00.001-07:00

I spent a little time cleaning out the office/workroom/hobby/craft room this weekend. In my cleaning I came across some treasures.

We made these ornaments a few years ago, with our pad printer (how many people can say they have one of those in their craft utility cupboard?). I remember working side by side with Lester to print as many of these as we could without them breaking. There were a few awesome glass ornament explosions and some major frustration when 4 in a row broke to teeny tiny pieces.

I had aspirations of making more, possibly many many more. And including other temples in the repertoire. It hasn't happened. And I need the space in the office more than my boys need a box to climb on.

I'm going to be selling them in my etsy store, until they are gone. If anyone here wants one, leave a comment and I'll save you one and mark it as reserved in my etsy store when I list them. Or you can order one here and pay through paypal. The cost will be $8+shipping (which I am going to find out the cost of at the Post Office tomorrow).

I have two colors, one is called silver pearl and has a silver crown at the top and the other is called Natural Velvet with a gold crown at the top. I have the Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples in both finishes.

Pink Chocolate

2008-10-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

This set is for all the pink and brown lovers out there. I've never been much of a pink fan, I'm warming up to the color but this was a design stretch for me. I've made two bracelets, a necklace and a pair of earrings. I may have to make a second pair of earrings, while the pink love is still fresh on my fingertips.

The first bracelet, top left corner and top middle is made up of smooth round pink peruvian opals and chocolaty brown glass pearls. The design is slightly asymmetrical when you wear it because of the weight of the toggle, but that's what I love about it.

The second bracelet, middle left, middle center and bottom middle is made up of faceted pink peruvian opals and chocolaty brown glass pearls. I love the faceting on the opal, it's gorgeous.

The necklace, middle right and bottom left and right corners, is a long one. It has a toggle that can be part of the design or hidden at the back. The toggle also allows for some creativity. This length makes this necklace the queen chameleon of all jewelry pieces. It can be worn as a single long strand, as two choker length strands or as a four strand bracelet. It's really fun! It's made up of two kinds of peruvian opal, glass pearl, silver and glass seed beads.

Black Tie

2008-10-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

This set is very elegant and yet, I wouldn't hesitate to wear it to a PTA meeting. It has just a bit of glitz that looks great dressed up or as the most dressed up part of your outfit. I adore it! Good thing I bought enough to make me one too.

I couldn't decide which I liked better so I made two pair of matching earrings. I have a necklace in the work as well. The bracelet is made up of two strands that have separate links to the toggle which help them lay nicely.

The main components of this set are faceted onyx, swarovski crystals, silver, and rock crystal.

Bead Heaven

2008-09-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun at the Gem Fair. Wandering and oohing and ahhing while the boys were all at school, SO much fun.

You aren't allowed to bring camera's in, but I'll post pictures of my newly organized stash. I'm lucky that simply organizing what I already have is as good as shopping, in my own home and it's already paid for. I love that. This is of the bead drawer, reorganized by color. This is NOT what I bought this past weekend, they are mixed in. But this is all my beads still on strings.

Going to those things always makes me more aware of all the stuff I have at home. Like, ooh I love that a lot, I'd better check my stash because I think I may already have some in the drawer. And I was right, like 9 out of 10 times. I didn't buy many new beads. I did buy myself a couple new beading trays, the old one was cracked and broken and totally worn out (and replacing it at Michaels would cost $14!). I felt bad the vendor said, "THAT's it?" and then faked adding it all up in his head '5, 10. . $10'.

I'm determined to turn my collection of rocks into treasures. Keep your eyes open it's gonna be an onslaught of beaded bling in the next few weeks.

By Request

2008-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

For Wendy, a remake of a mother of pearl and crystal pair of earrings from last week.

Giveaway Update

2008-09-23T14:11:00.001-07:00

All prizes have been sent, they went out today. Start stalking your mail carrier and let me know when they arrive.

Sweet Mother of Pearl

2008-09-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

These are some classy mother of pearl earrings spunked up with a little bit of cheeky glam in the form of a swarovski crystal. They're perfect for wearing dressed up or along with jeans and a t-shirt or sweater.

These sell for $14 and I have the supplies to make more pairs and bracelets and necklaces to match. I'll work on those when things slow down.

Tahitian Vacation- Monica

2008-09-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

These are Tahitian South Sea Pearl earrings, made for Monica. From what I understand of the process they use a glass round bead for the base and then they coat it 100's of times with ground up (dyed) pearls, ones that weren't pretty enough to make in on a strand but still had great lustre.

The end result is a gorgeous, not really faux, not really 100% pearl that can mimic pearls that are otherwise out of the budget. Real Tahitian pearl necklaces (full strand) run $10,000.

Carribean Waters- Jen

2008-09-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

These are giant marine blue rice pearls capped with sterling silver lacy bead caps and daisy and rope spacers, they hang from handmade earwires. They were made especially for Jen of Studio71 as a way to say thank you for the amazing job she did designing my banners, buttons, business card, and gift packaging. Thanks Jen!

Kitchen Sink Necklace- Cindy's Prize

2008-09-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is a Kitchen Sink Necklace that I made for Cindy. She was the big prize winner for this giveaway go-around. It's so cute and fun and funky and it'll go with almost anything, I love the colors. Thanks Cindy for the inspiration. I hope you love it!

Custom Made

2008-09-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

These were modeled after a variation I made for Teacher Appreciation for Caleb's teacher last year. She ordered these this morning when I dropped the boys off and I just delivered them.

Baby Bracelets

2008-09-19T09:25:00.003-07:00

On the less expensive side. (It hurts my ears to call my creations 'cheap')

This is one tiny 6-12 month sized baby bracelet. It will actually fit up to a 6-7 year old on the last link of the extender chain. I think this offers a fun alternative, you can pick 3 colors that are complimentary, monochromatic or whatever you'd like. These are all attached to the same clasp and give a layered look and only one clasp to deal with.

These would run $8 each or 3 for $21. (That'd be 3, 3 strand bracelets for that price) This one is Neapolitan; pink, white and chocolate brown. The color combination possibilities are endless. And they can be made in any little girl size.

Jill's Prize

2008-09-19T09:25:00.002-07:00

These were made for Jill. They're brown mother of pearl with pewter and silver spacers and a few swarovski crystals for sparkle. I think they'll match that dress perfectly. I hope you love them.

Chloe & Lily's Prize (Julie)

2008-09-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

This is another variation on the Kitchen Sink Bracelet for a child. It's a bit tricky to get all the colors in there on such a small bracelet. I'm working on alternatives for future KS child sized bracelets.

This particular bracelet is Chloe and Lily's, via mom Julie's win. I hope you all love it.

Kate's Prize

2008-09-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is one Kitchen Sink Bracelet Child sized. The size can go up to 7 inches long and can be attached at any of the bead links along the bracelet, which leaves a cute dangling charm of various lengths. It'll grow with Kate. I hope Lori and Kate both love it.

The retail price of this would be $15-18 for the silver link variation and $10-12 for a variation strung on beading wire with tiny glass spacers. Cost varies per size/length.

Cheryl's Prize

2008-09-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here they are Cheryl. I think they fit the earthy warm look you mentioned liking. They have a little bit of swing to them. They're green turquoise and green/bronze freshwater pearls. I hope you love them. Email me your address and I'll get them in the mail today.

Up Next a Kitchen Sink Bracelet for Miss Kate (via Mom, Lori's win)

I'm still waiting on some responses from the other winners. Next week will be Cuh-razy with a Capital C. If you wait until after this Friday to contact me, it'll be a week and a few days before I'm able to get back to the beading desk.

WINNERS!!!!!!!

2008-09-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to scroll down and see who won the giveaway!

Market Day

2008-09-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

I went to Market Day up at Abode in Salt Lake/Sugar House area on Saturday. It was fun. I learned a lot and the only thing I sold, was myself. To the idea that I can actually do this. I gave out a few business cards too.

The friend that put me up to the idea of Market Day gave me the idea for my display. She gave me an old wooden window (with the glass out).

Friday rolled around and I still wasn't sure how it would turn out. My husband scraped off the old paint and put on some new black paint. IT looked much better. Then he hammered some nails into the top of each frame. Then he suggested that I glue some cute scrapbook paper to a big sheet of cardboard, and then he tacked the cardboard to the back of the window frame and ta-da. I was sold.

I hung some necklaces on the nails. I was worried I wouldn't have enough stuff to hang on all the nails. Wrong. I ran out of nails long before I ran out of jewelry. I needed something else, quick. We have an old desk with a long drawer on our patio, I pulled it out and realized with something to hold the earrings, it'd be perfect. One problem, it needed some paint. So I painted it to match the window.

I scrounged around the house looking for something with dividers. Mini cupcake tins to the rescue. I went to bed Friday night feeling like a kid who'd just pulled off the biggest homework success and by the skin of their teeth.

Saturday was fun. I had the best company. And I feel like I have the dreaded 'first' attempt to market my jewelry under my belt. And I have the confidence to try again.

Also, my genius brother in law suggested that I put window shutters on either side of the window to help it stand and then use them to display more jewelry. Anyone know where I can find old window shutters?

Giveaway Results!

2008-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

There are 7 winners, I just couldn't help myself.

Congratulations to:

Linda= earrings
Lori= child's bracelet
Monica= earrings
Julie= child's bracelet
Jill= earrings
Cheryl= earrings

and the Grand Prize Winner= Cindy won a Kitchen Sink Necklace and earrings

All prizes for this giveaway will be custom made, to your request (within the realms of my style, and bead inventory). Email me and we'll discuss ideas. talaisa(at)gmail(dot)com

These are Kitchen Sink necklaces. I call them that because I picked out one of every bead and mixed them up, they've got everything but the kitchen sink in them. I'm so excited with how fabulous they've turned out. I love them! They can be all mixed up and worn with anything or they can follow a color scheme and have a gazillion different rocks, shapes and sizes within the chosen color scheme (like the one on the bottom in the middle) Fun! Retail price for these start from $40 and go up to $75 or $80 depending on stones used and length. The stones are all individually wrapped (in wire) for your protection. And for security.

Also available are kitchen sink bracelets, 2 strands are best to give enough space for the variation to show. Retail of those would be $30-$45.

**Side note: I used a handy dandy empty oatmeal canister to shake up all the names and then drew them out one at a time, before I picked the paper I'd say out loud the prize and then turn it over and write the prize on the back. I didn't really look at the names until the end. Do you notice any similarities in the names?

Looks like if your name started with a C,J, or L that was a good start and 3 of the winners are sisters. Luck must run in the family.

Little Girl Jewelry

2008-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Okay so I 've been thinking about your comments. And I agree. I would hesitate to put a $20 bracelet on my daughter and send her to school. But before now I haven't really shopped with making little girl jewelry in mind. I've made some gifts, for little girls, with stuff I already had on hand. Expensive, high quality stuff. I know there are cheaper options out there, I just have to find them, without giving up my design style.

So some options I'm considering. Less silver; even a little bit of extra pewter or sterling plated brass can bump up the cost like no tomorrow. Using fewer genuine stones and gemstones. There are great fakes. Finding some pretty glass options would be another alternative, smaller scale; most stuff I have around right now is pretty big. By scaling down to a 6mm or 4mm bead for little bracelets I could use some of the same stones for less. Extender chains. I do add a few extra links giving about .75 inch of leeway in the design. I would make it an option to add in more room later on or at the time of design if you don't mind a longer charm chain. It is pretty simple to double link the clasp to the first and last ring to make it dangle less.

I'm curious about basic color schemes you'd be interested in for a little girl wardrobe. I know that what I'd dress my daughter in is much different than what my neighbor dresses her daughter in. It totally varies from person to person and even day to day depending on the girl. I know I was one of those girls. Would single color designs work? Multi color to go with anything? Basic colors? Neutrals?

I am working on a few multi color designs, please let me know what you think.Here is one idea I came up with. I meant for it to be more random but I loved the way this color scheme came about. This size is really adjustable, the hook can clip to any of the rings between the beads. Within reason this could be made larger for the same price. This one would be $10. The metal wire is silver plated and the charm is pewter.

I've really appreciated all the input so far. Thank you!

Etsy store opening. Delayed.

2008-09-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

I was planning to list a bunch of stuff today and open my Etsy store for real. But it has been delayed. For a good reason though. I am going to be participating in Market Day on Saturday and I'm taking my jewelry with me.

A neighbor friend of mine owns a totally cute home/personal decorating store called The Pink Door. She saw me wearing my newest necklace at church yesterday. She loves it! Then she asked if I had inventory. Yes. Then she said, "You have to come do Market Day on Saturday." They get lots of traffic, have lots of artists and she offered to help me 'set up' my display. I pay $20 and then keep all the proceeds from the sales I make.

I'm hesitant. I'm nervous. And I feel like I need to have a dozen more bracelets made and three dozen pairs of earrings made by Friday. Yikes!

Barbie Girl Bling

2008-09-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so the name, it's cheesy I know. But that's what I think of when I look at these bracelets. I made a set of Mommy and Me's to test the waters. There is one for Mom, Baby and a 4-9 or 10 year old child. From top to bottom it goes, baby, child, mom. Tell me what you think, please.

I've also made some earring baubles, but I'd like to find a post/back finding for the girls version. I'll post those when I find the right attachments. That leads to another question I had, what age would you put a short dangling earring on your daughter?

These are made with salmon pink glass based pearls and swarovski crystals. The prices for the bracelets would be as follows: Mom size $36, child size $20, baby size $16.

Little Girl Jewelry

2008-09-06T06:58:00.001-07:00

So a few people mentioned in their comments on the giveaway that they would like to see little girl jewelry. This is newerish territory for me. While I have made little girl bracelets for gifts, I have hesitated to market them for 3 reasons. If I were to make some stuff for little girls I'd definitely need opinions and input ,on the 3 scary reasons, from people with little girls.

Reason #1: Sizing. I have 3 boys and they'll occasionally try on the little girls bracelets (that I make for gifts for specific girls of similar age and size) but that won't last long, they're already annoyed. I can put growing room on bracelets. Until I find a reliable child sizing scale for bracelet lengths, it's easier to make a bracelet custom length per the order. I am hunting for a sizing scale, as it seems like there is interest there.

Reason #2: Pricing. I've never shopped for little girl jewelry. I don't know what people are willing to spend on a child's bracelet. What's the cap? What's the MOST you'd spend on a bracelet for your daughter? Would you spend more for a special occasion bracelet than an everyday bracelet? Pricing determines what kinds of beads I can use to some extent. ie:If the price cap were $20, I would not be able to make a bracelet of only solid sterling silver without losing money. But I could do freshwater pearls with swarovski crystals or a glass/charm bracelet or even a little turquoise, coral or dyed jade bracelet. Which brings me to my 3rd reason.

Reason #3: Design and Scale. Are you looking for 'little girl' designs, like cutesy? Or classic mini's of what Mom's wearing with some girly twists? Or replica's using the exact same beads as the Mom version, only smaller? And Scale, I love big chunky bracelets and lots of my bead purchases mirror that. Some of them would look like little girls wearing mom's jewelry and look too big on a little tiny wrists and others wood look just right. Would you trust me to make the scale call per design???

I LOVE the idea of Mom & Me jewelry. Love it! I appreciate the suggestions and help in that direction. Please comment, so I can wash away those concerns with real answers.
And if I've made your little girl a bracelet, please leave your opinion on those areas using the bracelet I made as a reference.

All comments in this post section will be given an additional giveaway entry.

Thank you!

A Dusty Rose

2008-09-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I make a piece of jewelry that ,when I finish, is totally different than it looked in my head. And usually in a good way. The nice thing about stringing on beading wire? You can dump it and start over. Wire wrapping is not so forgiving.

With this necklace, I gave into the beads and let them decide where the design was going. I am so pleased with the way it turned out! It's unlike anything I've ever made and matches nothing I own (often my go to in design inspiration).

This is one long necklace, long, long, Long. It's two strands with a clasp dividing them so that they hang in a specific place. The longer strand is 30" and the shorter strand is 25", for a total of 55" inches of play room. The lobster clasp could be easily removed so the wearer could choose how she wants to wear it. The pendant could be the long or the short necklace. Because it is so long, I am all out of the pearls I used. When I find another strand similar in color, I'll make a bracelet. I was able to reserve a few of the smaller pinkish beads and some creamy off white beads, just for the bracelet. Gemstones used; freshwater pearl, rhodonite and white magnesite (turquoise like).

Giveaway Celebration!

2008-09-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am beside myself excited. I just got another email from Bead Trends. They want 4 (!) of my pieces for the February issue. Can somebody pinch me? Please?

To celebrate, I am going to be doing a Giveaway. I don't know what the prize will be yet, maybe something custom to the winners request? A bracelet and matching earrings? A simple necklace? a bunch of earrings? Maybe there will be multiple winners (of course there will!).

I need some customer opinions.

So to enter (and help me out) leave a comment; give me one thing to work on, vote yes or no to listing available jewelry on etsy (for ease of purchasing), refer a friend, post a message on your blog and you'll get one entry for every one. I will be closing the giveaway entry period next Sunday the 14th, and announcing the winner Monday morning, the 15th. Good Luck!

And in parting, some eye candy!

Treasure Hunting

2008-08-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

I love shopping for new beads. It's like the ultimate treasure hunt, finding what you want for a price you're willing to pay. There are so many beautiful rocks out there! I found some pretty pretty stuff today! I can't wait for it to get here, so I can play!

Also I'm trying to decide what to make for the next giveaway, definitely something different from the previous giveaway. I think I will be doing one every 6 weeks, maybe less if I get too antsy waiting.

I am also working on a button/picture link to my bead blog that can be posted on my other blogs.

I love pearls. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I have especially been on the hunt for some pretty dyed pearls and I found some gorgeous ones.

This is green amethyst or prasiolite, it is gorgeous light mossy green gorgeousness and apparently so so so hard to find and super spendy on top of that. This cut is my favorite in this stone, it's called step cut faceting.

I am very lucky that I was able to find a smart retailer. One who didn't look at me pushing a stroller and try to charge me double because I didn't look like a serious buyer. My friend Linda and I got totally snubbed by a bead vendor selling prasiolite at the gem faire, I'm okay with it.

These are lilac quartz in that same awesome step cut facet oval shape. So pretty and feminine.

RED. Need I say more? These are so cool, I love red dyed turquoise and this looks like some really red beads.

Rock Crystal is another of my favorite stones. IT is so pretty in the right cut. These are definitely sparkly. These are twist cut faceted.

Smoky Quartz is another of my most favorite stones. I have lots of different cuts of this stone, just because it is such a nice brown and brown looks awesome with lots of things. These are also step cut twist nuggets.

Multi-color Pearls

2008-08-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Reserved for Christy

Beaded Eye Candy

2008-08-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

I am loving this collage feature. I am trying to figure out how to crop them to square so that the pictures show the whole piece and not a cropped by the computer version.

I know this way doesn't give the names, length or prices of the jewelry but it is so much fun to list them like this. Once I get caught up, I will list the new ones in groups by design name like the red, white and blue sets. I'll include all that information for the set. As it stands with the collage pieces they are available to buy. If you are interested in further information email me at talaisa@gmail.

Red, White and Blue

2008-08-26T12:27:00.001-07:00

Bracelet Parade

2008-08-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

I have a bunch of pictures just hanging out on the memory card. I'll be adding those later.

Earring Parade

2008-08-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I've been busy beading. And I've made a whole pile of earrings. There are more to come and bracelets to match.

Testing

2008-08-22T10:43:00.001-07:00

I made a mistake, didn't put delivery conf. on the packets for the winners (won't do that again, it's like sending your children to the neighbors and wondering when/if they got there). I've heard back from half of them that they made it. If you won and you have or haven't received your prize will you please post and let me know, thanks.

Gentle as a Dove-Little girl

2008-08-20T11:32:00.001-07:00

Gentle as a Dove- Little Girls bracelet
This sweet bracelets serves as a reminder for little girls of the attributes and characteristics of the dove. Calm, peaceful, quiet, pure white and beautiful. One similar to this was bought as a gift for a little girl on her baptism day, to her it symbolizes the gift of the Holy Ghost that she now can carry as a constant companion.

It is made up of small white freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals, sterling silver accents and a hand crafted artisan dove charm. It measures 6-6.5" long(which fits my 7 year old boy, with wiggle room, on the shortest setting. Please don't tell His Dad). It also has a chain of links to grow with your daughter. Sure to be a Sunday favorite. Matching earrings can be made for the little girl with pierced ears. Bracelet: $36. Earrings priced upon order depending on request.

Pearl Dove Bracelet-Girls
Here is a second variation, with freshwater pearls and the dove charm. It's simple, classic and pretty without being over the top. $20

Yesssssssss!

2008-08-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from the editor of Bead Trends Magazine. A set of mine is being considered for the cover of the January 2009 issue. Can you believe it!? I can't. I'm in total shock. Even if it is not on the cover it will definitely be IN the magazine.

I feel like a screaming and jumping up and down. Too bad that'd be noisy and the kids are in bed.

Firecracker

2008-08-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

Firecracker The Bracelet: This is one of my favorites, but don't let my other bracelets hear me say that. I'll deny it. But seriously this is one fun and spunky bracelet. It looks so cute stacked with other link bracelets, silver bracelets, glass beads, more coral and turquoise.

It is made with bright red bamboo coral spaced with bali silver daisy and twisted rope spacers and linked to a big 6X8mm silver chain. A Daisy charm with more coral swings from the bottom and a coral coin bead offset makes this cute from all angles. $40

Tiny Rose

2008-08-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Out for publishing

Tiny Rose The Bracelet: This is such a delicate bracelet, but because it's red it makes a bold statement. Can you tell by the paper it asked to be photographed on, it's a wild one?

It's cute and flirty and so fun to wear, there's even a little dangling flower charm at the end. It consists of tiny faceted coral beads and silver daisy spacers it's accented by a pewter flower focal bead. $36

Cherry Blossoms

2008-08-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Matte Cherry Blossom Earrings: These are simple and cute. I wear mine with everything, because red is a neutral to us red loving girls. They are cute matte red glass beads and they hang just shy of 1 inch from the handmade oxidized silver earwires. $12

Transparent Cherry Blossom Earrings: These are simple and cute. They go with everything and make me happy just to wear them. They are cute shiny transparent glass flower beads and they hang just shy of 1 inch from the handmade shiny silver earwires. $12

Rosebud and Pout Earrings

2008-08-18T18:29:00.001-07:00

Red, red and more Red!

I love coral, especially red bamboo coral. It's shiny and red and a natural stone which gives it a little more character than some man made stones.

Rosebud Earrings: These sweet red coral ovals have a pewter rosebud charm dangling at the bottom. They hang approximately 1.25 inches, not including the french hook. $12
Pout Earrings: These earrings are simple red coral ovals with pewter and silver rondelles. They hang from long kidney ear wires and are 2 inches long. $14

Hurray!

2008-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

We were able to replace the camera, I'm working on getting new pictures taken and posted.

Stay tuned.

Soul Sisters

2008-08-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Coral and Turquoise are like the Soul Sisters of the gem world. They belong together and flatter one another perfectly. I happen to LOVE the red and aqua to green color combination. Add in a little red fossil stone and some silver and you have a fabulous combination that's ready to party in a dress or just chill out with a t-shirt and jeans. This set goes to show you that turquoise isn't just for cowgirls.

Soul Sisters Double strand bracelet: 8 inches long, $30

(bracelets should be 1 - 1.5 inches longer than the measurement around your wrist, add in another 1/2-1 inches for multiple strands and chunky beads).
Extra Long Necklace: 32 inches, $40

Earrings: hangs about 1 inch, not including the handmade earwire, $25

I love Google Search

2008-08-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was able to track down another source for silver doves. Awesome.

The End.

Murphy's Law Attacks and a Poll

2008-08-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to download some new pictures off the camera and post them here. Well I wasn't fast enough and the camera has died. With the pictures on the memory card. Anyone know how to retrieve them without the camera to act as the transport mode?

Second of all I need some opinions. I've been asked to design some pearl bracelets for little girl baptism gifts. I would like to add a dove charm. From the scripture passages when Christ was baptised by John the Baptist and the Holy Ghost descended as gently as a dove.

I've found 3 different styles but I cannot choose between them. And my boys are such boys that they don't really seem to have an opinion one way or the other. I could order some of all 3 and then let the mother's choose, but I'd like to limit it to 2 choices. Can you help a girl out and vote for your favorite?

I took out option 2 because I realized I didn't like it even one little bit, so why offer it as a choice.

#1
#3

#4 I found another one, what are the thoughts on this?

Pearls and Crystal One Stands Alone- Necklace $60

2008-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Reserved for Julie.

Island Girl Pearls- Bracelet- $45

2008-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Reserved for Janelle.

And the Winner Is. . .

2008-08-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

JULIE!!!!!

Choose which pair of earrings you want to go with your bracelet and leave me a note in the comments section.

And because I had a VERY eager name drawing helper and because I love giving away surprises almost as much as I love making earrings the following people have won a pair of earrings. Leave a comment with your preference of the 3 pairs posted, including hook/earwire style.

MORE WINNERS
Lori
Carrie
Megan
Janelle

If you need further instruction or have a question email me at talaisa (at) gmail.

My fingers have been itching to bead. As soon as I fold a load of laundry I'm going to give myself permission to post my latest stuff!

Thanks for such a fun response to the giveaway~!

Giveaway. . Last Call

2008-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm drawing the name tomorrow.

These are the two styles of earrings, that the winner can choose from, to go with the bracelet.

This pair is super sparkly, especially in sunlight and candlelight. The crystals are faceted and very large. It is capped by pewter daisy spacers and a tiny freshwater pearl. Retail: $15

There are 3 sizes of kidney earwires to choose from, or you can choose a traditional french hook style earwire as seen in the previous earring post.

These are very large freshwater potato pearls capped with a scroll style pewter cap and a tiny faceted sparkly crystal. Retail: $18. The same earwire options are available for this earring as well.

And last of all, are the papers behind the jewelry too distracting? I like them, but was told (by my opinionated-especially-about-this-husband) that people would be stuck looking at the papers and not the jewelry design. If this is true, I'll make a change. And then I'll have to find another use for my multipurpose stack of scrapbook papers.

Pearl Earrings

2008-08-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

These are one style of earrings that can be chosen as part of the giveaway prize. They would sell for $15-$20 in my shop, depending on the color/style/size of the pearl. This particular set, or a duplicate of it (this one spoken for) would be $15.

CLOSED! Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

2008-07-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the opening of my new blog and etsy shop, I am giving away a freshwater pearl bracelet and a matching pair of earrings, made by me.

In order to win all you need to do is leave a comment and earn a ticket in the drawing. Post about it on your blog, earn another entry. Refer a friend, earn another. So get posting and linking and good luck.

I'll be doing the drawing one week from today. Wednesday the 6th of August. Check back then to see if you've won.

The winner will be able to choose large pearl earrings or large crystal earrings. I'll be posting a picture of both after the drawing closes.

Taking the plunge!

2008-07-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

I've decided it's time to diversify. Divide and conquer. My jewelry will now have a blog of it's own. A blog that will serve as a gallery of my ideas, a catalog for those wishing to purchase and a place to showcase my pretty little stress busters.

I'm also gearing up to change my etsy ID from buyer to seller, I'm setting up shop. I have the artwork in place and business cards on order. I'm holding my breath, I'm nervous but it's time for this baby to fly the coop.