The ChrysantheMOM

New Items 12/10/09

2009-12-10T21:27:00.000-08:00

3 New Items...coming soon!

2009-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

I've been considering...

2009-12-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

opening a new store...The Chrysanthemum Boutique (http://www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com/) is going pretty well...i've been open since May and so far have 202 sales. I guess that's pretty darn good since Etsy is SATURATED with jewelry sellers. I've been blessed...but i've been working pretty hard at it too. I also sell my things at an affordable and fair prices...some say i'm not charging enough, but I just can't get myself to increase prices, I'm a MOM...I'm CHEAP...so I understand some people, like myself ,who want to look like a million bucks but can't afford to shop at Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales...that's who I design for and that's why I opened The Chrysanthemum. I use cost effective materials, use a lot of colors in my designs and truly put my heart and soul into every piece I create!

So, now, back to the new store...I was thinking about the other audience...those who can afford the finer things...those who can afford to splurge a bit...The ones who prefer sterling silver over silver-plated, or gold vermeil over gold plated, gemstones over glass...a truly mid price point, nothing too expensive, items between $20-$50...so what do you think??? Look out for Magpie Sparkles...sometime in January!!!

New items posted today!

2009-11-30T20:07:00.001-08:00

My checklist for today...

2009-11-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

Things to do on my day off while Chase is in daycare...

1. Sell something!!!! A slow start to Cyber Monday :(

2. Wrap gifts and clean out my workroom!!!

3. Create more jewelry pieces....I made 6 things this morning and already posted 3!!!

4. Go to the post office

5. Shower (done)...oh, and brush my teeth, can't forget that! Maybe some makeup too.

6. Have a nice distraction-free shopping adventure all by myself!!!

7. Post more items in my etsy store http://www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com/

8. Organize my workspace (Maybe...that seems a little like work)

9. Try not to think about work tomorrow...

10. Post to my blog (Done!)

I love, love, love my boys but sometimes a little Mommy Break from work and kids is need

It's officially CYBER MONDAY

2009-11-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited...it's officially CYBER MONDAY...I'm crossing my fingers and toes for a good sales day! I just posted 7 new items in my ETSY SHOP http://www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com/

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, this will be my first official Cyber Monday...I'm crossing my fingers for sales! I just created about 7 new items I will be posting in my etsy store http://www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com/ soon, but haven't had the time to take pictures. Okay, the truth is my camera is downstairs and I am too lazy and forgetful to run back downstairs to get it. Plus, Chase has been extremely "spirited" this weekend so most of my time is actually spent chasing (how ironic) after him.

I had a lovely Thankgiving in the desert this weekend, although I hate camping (in a trailer), dirt and sand, I loved being with my family and seeing the boys have so much fun riding around on the quads and playing in the dirt. We stayed for one night (Thank you Lord) and was back in time for Black Friday (Whoohoo)...I spent waaay too much money at Kohl's!!! I was a little disapointed at Target's deals.

New Items in my shop!!!

2009-11-22T17:57:00.001-08:00

Not yet posted on Etsy....Sneak peek!

2009-11-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

Sneak peek at some of my new stuff!!!

2009-11-01T20:57:00.001-08:00

Holy Moly...I'm Baaaaack!

2009-11-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'm back from "vacation"...it's been a while, so I apologize to my followers!!! Please visit my Etsy store...I've posted quite a few new creations. I also took the plunge and started to Tweet... http://twitter.com/chrysanthemum09

Takin' a Vacation...

2009-07-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6049922

Okay, I'm not really going anywhere, but i'm taking a short break to regroup and refocus...Things at work have been CRAZY busy, Nick (the oldest) is on summer break, and the baby....well, he DEMANDS constant attention. The poor guy has been teething so he's been extra fussy. :(

So just for a little while, I'll be a shopper on Etsy...In fact, I just bought this gorgeous purse on Etsy...i've had my eye on it for quite sometime and decide just a few days ago that NOW is the time to spoil myself a bit! Syl2830's store has the cutest and affordable handmade purses!!! I love her bags!!!

Productivity

2009-07-24T23:18:00.001-07:00

Wow...I just posted a ton of new stuff onto Etsy...

Wow, I was featured on Handmade News!!!

2009-07-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this link...

http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=2897

It's been a great week for me...Yay God, for making all things possible!!! I've had an increase in orders this week, worked with GREAT people to create customized pieces for them, and received VERY sweet emails from buyers, and was even featured in another blog!!! I've been quite busy, but it's the "good" kind of busy...I'm having such a great time!!!

Check out Carrie's blog called "Orange Speak"

http://address-the-world.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-couldnt-resist.html

Sick babies, back hurts, and MORE STUFF ON ETSY!

2009-07-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, i'm experiencing a multitude of things right now...Nick was sick during the week...he of course passed it on to Chase who is sick...my back is killing me...but i've managed to post a boat load of new items onto Etsy. I think God gave me a zap of extra energy this week. I'm not sure how I would have made this far without him. Yay God!

So while Chase is napping I thought I would use this time to ONE, update my blog (sorry peeps), and TWO post new items on Etsy.

I'm excited about this one...

2009-07-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

But you never know...I design like a crazy person, I really don't have a "technique"...I just throw things together that I think will be pretty.

What a fun weekend!!!

2009-07-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

What an exhausting and fun weekend!!! I wish the weekend didn't have to end.

I like my new packaging...

2009-07-07T23:07:00.001-07:00

I really like my new packaging...It's sort of my "thing"...packaging is SO important to me. Yes, it takes me a little more time to wrap it, but I think the end result is well worth it!

Meet today's featured seller!!!

2009-07-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

Meet..."The Pink Designs"

I love the fact that she is just SO versatile, from beautiful dresses, pajama bottoms and jewelry she has a very nice array of things in her store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5995530

1. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everyday I’m inspired by the people and things around me… I like to browse magazines and see what other people are doing, but always adapting ideas to my own style. I like to take scrap materials or pre-loved clothing and seeing what I can create from it.

Websites like Etsy and Burda Style are awesome because you get to share your love of all things handmade, and seeing other people create spurs me on too. I also love going to markets that sell handmade and vintage items. I find it so inspiring when I see people selling items that they’ve created with their own two hands – their very own labours of love ♥♥

2. Tell me about your self and your design style?

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, and have loved all things craft-related since I was a wee little thing. Jewellery making and sewing has been a hobby of mine for years, but I’ve only recently started to try my hand at selling my creations. I think everybody dreams of being able to make money doing something that they love, and I’m no different. I’m hoping that I’ll eventually get to sell at local markets once I have enough pieces in my collection.

When I design my jewellery and clothing, I have a really random way I go about it. I have no formal training, so I go with my instincts and cross my fingers that it turns out a beauty!! Every item I make is done with much love and attention.

3. What things do you shop for? What catches your eye?

I love shopping for jewellery and clothing items. I go through different stages of fascination. At the moment, I’m searching for the perfect ring.

Gorgeous colour and elegance are the main things I look for. I love really simple, feminine and pretty pieces.

I aim for beauty in simplicity, so I don’t like to over complicate things by doing too much. I really do believe that less is more.

"Wigglysee Crocheted Toys"

2009-06-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Meet my featured seller of the day!!!!

Debbie of Wigglysee Crocheted Toys

1. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get a lot of my inspiration from my love to walk through the toy department at my local stores to see what is new that the kids play with. I remember the type of toys my grandmother would make me as a child and try to recreate those. I do custom orders so some of my toys are actually inspired by requests from other people.

2. Tell me about your self and your design style?

I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia but was born in up-state New York. I was taught to crochet by my grandmother . I started with the usual afghans and pillows but they take to long and I was impatient to see the completed product. I then switched to toys and found my love, Through the years as I designed new toys my niece and nephews would get all the new prototypes to test . I make my stuffed toys to last , they are stitched together very tightly, stuffed with hypo-allergenic polyfil and use safety eyes so they can not be pulled out. My niece and nephews have had theirs for at least 25-30 years and they still look great. I try to design my toys to be safe , provide fun and bring a smile to your face

When I had to stop working outside the home due to medical complications my toys became my life saver not only for extra money but keeping my fingers nibble and my mind active.

3. What things do you shop for? What catches your eye?

I love to shop for new kitchen gadgets and any type of cow inspired knick-knack. My house is full of both. I like searching though other etsy shops to see what type of cow items catches my eye to add to my collection.

"Not your everyday cards"

2009-06-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

Meet Diana of "Not your everyday cards"

**Special buy 3 items get 1 free deal (cheapest item will be the freebie)**

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5596958

1. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspiration from people. I like to make things especially for people I know even though they might never buy the item. For example, my sister once told me she needed some really cute thank you cards. I kept that in the back of my mind and made some funky cards that I knew she would like. Others liked them too, as they sold within an hour of being listed!

2. Tell me about your self and your design style?

I am married with two young boys and am constantly on the go. In the evenings I like to sit and make my crafty cards. It's a good way to relax from the sometimes crazy days!

I like to think of myself as bright and cheerful as well as fun and upbeat. So, I try to make my items reflect that. I love using bright colors and fun embellishments. I take most of my photos outside in the natural light to help brighten up my items even more.

3. What things do you shop for? What catches your eye? On Etsy, I mainly shop for gifts and embellishments to use on my cards. I love felt, buttons, chipboard and flowers. The items that catch my eye are usually bright and well made but also unique.

Thank you to everyone who responded!!!

2009-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25901960

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25248992 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26672548

I will be featuring 3 Etsy sellers this week...can't wait to share!!! Here is a sneak peek to these wonderful Etsians!!!

Wigglysee Debbie makes the MOST adorable crochet animals...Marty monkey is my absolute favorite...an adorable gift for a child or child-at-heart!!! A steal at $14!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=96614

The Pink Designs Emma designs the most wonderful jewelry and her line of clothing is fabulous!!! My favorite is her bronze beauty...on sale now for $18.00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5995530

Matdi123 Diana, a fellow So Cal girl, creates beautiful and fun handmade greeting cards...I love how she has such wonderful attention to detail!!! I love her pink flowery thank you card...it's just so darling!!! You can't beat $3.00!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5596958

So, just a little taste of my featured seller...I will be working hard and hopefully fast on posting their interviews...I love getting to know my fellow etsians!!!

I want to feature YOU!!!

2009-06-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

How can you resist this face....

Send me a note with your website....I would love to feature you!!!

I just got a new look!!!

2009-06-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about my new look!!!! After searching long and hard for the perfect graphic designer, I finally found Shalon of Paper Me Pretty...she designed my new avatar, banner, business cards, accessory cards and web ads (which you should be seeing shortly)!!! Since i'm a DIY kind of girl, I purchased her print your own package, but she offers full service printing as well!!! She was also WONDERFUL to work with!!!

Visit her store here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6671871

and check out my new look!!!

www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009-06-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

This was one of my gifts to Scott...I also bought him socks and underwear...yeah, i'm practical, but he loved it!!!

How to make cute little flower hair pins, part 1

2009-06-20T13:37:00.001-07:00

These little hair clippies are such cute little gifts for any little girl or girls at heart...they are so inexpensive to make too! I got most of my supplies from Michaels and the 99cent store. You can purchase your silk flowers from the Dollar Tree as well, they have a pretty nice selection. I prefer Michaels because they tend to be better quality silk flowers. I bought my hair clips from the 99cent store, Rhinestones from Michaels.

Okay, first things first, gather your material...you will need the following:

1 silk flower

1 hair clip

1 rhinestone

felt

hotglue

needle and thread

First take apart your flower I did not take a picture of the next part, you must sew the middle part of the flower, just a couple of stitches so that your flower doesn't come apart once it is glued

How to make cute little flower hair pins, part 2

2009-06-20T13:27:00.001-07:00

Apply hot glue to the center of your flower..be careful...it's hot!!! Add your rhinestone...but try not to make a mess of your hotglue, like I did!!! Use a circular object to trace to little circles...I used one of my ring bases

Add hotglue to the bottom of your flower and attach one of your little felt circles to the flower

How to make cute little flower hair pins, part 3

2009-06-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Apply hot glue to your hair pin Attach your hair pin to your flower

Add your second felt circle to the bottom of the hair pin

Taaa-dah!!!

A cute little hair pin for your self or a lucky little girl

Some of my etsy favorites...

2009-06-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

When I found this seller in a chatroom on Etsy, I swear my stomach started to growl as soon as I saw these caramel and nougat pinwheel...Vintage Confections will make you DROOL! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26678364

I love this dress, it's so edgy and fun!!! It's a steal at $25.00!!! Iron Spider is an awesome store for unique and fun dresses and t-shirts!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26106546

I just found this seller on etsy...Ponder and Stitch...isn't this clutch adorable and it's only $25.00!!! This was added to my favorites today...I've got my eye on it!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25759438

Call me grumpy smurf...

2009-06-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

I think this whole sleep deprivation deal is not working out for me too well...i've been going to bed pretty late, very busy at work, and sometimes with all the craziness going on around me, i've been feeling pretty overwhelmed. Trying to balance it all out is not an easy task!

The Queen of the House

2009-06-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

I ran down stairs tonight to get some water, flipped on the lights, and who do I see sprawled out on the couch...Miss Sandy Dandy...the gorgoues blond who has the run of the house. She has all of us human folks trained to her liking.

New items listed today!!!

2009-06-16T20:56:00.001-07:00

I just listed these in my etsy store...come take a peek!!!

The Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market

2009-06-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of the Rose Bowl Flea Market...there are tons of vendors selling just about anything cool and vintage...people from everywhere visit this famous flea market, it's been feautured on HGTV and on the Style Network...even the stars have been known to pay a visit to find one of a kind items. The hip and the stylish all flock to the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

A few weeks ago, I thought it would be a great idea to go to the flea market...I dreamt of all the wonderful finds and goodies i'd come home with. And as a side note, it takes a lot for me to get outside of good ol' Riverside...I prefer to stay within the city limits. So, this trip I was about to make was a pretty big one. Not only is it a one hour and 11 minute drive (mapquest), I would have both boys shopping along with me. Anyhoo, I packed up the boys, bags, and stroller and headed out...first to church, and then to THE ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET, in beautiful Pasadena, CA.

I had been to the Rose Bowl in the past, a few times in fact, but I always seem to forget why I go every few years...One thing is, I hate crowds...what the heck was I thinking??? There are thousands and thousands of people shopping. I experience stroller rage while trying to manuever my way into the crowds...I feel like running the folks over (with my stroller, not car) who stop dead in their tracks to look at something, talk to their buddy, or just STAND THERE. I guess I forget that people are there to peruse through the many aisles of vintage goodies. I am not a peruser (not sure if it's an actual word, but i'll make my own words up for the sake of my story).

So my lesson learned today...

Stay at home. Shop online. Don't run people over with giant strollers...

But if you're curious...this is what I picked up today:

3 strands of beads-$7.50

1 vintage scarf-$1.00

1 glass (?) pendant necklace-$4.00

Ohhh....don't get me started on how expensive my cheesburger and bottle of water was...

New items...not listed yet!!!

2009-06-12T20:53:00.001-07:00

I've been quite busy...I was able to make a few necklaces, earrings, and rings this week. I haven't posted these on etsy yet so you all are receiving a sneak peek!!!

All dressed up and no place to go!!!

2009-06-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

I just package a bunch of my earrings and rings...in anticipation of a sale...sniff, sniff....

Teacher's Gift!!!

2009-06-09T21:05:00.001-07:00

My son's last day of school is on Friday, June 12...he will be graduating from Kindergarten!!! I am so excited!!! I made his teacher a light green rose necklace with multi-faceted glass beads, a green chrysanthemum ring, and matte white azalea earrings with green accents. I hope she likes it. Nick said green was her favorite color. Let's hope he's right!!!

2009-06-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

A busy week and a couple of new items!

2009-06-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, last week was a busy week for me...between work, motherhood, jewelry making, and a wedding... I had little time to blog, clean the house...and.....shop!!! Next week will be equally busy with meetings, more jewelry making, and GRADUATION!!! Okay, not a high school or college graduation but an 8th grade graduation and Kindergarten graduation!

My friend, Mami, was married on Saturday. She looked beautiful in her $50.00 wedding gown (she's very proud of the fact that she got such a great deal)!!! They had a fun, beachy casual wedding reception at Dana Point, CA.

Just testing new backgrounds

2009-06-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a few backgrounds for a test drive.... I love these free sites to pretty up your blog: www.thecutestblogontheblock.com and www.shabbyblogs.com

New items to share!!!

2009-06-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted these in my etsy store yet, but look out for it!!! I've been working hard and staying up way past my bedtime. I'm SO ready for the weekend!!! I apologize for the bad lighting!!!

Well...I guess since Etsy is down...I guess I should blog, right?

2009-06-02T21:07:00.001-07:00

I'm a blessed Mom. God truly blessed me with two beautiful boys...Nick, the oldest, is 6 years old. He will be graduating from Kindergarten on June 12!!! He is such a little smarty pants...scored a perfect on his CA math assessments (I don't remember even learning math in kindergarten)...and is an excellent reader. I would be bragging right now about his test scores in English but he hasn't gotten his results back yet. :) Chase my baby...or Chase-monster, as we call him has the biggest personality...and is always getting a lot of attention from the ladies where ever we go!!! Both boys are as different as night and day!!! Nick is shy and for the most part, very well behaved...Chase is outgoing, tough, and well, let's just call him super-duper independent.

Two new necklaces

2009-06-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Tell me what you really think???

2009-06-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....it just occurred to me that maybe (just maybe) there are folks out there that don't have the same "taste" in jewelry as I do. As Scott put's it...I have a "unique" sense of style. When I made this necklace, I immediately fell in love with it's boldness, I love the bright red beads and black rose...but I may be (well, maybe me and 7 other people in this world...possibly less since it's still sitting in my store, waiting patiently to be bought) the only person who would actually wear this. I can't how the low amount of views it receives. I even changed the picture to see if the views would pick up...NOPE...Nada...in fact, it went up 1 view since last nigt. But...I still love this necklace...maybe someone with an equally unique sense of style will love this one too!

Where the mayhem begins...

2009-06-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

My little work area...actually, i'm lucky enough to have our entertainment room set up as my "design studio"...quite the step up in the jewelry making world considering just a week ago I was making jewelry at the foot of my bed, sitting on the carpet, working out of 3 shoeboxes!!! I think Scott must have took pity on me and my poor bum...he surprised me a few days ago by setting up my "design studio" (okay, really it's just our entertainment room with a large craft table in it...some drums, the computer, oh and a bunch of toys...but let me dream and call it my studio).

New Items Just Listed

2009-05-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

I just sold two necklaces!!!

2009-05-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

The "Manoa" Necklace

and the...

The "Pua" Necklace

Look at what I made last night!!!

2009-05-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I have a design in my noggin' of a jewerly design, but once I sit down and start to create, the design, goes right out the window. For example, this necklace I made last night...I was playing around with my leaf charms, bird charms, and flower cabs...but when I put it all together it looked....well...a little gawdy. So I searched through all of my beads and found my heart shaped cloissone bead i've been holding onto for a while, took apart the gawdy creation, and came up with a new design...I like the way this turned out and I hope you do too!!!

I won a blog award and had my jewelry featured!!!

2009-05-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his/ her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen.

Wow, what an exciting week for me, from the creation of my blog to now this "Lovely" blog award....Thank you so much LillyShayStyle for this award!!! You are awesome girl!!!

You can visit LillyShayStyle at:

http://lillyshaystyle.blogspot.com/

You will see my nominations shortly!!!

Also, thank you so much to Jewelry Works by Kim, for featuring my "Lokelani Earrings" on her blog!!! You can see my earrings and read her fabulous blog here:

http://jewelryworksbykim.blogspot.com/

I really need to get to work!!!

2009-05-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

I sometimes day dream about jewelry making...My mind starts to wander, I think I have ADHD. Anyhoo (I say that a lot), my friend in the middle, she is a math genius...and possibly one of the smartest people I know. Oh, I hope ,by now you've guess that the picture posted are of me and my work buddies!!! I'm the short one on the left. The math whiz is a Financial Analyst (of course), former Math teacher, and can tell you just about any process in the warehouse we all work in. My blond friend, let's call her Pam (can you guess why)...well, she is like, everyone's boss. She tells us all what we can and can't do and when we can do it. :) But we all love her because she is super duper NICE and has the biggest heart ever!!! This picture cracks me up because in REALITY the Math Whiz is actually the tallest of the bunch, Pam is slightly 5' 2", and i'm a whopping 5 ft tall...but in this picture my friend Pam looks so tall. It must be the 5 inch heels she has on! I need to get me some of those!!! Anyhoo, moral of my story is I need to stop daydreaming, get back to work, and be thankful I have awesome work buddies!!! Ahmen!

Chase's 1st Carnival Birthday

2009-05-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share something non-jewerly related, but another passion that I equally LOVE...party planning! My friends think i'm crazy for putting so much effort, time, and yes...money into planning my son's birthday parties but I just have so much fun with it. I spend hours scouring the web for ideas, in fact, I found etsy while planning my son's 1st birthday party. I've been hooked on etsy since!

A few items bought from etsy:

BN Designs-I love her work, she custom made these invitations for me!!! I used a vellum pouch instead of an envelope (found at Joann's), and stuck the invitations, a bag of caramel popcorn, and a prize into a retro style popcorn box...I tried to hand deliver these invitation to save on shipping.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22671503

kellydesigns4u-She makes these cute tags...I made cupcake toppers out of them by taping it onto a toothpick!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=12847276

LittlebeaneBoutique-I used these adorable, personalized sticker to embelish my gift bags for our guests!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=14066596

There are SO many great artists on Etsy...I love finding wonderfully unique items!!!

I made this last night...at midnight

2009-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

I made this last night...Sorry about the picture, it's very dark. I usually take my pictures outside with natural light.

I really like the way this turned out, I used a button I found at Joann's (on sale) and a white rose cabochon I bought from a fellow estsian. I think I buy more than I earn! Thank the Lord for my day time job!

Proper packaging is important!!!

2009-05-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

I have this thing about gift wrapping...I think it stems from a complex I developed as a child watching my Mom use those horribly ugly (sorry if you use them) ready made bows...anyhoo, this complex (or obsession) translated over to my packaging. I believe that no matter how much a person spends in my store, the same amount of care goes into packaging my items. My goal is to make my customers feel like it's their birthday! Oh and of course, sending everything out NEXT Day...I don't like to wait for my orders...and I don't think my customers should wait either!!!

Yay! I sold this ring today!!!

2009-05-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

I made a sale today!!! Sometimes I get a little nervous because I think people won't like my stuff...it's funny...I get so excited when I see my sales number go up, it's like Christmas for me.

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

2009-05-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, who knew sitting at the computer could be soooo exhausting!!!! I've been trying to market my blog and Jewelry and have been doing so at full steam!!! I've notice a few more views and a couple of hearts (all of you etsians know the lingo) but no sales. I wonder what the secret is???

I hope this storque showcase works out for me, I have this item currently listed, it's the same necklace I used for my banner.

I think my prices are pretty reasonable, i'm selling this one for 22.00, this is my most expensive piece in my store and it's one of my favorites.

I think i'll take a quick break for a second and enjoy this beautiful Memorial Day!!!

Still getting the hang of it!!!

2009-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, i'm still learning how to do this blog thing!!! I know I have an empty spot for my "slide show"...I can't seem to figure this out! Oh, and don't mind the "background" tab at the bottom right side of the blog...it doesn't really do anything, except for make part of my background disappear.

So I see I have one follower...thank you Natalia!!! I'm so excited to have you here! I guess I am no longer talking to myself!

By the way, i'll be posting this necklace to my etsy store (www.thechrysanthemum.etsy.com) soon!!!

My very first BLOG.

2009-05-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Now the question is...will anyone read it or will I be the only one laughing to myself and the computer screen? I guess I should start off answering a few questions...

1. Why did you decide to start a blog?

Money...I'd like to make money so I can spend money...since the lottery thing is OBVIOUSLY not working out.

2. What do you hope to accomplish with this blog?

A sale, if not that...maybe fame and fortune.

3. What won't you find on this blog?

Misspelled words. I'm like a human speller checker, I'm almost obsessed, I may even have a complex. But, I'm not guaranteeing good grammar or punctuation...I'm from Hawaii remember!

4. Well then, what will you find on these blogs?

Everything else, from how-to's (I love teaching) to fashion advice (it's up to you to listen to my advice), I'll even throw down a quick Bible verse from time to time (yay God)!!!