Egyptian Themed Treasury

My Egyptian Sarcophagus Pendant is featured in this really cool treasury called, "In A World Of De Nile"! I'm on the last row in the middle.

An Exciting New Year

Ackk! I've been MIA from my blog for the last few weeks trying to get inventory and the tax end of my business figured out. I'm not much closer than I was before I started! I was caught off guard at year end not fully realizing I had to deal with all that stuff! I really enjoy the artistic side of my business, designing journals and pendants, working with customers, and networking, but the yucky business details I can do without! I definitely need to talk to my tax adviser. Ugh!
On a lighter note, my Caribbean Blue Journal (third row, far right) was featured on Etsy's front page last Saturday! My work has hit the front page twice within three weeks. Woo-hoo!
I've been busy working on new inventory for Valentines Day. Here is one of my Valentine Gift Tag Booklets just listed today.Here's a sneak peek at some of my latest pendants. I'm working on listing them tonight, hopefully. I haven't even thought of a name for them yet.

A big thank you to Tialey Vintage Clothing for the awesome feature on her blog! I was the featured Neato Stuff Shop of the Day on Thursday and she gave me a shout out on her blog.

So far my new year is off to a busy and exciting start. Best wishes to all of you for a healthy and prosperous year (despite this stinky economy!).

Thursday's Treasures

A few of my favorites to support a great cause! I usually pick four favorites, but this was such a great cause I found it hard to stop! October is breast cancer awareness month and many of the shops on Etsy are having specials to promote the cause. Check out these sellers' shops for other great items also!

Crocheted Pink Ribbon Brim Hat by AnnieKnits
Pink Ribbon Hearts Lampwork Beads by Lutrick
For the Cure Backwrap by feelgoodessentials
Breast Cancer Awareness Soldered Pendant by gypsyskies
Stay Strong Pink Ribbon Soap by BodyandSpirit
Breast Cancer Bracelet 3031 by JudyEvansCollection

Thursday's Treasures

I'm starting another new weekly posting! Each Thursday I'll pick my top four favorite items from Etsy to share with you. Today's debut features some fabulous items from these sellers. Click the links below the pictures to visit their shops!
au naturale mini vase by annaspots

bee and the blossoms by waywardgirl

Tina Brown and Blue Batik Quilted and Beaded Bag by kimbuktu

handmade glass pendant necklace by fatesdesigns

More features!

Yeah! I've been honored in another Etsy treasury, this one curated by BurningRiverBeads. My pendant is the first one in row three.

My Red Hibiscus Pendant has also been featured today in SweetVib's blog. Thank you very much!! http://sweetvib.blogspot.com/2008/06/polymer-clay-magic-by-uberart.html I'm still surprised at how much attention my pendants have received, since my shop's main focus has been journals! I guess that will be changing soon--maybe 60% journals-40% pendants.

I'm getting ready to ramp up my inventory in preparation for the holidays. It seems a bit early, but if you notice in the stores, they're already getting Halloween items stocked. Besides, these things tend to sneak up on me and I'm scrambling at the last minute!

New inventory--and my history on Etsy

I've expanded my shop and added some polymer clay pendants for sale. I originally thought I was going to have a jewelry shop on Etsy. However, after listing three items--a pendant, a journal, and a polymer clay pot--and having only the journal sell, I took a different direction. There is a lot of competition in the jewelry market! So many beautiful designs!

Instead, I incorporated my "jewels" as I call them, onto the covers of some of my journals. The pendants have been sitting around for two years. Every once in a while I'll wear one and I always get compliments. So I thought I'd give it another whirl and see what happens.

Here's a sneak peek at one not yet listed!

When I first started on Etsy, I did absolutely no marketing whatsoever. I listed my items and had one sell within 24 hours, so I erroneously concluded that is all one has to do, kind of like Ebay. List and sit back...the buyers just come to you! My pot and pendant sat there for 4 months and I kind of gave up all hope of them ever selling. When my listings approached their expiration, I decided to try something different and started making more journals.
Some of my first listings on Etsy!

I want to continue making journals, since that is my passion for the time being, but I like to keep things fresh. Popping something new and unexpected into my shop is a good way to stay relevant, and surprise people at the same time! Tee hee! I'm having fun, can you tell?