Greeting Cards

I've recently started adding greeting cards to my Etsy shop. Now these cards are really special because they are created by my 15 year-old daughter. I think they are very cute and I am hoping they sell as she would be thrilled not only with making money from her endeavors, but having someone acknowledge her abilities (other than her mom!) would really be a boost in the self-esteem department. (Something we can all use from time to time!)

Latest Project

Here's my latest project. It will eventually be a square mat for a picture frame. Because it will be square, I will probably have to make my own frame to go around it. My design was inspired by the Prairie style panel windows. I really like that style but then, I've always been more comfortable working in geometrics than freeform.

I'm using an alternating pattern with a block of nine beads going towards one side, while the next block of nine goes to the opposite side. This seems to give more of a sparkle to the whole piece without taking away from the colors.

Making a Living

Someday I would like to be able to make a living (or at least be able to pay some bills) with my beadwork. I am constantly trying new things, but many of those projects never make it beyond the "test" stage. I believe that I am a creative person, but sometimes my nit-pickiness gets in the way and I'll abandon an idea or project because it's not turning out the way I imagined. Sad to say that some of those could be just fine, but I don't want them to be "just fine" when they could be beautiful!

Anyway, I am promoting my work, I have word-of-mouth going among friends and family, but it seems I am at a standstill. I've sold a couple pieces in my Etsy shop, but I'd like to get more sales. I am currently working on totally different pieces and I am now carrying my daughter's greeting cards, so I am hoping they will spur some sales as well.

If you have a moment, take a look at my shop and let me know what you think.

THANKS!

Etsy Ad - It's Cute!

A Rose By Name Shop

O.R.O.C.=OutRun Ovarian Cancer

Many of you know that I have opened an Etsy shop to sell my jewelry, but I wanted to let you know that I am selling very special bracelets to raise money for ovarian cancer research through O.R.O.C. This organization was founded by women in Cleveland who have been touched by this horrendous disease.

What is OROC?
Outrun Ovarian Cancer, or "OROC," is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven, 501 (c)(3) organization.

OROC is dedicated to creating an active community of hope and empowerment for those touched by ovarian cancer through awareness, education and early detection.

Since its inception in October of 2003, OROC has spearheaded numerous ovarian cancer awareness events throughout Greater Cleveland and, in November of 2004, expanded into Chicago. OROC has also garnered the support of physicians and researchers representing major medical institutions in both cities.

Proceeds raised by OROC go toward ovarian cancer awareness programs and research, with a special emphasis on early detection.

OROC's Mission Statement

OROC is dedicated to creating an active community of hope and empowerment for those touched by ovarian cancer through awareness, education and early detection.

Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer learn they have the disease too late and often only have a 25% survival rate. It is called the "silent cancer" because it's symptoms are so vague and a correct diagnosis is often not made until the disease has progressed too far. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer in July of 2003 and my mother-in-law in January this year and I don't want to lose my girls to this disease too, as they are finding that ovarian cancer, like breast cancer, has a high probability of being hereditary. So, I am doing what I can to help in the fight against ovarian cancer by raising money through the sale of these bracelets. Until there is awareness, education and especially an early detection test, this disease will continue to take our mothers, our sisters, our friends...

Frankly, Miss Scarlet

This is one I just finished yesterday and I love it! The reds really glow and the silver/Swarovski crystal toggle just tops it off!

Another New One

I was playing around again this weekend and came up with this little zig-zagged bracelet. Since my youngest daughter informed me that "the" colors this year are red, yellow and green, I opted to try my hand at the yellow. Though these crystals are actually considered "light topaz". I've called this one "Lemon Ice".

Etsy Sales!

I am so happy! I've made two sales on my Etsy site! Seems that garnet red and gold are the hit, so I'm going to have to make up more of these bracelets and some necklaces and earrings, too!

Finished!

Well, I finished the Alter Egos bracelet and it turned out nicely. I made it about 8 1/4" so it sits more like a bangle than a cuff. I love the wash on the black beads, too!

Sadly, the other bracelet I was working on didn't make the grade. As I was working on it and I realized that the 22/0 beads are just not strong enough and durable enough to be the base of a bracelet like that. I'm going to try it again, but as a circular two-drop peyote so it's essentially doubled. It should work much better that way.

Art/Craft Class

My blog friend, Sarah, is going to be teaching a class at Scrap Tales in Brighton, Michigan in less than two weeks (3/17). She's going to show you how to create your own, one-of-a-kind checkerboard out of "...unconventional crafting supplies found at Home Depot, glass baubles, and luscious scrapbook paper and fibers." If you live anywhere near there, sign up! I can only imagine how wonderful her class will be and I will be green with envy for those who will be able to attend!