A Contest to Celebrate my Upcoming 500th Etsy Sale at JewelryFineAndDandy--You could win big!

I am coming up on an important milestone.  It may seem small to some of you, but to me it reflects growth in my jewelry design and creation business.  I would like to celebrate by rewarding you, my customers with a special thank you--because without you, this would not be possible!

That's right, the 500th order in my Etsy shop will be FREE!  I will refund your purchase amount up to $100.  That is after any coupons, and does not include the low flat rate shipping.  I am getting close and anticipate reaching this goal in September 2015; so if you are in the mood to do some early holiday shopping, you could WIN BIG!  This milestone is only for the sales I've made on Etsy and not at local shows or boutiques.  Considering the fact that I only had 114 sales in my first six years on Etsy, and over 300 since the start of 2014, I want to share my recent success with you!

Here are some of the newest items I've added to my shop. Something here could be yours for free, if yours is the 500th order!

18k matte gold Celtic Heart expandable charm bangle and earrings set, 2 available. Makes a great gift!

Birdcage mixed media necklace and earrings set, you've got to take a closer look at this one!

Dragonfly Necklace and earrings set with hand colored patina, Amethyst stones, Amazonite stones, vintage glitter beads and crystal...just lovely!

I LOVE this Paris inspired French charm locket necklace.  Eiffel tower image is surrounded with vintage rhinestones, charms, pearls, and even a locket! Je T'aime charm and C'est la vie postcard charms add romance. And who can resist that luscious gingerbread patina vintage chain?!

Hey, if you prefer silver to brass, here's another for you!  It has an I love you postcard charm, Bon Voyage charm, L'Arc de Triomphe charm, Oui, a clock, a rose, and of course a C'est la vie tag.  Lovely rhinestones encircle the postcard style Eiffel tower image.

Is it Halloween yet?  I've got bats in all colors and styles ready to fly out your way!

 I also have an ongoing social media monthly contest.  Post a photo of your order (tag me) within 30 days to Twitter, Instagram, my Facebook page or on an Etsy review and you are entered to win a $20 gift certificate to my Etsy shop. Details are in my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryFineAndDandy

Good luck!

Renee

Fine and Dandy Jewelry is joining the Change It Up Blog Hog in September sponsored by B'sue Boutiques

The theme is going to be "Vintage Flair" which sounds right up my alley!

Isn't that cute?  And isn't this true about so many things in life?  For this blog hop, we are give the choice of 4 different components.  You may use one or all, but the goal is to use it differently than usual. Cut it up, flip it, colorize it...make it your own.  These are the pieces to choose from, and are available at http://www.bsueboutiques.com by Brenda Sue (B'sue) Lansdowne, who is sponsoring this blog hop!

I can't say which one or ones I am using; however I placed my order early and already have what I'm going to use!

It's been awhile since I posted.  Fact is, I've been pretty busy with my new Finding Your Direction Line from the Build a Line Challenge back in the spring.  I've had great success with my compass themed jewelry.  I also had a secondary line spin off of that one, featuring the hand stamped jewelry.  Here's some of the pieces I made:

The bible verse cuffs have no compass, but turned out beautifully and led me to make Father's Day key chains with bible verses.  I had some custom orders with REALLY inspiring stories behind the gift they were ordering!  The last photo was a custom order I made for a lady and three of her best friends; they got matching "Follow Your Dreams" key chains and necklaces.

And then, all this stamping and stuff led me to another great idea for these beauties below.  The crystals are real natural faceted crystal, and they throw rainbows all over the place.  The main piece is a Victorian style luggage tag that I've stamped and added patina to.  I'm going to have to keep Grace.  What a beauty.  Not only do I enjoy the idea of wearing the affirmation close to my heart, but the crystal has energizing properties.  And who can't use more energy?

I even got a custom order for a necklace with custom stamping for a customer's first 5K race.  And I'm really loving the stories behind custom orders!

So, I'll be updating again soon with some other projects I've been making.  As I've been working on compass themed pieces and pondering the idea of travel, I had a little mini revelation about how to categorize my shop.  I won't tell you now, but look for news on that to come soon.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope to see you at the blog hop next month!

Renee

Build a Line Master Class Blog Hop from B'sue Boutiques, Renee Hong of Fine and Dandy Jewelry, The Finale!

Is This the End, or Just the Beginning?

Wow, it's hard to believe that three months has passed since the beginning of this class and blog hop!  All 50+ participants in this Build a Line Master Class have been hard at work on their lines, sharing ideas, asking questions, learning new techniques, and having fun in the process!  Our wonderful teacher, Brenda Sue Lansdowne of B'sue Boutiques has challenged us to grow and step out of our comfort zones.  She has been sharing wonderful nuggets of wisdom gathered from her own successful line.  So here at Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art, I've been working on my "Finding Your Direction" line, to be revealed in this, the final installment of this blog hop! It may be the end of the class and hop, but definitely just the beginning of our lines.  I almost gave up at one point when life hit me hard, but Brenda Sue encouraged me to go on...so I hit that hammer hard on some more pieces and went to work!  NOTE:  I may adjust the prices slightly...so check the Etsy shop later for definitive prices.

Behind the Scenes

Raw brass blanks, patina, and a mini compass from B'sue Boutiques. I hand-stamped the messages.

After the stamping, hole punching, patina and buffing.

 So, those raw brass blanks were hand stamped, aged with a chemical patina, shined up a bit, and embellished with various things, all including compasses.  I learned to tape down my blanks with masking tape before stamping.  They aren't perfectly aligned, which is fine with me since they fit the look I'm going for:  handmade and not mass-produced.  I did a slightly different buffing technique on the two bracelets here than I used on the key-chain below.  I like the bracelet finish better. 

Finished Bracelet, Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

"Steer by the Compass of Your Soul" Brooch.  The rope edged wreath from B'sue adds to the nautical feel.

This "Follow Your Heart" key-chain has a small rustic hammered heart charm, since I felt it needed a heart somewhere and the design didn't look right trying to mount the compass onto a heart shaped finding.  And I think it would be convenient to have a compass on your key-chain, no?

Compass Necklace in Ebony Matte Black Brass and Brass Ox on a heavy Rolo Chain.  Also available on a black ball chain.

Flower Compass Bracelet, this one has a more feminine touch to a line that is mostly unisex.  A different flower can be used in place of this one, as well. 

At the top pricing tier, a hand stamped and hand hammered heart.  "Follow Your Heart" and a compass are the main focal of this simple necklace, with a hand for embellishment and a brass ox 20" chain and lobster clasp. 

Mainstay entry level compass studs, a matching silverware adjustable ring; and brass steampunk style compass dangle earrings with a matching adjustable ring.  This is the bottom pricing tier.

What's Next?

My plans are to continue to add pieces that coordinate, since I have a cohesive look going.  Many of these pieces are unisex.  I plan to add more bible verses, inspirational quotes, even personalized names and initials if there's a request for it.  I intend to add some decoupaged cuffs, as well.  But I feel that starting with three necklaces, a brooch, a key chain, two bracelets, two pairs of earrings, and two rings is a good variety.  I intend to get these into my Etsy shop as soon as possible, but if you just can't wait for something, drop me a line!  And please, please take a look at the artists' blogs linked below.  These ladies have all worked SO hard!  Come back and visit to see what's new, like my facebook page, and check out my Etsy shop if you'd be so kind!  I would appreciate comments if you don't mind...I've tried to make it as easy as possible to do so.  Thank you so much for accompanying me on this journey.  And a BIG thank you to B'sue at www.bsueboutiques.com without whom none of this would be possible!

Oh, I didn't want to leave you hanging without at least one personal picture:

Snow Day in Texas!  We went to the park and enjoyed ourselves for a bit!  The baby doesn't look too happy, though...LOL

Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Jewelry Making Outside the Box
Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<YOU ARE HERE!
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Build a Line Master Class Blog Hop from B'Sue Boutiques, Renee Hong of Fine and Dandy Jewelry, Part Two

Greetings from the greater Fort Worth, Texas area!

I took this photo of Fort Worth from a helicopter.  They removed the door for me so I could get great shots.  Thanks, Epic Helicopter!

Wow, it seems like only yesterday since the last series in our blog hop, brought to us and taught by our wonderful hostess Brenda Sue (aka B'sue) Lansdowne.  I wouldn't be hanging in here without her encouragement, as well as some Alka Seltzer Plus, which allowed me to sleep more than four hours for the first time in over a week.  I've had some laryngitis and related problems for over a week, and it's really knocked me for a loop.  Add a head cold on top, and I'm going to need the compasses from my Finding Your Direction Line to lead me to the doctor!  I'm so glad I can shop online at www.bsueboutiques.com anytime from home, and access our Master Class via Facebook using my online voice, since I have a limited physical voice at the moment!

Last hop, each artist revealed their long-awaited theme for their line.  I had so much fun hopping  from one blog to the next, oohing and ahhing over their exciting ideas and beautifully designed blogs. I found myself laughing out loud more than once at the great sense of humor and personality that came across through their conversational style.  Many of the authors drew me in with their wonderful tales of real life stories that inspired their lines, and wonderful photos!  We truly have a talented bunch!

We've been talking a lot about challenges we are facing in building the lines, a pyramid structure of pricing (no, we're not talking Amway or the likes here), paying attention to jewelry and color trends, and overall cohesiveness.  We're improving our blogging and technology skills, skills of our craft, and business acumen.  It's a journey of self-discovery, as we learn what we are truly capable of.  Perfect for my Finding Your Direction theme!

While I wish I had more photos of finished pieces to show, as I had planned, being sick after the last blog hop and again right before this one has really limited me.  These images are some things that I will be using on the bottom tier of my line, however:

A ring that I've previously made and sold, that I can easily reproduce for the lower priced end of my line.

While the simple studs sell better, some people like a little extra added to the design. Options, right?!

There's no way I will leave out my best sellers.

This is perfect, because these items are small accessories that are too small to customize with a stamped direction message or quote, and by eliminating the hand-stamping, it keeps the price affordable.  They will still be fully coordinating with the middle and upper tiered items of bracelets, cuffs, and necklaces, that DO have custom stamped or decoupaged messages.

So, visit our many talented artists below, to see what they've been busy doing!  See you March 20th!

 Build a Line Master Class from B'sue Boutiques list of participants:

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs
Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann
Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio
Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales
Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru
Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate
Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench
Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies
Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose
Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem
Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy
Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry
Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry
Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works
Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs
Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry
Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs
Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads
Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs
Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard
Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative
Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns
Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios
Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs
Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs
Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized
Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm
Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner
Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs
Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems
Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels
Susan Killam
Killam Creative
Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry
Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico
Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks
Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs
Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage
Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog
Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements
Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board
Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art
Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things
Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs
Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up
Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art
Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry
Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl
Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes
Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise
Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design
Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns
Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane
Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry
Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo
Coral Law
ab:coraldesign