Shop Local!

 

Since I am that "local craftsperson who makes jewelry", I TOTALLY support this proposal.  But I'm sure I would even if I wasn't directly affected.  How about you?  Will you shop small and local?  Not just for the holidays, but as often as you can all year long?  (Thanks!)

 

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The Government Shutdown and Me

Any time our politicians can't pull their heads out long enough to do their jobs it makes me nervous.  I'm a little-bitty business, trying to sell some handcrafted jewelry, and I don't like it when the Big Boys of government or Wall Street do stupid things that make people nervous.  So no matter WHAT the reason, I can't say that this government shutdown excites me much.

I did, however, just read some news that makes me feel a bit better.  From Instoremag.com comes the following article:

No word yet on the government shutdown from the National Retail Federation, among the most powerful lobbying groups in the country, which has long favored repeal of “Obama Care.” Outside of Washington DC, where restaurants and retailers are bracing for the impact of their customers’ lost wages, the impact on retail of the first government shutdown in 17 years is unlikely to be serious, say most sources. Unless it drags on, which is unlikely. The Wall Street Journal cites a Morgan Stanley report that the 17 previous government shut-downs since 1976 have only lasted a few days. That’s once every two years or so for these showdown/shutdowns, so the economy seems more or less used to them by now. Both stocks and gold were up on the news, and there has been no immediate impact on currency value. Those happy-go-lucky folks at the WSJ have even found a silver-lining in this latest brink-of-disaster black cloud. “For retailers a government shutdown couldn’t have come at a better time,” says reporter, “after the key back to school shopping period but before the crucial year-end holiday season gets under way in earnest.”

So for now I'm going to go back to making some jewelry.  Gotta be ready when that "holiday season gets under way in earnest"!

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Holiday Shipping Report

This is the "shipping area" in my store.  A counter with bubble mailers on the right, then moving leftward you'll see my postage meter, Sharpies to write on the bubble mailers, cute stickers to put on the packages, stamps, and the Outgoing Mail Basket.  And the official count is in...between November 25th (Black Friday) and December 24th (Christmas Eve), I mailed 148 packages.  All over the world.  Woo hoo!  Many thanks to all my friends and fans--keep those orders coming!  And tell all YOUR friends!  Contemporary Concepts is THE place for handcrafted jewelry!

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Too Busy to Blog

Craziness!  I've mailed out 76 packages in the last 2 weeks.  And that doesn't count the business I've done in the store, and the time it takes to make the stuff I need to make!  So you'll forgive me if I just haven't had time to write any blog posts recently.  I've got to take the business when it comes!

If you'd like to jump on the bandwagon and give a gift of handcrafted jewelry this year, you've got a few days left.  Hop over to my website, my Etsy shop, or my Artfire studio and pick out the perfect present--I won't mind another trip or two to the Post Office!

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Pretty Little Gift Set

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'd like to mention that I've got these cute little matching pendant & earring sets in many different stones. Because they're handcrafted and unique, they make a thoughtful gift, and they're inexpensive enough to outfit practically every lady on your list! You can see a nice selection of colors, ready-to-purchase in the Pendants section of my Etsy shop! Fast shipping, too--I promise!

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New Pattern Wire Bracelet

Last month I did a post on some great stuff I inherited from an old friend (see "John's Mojo, November 3rd). This bracelet is one I made from some of the pattern wire I got. It's a different pattern than any of the ones I have already. Gorgeous, huh? You can buy it in my Etsy shop. And I have over 100 other bracelet designs on my Contemporary Concepts website. Great gifts for all the ladies on your holiday shopping list!

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For the Man in Your Life

If there's one thing I've learned in my 24 years making jewelry, it's that men are far pickier about their jewelry than women. Some men won't wear jewelry at all (my husband is one--although I've got him wearing a simple wedding band, he doesn't even wear a watch). Those that do wear jewelry are very particular about the style they like.

If your man is one who does wear jewelry, and he likes a bold ring, you might consider a holiday gift of a cool, handcrafted wire-wrapped ring. They are available in your choice of more than 20 different gemstones, in gold or silver wire, and in any size up to 14. You can see the rings on the Rings page, and the available gemstones on the Stone Samples page of my website. I'll need orders by no later than December 10th to be guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. Feel free to call me toll free at 1-877-731-GEMS (4367) to discuss your needs!

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What I Made Yesterday, 11-18-08

Nothing. That's right--not a thing. Tuesday is my day off, so I didn't even set foot in my shop. After I dropped my son off at school, I went home and worked online awhile, so it wasn't a totally "wasted" day. I have several online venues where I sell my jewelry, so I've got to keep up with them. My Contemporary Concepts website, and Etsy, and Ruby Lane, and eBay (some great bargains there!). All need a little "love" most every day. Plus there are the social networking sites that have to be maintained. Facebook, Indiepublic, Flickr (although I have to admit I'm not very good about keeping up with all of them!) I did take a nap yesterday afternoon, and I didn't get the dishes done, so I guess I was a little bit worthless.

That's probably because yesterday will likely be my last day off until the holidays. I usually start my holiday hours Thanksgiving week. No Tuesdays off, open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays, and until 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. I'm always open noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by! Even with all those online venues, there's no way I could post pictures of every single thing I make! Plus it's fun to fondle everything in person, isn't it?

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What I Made Today, 9/27/2008

Two-tone jewelry is always popular. This anklet is silver wire with gold beads. I also have one with gold wire and silver beads. And a whole bunch more--see them here. And the best part is that I can make them any size you need! Especially for those of us who are no longer 16 years old with 9" ankles (you know who you are!) 10 inches? 11 inches? Even 12 inches? No problem! A sweet treat for all those upcoming holiday parties--dress up your ankles in style!

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What I Made Today, 9/15/08

Today I'm restocking my eBay auctions. I list a variety of little gemstone pendants, some with matching earrings, and I had sold a lot of the more popular colors. Hence the "restocking". These four little guys went up today, all with matching drop earrings. Starting to think about holiday gifts? Want a good deal? Check here.

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