2012 goals

In order to hold myself accountable, I'm keeping a record of my 2012 business goals.

1. Blog at least 2 times a week (so far so good!)
2. Learn more about the wholesaling process.
3. Look into a business coach that can give advice on growing the business.
4. Stay on top of local show schedules.
5. Receive over 300 sales at the Etsy shop (at 191 now!)
6. Start a monthly eNewsletter (already have people signed up to receive it!)
7. Get over 200 Facebook fans (at 122 now!) and also be more active on FB page without be annoying to people.
8. Take a new jewelry making class.
9. Develop an insert about my work to go along with all Etsy sales. (This should help to build brand equity.)
10. Have lots of fun making pretty jewelry! :)

Pyrite and Lapis Lazuli earrings from my personal collection

Quick Trip to the Strip

Strolling through the new hotels in Vegas is definitely a must do on your sightseeing list. The decadent details are a treat for your eyes. Here are a few snapshots from the Aria hotel shopping mall and The Cosmopolitan.

Please note the lovely hot pink agates set in the stairs! How I wanted to make them all into necklaces!

Agates in the stairs at the Aria Shopping Mall

The Chandelier Bar in The Cosmopolitan

Restaurant set in a wooden pod in the Aria Shopping Mall

Happy 2012

Happy New Year to all! I'm excited for what this next year will hold. I'm currently working on designs for two sets of bridesmaid earrings as well as some new items for the Etsy shop.

Stay tuned for some of my 2012 business goals.

My new Lilly Pulitzer wall calendar - a great way to add some color to your office space!

Brain Puzzle

Got a brain puzzle as a gift today. It took me a little while, but after disassembling, I was able to put it back together. Not sure if I want to touch it again in fear that I may not be able to get it back together again.

Bridesmaid and Bride Earrings

I always feel SO honored when someone asks me to make their bridesmaids earrings or even the earrings that the bride herself will wear on her big day!

So far, I am excited to be involved in 4 upcoming 2011 weddings for bridesmaid earrings and one for the bride as well! I've already started on some of the upcoming designs but I won't reveal those just yet. Starting on the designs has lead me to create my own bridal collection to be posted on Etsy soon.

Until then, here are some of my earrings that were worn in 2010 weddings:

 Beautiful sea foam chalcedony wire wrapped and hanging from gold leaves - custom made for an Etsy bride :)

Brushed sterling silver teardrops with cobalt blue chalcedony stones - custom made for two bridesmaids

Faceted amethyst stones wire wrapped on gold stones - custom made for five fall bridesmaids

The Brennan Earrings

The Brennan Earrings were created to celebrate the birth of one of my best friends! We have been friends ever since she told me that she liked my watch freshman year of high school. :)

I felt like a beautiful amazonite stone complemented by a gold vermeil hoop would be perfect for her!

14k brushed gold vermeil hoops with wire wrapped smooth amazonite teardrops

Fall 2010 Trends

It feels like summer has just begun, but soon it will be time for fall to make its entrance. If the hot summer weather has you dreaming about a cool fall breeze, then take a look at Neiman Marcus' list of Fall 2010 trends.

* Green
* Military Influence
* Lace
* Pearls
* Feathers
* Boot Wardrobe
* Pantsuit
* Capes, Vests & Ponchos
* Structured Handbags
* Fur

My favorites? Green and pearls of course! But really, when are pearls ever out of style? The word classic surely sums up any piece of pearl jewelry.

I also love that deep shade of fall green. It's the same shade as my green onyx stones that I love so much!

They are currently available in my Etsy Shop!

Missy's Necklace

I currently have an obsession with Moss Aquamarine stones. I love the light grren colors and how you can see flecks of color inside. To me these stones feel timeless and classic. Just like my friend Missy :)

For her necklace, I wire wrapped a moss aquamarine stone, added a freshwater pearl, and hung from a 24k gold vermeil hammered hoop all on a 14k gold filled chain. Since I am sure my obsession will continue, I may have to make another one for myself.

Megan's Necklace

Now that Megan has received her necklace (that's not really the only reason because I have been behind on blogging for a few weeks a couple months) I can post a picture of one of my favorite necklaces! Doesn't this necklace just brighten your day? Most people tend to associate daisies with happiness and in this necklace it not only represents the happiness in our friendship but Daisy is also the name of the cutest pup ever - Megan's beagle!

This is a 14k gold filled chain with a 24k gold vermeil daisy and a freshwater pearl. 

Daisy the dog is kind of famous too, you can see her on YouTube here. :)

The Taren Earrings

For my friend Taren's birthday, I thought for a while about the perfect earrings for her. You see, she is very petite but still likes to wear big earrings (she is also a Texas girl after all).

I was drawn to these beautiful, faceted petite smokey quartz briolettes and felt it was the perfect companion for these floral circles.

 

Faceted smokey quartz briolettes wire wrapped and hanging from gold floral circles