FREE CUSTOM CHARM GIVEAWAY IN EVERY EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Hello fans!!! I'm hear today to talk a little bit about the scary M word.... MARKETING!

Marketing for a small business can be so overwhelming! Many of us crafty sellers have zilch to work with, and most of you know our dear old friend Facebook has started to go the way of Darth Vader.... to The Dark Side. Facebook has turned their backs on small businesses, choosing profit over loyalty. I'm not mad, I don't blame them, they have their own strategies that they paid millions of dollars to come up with. What this means for small business like mine, and many of you is that we need a new game plan!

After much consideration, I have decided that I would much rather put the little marketing budget I have, into your hands rather than a giant corporation that already has plenty. We all know you LOVE giveaways! And that's precisely what I'm proposing.... more giveaways, MONTHLY AND EVEN WEEKLY FREEBIES!!! See I told you, you'd be excited!

Here's the deal! I'm going to turn to my already amazing email newsletter to get the word out about new products, promotions, and sales. I'm planning on sending one about once a month at first. Each time you see that little letter in your inbox, just open it, scroll down, and see if your name or email address appears next to the picture that screams....

It's that simple! The excitement is getting to you now isn't it?! Just go sign up here, and get entered! The sit back, relax, and let the free charms roll your way!

The Bachelorette Gifting!

 

I am a part of this amazing group, The Artisan Group. It is an amazing collection of artists that have small businesses like mine. It offers great opportunities to gift to celebrities and stylists. This time, I have had the opportunity to gift to the stylist of The Bachelorette! I'm a huge fan (it was my secret addiction, but I guess the secret is out now)!

 

Although most of me wishes I kept them for myself, I have decided to gift these amazing earrings.  I'm so in love with them! They took forever to make, as I first pressed real feathers into sterling silver and brass. Then sawed them out carefully. I hung them on handmade sterling ear wires with dangle chains adorned with wire wrapped turquoise. Lastly, they were oxidized, hand polished and tumbled. This process brings out the amazing texture of the feathers and makes them shine!

 

Here's hoping the stylist picks them to be on next season, and that Juan Pablo finds the love of his life soon!

 

 

New Beauties

As fall begins, I find my self content to sip coffee and meditate on the earth around me.

I hope these new pieces may bring whatever it is you need in your life at this moment. Maybe it's peace, inspiration, or hope.

May they not just be beautiful items to adorn ourselves with, but may they remind us of who we strive to be. 

Peaceful beautiful creatures that have the ability to bring harmony and joy in a world of chaos.

May we have the ability to find beauty all around us. In the little things. 

And may our days be full of joy, happiness, hope, and most of all love. 

VIRTUAL JEWELRY PARTIES

I'm so excited to finally be announcing this....
I've been wanting to offer something like this for a long time...
A way for you to have fun with your friends....
To share products you love...
To earn free jewelry....

NOW INTRODUCING VIRTUAL JEWELRY PARTIES!!!! WHOO HOOOO!!!!

Here's the gist:
You get a sample box of items shipped directly to you.
You hold a party, have your friends come to your house, work, or baby shower and show them the amazing stuff
You and your guests will also have access to a 2 hour online discussion session for help designing the items and custom listings
All the orders your guest place will be put towards your party total, and equal more free jewelry for YOU!

Spots are going to book up fast as we approach the Holiday season, so contact me to book yours today!

Want more details? Click here.

.... SERIOUSLY ....

OK, I know... you walk into the store these days, and you cringe when you see Christmas stuff already stacked up next to Halloween candy and costumes. I hate it too... I always think to myself, "Why on Earth, can't we celebrate one holiday at a time?!"

So please, don't judge this post! I'm really trying to do you a favor! The reality is that my Christmas rush starts in just about 1 month... yes ONE, ONE MONTH, 30 DAYS, also known as 4 weeks away!

Once the rush hits, I'm swamped, turnaround times get longer, and as much as I love custom requests, they just become harder to fit in! I'll always do my best to fit your orders in, and help as much as possible, but the "extra" is so much easier when the Christmas rush isn't in full swing. 

My point is, if you are thinking already that my jewelry would be the perfect gift for someone this coming holiday, I highly suggest you order sooner rather than later!!! Plus, if you order now, you'll relieve some of that holiday stress, and maybe it'll make you eat one less piece of pie. You'll thank me later, trust me!

SUPRISE LABOR DAY SALE!

It doesn't matter what we do: teachers, nurses, architects, moms, bus drivers, accountants, doctors, lawyers.  It doesn't matter when we work: nights or days, weekends or holidays.  It doesn't matter how much we make: $10.00 an hour or $100,000 a year.  It doesn't matter how we feel about it: love it or hate it, passionate about it or loath it. No it doesn't matter, we are all working hard. Day in and day out we are doing our best. We all deserve a break. Including YOU!!!!

So indulge yourself a little. You deserve it. And while you're at it, save some of that hard earned cash.

Coupon code is valid in any of my stores all day:

www.jonesingforjewelry.etsy.com

www.j4jcharms.etsy.com

www.j4jvintage.etsy.com

Get 30% off your entire order using coupon code: WORKISOVERRATED

String Letters DIY

Just last week I revealed the new studio, and I already have a ton of requests for the "how to" on these awesome string letters, so here goes! I think this would be an awesome way to put up a name or monogram in a nursery or kid's room.

SUPPLIES:

Heavy duty paper

Hammer
Small brad nails (about 1 1/2" - 2" length)

Level

String

Painter's tape or masking tape

This crochet thread was just about $2.00 for each color. I HAVE ENOUGH TO LAST A LIFETIME NOW! 

Step 1. PRINT. Using the heavy weight paper, print out what you want to type in a font you like. Remember, the more curves the font has the more work you'll have, so try and choose a fairly simple, "squared off" font. As you can tell, my letters were about 8" tall.

Step 2.  TAPE UP GUIDE. Using the level to align it all, tape up the paper letters where you want them on the wall. Tape all the sides, top and bottoms (this will be important later)



Step 3. HAMMER THE NAILS IN. Hammer in along the edge of the letters. Make sure to hammer all the corners, and about 3-4 around any curves to ensure that it has an easy curve rather than a sharp corner. The stronger the curve, the more nails you'll need. (I highly suggest you hammer one letter at a time, move to step 4 and 5, then come back to step 3 for the next letter)

Step 4. PEEL THE PAPER. Pull the paper off leaving the nails in the wall.

Step 5. WRAP THE STRING. Start by tying a not around one of the nails. It doesn't really matter which nail you start on. Wrap around all the perimeter of the letters approximately 5 times to make the base. Then "fill in" the letter by randomly wrapping and criss-crossing in the middle of the letter. Once you fill it in to your satisfaction, wrap 20-30 more times around the perimeter. This will make the string about 3/4" - 1" tall. Once you're done keep the the string taught while tying another knot around a nail. Then just cut the extra string at each of the ends. 

Step 6. HAMMER THEM FLUSH. Although I wrapped 3/4"-1" tall on each letter, I had more nail hanging out. So I went back and hammered mine so they were all about the same height. Make sure to hammer them so that the nails angle out a little. This will help keep the string tight.

Summer Fun

For most of you that follow me, you know that I've been working hard to build the jewelry business. One of the things I've been most looking forward too, and one of the biggest benefits that working at your own business from home is flexibility.  With the business booming, I've had the opportunity to quit my day job, and keep this little boy home during this summer.

I'm happy to report that Kaleb is having the summer of his life! We spend our days together having fun, doing or going wherever we feel like, having play dates, swimming like fish and just enjoying each other. I have never felt more bonded to him than I do right now.

You might ask how I've been able to keep up with him and work? Luckily enough, the summer jewelry season tends to be a little slower anyways, but mostly it's taken a LOT of strict planning. We both have a mutual understanding of when I'm working and when I'm not. By scheduling my work time with him (very Super Nanny of me!) there is no confusion, and therefore little frustration between the two of us. We focus on each other during our play times, and then I can focus on work when it's time because I know I'm not ignoring him. 

Here's what our days look like:

*I get up early around 5:30, coffee and emails. I get quiet work time until about 9:30.

*Kaleb gets up around 7:30 these days, watches a few cartoons, makes himself breakfast, and busies himself till 9:30.

*At 9:30 we both stop what we are doing and work on our chores. Kaleb has a HUGE chore list this summer. I'm pretty proud of the work he's accomplishing these days. (Remember he's only 5!) His list includes things like making his bed, cleaning his room, cleaning his toy area, getting the mail, dusting, throwing the ball for the dogs, and unloading the dishwasher

*After we're done we head to 10:30 swim lessons

*When we get home, he's usually a little worn out, gets himself a snack and rests for a little while. This gives me time to finish any chores, emails, or work I have from the morning

*Then around noon, we eat lunch together.

*After lunch is our together time. We do whatever we want. Go to the park, visit grandma, have friends over, but mostly we swim.

*I give us till about 3:30 to play together. Then we're both beat! We need resting, quiet time, and I usually sneak back into the studio for a little more work.

Shortly after, Dad comes home or it's dinner time and we do the family thing till the evening.

I usually work in the evening when he's busy with Dad or after bedtime.

I also have planned some "catch-up" times for myself. For example, this week he has Lego Camp in the afternoons. Which gives me a little break, and time to catch up on stuff (like BLOGGING!)

All in all, the summer is going much better than I expected (I was quite nervous about how I would get any work done going into it). I know a lot of you out there are trying to work from home with kids in the mix too or you are a SAHM, and have tasks  you need to fit in as well. Hopefully my summer schedule helps you find your perfect balance too! No matter what, when spending time at home, remember there will always be more work. There will never again be this time to spend with your children. Keep what is most important with you at all times. If I fail at anything, I'd much rather it be not getting enough work done, than not spending enough time with him.

New Items

I've  been working on a large batch for an amazing little consignment shop that I carry at in L.A., co-op 28. So I thought I'd share a little of the new custom pieces here!

Turquoise with hand formed copper leaf on sterling rolo chain

Stunning agate set in hand forged sterling silver bezel setting linked on rolo chain and hand stamped quote on back  

Etched eagle head with turquoise and crystal charms on rope chain

Enjoy! And remember you can always contact me for custom items! carin@jonesingforjewelry.com

NEW PACKAGING

IT'S HERE!! The new Jonesing for Jewelry packaging is finally in hand and ready to use!

I have never really been all that happy with my logo. the issue is that I run three shops under the name Jonesing for Jewelry. The first, Jonesing for Jewelry, which carries simple everyday sterling silver jewelry mixed with stunning precious stones. The second shop is where I carry my most popular charms with children's handwriting, silhouettes, and footprints, J4JCharms.  Last but not least, I run a shop called J4JVintage which focuses on charm necklaces with vintage botanical prints, bronze findings, and brass lockets. I have never really felt that all three shops where well represented in the Jonesing for Jewelry logo. I thought it was too confusing for customers to translate the J4J portion of the charm and vintage shop into Jonesing for Jewelry.

Anyways, a few months back I had the brilliant idea of placing the J4J in the logo itself. This tarted a huge chain of events. A new logo means all new branding and packaging. I loved the old packaging when I first started with it, but to be honest, my design skills have grown so much since then.  The old packaging had a lot of flaws including design issues and it was missing elements like smaller tags for when I send necklaces to stores.

Needless to say, I started all over. I wanted it to be perfect this time. I definitely don't want to find myself making new packaging in a year. So I took the time to really look at my options. I made a Pinterest board for stuff I liked and what direction I saw the branding going in. I started to realize that I was really drawn to simple elements and black in on manila tags or kraft paper.

I wanted to bring the banner idea from my website (see links to the right) into the main sticker design. This proved to be one of the hardest elements to figure out how they would be printed and cut without going way over budget.

None-the-less, months later it's all here (literally the last items arrived less than an hour ago!)  I couldn't be happier. I hope that the consolidation of the J4J and Jonesing for Jewelry logo will help promote my items better, make my brand more recognizable, and help customers stay in contact. Plus the packaging will surely bring a smile to your face when you open a little gift for yourself!

WE'RE ON VACATION

WE ARE GOING TO LEGOLAND ....

Ok not quite yet! We leave in one week, and NO I will NOT be wearing the bikini my mini-figure is sporting! No matter what I am wearing, we are all so excited to be going! We've been planning this trip for about a year now. I can't believe how dedicated Kaleb has been to earning money for it. He's always asking for chores to do around the house, and even when he wants a toy, after thinking about it for awhile, he decides to save his money for Legoland! 

Over the past year, I found that working from home can really be challenging. I find myself checking emails instead of riding bikes, working on orders instead of reading a book to my boy, and ordering supplies when I should be eating breakfast.

In an effort be more present in both my career and family life, while I'm on vacation, I've decided to challenge myself to no technology (OK minus the camera). This means while I'm gone, I won't be checking email, I won't be re-listing items, and I won't be posting blogs. Instead I'll be focused on my family.

When I get back, hopefully I'll be energized and filled with inspiration!

P.S. This means that all orders placed 5/8 or later will be processed after we return 5/19. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Out of the Cubical and Ready to Jump?

Photo Courtesy of sxmperspective

My current inner monologue when I think about quitting my day job:

I went to the Grand Canyon a few years back and wouldn't go within 20 ft of the edge.

I don't like the unknown.

I don't like not knowing if things will work out.

I don't like to take leaps of faith.

It's only a few months away.

It's such a short amount of time.

Dave and I have planned and planned and planned some more, but still I'm scared.

We've set ourselves up for success, but it's terrifying for me.

I want it to work out so bad.

I want it more than anything.

Everything points to it being a success.

Everyone says I should try. 

I don't like to be unsure of anything.

I try and stay positive, but I sit up at night worried.

I do internet searches during the day for part-time jobs just in case.

I rack my brain for other ways we can cut back on spending.

I feel as though I'm running towards the edge of a cliff.

The day is coming.

It's already in motion.

I can't stop it now, but my legs are shaking.

Someone's going to have to push me.

I don't think I'm brave enough to jump on my own.

Listing Updates!

Well I started this business for a few reasons... all of them fun and inspiring. So I could stay home, do something I really enjoy... things like that.  I never said I wanted to quit my day job so I could update listings all day! It really might be the WORST part of it all, but hey every job has something, so I guess I'll quit complaining!

Listings are something that are never constant. There is always something that can be tweaked. New color pictures to be added, or wording that can be changed slightly.  I always have a running tab in my head of updates I'd love to make. But with over 300 listings in just the charm shop itself it's really an overwhelming task.

Anyways, I've been putting off really cleaning up my listings for awhile now, but as Mother's Day approaches it's closing in on the deadline.  I'm making adjustments on a few things...

REARRANGING:  I'm rearranging the layout of the items in the listing. I'm trying to put the things at the top that I get the most questions about, and also the parts of the information that are specific to the listing. By having the more generic information in one spot, when I go to edit the listings in the future this will save a ton of time.

RELATED ITEMS: I'm adding a section right up top with related items. For example on necklaces with standard font there will be a link to the same item with the upgrade to handwriting already included.  I know with over 300 listings it can be overwhelming to find what you need. I never mind answering questions or setting up custom listings, but by having this information in each listing I think it will help cut down on any frustration customers may have shopping.

HOW TO ORDER: Prior to this my "how to order" section was very generic and I tried to make it apply to each of the items. But with the addition of so many different add-ons not to mention things like the stacking birthstone rings not all the information is applicable. I'm hoping this cuts down on any confusion.

PLUS A TON MORE SMALL TWEAKS  TO  HELP THE TRANSACTIONS FLOW SMOOTHLY!

NEW ETCHED ITEMS

Well Mother's Day is just around the corner. I'm doing a lot this year to get geared up for the busy time.  Things like pre-making metal charms, editing listings, and filling both shops to the brim!  I spent some time last week shipping out most of the unique one of a kind pieces I had in my Etsy shop to a new consignment shop in CA! Which means I have lots of spaces I need to work on filling in the Etsy shop.

My new favorite technique is Etching. It provides me with the opportunity to really mark the metal with any design I want without the high cost of a rolling mill and dies. It also allows a lot more flexibility with sizes and shapes. Plus with all the etching I've been doing, I've become a master at a technique that even highly trained metalsmiths have a hard time perfecting.

Here are a few of the pieces I've been working on. All inspired by nature and the beauty around us. Enjoy!

Available here



Available here

Available here



Available here



Out of the Cubical - When You're Sick

I can't believe it's been a month an a half since I posted on here... Actually, that's not true. I can believe it because I remember what I've been doing for the last month.


ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

ORDERS.

AND MORE ORDERS...

I posted briefly on my Facebook page about how lucky I am to be working so hard at something I love so much.  Even after weeks after weeks of 80 -90 hours I still never quite feel like it's a job.  I never dread it like I have so many jobs before. 

Today, however was one of those days, that I really wished I had a 9-5.  After Christmas ended, several of my family members came down with an awful cold. I really don't even want to call it a cold, because it's really more like death.  I won't go into all the details but I've never been this sick before. 

Sorry for the bad picture, but I needed some sort of visual,
and a self portrait would not have been as pretty!

Wednesday evening I started to feel a little under the weather, and by Thursday I could barely stand up.  I managed to get Kaleb off to my Grandparent's house since I knew I'd be in no shape to care for him.  I debated going to the doctor, but wasn't sure it was necessary.  I woke up Friday morning with the worse cough ever. Luckily my Grandparent's were available again, and I marched myself down to the urgent care.  The doctor of coarse couldn't do much but offer a prescription cough syrup and rest.

Of coarse even though I had allotted time during the holidays for family and friends when quoting turnaround time on orders, I failed to calculate in this dreaded illness.  So during all of this I was attempting to find time to fit in more orders.  What normally takes me a 1/2 a day to do, took 3 days total. I couldn't focus, couldn't work for more than 10 minutes at a time, but I had promised to get them out, and I know customers were getting antsy. 

It's days like these that although I wouldn't ever want to do anything else, I realize that this career path isn't perfect.  There are flaws to it.  If I was working a 9-5 I'd have called in sick, and someone would have covered for me.  I suppose I really need to learn from this and adjust.  The bottom line is, I always get sick after completing something highly stressful.  When I was in college I knew I'd be at home with a cold a few days after finals.  My body finally relaxes and let's it's guard down and BOOM. SICK.

Next year I plan to have a friend who's willing to send out reply emails saying I'm out for a few days so I don't have to worry about checking them.  I also think after I cut off Christmas orders I'm going to just put the shop on "Vacation." In reality I need a few days of no emails, no nothing around the holidays.  This is more realistic about what to expect from me between Christmas and New Years, and therefore more accurate and fair for both customers and my family.

I'm not complaining here, but for those of you hoping to quit your day job and follow your dreams. Make sure that you take into account these times. For me, it's worth having to work when I'm sick. I'd much rather have it that way, and still be able to pick Kaleb up from school everyday and work from home than anything else.