Jewelry Making Outside The Box

Tiny Tin Challenge Blog Hop!

Michelle Mach invited us to join the Tiny Tin Challenge about a month ago:

http://www.michellemach.com/blog/index.php?/archives/442-Join-the-Tiny-Tin-Challenge.html

We were to take these two little silver-colored tins shown in her blog post, and decorate them however we wished..... to share with you, today:

When I saw the two little tins, it took me back to my art show days when I used to do a lot of bodacious, glitzy collage with brass filigree, stampings, beads and rhinestones.   I knew IMMEDIATELY what the two little tins would become:

I first did a layer of ivory primer over the tin, then I did a couple of light coats of copper.  They streaked a little, but I loved the look, a little ivory....

A little copper.

I used Old Rose Ox flowers, as shown on this page at B'sue Boutiques:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/old_rose_ox.shtml

I also used Russian Goldplated flower sprigs and some Silverware Silverplated  findings, too!  And there are also some Brass Ox filigree.    

The little Czech Bellflowers are a staple at our website:

http://www.bsueboutiques.com/glass_flower_leaf_beads.shtml

To the mix are a few random old and new rhinestone buttons and some vintage tiffany-set rhinestones from the 50's.   We have rose montees at B'sue Boutiques  that would also work.....and flatback rhinestones in many colors, in case you'd like to try this.

I use E6000 glue and have used it for work like this---with great success---for over twenty years.  Here is a video about glues you might enjoy:

The Glue To Use

and a video about making collage jewelry:

Collage Jewelry Part One

I made this picture frame about 13-14 years ago and still enjoy it in my home:

We have many brass roses, leaves and petals at B'sue Boutiques  as well as a full stock of all kinds of no hole pearls and pearl cabs

Maybe I'll go and try and find some of my old collaged lunchbox and collaged denim coat photos... and scan them in to the computer, for a future blog post.

This was a great time for me to get in gear and think about little collaged boxes, frames and miscellaneous items as I'm moving my business to a storefront in July:

We're going to make a little gift shop in front to offset cost of the rent, and also, to get one-on- one customer interaction again. 

I did my last show in 2002....and I have to tell you, these last ten years I have truly missed the precious communication you get with people in your own community.  

While the storefront was procured primarily to house our day-to-day internet business, it will be a welcome change of pace.  The grand opening should be in October!  Subscribe to my blog so that you can stay posted as I'll be blogging about the move a WHOLE lot.

You might find it really interesting.

Meantime, if you'd like to visit us at B'sue Boutiques online, we'd welcome that anytime.  Maybe I'll do a tiny tins video one day soon and show you how easy it is to make a pretty little giftie like this.....and perhaps I will put these two in my new shop!

Don't forget:  there are many other participants in this blog hop, so please hop along down the line and visit them all.  If you have just a moment, leave them a kind word of appreciation; there are going to be some ingenious tiny tins!

Thanks to Michelle for offering us this opportunity.

1. Michelle - Beads & Books - Hostess
2. Amy - Amybeads
3. Brenda - B'Sue Boutiques
4. Dawn - Morning Glory Beading
5. Debbie
6. Jeannie - Jeannie's Blog
7. Kay - Palm Coast Art
8. Kim - CianciBlue
9. Mary - MLH Jewelry Designs
10. Mary Shannon - Falling into the Sky
11. Michelle - Firefly Visions
12. Molly - Beautifully Broken Me
13. Pamela - The Crazy Creative Corner
14. Patricia G. - My Life Under the Bus
15. Patricia L.
16. Robyn - A Ponderance of Things
17. Shelley - Fabric of My Life
18. Terry - Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
19. Therese - Domestic Goddess Enterprises
20. Therese - Therese's Treasures

A New Home For B'sue Boutiques...The Cats Are In An Uproar!

John and I have been discussing finding a new home for B'sue Boutiques, for a very long time now.

Since 1988, * its* home has been *our*  home.   That's true for many of us who have internet webstores and web sites; it's a practical thing, too.   

In time, however, needs change....especially for SPACE.   When things start getting a bit cramped, you need to examine options.

Evie the cat  is in an uproar!

WHAT!   You won't be here all day anymore?   Are you taking me, too?

Meep is a little peeved, too!   He likes Shelley's desk right where it's always been, near this sunny window.  Here's why:

WHAT!   No more rubber bands to steal????   I prefer to sell ICE RESIN *right here*!

Yeah, yeah, I know.  Change can be tough!  I've had this business since 1988---that's 24 years!---and it's always been right here with us.   These cats came here when they were 5-6 weeks old.  It's the only place they've ever known.   Jordan came here when he was 16 months old...it's the only house he's ever known!   And in one way or another, he has been involved in the business ever since he was a little boy.

We really weren't looking to move right now, but an opportunity presented itself and truth be told, it seems the right thing to do.  It would simplify things here greatly!    So whether the cats like it or not, B'sue Boutiques will soon have a new home.

It's pretty sweet, too!

It's only 1,000 square feet, but it's all the room we could possibly want.   The building is new, only 7 years old.  It had been a florist/gift shop.   As you can see, it looks like a little spun-sugar gingerbread house!

Wanna come inside?

This gives you a little bit of a feeling for the inside decor.....she had it all decorated with depression-era, primitive and shabby chic-type furniture, which she used as displays.   I was able to purchase several dressers  like this (this one included) and also, this one:

I bought some old shutters and even some old doors from the previous owners:

You can see the pretty sponge-painting on the walls.  We don't have to do a thing to this place except bring in our stuff and get it organized.

It has windows, two big ones in the front and some along the sides:

That windowsill looks deep enough for a cat to enjoy!  LOL

There is an upper level for my office.   Also there's a very long counter, so in case I decide that I want to do some silk flowers or decorator items for the gift shop in front of the store, I'll have a place to do it:

Lots of storage and wire shelving too!

There's also a full attic that you can access by stairs, and it's all wire-racked, too!

In case you're wondering:   I will also be moving the Messy Workshop to the new building, there is plenty of room for it, our shipping facility, offices and a small gift shop right in front.  

Rob mentioned that I'd have lots of pictures to take and tons to blog about for a long time!  That's for sure.   This is a real adventure for me! 

I think the thing that pleases me most is NOW after all these years, I will have a nice place where you can actually come and visit us.

We just have to get in the place and nest a little!  Soon thereafter, I will map out a teaching schedule as well.

The cats will just have to get used to it! 

 

 

 

Branding Your Business: Novel Ways to Market At Facebook

I use Constant Contact for my biweekly newsletters.  They are a really good service and I can recommend them a WHOLE lot!

Periodically they send me alerts and tips on marketing that I like to follow.   Today they really got my attention:  Five Ways to Market on Facebook That You Haven't Thought Of.

Hmmm....................

Facebook is all at once a godsend and the devil itself.   It is a valuable tool to network with other artists of like mind, talk about new techniques, interact with customers and creative pals.   I wouldn't be without it.   At the same time, it can also be that big black hole in the universe that sucks up all your spare time---just like the washer devours pairs of socks.  

It can also be, if improperly used, very annoying to your FB pals.  If all you ever do is promo YOURSELF, listing everything you just put on your site or Etsy, eeek....it really gets to be all about you.

Nobody likes someone who is just all about themselves.   It's a fine balance, and we are all working on it.

The article goes primarily to what you can do to reach out to your customer/friend/fan base in really fun ways they'll enjoy.

First mentioned was, SIGN YOUR POSTS.   Who of us does that?  I never thought of it.   But here at B'sue Boutiques, sometimes Rob or Jordan, or even Lauren, make comments on my page.  It's pretty much a given that it's ME on my fan page....but hmmm.  It  DOES seem more personal, doesn't it?

The second was to MODEL YOUR OWN PRODUCTS.  In other words, instead of my taking my latest necklace creation out on the deck for a quick pic, maybe I should put it on and wear it.

....well, I do that in my videos.   Gotta think about that.   It may not always work---but who says it has to be ALWAYS?   Maybe sometimes, it would be a fun thing to do.  Yeah, B'sue as a model!   Hardy har.  But some of you look pretty fine modeling your stuff.  Sometimes Brassy Steamington models her stuff and it looks really cool. 

Thirdly : Can you INCLUDE CUSTOMERS in your photos?   That won't always work for those of us selling completely online....but let's say that you do shows!   Everyone wants to see your show set up, and they love to see the customers gathering around.   Say some friends stop by....have them try some stuff on, and then take their picture.  Send it to your FB page!   You may get some orders in your online store while you're away at the show!

Hey...maybe your online customers wouldn't mind sending you a photo of themselves wearing the jewelry they bought from you.   That might be fun!

Four was to SHOW OFF your community spirit.   Is there a fundraiser in your town, a bike race, a building project you've participated in?   Share it.  

Five:  A CALL TO ACTION.  In the article, a brewery asked a certain number of FB customers who frequented their establishment to come in, wearing their logo t-shirts, from the brewery.   For doing so, the reward was free beer.

So....I'm thinking....what's MY free beer?  I already do the goody bag thing and we have monthly giveaways at the Creative Group  I love to get prizes, and I love to give them, even more.

And what's your free beer?   Maybe we can brainstorm it and come up with something mutually beneficial.

Anyway....just sayin', it was a great article, got my attention, maybe it will get yours:

http://blogs.constantcontact.com/product-blogs/social-media-marketing/5-ways-to-market-on-facebook-that-you-havent-thought-of/?RMC=PM_CTS_ALL

Check it out!

 

The Mugga Joe Tour (Yeah It's About Coffee)

Okay, if you are named Joe, this post is not about you.

Well....not unless you are liquid, spill into a mug and the smell of you makes tired eyes open wide, depressed souls lift up, and a stalled artist begin to think clearly again!

I've been a joe drinker since the tender of age of 16, but it wasn't until I became an adult that I appreciated the nuances of joe this and joe that.

As in, there is Joe Delightful,  Regular Joe,  Unleaded Joe, and Joe Swill.

Or, as Jordan's Dad always referred to me....as Joe Mama....

yeah, that's another subject.

Joe is not truly Joe unless it is swigged from a thick, substantial mug.   No joe for me in a prissy tea cup.   Notice, in this context, joe lost his capital J.   Prissy teacup, bah!  Only if there is nothing else!

That also goes for the Perennial 7-11 STYROFOAM MUG.   UGH!   JOE  SWILL!

Here are some  Joe mugs I have known:

Here is a mugga joe at Bob Evans.   I like the turkey omelette and banana nut bread.  The mug is thick and substantial.  The joe is...well.   Regular.

And then we have:

This is a mugga joe from B'sue's kitchen in a vintage White Castle mug.  Thick, funky, old advertising, fun....I collect the old mugs when I can get them reasonably.  I also accept cast off donations, if they are pre-60's.  LOL

My complaint about this cuppa is not the coffee.   You probably didn't know it, but you can get one of the best cups of joe you ever drank right here in MY KITCHEN.   My complaint, is this mug is WAAAAAY too small.  WAAAAAY.

Okay, more on the Joe Tour:

This is a mug of joe made for me by Mr. Opie O'Brien, in HIS kitchen, last summer when I was visiting.   Opie keeps the coffee brewing all day!  Linda and Opie are Burnt Offerings Studio and some of my fave people.    Oh sigh, they are moving to the Berkshires.  What a dream for them!

More mugs of joe....never too many:

Yes, I know, I said no styrofoam.   It's *paper*.  And it's Starbucks.   I need say NO MORE.

This mugga comes with earrings:

Big mug.  Big earrings.  I win!!

And then of course, a special treat is to have your joe in my Ghoulardi mug.  It is reserved for the most elite guests, only.

 

Okay, yeah, I know.  Ya had to be there, in Cleveland, in the 1960's.

Peace, baby.   Just gimme the joe and it will all be fine!

Now, then, I know not everyone partakes of joe.   For some it has to be off  limits because of ticker trouble, etc; others just don't like it, others are even opposed to  the drinking of joe.

Well, we can't all be joe lovers!

Today I posted one of my Joe Mug photos at FB and asked my pals how many cups it took to get them out the door in the morning.

Many said 2-4, up to a whole pot!

Still  some said, no joe for me!   Well, okay,  I respect that.

More in MY cup, then!  muhahahahaha

I'll end the Mugga Joe Tour with this sentiment:

May your day begin with Joe Delightful and your day end with his memory....anticipating a new joy-filled day, beginning with...

More joe.   And, if you have time for it, a mugga joe and a visit to B'sue Boutiques

Winners of the Drawing for Muse Boxes, Messy Workshop Blog Hop

Okay, so first:  I have a huge observation to share with all you crazy mad creative artist blog hoppers!

Do you know what is the biggest common denominator among us, besides our wild creative skill sets?

PLASTIC BINS.    YES.  PLASTIC BINS.

I am certain, after looking at 50 creative messes in our blogs yesterday, that there is an entire factory in China that is supplying this group with plastic bins and boxes of any style, shape and type imaginable!

Okay.   Enuf of that.

I know you are all dying to know.....who in the world won the TWO 100.00 Muse Boxes from B'sue Boutiques

I will tell you soon.  But first, you have to wait, just like they make those poor singers wait interminably for good/bad news on those reality shows....will they win?  will they get sent home?

Well nobody gets sent home here, stop worrying.  BUT:

For those who haven't had the pleasure of a Muse Box before:   I sell these things from time to time when I have lots of incoming and destash.  They are not on the site, you have to wait for me to announce on FB or one of the groups, or my newsletter, that I have some available for sale.

  For 100.00 you get basically 175-195.00 worth of all manner of unrelated, disparate doofus.   These Muses will have stampings, some of my clay focals, sari, fiber, other beads, sheesh, all sorts of great stuff to bring NEW INSPIRATION....and happy hours of designing and creative play.   I just got 50 pounds of brass here this week, so!  they'll get a taste of that, too....lots of new incoming.

First before I tell you:    in the hub bub and clamor of yesterday, you may not have noted there is a special coupon that is like a little gift for any of you who are ready to stock up on B'sue stuff:

bloghop

If you have 50.00 or more at B'sue Boutiques  and enter that code, you get 10 percent off.

If you run your order up to 100.00 or more, you will now get......TWENTY PERCENT OFF and!  Free US shipping.

I have extended the time frame for you to use it....it's good through midnight, Tuesday May 2, 2012 and then poof, gone.  I will not be having a sale like this again any time soon.  ;-)

And don't forget my sale bin has maybe 300 items in it, all good stuff, already marked down 20-50% and YES!  you can get the extra sale ON TOP of that!  So!

If you come to rob me blind with this coupon....whoops!  I meant, HAVE A GOOD TIME!  with that coupon....DO NOT FORGET IT.   bloghop   bloghop    just. like. that.......bloghop

  Don't forget it.  No special discount without it.   Gotta have it.

OKAY!  WHO WON, ALREADY?????

Dr. Brassy Steamington of Dr. Brassy's Steampunk

And Kelli Jacobson of Creative Moon

drawn by random number generator.

Thanks to all who took part, you made my heart go pitty pat!   If you didn't get to hop yet, by all means....just back up one post and go hopping!  

bloghop  bloghop bloghop   is it spam yet?  LOL

It's MESSY WORKSHOP Day! Are You Ready to Rumble?

We've got FIFTY! Participants in the Messy Workshop Blog Hop Party today.....are you ready to see a whole lot of workshop MESS?

Actually a good pal of mine said that if there's no mess in your workshop, nothing interesting is happening there.

Hmmm.  I'd have to say that my workshop is not nearly as messy as it ought to be, really.   I haven't been spending enough time in it!     But I do have a bunch of stuff thrown about and jammed in drawers, that's for sure!

Yeah....that's a little blurry, but  there's evidence that I HAVE been playing with clay.

My beading tray.  I really have no idea WHAT all is on here or in here.   Art charms on top!  They need to be made into something.  Real soon.

My button drawer.   Ugh.   But I do have to say, there are some lovely old buttons in there...among other things.....

A pile of stuff  colorized with the new Ranger-Vintaj patina inks.   We have some videos about that, y'know.   And we carrry the inks at B'sue Boutiques   Find them here

Those are the new Beadsmith dimple pliers, by the way.  They just arrived.  Shelley should have them on the website this morning.

That blurry mess is my bead drawer.  Seriously, there are some great old beads in there.  Who would know???

A mess of pliers.  Actually at least you can see what I have.  Or *I* can, anyway.

This photo proves that I actually have been making stuff down there.   Polymer clay ART CHARMS, or the beginnings of some!

ART CHARMS.  They are so much fun!   And that's why I've made my latest video, which you early birds get to see FIRST:

Art Charms, Ideas and Inspiration from a MESSY WORKSHOP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiTD8OFudt8

In this video I demonstrate what that dimple pliers do, too.....among other things!

Rob will make the  video link live to the public around 11 a.m.  but if you click on the link above, you'll be able to see it!

NOW THEN:

TWO of our participants (below) will be randomly selected to receive generous B'SUE MUSE BOXES, which have a value of 100.00.   I will announce that here on this blog and on Facebook, tomorrow (4/28/2012)

I'll also announce it on the Sunday newsletter.

But guess what.....ALL who have visited this hop also get a little spiff:   spend 50.00 at B'sue Boutiques, and then......enter code

bloghop

yep....JUST LIKE THAT.        bloghop           all one word, no caps    copy-pasting it is a good idea!

and get 10% off your purchase.   That goes all the way up to 100.00....and then...

If you are smart, enter that code and keep going over 100.00, the site will give you another 10 percent off, because that's what it does on ALL orders, every day, at B'sue Boutiques.  Did you know that?  Spend 100.00 ANY day at B'sue's and get free US shipping and!  10 percent off.   You don't need a code to get that.

BUT YOU DO need the   bloghop   code to get this special, which again, WILL layer on the 10 percent once you go over 100.00.   So you'd actually get 20% off at that level.  Whoa!

bloghop

This code is good TODAY 4-27 and tomorrow 4-28 and then it's poof, gone.  No more.

Don't forget the code if you come to see us today or tomorrow, ****the discount is only good if you enter the code****, and this code can't be layered with any other coupons EXCEPT the standard website discount for 100.00 or more. 

Here is the list of all of our worthy participants, so you can continue to ....stumble through....tramp through....crawl through....FIFTY! workshop MESSES!!  If you possibly can, give them a little shout out, say hi, leave a little comment as you hop on through!  I know some of them have worked really hard to make their posts fun, some have video, many will be showing the beautiful things they make, as well.

MESSY WORKSHOP BLOG PARTICIPANTS

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Robin Delargy:

http://looloosbox.blogspot.com/

Kim at Cianci Blue

http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Jazwick-Smith

http://hudathoughts-jennifer.blogspot.com/

Mary Shannon Hicks

http://www.uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Tracy Swartz

http://tracyswartz.com/category/blog

Jacqueline Marchant

http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/

Lynnea Perry Bennett

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

Terry Matusyk

http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/

Laurel Steven

http://laurelsteven.blogspot.com/

Dr. Brassy Steamington

http://drbrassysteampunk.blogspot.com/

Pamela Takeshige

http://www.crittersandthings.blogspot.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld

http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com/

Outre Art

http://theartistspaintbox.wordpress.com/

Linzi Alford

http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis

http://naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com/

Tamara Jones

http://irrysistablejewels.wordpress.com/

Harry Wood

http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Gerry Nickerson

http://gersgems1.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy

http://www.thepolymergeek.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood

http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Charisa Sloper

http://www.blog.obsidiansoda.com/

Jennifer Justman

http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Beanzie

http://the-vintage-heart.blogspot.com/

Mary Deis

http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed

http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Sondra Kolner

http://scrappybydesign.weebly.com/index.html

Sonya Ingersoll-Stille

http://www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/

Lori Anderson

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

Sandra McGriff

http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca/

Shelly Joyce

http://www.aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com/

Joan Williams

http://www.lilrubyjewelry.wordpress.com/

Kashmira Patel

http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

Deb Beechy

http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Ginger Bishop

http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/

Kelli Jacobson

http://creativemoonjewelryandthings.com/

Natalie McKenna

http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

Andrew Thornton

http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars

http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Kate Mulligan

http://mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com/

Lisa Lodge

http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com/

Tami Luchini

http://ssprocketsmetal.blogspot.com/

Monique Lula

http://www.moniquelula.com/blog/

Lee Koopman

http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Jayne Capps

http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/

Susan Lloyd

http://designsbysusan-dbs.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott

http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Amanti

http://www.stephaniesjewelrybox.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache

http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Sam Hamp

http://hampgirl59.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier

http://www.windbent.net/

ENJOY!

There! I've Said it Again: List of Messy Workshop Participants with Clickable Links

Let's do this again.....

Even though I'm certain we all know how to copy and paste, it might be easier if we had clickable links to the blogs for the B'sue Boutiques  Messy Workshop Blog Hop on Friday, April 27th....

So I've made all the links  'hot'.    I can't guarantee that when you paste them into your blog post, they will stay 'hot', but hey, I tried.   If you have time to make them clickable again, that would be great, but....it's not expected.  ;-)

MESSY WORKSHOP BLOG PARTICIPANTS

Brenda Sue Lansdowne

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Robin Delargy:

http://looloosbox.blogspot.com/

Kim at Cianci Blue

http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Jazwick-Smith

http://hudathoughts-jennifer.blogspot.com/

Mary Shannon Hicks

http://www.uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Tracy Swartz

http://tracyswartz.com/category/blog

Jacqueline Marchant

http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/

Lynnea Perry Bennett

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

Terry Matusyk

http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/

Laurel Steven

http://laurelsteven.blogspot.com/

Dr. Brassy Steamington

http://drbrassysteampunk.blogspot.com/

Pamela Takeshige

http://www.crittersandthings.blogspot.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld

http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com/

Outre Art

http://theartistspaintbox.wordpress.com/

Linzi Alford

http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis

http://naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com/

Tamara Jones

http://irrysistablejewels.wordpress.com/

Harry Wood

http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Gerry Nickerson

http://gersgems1.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy

http://www.thepolymergeek.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood

http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Charisa Sloper

http://www.blog.obsidiansoda.com/

Jennifer Justman

http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Beanzie

http://the-vintage-heart.blogspot.com/

Mary Deis

http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed

http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Sondra Kolner

http://scrappybydesign.weebly.com/index.html

Sonya Ingersoll-Stille

http://www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/

Lori Anderson

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

Sandra McGriff

http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca/

Shelly Joyce

http://www.aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com/

Joan Williams

http://www.lilrubyjewelry.wordpress.com/

Kashmira Patel

http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

Deb Beechy

http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Ginger Bishop

http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/

Kelli Jacobson

http://creativemoonjewelryandthings.com/

Natalie McKenna

http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

Andrew Thornton

http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars

http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Kate Mulligan

http://mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com/

Lisa Lodge

http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com/

Tami Luchini

http://ssprocketsmetal.blogspot.com/

Monique Lula

http://www.moniquelula.com/blog/

Lee Koopman

http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Jayne Capps

http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/

Susan Lloyd

http://designsbysusan-dbs.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott

http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Amanti

http://www.stephaniesjewelrybox.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache

http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Sam Hamp

http://hampgirl59.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier

http://www.windbent.net/

SEE YOU ON FRIDAY!

Who Is Participating In the Messy Workshop Blog Hop? Event List Posted

Drum roll......this is the final list of participants for the Messy Workshop Blog Hop Event sponsored by B'sue Boutiques, which we will be holding on THIS FRIDAY, April 27th!

Participants:  if possible, please post for the hop as early in the day as possible.  Many people love to follow hops, far more than actually participate.  The best way to make sure they see your post is to have it ready good and early, even the night before.  ;-)

While the hop is going to be about all the wretched mess we make in our workspaces, in the *long run*,  you should be sure to use your post to tell us ABOUT YOU and YOUR WORK.   Be sure that you include links to any of your selling sites or any other links you'd like to share that have to do with YOU and YOUR work.

You may---and in fact, you should!---include some pix of some of your favorite pieces, especially if they're for sale! 

I do hope that after the hop, many will use the opportunity to begin actively blogging again.  I know some have lamented that they have been remiss.    Here's what I'm finding:  if we have time to visit on Facebook and other social media networks, we have time to share bits of our lives, regularly, via a blog.   Promise yourselves that you will take 15-20 and post a blog entry several times a week, from now on.  

Promise yourself also, to begin to follow the blog hops and posts entered by other creative friends, on the groups you belong to.  Networks are formed this way, and this is also how you get more readers for YOUR blog----and theirs.

Besides a selling site, YOU NEED A BLOG.....and YOU NEED TO BE WRITING IN IT, regularly.  The more you let people into your life---just a little bit!---the better your shop will do.  And, I have to freely say:  the more fun you will have doing business, getting to know other creative souls, and growing as an artist.

BLOG ETIQUETTE:   for those of us who are newer to this sort of thing, blog etiquette means of course being kind and complimentary to our fellow hoppers.  **As much as humanly possible**, please try to leave a short, encouraging comment for everyone who has participated in the hop. Since there are 50!  of us this time, I realize it could take you a bit to get around to everyone.  Just please do your best, you don't have to do it all in one day, but please try to do it. 

You know how you'd feel if few or none commented on your hard work....so please extend that favor to your fellow participants.

I will announce the winners of the MUSE BOXES on Saturday.  The Event Page will be poof! gone after Friday, at Facebook....but I'll announce it here on my blog as well as on my FACEBOOK pages and on the Sunday night newsletter.

HERE IS THE LIST....don't forget it!   We need *everyone* to copy-paste it into the end of their post for Friday.     Everyone who asked me by emailing me personally with a blog link, to be part of the hop, is here on this list.  I have checked all the links, and all were viable at the time the participant was put on the list.   At this time, regret I can add no one else or remove anyone's name.

THANKS!

Messy Workshop Blog Hop Links

Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques

http://www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com/

Robin Delargy, LooLoo's Box

http://looloosbox.blogspot.com/

Kim at CianciBlue

http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Jazwick-Smith, Hudathots

http://hudathoughts-jennifer.blogspot.com

Mary Shannon Hicks

http://www.uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Tracy Swartz

http://tracyswartz.com/category/blog

Jacqueline Marchant

http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/

Lynnea Perry Bennett

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

Terry Matusyk

http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/

Laurel Steven

http://laurelsteven.blogspot.com/

Dr. Brassy Steamington

http://drbrassysteampunk.blogspot.com/

Pamela Takeshige

http://www.crittersandthings.blogspot.com

Kris Lanae Binsfeld

http://www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Outre Art

http://theartistspaintbox.wordpress.com/

Linzi Alford

http://www.magpieintheskyspoilheaptales.blogspot.com/

Deb Davis

http://naturaltreasuresbydeb.blogspot.com/

Tamara Jones

http://irrysistablejewels.wordpress.com

Harry Wood

http://www.oscarcrow.blogspot.com

Gerry Nickerson

http://gersgems1.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Owens-Dwy

http://www.thepolymergeek.blogspot.com/

Georgene Lockwood

http://sylvanavintagedesigns.wordpress.com/

Charisa Sloper

http://www.blog.obsidiansoda.com/

Jennifer Justman

http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Beanzie

http://the-vintage-heart.blogspot.com/

Mary Deis

http://mdeis.blogspot.com/

Cheri Reed

http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Sondra Kolner

http://scrappybydesign.weebly.com/index.html

Sonya Ingersoll-Stille

http://www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/

Lori Anderson

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

Sandra McGriff

http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca/

Shelly Joyce

http://www.aujourlejour-shelly.blogspot.com/

Joan Williams

http://www.lilrubyjewelry.wordpress.com/

Kashmira Patel

http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

Deb Beechy

http://beetique56.blogspot.com/

Ginger Bishop

http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com

Kelli Jacobson

http://creativemoonjewelryandthings.com/

Natalie McKenna

http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

Andrew Thornton

http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/

Mary Govaars

http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Kate Mulligan

http://mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com/

Lisa Lodge

http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com

Tami Luchini

http://ssprocketsmetal.blogspot.com

Monique Lula

http://www.moniquelula.com/blog/

Lee Koopman

http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com/

Jayne Capps

http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com

Susan Lloyd

http://designsbysusan-dbs.blogspot.com/

Cynthia Wainscott

http://www.exoticperujewelry.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Amanti

http://www.stephaniesjewelrybox.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache

http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Sam Hamp

http://hampgirl59.blogspot.com/

Lennis Carrier

http://www.windbent.net/

 

 

What a GREAT Idea For a Blog Hop!

I was reading along in Creative Bead Chat today (Melinda Orr's beading group) and noted a post from Linda Younkman about Jeannie Dukic's latest hop....

Jeannie offered each participant a piece of jewelry she'd made a long time ago, and asked them to redesign it.   Jeannie's blog is at:  http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/ 

You  guys need to pop on over and hop through the posts and see what everyone has done with Jeannie's jewelry!

It's called the 4th Do Over Challenge.   What a great idea!  We all have stuff in our stashes that we finished but in the long run, just doesn't 'trip the artistic trigger' in our hearts.    This could be a great idea to do among a group of your beading friends, or for your club meet-ups.   It's always so interesting to see what someone else would do with the components in your piece.

Here is a pretty piece sent to Linda by Jeannie:

Okay, there's the bait!  NOW.....You're gonna have to hop on over to see what she did with it!

BY THE WAY.....before I post the links.....taking part in hops, commenting on hop links, commenting on blog posts in general is a great way to build audience for your OWN blog, as well as make great new creative friends!   Be sure to make time for these things in your creative schedule!

Find Linda's post here:

http://lindysdesigns.blogspot.com/ 

From there you will be able to view all the participants' links and have fun hopping through, looking at the re-designs and do-over's!

Have FUN!!

 

 

 

For Those Of You Who Think They Have Nothing To Blog About

I know that's what holds you back, most of the time.

You think there is nothing to talk about.  Like, someone comes over and says, "What's new?"

Come on, what's the general response....you know it.  

"Oh.....nothing."

What we fail at times to understand is that there are "slices of life" all around us, to report on.  Your blog really SHOULDN'T be ONLY about your hobby, your latest tool, your latest bead, jewelry making.

The purpose of a blog is to let people into your life just enough to know you a bit.  For example, a few days ago I posted the story of the Bling King.  I recounted what he'd done in third grade to generate a little buzz and a little cash.   There was a moral to that particular story as well:  be careful what you break apart, thing of every use for it, and how items can generate the most income to help you get where you want to go.

Robin Delargy of LooLoo's Box decided to take the advice to blog about 'slices of life'.   She decided that a Facebook conversation she'd recently had with some family members was fair game, so she posted it.

A Pack of Weirdos

You'll either be rolling on the floor laughing your head off, or...well.   You won't be, LOL

But this is a perfect example of stuff you can do on your blog, stuff that can really work for you....stuff that can fill in the gaps between posts on your latest creations.   People really DO want to know about you and your life!

And I'll just mention, although it looks like this cat is dead, he is not.   He's just passed out.

YOU'LL HAVE TO READ ROBIN'S BLOG POST to 'get' that remark!  LOL