BLACK Friday through CYBER Monday 2011

Wowie, did this holiday creep up fast! After spending the summer in SD and then helping out my little brother with his wedding, I missed all of September and October and now it's Thanksgiving time and counting my blessings too!
I've got some Awesome deals in November and the holiday weekend.
All of November offers 20% off any purchase with the use of the coupon code: RCV20!



As for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll get 25% off both days AND to the first 8 customers on Friday and Monday, you'll get an extra 5% off...that's right 30% off any purchase (including Clearance items).
Stop on by my shop as I have added new jewelry items and will be posting more before Friday morning OR stop by and search for the ETSYMOM's hand-crafted items, by using the keyword EMFBCS.



Hope all of you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families!

Spring and Summer are heading this way! A 20% discount until June too.

We're all giddy about the warm spring and even warmer summer that is headed our way. April is a wonderful time of the year with all its newness, Easter, fresh spring showers, and beautiful flowers...what's not to love?!

This summer, I'm headed out west, well...7 hours west anyway, to the land of South Dakota, where the buffalo roam. It will be an awesome summer, living in a camper, spending time with my husband and kids, visiting the Black Hills and more.
As my space will be limited, I need to shut down my shop on ETSY until my return at the end of August. On a brighter note, I may find some fabulous stones/beads while in the great state of SD, so my fall collection will be cooler than ever!!!

This brings a great deal to you, the customer!!! Since I want to deplete some of my inventory before I leave, from now until June 2nd, purchase any item of $20 or more, and receive 20% off the price. I will gladly refund your Paypal account before I ship the item. Happy Spring!!!

PLEASE Mr. Groundhog, let the SPRING weather you PROMISED us, come SOON!

Spring time in Minnesota can not come soon enough. We've had a record year for snow and the weather has been frigid!
Before I forget, I am trying some new things starting in March. First, I will feature one item each month that will range from 10%-50% off retail price and will advertise this via email, my etsy website and my blog.
Second, I'm trying out some new designs....coming soon! Read more below about my process!!

Needless to say, this winter has given me time to think long and hard about my individual talent as a jewelry designer. The beading population has flourished in the last 10 years, leaving artists to really hone in on their designs. I have to agree, an artist must create works of art that stand out from the crowd!!

As I sit and create what I call a unique master piece, the thought crosses my mind, "is this something that I would wear everyday?" Is it unique compared to other jewelry artists? How can I say, this is "my design and only mine"?
Do I go back to school and take an art history class? Take more classes on design and/or beading? Study other artists talent? I've done a lot of prospecting, sitting hours on the computer looking at jewelry design, trying to decide (in my mind) if what I have sketched on paper is like no one else's work.
I've decided to try and create jewelry based on furniture, home decor and building design. My first attempt was based on a candlestick I saw in a magazine.



I called it "Picasoman", because I thought it was modern like what I see Picaso drawing/painting.

















My next attempt was based on the movie Sex in the City and New York. It has form and modernism art work galore!



I have a 3rd piece coming (pictures need to be published). I didn't base this necklace on anything, but trying to be different from other pieces I've done. I get plenty of compliments when I wear it, but am not sure if it's sleek enough for my taste or what I'm yearning for.


Oh well, it's always back to the drawing board for me as I hope/pray my modern creativity comes forth in my jewelry pieces. You'll see more last of winter designs and some pretty spring colors coming soon!

DID YOU KNOW?

Do you know which semi-precious/gemstones are porous and should NOT be cleaned with jewelry cleaners or soap?
Although gemstones are among the most durable of substances, they need some care. You've paid a good amount of money for some of your gemstone jewelry, so keep them clean! Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner, when in doubt, leave it out. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra sparkle.
Opaque gemstones like Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Kunzite, Peridot, Tanzanite, Malachite and some Topaz require special care.


Never use an ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution. These gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it.
Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light which can dry out the water in opals.
Organic gems like Pearls, Coral, and Amber should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous.




Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular.

Storage is also important, keep each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

Remember, treat your gemstone jewelry as if you paid millions and they will last a lifetime!

Is Winter in MN done yet?

Wowie! Have we had a heck of a winter or what? It seems to be snowing every other day right now and my shovel is getting worn out! The cold weather is somewhat bearable, since we had 30-40's during the week of Christmas.
A good cup of hot chocolate is always tasty when it's cold out and so is mid-winter and the countdown to spring.
I've created lots of new items and am trying something new with modern art in my jewelry. My newest piece PICASOMAN was inspired by a candlestick holder I saw in a store.

I've relisted some items for Valentine's Day and will be creating/posting more pieces shortly so you can get in on the deals. January offers you a FREE pair of earrings of your choice with any $35 or more purchase. February will bring an even "sweeter" deal, look for postings at the end of Jan.

Happy countdown to winter and the days are getting longer as well, in the northern hemisphere!