Interview Thursdays

Hey readers! Sorry I'm posting so late today- my internet's been down today and this is the first time I've been able to get online.

This week, I'm interviewing Karen from KarensCraftSupplies. She sells supplies for Scrabble and glass pendants and is one of the only supply shops I buy from. Her prices are very fair and she has a wide selection of items to choose from.

Here's the interview:

1. Please tell me about yourself. Hi, my name is Karen and I own KarensCraftSupplies on Etsy. I lived in Japan for 4 years back in 2004-2007 and I fell in love with the Japanese arts and when I moved back, after getting all settled in, I started selling my Japanese art and starting making glass pendants with Japanese fabric and chiyogami paper. I struggled looking for supplies, so once I found out where to get the supplies, I decided to share them with the online community. Thus KarensCraftSupplies was started.

2. What can you tell me about your store? I sell everything you need to make glass tile pendants, scrabble tile pendants and bottle cap pendants, as well as making these into magnets.
What types of items can one find there? Many different glass shapes, many types of necklaces, including chains, organza ribbons, wire necklaces, nylon chokers, glues, glazes, magnets, gift tins and decorative paper. How long have you been in business? I opened up December 2008.

3. What or who inspires you? Living in Japan inspired me as they have such beautiful art. I also sell Japanese Temari and Japanese Chabako Boxes at my other Etsy shop AsianGiftAccents

4. Where would you like to see your business go in the future? I would like to get my own website going..and have more time to sell the actual end products!

I hope y'all enjoyed reading the interview! Be sure to check out KarensCraftSupplies and keep her in mind next time you need pendant making supplies!

Promo Fridays

Good morning readers! It's far too early on a Friday morning to be doing much blogging (or anything else for that matter) but, alas, I am up all the same. Between the babysitting and the dogsitting and the getting the kid to VBS, it's been a full morning already!

I don't have too much to say today... I'm not sure I've had enough coffee to say much, in fact. lol

As you probably know, Glass Pendants are Buy 2, Get 1 FREE (of equal or lesser value). I listed some new ones this week so there may be some designs that you haven't seen yet. Check them out and be sure to take advantage of this great buy- you can save up to $8.99!

Interview Thursdays!

Interview Thursdays are possibly my favorite day of the week! I love getting to know some of my favorite sellers better is just so great to me. It's nice to find out what other artists do and what their goals are with their shops.

This week I interviewed one of my favorite sellers, Marcy from Eclectic Orchid. I've bought 3-4 beautiful necklaces and a gorgeous pair of earrings from her. As a jewelry maker myself, I must say that her work is excellent!

Here's the interview:
1. Please tell me about yourself (background, interests, how you got into jewelery making, etc.)


I am originally from a small town south of New Orleans. I moved to the Charlotte area a little over 4 years ago with my husband, daughter, and son (okay, he’s actually a dog but he doesn’t know it). I have a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I used to manage a group home for physically and developmentally disabled women, but left shortly before my daughter was born and am now lucky enough to be a full time stay-at-home mom and craftster.

I love to craft, play with my daughter, read, listen to music, spend time with my family, take pictures of anything and everything, make jewelry, make jewelry, make jewelry….haha.

I have always dabbled in the arts since I was young, taking painting classes and experimenting with photography. A few years ago my mom wanted to take a jewelry class and thought my sister and I would enjoy it as well. I learned basic techniques that day. I would pick it up now and again, but for the most part had no time to enjoy it. After my daughter was born, I was going through some boxes and came across my old jewelry supplies. I originally started making jewelry again to break the monotony of being home all the time. I realized how passionate I was about it and that’s how Eclectic Orchid came to be.

2. What can you tell me about your store? What types of items can one find there? How long have you been in business?

My store is my passion, my hobby, my love. It is my creative refuge, a place to translate my dreams into works of wearable art and tell fanciful stories. My jewelry and accessories range from simple and delicate to extravagant and sometimes over the top. I love color and whimsy and always try to incorporate a bit of both into each piece. I also love vintage components because I feel they tell a tale and incorporate them whenever possible. Eclectic Orchid has been open since August 2008.

3. What or who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from anything and everything. I see creative potential in everything around me: my family, nature, movies, music, art, words, colors, love, life, etc.

4. Where would you like to see your business go in the longrun?

I am not really sure. I hope that it will continue to flourish and grow over time. It makes me happy to share my art with others, so as long as I get to continue doing that I will be thrilled.

Well, I hope y'all loved learning more about Marcy. She has such beautiful designs and I know you'll love them, just as I do!

Be sure to check out Marcy's beautiful designs and take advantage of her Summer Sale going on now! :)

Promo Fridays

Whoops, I lost all track of time yesterday and forgot to write the Promo Friday post!

While there aren't any "special" specials going on right now, as always, my Scrabble pendants are Buy 3, Get 1 FREE and glass pendants are Buy 2, Get 1 FREE! Just buy the 3 or 2, depending on the item, and tell me in the "message to the seller" box at checkout which pendant you'd like to get for free!

I made several new glass pendants yesterday and am also working on a vintage line that will be coming soon (today? tomorrow?). I have new round glass pendants that are super pretty! All of the items in the "vintage" section will be made from old beads I got at a recent yard sale. I'm going to post a little bit of information about each piece in the description, in addition to the usual details.

Hope y'all have a great weekend! I've got big plans, so I know mine will be fun! :)

Interview Thursdays

Happy Thursday, readers!

Each Thursday, I'm going to interview one of my favorite Etsy sellers. I'm going to try to pick someone each week that I've purchased from so I can give a little bit of a review, too.

This week, there is a special BONUS at the end so be sure to check it out! ;)

This week, I interviewed Lisa Rusmiselle of EYESview. She makes wonderful collage image sets to make Scrabble pendants and much more. She has a great selection of designs and is always adding more. EYESview is my favorite shop to buy pictures for my Scrabble pendants. Lisa offers many different sizes and always emails them very quickly. I've never had so much as a formatting problem with her images.

I interviewed Lisa yesterday and I really enjoyed reading what she had to say. It's so nice to get to know an Etsy artist better!

1. Please tell me about yourself (background, interests, how you got into digital art, etc.)

I'm Lisa and I am a work from home mom. I have 3 handsome boys (13,10 and 10) and am married to John an amazing, supportive husband. I am an avid digital scrap booker, I love photography, and I am a late blooming artist. I am a bit of a new comer to digital art.


I started my venture into the digital art world when I stumbled onto digital scrap booking. I was a traditional scissors paper scrapper for years but when I saw digital I was HOOKED. I sold off all of my stamps and scrap booking supplies and used the money to buy a new computer with LOTS of Ram and found a copy of Photoshop elements on Ebay. I learned the basics of digital scrap booking and then decided I wanted learn to make those kits. I self taught myself on Photoshop elements and then I upgrade to Photoshop CS3. Then I discovered Scrabble tile necklaces on Etsy. I was amazed by all the images and decided that I wanted to make those; they reminded me of little tiny scrapbook pages. I plunged head first into Photoshop illustrator took classes online and locally and I fell head over heals in love with digital art.

2. What can you tell me about your store? What types of items can one find there? How long have you been in business?

My store is a bit on the eclectic side; you will find a wide variety of images. I try very hard to have something for everyone. The bulk of my shop is made up of Collage sheets I am currently expanding into Digital Clip art and doing more Scrap booking kits. I am also trying to get every collage sheet I have into all sizes I offer until then I do offer free resizing if a size that is not listed is needed. I have been in business on Etsy for 1 year and it has been an AMAZING year!!! I have been so blessed to meet so many wonderful and kind people!

3. What or who inspires you?

Pretty much anything and everything inspires me. I am a “Color junkie” I just LOVE color! Right now I am having a pretty big love affair with blue/brown and pink/ brown, such gorgeous combinations!! One of my favorite artists is Charlie Harper, I was first introduced to his art in a science book I had in elementary school that was full of his illustrations. His illustrations are full of Clean lines and very contemporary in style. I just loved flipping through that book looking at all the pictures of birds, animals, and plants. You will find his art has inspired some of mine.

4. Where would you like to see your business go in the future?

I would love to see my business continue to grow and expand in new directions. This is what I do; it’s not just a hobby. I spend LOTS of time while the boys are in school and after they go to bed working on making new graphics. I have to admit it feels more like “playing” than working most of the time. I am in LOVE with making art. I am continually taking classes to hone my skills and learn new things that I can use to enhance my business. Etsy is an AMAZING place with lots of wonderful artists and I am so lucky to be apart of it.

Here is an example of the images Lisa offers. I love this one!
BONUS!! Like what you see at EYESview? The first person who comments on this post will receive 1 FREE sheet of images (up to a $2.50 value)! Just include your email address and the name of the sheet you'd like when you comment and I'll pass it on to Lisa.

Hope you enjoyed reading about this week's featured seller, Lisa of EYESview. Be sure to check back next week for an interview with another one of my favorite sellers!

10% off sale is almost over!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to remind you that the 10% off sale at Bisou Bisou Beads is almost over! All you have to do to get the discount code is to check out my Facebook group/event. Check out the Upcoming Events section to see the event page and get the code!

The discount is good for both Bisou Bisou Beads and october102006- just type the code in the Message to the Seller Box at checkout and I'll refund your 10% via Paypal before I ship your jewelry.

See something you love? Get it now while it's 10% off! Hurry- the sale ends Monday, May 31st at midnight!

SALE!!! :o)

Hey guys! Check out my event on my Facebook group to get 10% off on your next purchase at Bisou Bisou Beads! Join the group and event for this special deal and hurry- the sale ends May 31st!

Alice in Wonderland

Hey everyone! I hope everybody's week is going great! :o)

I'm happy to say finals are over and I've decided to spend the summer break working exclusively in Bisou Bisou Beads! Woohoo!

Today, I uploaded 19 new Scrabble pendants, all Alice in Wonderland theme! They are soooo cute and perfect for fans of the book, Disney movie, or Johnny Depp movie! There's the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, the Cheshire Cat and more! Check 'em out and let me know whatcha think! ♥

Famous Paintings Scrabble Pendants

Hey followers! Check out the new Scrabble pendants that I've posted for sale on Etsy! They have images of famous paintings on them including works by Degas, Monet, van Gogh and more. I've got a lot more pendants to come so check them out when you have a chance. :)

Don't forget that my Scrabble pendants are Buy 3, Get 1 FREE! ♥

Essence of Twilihgt Body Products

Have you heard about Essence of Twilight and their great products? They created their line of lotion, body splash, and lip balm because they wanted to experience Edward's scent. From there, they created fragrances for Alice, Bella, Reneeseme, Jacob, and The Wedding.

I love their lotions especially. I have eczema and very sensitive skin so I can rarely use scented products, but these lotions keep my skin soft and itch-free! While I've tried the scents Alice, Bella, Nessie, Edward, and Wedding, Alice is by far my favorite! I've gone through two bottles of body splash and one of the lotion!

The body splashes are wonderful, too. My only complaint is that they don't last long unless you layer them with the lotions, too. I've tried the lip balms in the Alice and Edward fragrances and I LOVE the Edward one. It's minty and tingly and it hydrates my lips so well!

I just wanted to share this great company with you all. I got my order today and I'm so impressed with them that I couldn't resist telling you all! Check out their Etsy shop to purchase products now or visit their blog to learn more about them.

To find out what others think about these great products, check out this YouTube video and read all of the great feedback on Etsy.

Halloween Goodies on Etsy + Giveaway

I just LOVE Halloween! While I'm not a big fan of the scary aspects of it, I love the decorations and the wonderful Autumn accents that come with the season. Here are five of my favorite Halloween finds on Etsy. Comment back with your favorite Halloween item on Etsy for a chance to win a Halloween pendant from my shop!

"HOOT Lurks There?" Check out this spooky wreath. I just love the owl.

"Our Little Spook" This would be so cute for a child's first Trick-or-Treat photos!

"Pumpkin, Fall, Halloween Hairbow" I LOVE this hairbow! I want to buy one for my 3 year old cousin!

"Ghost Halloween BOO Box" I love the trinket boxes that this seller has to offer!Check her out! She's my aunt. ;)

"Halloween Gift Tags" I love this seller! She has the coolest vintage images to use in all of your crafts!

What is your favorite handmade Halloween item on Etsy? Post back here with you favorite for a chance to win a Halloween pendant from my shop! (Giveaway ends Sept. 23rd)

Happy haunting!

Twitter?

Anyone else use Twitter? I like to use it to market my websites, Bisou Bisou Beads and Bisou Two. Follow me, if you like, for updates about my Etsy shops. Special deals, sales, and other cool info is updated there first!


PS Anyone having issues with Twitter lately? It keeps on giving me an error. "503 Service Temporarily Unavailable" What's the deal with that??

My Creekside Creations

My aunt has opened a new Etsy shop, My Creekside Creations, and I'm helping her market her wonderful ideas through my blog. She is so creative- if you can think it up, she can make it! In the past, she's worked with scrapbooking, furniture refinishing, and, now that she's retired, papier mache.

Her newest papier mache creations are trinket boxes with vintage-style figurine heads attached to them. She has two of the cutest Halloween trinket boxes listed now and she has several other wonderful creations to come. Check out her site and considering getting one of her beautiful designs for the little ghost in your life!

Tax-Free Weekend Sale!

Hi everyone!! While I don't charge tax at Bisou Bisou Beads, this weekend is tax-free school shopping weekend in Alabama so I'm having a sale! Receive an 8.5% refund on all purchases at Bisou Bisou Beads and Bisou Two this weekend only, through Sunday!

Photography Tips

Hello all! I am so not doing a good job of keeping up with the blog as promised so I thought I'd do a quicky today about photographing jewelry (or other small things).

If you're anything like me, you HATE taking pictures. I don't get things listed on Etsy because I hate to take the time to photograph them. It can be such a hassle and so time consuming, sometimes I feel like it isn't worth it.

Aside from getting a super awesome camera like a Canon Rebel xs or something similar (I got so fed up with my old camera that I splurged and got this baby as a happy-birthday-to-myself gift!), you need to know how to take a good photo with what you've got. I always tried to make them artistic like other Etsy users I see. I tried to add flowers or drape the jewelry across cut glass, etc and it never worked. I tried a light tent, which worked pretty well, but now I'm just using 4 sheets of white printer paper and two desk lamps.



As you can see, I taped two pieces of paper to the monitor and layed two pieces (stacked on top of one another) on the desk. I positioned the desk lamps so that light comes from both sides and doesn't create shadows. The white background also doesn't distract the potential customer, either. Play with your camera and the settings to see what works best for you. I use an extra flash and the high-detail setting on my camera to get the best results.

Need more tips? I have a tutorial for sale at my shop that you might be interested in.

Thanks for looking and I hope you learned something! ♥

Check out these before and after shots. (Twilight Inspired Apple Earrings)

Exciting New Happenings at Bisou Bisou Beads

Hello all! I've made some great renovations to my Etsy shop, Bisou Bisou Beads (aka Bisou Two) and I wanted to share it with all of you wonderful followers.

• FREE shipping to all countries
• Now accepting money orders
• Rings have been discounted by $2-$3 each
• 10% off sale for *new* customers
• 15% off for *returning* customers
• Special disounts for Twitter followers. DM me for details! ;)

Check out the new stuff and I promise there are many more great designs to come! Thanks for following me and supporting my dreams. :)

26 G Sterling Wire for Sale

I have some wire that I really need to sell and I wanted to let everyone know about it. I purchased it for $27.99. It's perfectly good wire, it just doesn't work for me.

Sterling silver
26 guage
half hard
round
approximately 69 feet
$19.99, $2 shipping (feel free to make offers)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25022580

I'd like to clear this out quickly so I can get some cash to buy more wire with. Please send this link to anyone you know who might be interested! Thanks!!

New at Bisou Bisou Beads!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've just completed a shop makeover at Bisou Two and I've added lots of new products at Bisou Bisou Beads! Don't forget that 10% of all orders in May is going to help save rainforest frogs!

Feeling Froggy

I've been feeling a little froggy lately and I don't mean sick! :) I love, love, love frogs and tonight, I've decided to make a "treasury" of my favorite frogs on Etsy!

I just purchased this little beauty from thefrogbox. She has lots of adorable frog desigsn as well as other animals. Plus, she donates 20% of her profit to save animals!

This little frog is too cute, too. If I had a baby, I'd definately buy it for him or her! Visit Danielleorama to see all of her great items.

If I were a frog, I'd want to look like this little guy. :) Check out mllamb47's other paintings, too.

Again with the kids items! If I had a little girl, there would be no way she'd be afraid of frogs! Check out their other cute bows, too.

Finally, I LOVE these whimsical frogs! I'm going to try to make a pair for myself! Check out the deisgner and see their other great items too.

Do you love frogs too? Let me know what you think of my selections! Share your own favorite frog items! ♥

Marketing Guide Giveaway Ends Tonight!

Hey everyone! Just a reminder that the BusinessMinded marketing guide giveaway ends tonight! Visit the link below for last minute entries (DO NOT enter here if you want your entry to be counted). Good luck to all!!

http://bisoubisoubeads.blogspot.com/2009/03/business-minded-marketing-guide.html