Gloria's Jewelry Box

Spotlight on...

2011-09-25T16:42:00.006-04:00

sedruola Original and Custom Crochet & Knit Gifts and Patterns

Become I begin this fabulous feature, I must say HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It has been a pleasure learning more about you! Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am absolutely in love with the Crochet Neckwarmer Adjustable - Hot Pink ! Let's show some birthday love for Sedruola!

Just for her birthday Sedruola is offering 43% off of your purchase! Enter code "BIRTHDAY1143" to get 43% off anything in Sedruola!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business? My name is Sedruola, but everyone calls me Sedie (Say-dee). I am a mother of two little ones and my business is crochet! I first opened my shop in 2006 when I was pregnant with my son, because I was on bedrest and needed an outlet. After my son was born and many changes took place, my shop stayed quiet until about 2009. My life again went in another direction and stayed quiet until October of 2010 when I was pregnant with my daughter and had little energy for much else. I've found that crochet is my passion, where I'm meant to be and I'm moving in that direction.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of? I am a part of the Etsy Artists of color team, the Handmadeology team, the Etsy Hookers team, The Shameless Self Promotion team, and the Knit and Crochet Designers team.

3. When did you begin your business? I consider that I really, officially began my business in January 2011 because that is when I realized, it would be my work.

4. What inspires you to create? Fashion, color, weather all inspire me to design and create various items. The more I tap into those areas, the more ideas flow and the more I'm compelled to create!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years? Within the next five years I expect to complete my certification to teach crochet, I expect that I will have published at least two patterns per year and I also expect to have a pattern book published or on it's way to being published. I have big plans for my passion. I'm taking it one step at a time and seeing great results.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received? The best advice was to read "The Kaizen Way" and implement it. The Kaizen way says to take small incremental steps toward your goal, be consistent and you will see it take shape. That is what I'm doing and continue to do every day.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
-1) Deshawn Marie Handmade Soaps, because her soaps are beautiful, and great to use. I also know Deshawn and that adds to my really liking her shop. www.etsy.com/shop/DeShawnMarie
-2) Raghouse International, because it was inspiring to see another woman of color doing beautiful things with yarn! She has her own style and makes it sing! www.etsy.com/shop/raghousenternational
-3) See Jayne Knits Yarns, because she has yummy, yummy yarn in beautiful colors and textures. I've purchased from her before and I love her stuff! www.etsy.com/shop/SeeJayneKnitYarns

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster? I'm a pretty crafty person so disasters don't come my way often in that area. . . I can't think of any.

9. What are three things that few people know about you? 1) I love country music; 2) I love Korean food; 3) I plan on hiring a cook one day

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

sedruola.etsy.com
www.twitter.com/sedruola
www.facebook.com/yarnobsession
yarnobsession-2.blogspot.com

Spotlight on...

2011-07-22T07:31:00.006-04:00

Ella Parry Art for the Young at Heart!

There are times when you are completely amazed by another artist's work. I fell in love with the Little Curly Series as soon as I joined ETSY in 2008. Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with the Little bridesmaid - small print! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

My name is Ella Parry and you can call me “Little Curly” too. I am an artist, illustrator and graphic designer living in London with my musician husband and our cat summer. (As you can see she is always featured in most of my illustrations).

The main reason that I was inspired to open an Etsy shop is the amazing amount of artists that are selling their own hand made products and the awesome quality of items that you can find. That alone made me want to be part of it.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

The teams I am part of are : EAOC, Etsy Success, Business Topics, Etsy international, Etsy Ugly Cute, British Sellers on Etsy, Ideas, Etsy’s UK & Ireland Seller Support Team and UK handmade.

3. When did you begin your business?

I began to sell my work on Etsy from March 2008. But I have worked as a graphic designer and freelance artist (commission work) since 1990.

4. What inspires you to create?

Every little and pretty thing in life, a photo of my family or the memory of childhood times are always things to inspire me.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I will have a completed my full range of Little Curly’s merchandise which will sell internationally and not just online. I will have my own Little Curly shop and the first one I would like to open will be in my hometown- Hong Kong.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

I would say the best business advice I have ever received is to keep all items in a smoke free area and do not spray any of your own personal favourite perfume or fragrance into a package when you send it to your customers.

7. What are three of your favourite ETSY shops?

www.etsy.com/shop/chickabiddybaby

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseAndRaven

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lalilouche

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

To be honest I don’t really have many disasters with my products, most of what I do is pencil based drawing and therefore I can take my time to be sure of no mistakes plus art is a personal thing anyway, maybe my cooking could do with some attention! ☺

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I am Chinese, I am dyslexic and I am also a published Illustrator!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at
my Etsy shop: www.ellaparry.etsy.com
my blog: www.ellaparry.blogspot.com
my website: www.ellaparry.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ella-Parry/43176685758

Brooch Bouquet - My D.I.Y. Wedding Part IV

2011-07-21T10:07:00.005-04:00

As you know, my wedding was a complete DIY affair. I loved planning all of the intricate details of my special day. I loved the idea of a brooch bouquet, but had no idea how to put it together. I came across this blog post on Glamour This Official Blog of Blush!nk. Check out that blog post if you are interested in making one for your wedding! The instructions were very easy to follow and it truly popped against my purple wedding dress. It was the perfect touch for my wedding at home!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-07-17T17:00:00.004-04:00

MlleCafeAuLait: Mademoiselle CafeAuLait's CHIC BOUTIQUE

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with the Haley's Comet Bead and Chain Earrings! Show this amazing artist some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

My name is Adrianne and I have an Etsy Shop Called Mlle. Café Au Lait where I sell earrings. It started last year, with me attending a beading class with my mom, at a local bead store in San Diego. It was “Beading 101” and we had to make a necklace. I had my heart set on making earrings and the instructor allowed me to make bracelets instead! Once I got home, without knowing how, I decided to try to make some matching hoop earrings. I mainly started making earrings for myself that I couldn't find anywhere. When I wore them, I got lots of compliments! I have a Youtube Channel and several of my subscribers made comments on earrings that I wore in my videos. I then started making hoop earrings as gifts for family and friends. Eventually people were saying to me that "this person" or "that person" wanted a pair of earrings. That they would actually pay for me to make them a pair. I was so surprised! But also delighted! People were interested in the earrings that "I" had made and were willing to pay for them?!? It amazed me! My mom suggested I try to sell on Etsy and that is where I have started. Etsy is a great place for anyone who is artistic or crafty to develop their art or product!

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

So far, I only belong to four Etsy Teams. I belong to Etsy Business Topics. It is a great forum to meet other Etsy-ers and get to know them. And it is also a valuable place to discuss concerns and get or give business advice. I also belong to Etsy Artists of Color, a wonderful place to meet and support other artists of color. The last two are Etsy Talent Hunt and Shameless Self Promotion where I discovered one is able to promote their recent listings. I love looking to see what other Etsy Artists have created. It is a great way to check out other shops and support one another!

3. When did you begin your business?

I started making my own earrings about a year ago in May, 2010. I held the “Grand Opening” of my Etsy Shop, “Mlle. Café Au Lait’s Chic Boutique” and started selling in November of last year.

4. What inspires you to create?

My inspiration comes from many different sources. Lots of times it will be the beads themselves that will remind me of something from my childhood. For instance, this past April, I had many beads that were made from shells or looked like something you might find on a beach. That inspired a group of earrings that I call my “By The Seashore” series. They made me very nostalgic! Living in Southern California and growing up in San Diego, we spent so much time down at the ocean’s edge and we would pick up shells, sea glass and other shiny bits. I wanted my earrings to have the feel and delight that a child would have of nature’s treasures. So, the beads started the inspiration, but my memories finished it. Other times, it might come from an object or an idea. Currently, I have been making brightly colored wood earrings and for some reason, they remind me of picnics. So that is what I named them. And, it seems that almost every batch of earrings that I make will have a pair that reminds me of Egypt or Cleopatra! I don’t know where that comes from! LOL!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

My current plans include selling earrings at events, such as edgy art and craft fairs and maybe Natural Hair Shows where natural hair products and accessories are sold. I would like to be able to sell to Boutiques that specialize in handcrafted wares or stores that cater to Women of Color. These are my immediate goals. Another current goal is to develop my own website. Long term goals are that I have my own shop, not necessarily selling just earrings, but perhaps even clothing and other fine handcrafted items.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

“Make and keep it fun.” You must truly like and enjoy what you do! In other words, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with creating. And help your buyers have a sense of delight when they order from your shop. Fun packaging, a personal “thank you” note and even a little gift go a long way to show your gratitude. That was my second best advice. “Always be grateful and let your buyers know that you appreciate them”. Because really, folks could buy earrings from anybody, they could just go to Forever 21 or H&M, but they have chosen to purchase my earrings! That makes me feel so humble. And I am very grateful for my customers. I try to show it by making the nicest earrings that I am able and send them off, packaged nicely, and I always try to add a personal touch. It is really from the heart when I say thank you to my customers. They have been so wonderful! I have been very lucky to have met some of these incredible women! I probably would not have been able to do this if it had not been for Etsy.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

Lucky Spot Shop-They have such pretty beads! I admire their excellent customer service and appreciate the little extras that they always include with my orders!

Lottie Frank Illustrations-This is the artist that I worked with to create the logo for Mlle. Café Au Lait. Lucy was invaluable as an artist. She was so open and patient with me. She took all of my ideas and made them into just what I had envisioned. I highly recommend her. Plus she has some very adorable ready made cards and illustrations.

Modern House Art-I love Susanna’s art work. It is Contemporary. (My favorite style) She calls it Palette Knife Style and all of her paintings have beautiful texture. Besides being very talented, she is very kind.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

When I first started making earrings, I never paid attention to how heavy they would be! I have a soft spot for EXTRA LARGE earrings; the bigger the better! I cringe sometimes when I think of all the stone beads I loaded on to my hoops. I should have called them Wilma Flintstone Hoops! Now, I really take weight into consideration when I am crafting earrings.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I am extremely shy when it comes to meeting new people.
I sing, and hope to perform on Broadway!
I love animals! I would be like Jim Carey in “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” if I had the room! Remember that one scene with all of his animals? That would be me!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at (Give your ETSY shop, Facebook, Blog and Twitter info if applicable):

Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mlle-CafeAuLait/112461782156828

Blog- http://www.mllecafeaulait.blogspot.com/

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mllecafeaulait

Etsy- http://www.etsy.com/shop/MlleCafeAuLait

Enjoy ;)

Love for my Blog...

2011-07-17T16:59:00.000-04:00

It was really great to come back after my destinaion wedding to see this post on ETSY EAOC Team Blog http://eaoc.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-love-glorias-jewelry-box.html! Thanks for the Blog Love!!!

Spotlight on...

2011-06-24T18:06:00.008-04:00

shopsouthernyankee Fresh - Vintage - Handmade

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
It all started years and years ago. My grandmother, Inez, learned to sew at a very young age. She then taught my mom, Nancy, when she was little. And then when I was about 10 or so, my mom taught me! Over the years, I have had many, many "businesses". I had my own clothing line, which I "sold" to my friends, a jewelry line "Junk to Jewels by Jen" clever right?? A nail salon out of my dorm room at Texas Tech (actually this one was profitable!) I was a Fashion Design student, so I could put my sewing & creative talents to work.

So after graduation, I moved to NYC. It was Christmas of 1998 that this latest business took off! I had recently married (the Yankee), and wanted to do something fun and cute as our "first Christmas card." The response to my card was overwhelming and a coworker even urged me to sell them! A friend (a fellow ZTA alum) was opening a stationery store in New York City, and agreed to let me use her as my "test market." And so I kept busy creating new and exciting handmade cards. And I haven't stopped since!
The rest is history.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
The Etsy Tristate Area Team, Connecticut & Fairfield County Connecticut Etsians

3. When did you begin your business?
1999

4. What inspires you to create?
Anything & everything... and of course VINTAGE!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
Would love my website to be the main stay...

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Go for it!

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Vintageinbloom, Clothandpatina & Backhomeagain

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
Tablecloth skirts.. did NOT look cute :-)

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
Hhhmmm that's a tough one...I laugh when I am nervous, I hate coffee flavored icecream (but LOVE coffee!) and i thought I was going to be a super model when I grew up!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
shopsouthernyankee (www.etsy.com/shop/shopsouthernyankee),
FB is Southern Yankee, LLC (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Yankee-LLC/317381739411)
Twitter is Southrnyankee

Thank you so much!!!!!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-06-24T17:29:00.004-04:00

Irisbiran Iris' illustrations & paper-art

1) Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

My name is Iris, I'm a freelance illustrator working at my home studio.
I live in Haifa, Israel, on the Carmel mountain.
In my illustrations, I use manual techniques such as acrylic, collage, 3D paper cuts and drawing. I think it makes my style diverse in a way.
I also design items printed with my illustrations: coasters, greeting cards, calendars, bags, jewelry-boxes and original 3D paper cuts pictures

2) What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
I'm a member in several Etsy teams such as Etsy Graphic Designers, Etsypreneurs, Etsy Talent Hunt, On Fire for Handmade.

3) When did you begin your business?
A few months ago I met a friend who saw my designs and suggested I should open an Etsy shop. So I did.

4) What inspires you to create?
When I illustrate for clients I have to fit the theme to their will and needs. As to myself, I'm inspired by fiction and fantasy literature like Lewis Carroll's creations: " Alice" books and poems he wrote. Next month, I'm having a solo exhibition regarding his works.

5) What do you envision for your business in the next five years?
I'd like my business to grow and be known as "My Illustrated designs". Aside with this and my work as an illustrator, it's important to me to continue illustrating and painting for fun and pleasure.

6) What is the best business advice you have ever received?
I was getting a few business advices lately but haven't got the chance to implement them yet. I guess it's a matter of time.

7) What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Three of my favorite shop are: LisaKaser (www.etsy.com/shop/LisaKaser) which has interesting illustration style, BayColonyDesigns (www.etsy.com/shop/BayColonyDesigns) - creates cats that looks so real ( I love cats!) and BROOMCHICK (www.etsy.com/shop/BROOMCHICK) that makes fabulous brooms.

8) What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
I can't tell I have had such an experience.

9) What are three things that few people know about you?
I'm a mother, an illustrator and a cats lover.

10) Check out this fabulous seller at:

www.etsy.com/shop/irisbiran

irisbiran.com/

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=782749117#!/pages/Iris-Biran-Illustrator...

twitter.com/illudes

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-06-21T22:57:00.007-04:00

moncherie43 nostalgic jewelry

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with the Berries and Cream - set of 3 hair pins! Show some love!!!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I'm Chelsea, a girl with a love for all things whimsical, dainty and nostalgic! I've always been creative, whether it's with photography, art or jewelry making, and decided to take the plunge one day and create moncherie43! The 43 in my store's name is because a lot of my jewelry is inspired by the 40's. There's also some rocker, tribal, plus wedding pieces in there! I can do custom orders as well. Something special just for you!

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Four pages worth... eeek! There are lots of promotion and treasury teams.

3. When did you begin your business?

On the 5th of March 2011.

4. What inspires you to create?

Anything really! Nature, romance, old polaroids, browsing Etsy, and of course my massive collection of supplies!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I'm hoping that I'll have hundreds of items! Maybe I'll also have home wares, photography or another shop altogether. We'll see!

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Never give up. I know this sounds cliche, but there will always be bumps in the road towards success, you just have to push through.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

I'm sure everyone says this, but I seriously can't decide my favourites as there's too many amazing shops on Etsy! Three shops I've bought from that are great are: thelittlefox, epicallyepicsoaps and LoveandKnit.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Surprisingly there's been no jewelry disasters yet. I'm sure there will be many down the road, as I'm adding new items to moncherie43 everyday!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I love horror movies, I can sing and play guitar pretty well (not trying to brag!) and that I would love to DJ part time some day.

10. Check out this fabulous seller!

You can see my whimsicalities here: www.moncherie43.etsy.com

Returning customers get 10% off everything in store with a special code sent with their order!

My new blog: moncherie43.blogspot.com

I'm making a Facebook soon, and I'll post it on my blog, so be sure to follow it!
No Twitter just yet, but trust me, there will be!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-06-16T22:42:00.010-04:00

Eraticus The Artisan Shop by Eraticus on Etsy

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work by this multi-talented artist! I am in love with Crochet Red Brooch with Feathers and faux pearl button! It would be perfect with a my favorite tan sundress! Show some love ;)

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I am a mother of 1, a wife, and animal lover. After I lost my day job as a consequence of outsourcing, my grieving inspired me to learn something new. I wanted to turn sadness into purpose, and although I have been a crafter pretty much all my life, I decided to dedicate myself to create freely. My husband told me about Etsy, which I have to admit, I never heard of before!. I can crochet, paint, draw, and recently I opened a card shop in Etsy, called My Card Shoppette. My husband makes jewelry, and together we decided to create an online woman's fashion boutique.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

I am part of TriState Area Team, COTTEAM, Etsy NJ, Ignored on Etsy and Treasury Teams.

3. When did you begin your business?

We began our business in May of 2010. I also began selling to friends and family then.

4. What inspires you to create?

I get most inspired during periods of turmoil. I enjoy nature, natural figures, and the outdoors. I also have a tendency to stay up late while the world sleeps, to work on creating my crafts!!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I would like to continue to master the crafts we currently are engaged in, and I invision opening The Artisan Shop store locally. We also want to become farmers, but we are not sure where though.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Research your market well, know your craft and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Receive critisism as a way to improve your business, no matter how hurtful it may seem at times.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

Randitan, Fifthelement and, you guessed it, Gloria's Jewelry Box!

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

I tried creating a polymer clay jewelry trinket box - let's say there is a reason why I got a "C" in pottery class in college :)

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I am painfully shy at times, I was born and raised in PR and learned to speak English in only 2 months, I am a disabled US Army Veteran.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

ETSY:
www.etsy.com/shop/eraticus
www.etsy.com/shop/mycardshoppette

BLOG:
www.theartisancorner.blogspot.com

Twitter:
The Artisan Shop

Facebook:
Wendie Colvin or The Artisan Shop

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-06-09T17:35:00.009-04:00

Tide Together Jewelry and Gifts

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with Nautical Night Out - Sea Glass and Black Metal Bead Bracelet! Show some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

We started beach combing a lot as a family when my son was about two. Before long I had SUCH a stash of "things". My boyfriend is an artist (Ryan Jacobson Art) and he suggested I start making things with the items we found.

I am currently in two local boutiques and Etsy seemed a logical way to branch out to a broader market. So far it has been an amazing experience - not just for the sales but also for the friends and mentors I have found in the Etsy community.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Teams are a HUGE part of my Etsy satisfaction. I learn a lot from my team members and I take being part of a team very seriously. As a nod to the importance of these relationships - I list all of my teams on my shop profile.

I am a very proud member of the following Etsy Teams-

*Etsy Tristate Area (TATeam) - TEAM LEADER

*Virginia Treasury Team (VATT) - They accept me in spite of my MD residency :-)

*Etsy Eco Team - Check Member Listings for the 4 star Eco Tips!

*Earthly Etsy

*Inspired by Nature

*Maryland Etsy Street Team (MDStreetTeam)

*Sea Of Love

*Sea Glass Sisters

3. When did you begin your business?

In August of 2010 Ryan's father had a stroke. We had a benefit fundraiser and I put a few pieces into the auction. I was pretty excited when a local boutique offered to carry my pieces. I was too nervous to jump right in but by November I had a business license, a FaceBook page, and a supportive shop carrying my items.

4. What inspires you to create?

I seriously work in CHAOS! I surround myself with materials and different things just jump out to me at different times. I have beads that I've brushed over for months before creating an entire collection inspired by the colors I've overlooked until their time came. I never know what's going to move me on any given day so I just keep the whole stash sprawled everywhere until the mood hits to put something to use :)

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

Honestly - five years makes me nervous. Things have happened SO FAST in less than a year - I am certainly pleased by my business success so far but trying to look that far out is daunting. I'm an optimist. I assume I will do well because I work hard. Other than that - I take it a day at a time to keep things managable. A new shop wants to carry me? Great - redistribute stock. Getting low on Etsy? Ok - pump out more pieces. Big order came in? Alright - beg a buddy to make a mail run for me. I'd drive myself nuts if I tried to anticipate all the curveballs that get thrown my way. I just take everything as it comes and appreciate that I get to make money doing something I LOVE.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

I've received a LOT and most of it is helpful. I think the bottom line best though would have to be "Never turn down money" Accept any form of payment (just wait to ship til it clears!) Accept any venue to show your work. Accept any invite to discuss your product. Never turn your back on an opportunity to sell because you never know where your next big buyer will come from.

Chances are you will get burned at some point but there are sneeks everywhere - being overly cautious will probably block more genuine buyers than thieves.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

This is HARD!!!!! I'm going with my first two picks b/c I've been collecting their work for ages even though they are new to ETSY. The third is my favorite "window shopping" store(s). When I start raking it in on Etsy it will all go right back b/c I love SO MANY shops LOL

Pieces Of Amber - I've been wearing her jewelry for years and she is one of my top jewelry making mentors. She helped me when I first started creating and thought fishing line made fine beading wire!

Ryan Jacobson Art - Again - I've been collecting his art for years. It is much cheaper now that we practically live together. LOL He has so much talent it is RIDICULOUS!

I really tried to narrow this down but I couldn't pick - my new favorite style is this Southern/BoHo/Gothic Romance look that I've really admired here on Etsy and I tried to choose between my two favorites but I just couldn't!!! So Creole Sha and bayousalvage tie for my third.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Crochet!!!! I can braid hemp but MAN I get tied up in yarn!!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

*I'm actually pretty shy in person unless I'm with a good support group. It takes me a bit to warm up to new people socially.

....actually that may be the only thing because once I do open up - I rarely shut up LOL

10. Check out this fabulous seller at (Give your ETSY shop, Facebook, Blog and Twitter info if applicable):

www.TideTogether.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/TideTogether

http://www.facebook.com/CreatingWithCompassion

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tammys-Cool-Things/125769289019

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Preppy-Redneck/135299539869684

On Twitter @Tide_Together

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-06-02T11:03:00.007-04:00

Cindy Burke Originals Handmade Beaded Gemstone Jewelry

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with Necklace Gold Glass Spiral Pendant Sheer Ribbon! Show some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I made jewelry as a teen when I lived in San Diego. It was easy to go to craft shows all the time because of the good weather. I stopped making it for many years but got started again as a craft for the teens at my church. I enjoyed it and kept making more and more necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings. Gave away a lot, wore some myself and still had maybe forty pieces just sitting there, until I found out about Etsy!

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

I belong to EtsyBEAD, which is the first team I joined. I was so excited when they accepted me! I also belong to EtsyTumblerians, which has a lot of members. All of us have blogs on Tumblr.

3. When did you begin your business?

I set up my shop in February, 2010. I was hoping to make 100 sales by one year, but not quite! Still working on getting there.

4. What inspires you to create?

The materials rope me in. I am in love with picture jasper, shell heishi, turquoise…the list goes on!

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I hope that sales will pick up and eventually become regular. I would love to be earning a few hundred dollars a month with my shop in five years. Realistically, there is a limit to how much business I can do since I work full time and commute to another city over 20 miles away for my job.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Honestly, I can’t pick just one thing as the best. There are countless people on Etsy who have helped me, either directly or through sharing blog posts with information. I guess Search Engine Optimization (SEO) advice has helped my shop the most, and you can find plenty about that by searching the forums.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

The first shop I ever bought from on Etsy was Evangeline and Bella’s Boutique. Evangeline makes beautiful costumes for children and I ordered two of her Rose Fairy costumes for a couple of six-year-olds in the family.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/evangirl

Rebecca’s Soap Deli has so many luscious and great smelling soaps that are pretty to look at as well.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/soapdeli

A new and very original shop that I love is Fiber Beads. Eleanore Brown hand creates beautiful beads from fiber. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ebrown2503

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Well, it wasn’t exactly a disaster, but the first wire that I used was not up to the task of supporting the materials that I use. I’ve since found much better wire that will not break! Everything in my shop had to be restrung, so okay, it was a disaster, lol.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clemson University in 2007 with a degree in Communication.

I love to read, especially sci-fi novels.

I am a big fan of the Dalai Lama!

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CindyBurkeOriginals
http://cindyburkeoriginals.tumblr.com/

I've been treasured...

2011-06-01T17:51:00.004-04:00

Look at this lovely collection put together by pinkflamingo61

Enjoy ;)

My D.I.Y. Wedding Part III

2011-05-30T20:22:00.004-04:00

Here are a few more sneak peaks of my upcoming wedding!

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-05-26T22:24:00.007-04:00

Zen25 Release Me Creations

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. You have to check out the creative work from this talented artist! I am in love with the White Quartz Bullet with Peacock Necklace! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
I'm a silly crafty girl who moved from Philadelphia to Fort Worth about two years ago. While driving to Texas for the move, my Mom called and informed me that my dad had been diagnosed with Cancer. Eight months later he had passed away after a brave battle with the disease. I spent the last three months of his life at home with both of them, helping and just spending as much time as possible with my Dad. During my down time, while my Dad was sleeping, I found myself becoming increasingly anxious and stressed and needed to find a way to channel it. I suddenly thought, "I want to make some jewelry." So my Mom and I hopped in the car, went to the craft store, and I have been crafting ever since. My shop, Release Me Creations by Zen25 resulted from my newly crafted pieces.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
I LOVE Etsy teams, thus I am a member of a lot of them. Okay, deep inhale and...Etsy Success,Norfolk and Chance, Conquer Etsy Front Page, Epic Treasury Team, Global Arts Team, Craft Count, Handmadeology, Pure Handmade, Etsy817, Creepy Queen Team, Inked Etsy, Click One Treasury Team, Pay It Forward, Etsy Under 30, Technique Q & A, Custom Order Corner, Etsy Texas Crafters, Etsy Ugly Cute,

3. When did you begin your business?
I started my business in November of 2009.

4. What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by colors and shapes, stormy weather, the ocean, the sky, industrial metal buildings, zippers, and anything that is unique or different

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
In the next five years I envision my business to be bringing in triple figures, with a five shop locations and a staff...oh, you wanted realistically? In the next five years, realistically, I see my business making steady growth as I continue to learn and refine my pieces. I am completely self taught, so I learn as I go, and make the mistakes right along with it.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Rome wasn't built in a day.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
All three of these shops are pure inspiration to me each for different reasons

Art Akimbo: "Puttin' the fun in funky and the eek in unique." This artist has some of the most unique, incredibly funky and fun sculpture art I have ever seen. I love how he just makes what he loves. I am still saving up to buy that wall tentacle
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56638710/wall-tentacle?ref=pr_shop

Theatre Clouds: Gorgeous romantic and whimsical, not to mention incredibly unique prints. I LOVE the sailboat pictures:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62466934/ill-travel-with-you

The Angry Weather: She is a serious inspiration to me. I wish I could work with metal the way she does! Love all of her pieces
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAngryWeather?ref=ss_profile

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
The first time I tried making a steampunkish pendant filled with resin it was a complete and total messy disaster. The resin overflowed, and I only had a small paper towel under it so it went everywhere. When I got that all cleared up, and let the resin set, it turned out I hadn't sealed the image underneath completely so the inks bled and everything turned a murky blue. Definition of disaster! I have since gotten better with resin, but I am nowhere near mastery!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
I have two degrees, a B.A. in Education, and a M.A. in Education Leadership. I taught 9th Grade English for five years, got completely flustered with the educational system, and now do what I love working at a Martial Arts school where I also train in American Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zen25
http://www.facebook.com/ReleaseMeCreations
http://twitter.com/releasemecreate
http://www.releasemecreations.blogspot.com/

Enjoy;)

I WON A GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-05-25T23:04:00.006-04:00

I like most people always enters contests but NEVER expect to win. I magine my surprise to see that I won the Purple Package of the Joni Girvan Photography Giveaway! Here are some of the pictures of my goodies!

Enjoy ;)

I've been treasured...

2011-05-24T16:22:00.003-04:00

These are a few treasuries, I've been featured in...

Enjoy ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-05-20T13:31:00.005-04:00

Pieces of Amber

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the third interview of many to come. You have to check out the amazing work from this talented artist! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?
My name is Amber, I am a 30-something married mother of two boys, live in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and work part time in an natural food store as a deli leader and cheesemonger. I just recently acquired the cheese part of the job, and it's been an awesome learning experience. In the small amount of spare time I have outside of work, being a wife and mother, and housework, I garden and make jewelry. I've made jewelry off and on for 18 years. I started out with hemp, then learned the art of peyote stitch. I didn't get into working with gemstones until 2005, and that's when I discovered my passion for making gemstone earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I really have enjoyed learning the names of all the natural and manmade stones and am always asking the vendors at gem shows to tell me the names of any stones I don't know yet. I also like to incorporate glass, crystals, wood, shells, pearls, and nut beads into my designs. I almost always use silver.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?
Etsy Tristate Area Team, MD Etsy Street Team, East Coast Artisans, Handmadeology, Art for the Environment, Etsy Delmarva, Jewelry, and New Etsy Sellers.

3. When did you begin your business?
In May 2006, I went for it. I had been selling at local flea markets and craftshows for a year to see how sales would be, and my family and friends had placed orders and bought from me, so I made my dream a reality.

4. What inspires you to create?
Everyday life inspires me to make jewelry. I see customers wearing different jewelry everyday at the store. When I shop for beads, I get inspired. I get random design ideas in my head at weird times of the day. I love the colors that I find in nature, and tend to choose greens, blues and browns mostly, but I also choose brightly colored pinks, purples, reds, and orange.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?
In the next 5 years, I plan on reaching out to more customers, and hopefully more success will entail from that. It would be nice to be able to make a full time business out of it, but I'm enjoying the work I do in the deli presently, so hopefully I will still be doing both. I have many dreams of success, but I'm taking it one day at a time.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?
Someone once told me to never sell myself short. I always try to heed that advice.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?
Picking just three is really hard, because I have so many. Check out my page to see what all my favorites are. I'm really smitten with:
www.etsy.com/people/elseetee
www.etsy.com/people/zulasurfing
www.etsy.com/people/MarcusBerknerJewelry
because they are doing what i want to learn someday, metalsmithing.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?
Recently I tried making these beaded flower earrings through a glass flower. I had the idea in my head, but couldn't execute it. Oh well, it wasn't meant to be! That's just one example. Sometimes I'm just not feeling it, and I'll scrap an idea in the beginning stages.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?
One of my goals is to turn my yard into a beautiful thing. I want flowers, trees, plants, fountains, slate tile walkways, a pond, a bridge, a rock garden, a cactus garden, etc, etc, etc. Few people think I care about my yard that much. I am really anal about recycling. If it can be recycled, it better not go in the trash! I hate scheduled working out and exercising. I think its the most boring thing ever. I just pull weeds, dig, play with my dogs and kids, and lift things instead. :)

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:
If you live locally, you can find my pieces at Lizzy Dee, and Due East.

These are my sites:
www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofAmber?ref=pr_shop
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pieces-of-Amber/132730043440159
http://twitter.com/PiecesofAmber

A page I share with other artists:
http://www.facebook.com/CreatingWithCompassion

Enjoy ;)

My D.I.Y. Wedding Part II

2011-05-17T23:03:00.003-04:00

The big day is in June. I can't believe that it is almost here! This is a complete D.I.Y. event. There is nothing better than putting your blood, sweat and tears into something. These are a few of the hair pieces that I made. Believe me, by no means am I an expert...lol... These were my first attempts! Let me know what you think ;)

Spotlight on...

2011-05-13T18:29:00.006-04:00

Mackwire Wire Sculpture

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the second interview of many to come. You have to check out the amazing work from this talented artist! Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I'm a wire sculptor from Baltimore City. I've been twisting and doodling with wire for over ten years. My specialty is the human figure but I dabble in just about anything. Etsy's DIY culture has inspired me along with the ease of it's networks, so I've set up a little shop to sell some of my smaller retail pieces.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

The Etsy Tristate Area Team
Maryland Etsy Street Team

3. When did you begin your business?

Officially I started my business in 2004 .

4. What inspires you to create?

Difficult to say what inspires me. Inspiration changes from day to day and place to place. One night it will be a specific kind of bird and the next, maybe an acrobat.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I'm hoping to keep my business growing and take it full time.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

It's all about the light.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

ETSY is full of so much creativity, I would hate to pick.

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned about to be a disaster?

Every dog that I've ever tried to sculpt has turned out a disaster. Not sure why that is, I've sculpted nearly everything else...it seems.

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I'm color blind, a sucker for the ballet, and I used to be a choir boy like Sting.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at...

www.mackwire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mackwire
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MackWire/192632233676
http://twitter.com/#!/mackwire

Enjoy ;)

Five Dollar Vintage Finds!

2011-05-10T16:41:00.007-04:00

The leather clutch was $4.95

The paisley scarf clip was .99 cents plus $3.00 combined shipping

As promised, this is the second installment in my Five Dollar Vintage Finds! series. I LOVE vintage everything! I was raised in my grandmother's house, around all of her jewels, china and vintage prints. I am an avid thrift/ vintage store shopper and I decided to share some of my finds with you. Each item was less than $5.00 each. That is the one and only rule of this series, NOTHING over $5!

Hair Jewels New to Gloria's Jewelry Box!

2011-05-05T19:21:00.004-04:00

Good Evening! Wanted to share some new goodies in my shop, Gloria's Jewelry Box! I am pleased to share my new Hair Jewels with you! I have a variety of bobby pin and vintage inspired tortoise combs to share with you. These hair pins are perfect for all hair types from straight to natural hair!

Spotlight on...

2011-05-04T00:36:00.018-04:00

Diaspora Designs African jewelry with beads from my world travels

Gloria's Jewelry Box is very excited about our weekly Artist Spotlight Series. This is the first interview of many to come. Show her some love!

1. Tell me a little about yourself! What inspired you to open an ETSY shop and what is your business?

I have a background in ceramics and sculpture and received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Alfred University. I love working with my hands. I have been sewing, collaging, drawing and sculpting with anything and everything for as long as I can remember.

2. What ETSY team(s) are you a part of?

Etsy Artists of Color and It’s a Zen Life

3. When did you begin your business?

I opened my shop last August (2010) after one of my friends suggested that start making hemp jewelry to sell at some local festivals around Boston. I started making things and I just couldn’t stop, I love having multiple projects going and I am a workaholic by nature.

4. What inspires you to create?

Traveling the world inspires me. Every new city and country has so much rich culture, architecture, color, smells, food, crafts and history. I went to Egypt this past October (2010) and I am still unpacking the experience.

5. What do you envision your business in the next five years?

I hope that in five years I can afford to have a line of jewelry whose proceeds go tocharity. I really want to be able to have my business give back to places that have been struck by natural disaster such as New Orleans, Haiti and Japan. I also want to expand from just the jewelry and sell my travel photographs of all the places I visit.

6. What is the best business advice you have ever received?

Hire an accountant to handle your taxes and use an online accounting tool to track your income and expenses.

7. What are three of your favorite ETSY shops?

naKiMuli because she showcases truly one-of-a-kind afro-funk style that blows my mind!

BoutiqueDeBandeaux because I love to see fashion forward hair accessories made for natural and curly hair.

HotBunnyLove Jo’s glasswork is phenomenal I am so glad another Alfred graduate is sharing her work on Etsy!

8. What is something that you tried crafting, that turned out to be a disaster?

Knitting--- I never had the continued patience and the yarn always seems to get tangled in knots!

9. What are three things that few people know about you?

I learned to swim before I could walk, I prefer the quiet countryside to the city, and I want to go to Las Vegas before I die.

10. Check out this fabulous seller at:

Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/diasporadesigns
Twitter: twitter.com/DiasporaDesigns
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaspora-designs

Enjoy ;)

Five Dollar Vintage Finds!

2011-04-30T11:08:00.004-04:00

So you may know, I LOVE vintage everything! I was raised in my grandmother's house, around all of her jewels, china and vintage prints. It is only natural that I would still love it to this day. I am an avid thrift/ vintage store shopper and I decided to share some of my finds with you. Each item was less than $5.00. That will be the one and only rule of this series, NOTHING over $5! This will be a bi-weekly post. Tell me what you think ;)

My D.I.Y. Wedding Part I

2011-04-27T17:16:00.004-04:00

I know I have been away for awhile, life is crazy with a 2 year old and working. Well, I am also planning a wedding! I have been engaged for a year and a half now. The big day is in June. This is a complete D.I.Y. event. There is nothing better than putting your blood, sweat and tears into something. Now I am working on a bridal collection, for my ETSY shop Gloria's Jewelry Box. This is the first of many blog posts to come. Hope you enjoy it!

My Lovelies were featured in a treasury!

2011-04-23T13:44:00.005-04:00

Now that I am able to take more time out for my business, I've been featured in a few treasuries! My Aquamarine Drop earrings and My Mini Peacock Earrings were featured! Thanks for the love!

My Brown Agate Brass Floral Necklace was featured in a TREASURY!!!

2011-04-12T23:06:00.004-04:00

My Brown Agate Brass Floral Necklace was featured in another treasury!I love this warm welcome back to ETSY! The more accessories, the better ;)

Featured in a Treasury!

2011-04-05T22:54:00.002-04:00

I was featured in a treasury! Yay!!!

Great Scarf Wrapping Video

2011-04-03T10:18:00.003-04:00

If you are like me and LOVE scarves and accessories, you will love this link. There are really fun videos about how to wrap all of scarves. By the way, Echo has some amazing scarves in their Spring collection! The lovely scarf above is on Echo Designs Website for $68. xoxo

Busy Mommy...

2011-04-03T10:05:00.003-04:00

Life can be so crazy when you work full-time and have a young child. I made a vow this year to focus more time on my jewelry business and blog. In the next three weeks, I will redesign my ETSY shop with all the new things I've made. I have to time to make it, just have to find time to upload it! I just have to take it one day at a time. I found this picture via goddessrising.blogspot.com that explains exactly how I feel! Please visit the website to join a network of busy mommies!

Very Long Time No See....

2010-12-07T19:38:00.002-05:00

Who would have thought that motherhood and teaching would be sooo demanding!!!! I am getting back into the swing of things, learning how to juggle everything. Imagine my surprise in seeing that I was featured in a treasury! Yay! Makes me want a buttercream cupcake :)

It's been a long time.....

2009-09-23T23:11:00.004-04:00

I know it has been a LONG time... Well I am back in the classroom after a two year hiatus, it's taking me a bit longer to get used to working! The little ones can REALLY wear you out! So I will try to post to the blog 2-3 times each week. I've been working on a few new things before I went back in, they should be up on Gloria's Jewelry Box in the next two weeks! Take care! (Photo courtesy of hotfile.wordpress.com)

DESTASH, DESTASH, DESTASH for Sale!

2009-08-30T12:01:00.005-04:00

Like many other crafters and artits, I have accumulated soo many beads and findings. So I have added a DESTASH section to my shop! All of these beads are in amazing condition and need a new home! I also have jewelry destash beads listed through my Flickr account. HAVE FUN CREATING!

And the nominees are...

2009-08-22T00:56:00.003-04:00

SPECIAL THANKS to Angelina of Angelina Fong Designs for nominating me for this lovely Up and Coming Blog Star award! What a fabulous idea and I'm truly honored to be amongst the first group of nominees! It was such a pleasant surprise!

Now to my acceptance specch...What an honor to get a Blog Star award! Especially considering the fact that I had no idea how to blog until I joined ETSY! When I started my blog, it took me two moths to figure out how to attach a link...lol...yes a link! Well I figured it out and I love every second of it. I especially love sharing my vintage finds and garden pics, those are things that I love to do in addition to my jewelry. Thanks for following me and I love it when I hear from you!

So without further ado, I'd like to return the honor of this lovely award by nominating some of my favorite up and coming bloggers:

Sydney Austin Designs

Yellow Finch Designs

Kate8085 Where Eagles Dare

If you have been nominated for this award, you must pay it forward! Do you know a blogstress who hasn't blogged for long (less than 3 years) but is one of the next generation of super bloggers? If so, this award is for her! The rules are, you must post an acceptance speech on your blog (feel free to thank the academy!) and then nominate as many other blogs as you wish. and, if you have been nominated, feel free to post the above award proudly on your blog!

One of the casualties of motherhood...

2009-08-21T12:17:00.003-04:00

Look at my poor bracelet! This is the result of a 1 year old baby boy who like to throw anything he can get his hands on! Out of the corner of my eye I saw him with my bracelet, before I could grab it from him I see it going across the floor. Needless to say I bought this bracelet online on clearance, so there is little hope of replacing it. Repairing it would be a joke considering all of the little pieces that broke off. So all I can say is that this is a lesson learned. KEEP ALL JEWELRY AWAY FROM CURIOUS BABIES!!! Oh well, it looked really cute with my outfit yesterday...lol...

First Lady wearing Target!

2009-08-19T16:01:00.003-04:00

I just love that the First Lady wears affordable fashions! Check out the article on Nitro:licious!

New Pics of My Magic Garden in the City...

2009-08-19T15:34:00.006-04:00

Basil

Tomato

Elephant Ear

Elephant Ear

Just sharing some recent garden pics! Enjoy!

AMAZING Vintage Belly Dance Necklace

2009-08-17T13:12:00.003-04:00

I just had to share this necklace with you! I got it from Darling Diva 2009 on ETSY. Stop by her shop, she has the most amazing vintage reclaimed and handmade jewelry!

More Vintage Jewelry Finds...

2009-08-14T10:49:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite stress relievers is shopping for vintage jewelry. I get such a rush digging and seeing what I can find. It is such a fun feeling to know that you may never find the same thing again, or maybe that is what I tell myself to justify my purchases...lol...Anyways just wanted to share some of my Philly thrift store finds! I'm visiting friends in New York tonight, who knows I may find my way into a thrift store or two!

I WON A GIVEAWAY!

2009-08-11T10:23:00.006-04:00

This is the necklace I won!

Midnight Serenade

Kama

I actually won this a few month ago, but that was before I knew how to blog...lol... So it's only fair to post about this giveaway as well. It was hosted by Njla Studio. Her work is amazing! I won the necklace in the top picture. The bottom two pictures are a few of my favorites. Can you tell I like hearts?

Let me know what you think!

2009-08-10T13:33:00.005-04:00

Pink Kaleidoscope Ring

Knight in Silver Armor Cufflinks

I have decided to venture into unchaterted territories for me, men's jewelry and rings with cabochons. Let me know what you think! If you like it, I will add them to Gloria's Jewelry Box on Etsy!

Yummy..Who wants tomatoes???

2009-08-03T22:26:00.004-04:00

I am so excited that my tomato plant is starting to bud! I know I got you ready to see nice red plump and juicy tomatoes but that will have to wait. Only a little while longer I promise!!!

My Venture through Gloria's Jewelry Box...

2009-08-03T11:16:00.005-04:00

As many of you may know, I am OBSESSED with jewelry. Everytime I vist my Grandmom Gloria, I try to see what jewels I can ask/persuade her to give me. I know it's wrong, but she never says no to her 1st granddaughter! Here are some of the jewels she gave me...

I WON A GIVEAWAY!

2009-08-02T17:12:00.006-04:00

I am so excited! I won this lovely bath set from Lydia's Spa Collections! I won the Body Set Scented With AQUARIAN From The MY BELOVED SPA COLLECTION! Let me tell you it smells amazing and my hubby LOVES it! This is the link to the blog, so you can enter one of their great giveaways!

Some of my First Jewels...

2009-08-01T13:15:00.005-04:00

During a recent visit to my grandmom Gloria's house, I had a treasure hunt through her jewelry. As you may know, my jewelry business is named after her and her LOVE of jewelry. I've been making jewwelry since I was a child and found a few of my early pieces in her jewelry box. As you can see I painted a wood brooch for her with watercolors! Too funny! Here are a few of the pics!

My Magic Garden in the City...

2009-07-30T08:57:00.005-04:00

Elephant Ear

Tomato Plant

First Morning Glory Flower

Sharig a few pics of my garden in the middle of the city! Enjoy :)

I know.. I have been BAD!

2009-07-22T16:01:00.002-04:00

I have been M-I-A this week! I have been a BAD BLOGGER :( I promise I will be better! Really I will be better!!!

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!!!

2009-07-17T10:14:00.002-04:00

This weekend enjoy FREE SHIPPING at my ETSY shop Gloria's Jewelry Box! Offer ends Sunday at midnight EST. Happy Shopping!

The True Meaning of Paying it Forward....

2009-07-16T11:14:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, I took a family trip to the beach. I took my 7 year old sister with me. On our way there, we stopped at a Wawa in downtown Philadelphia. I walked in there with $6 and change in my pocket. When I got to the door, a woman asked for food to eat. I told her to come inside with me and get what she wanted. My little sister got chips and I got a small coffee. I really wanted a large, but since I offered to buy this woman a meal I knew I wouldn't have enough. She asked me if she could get something to drink, I tell her 'yes'. Knowing I barely had enough to cover her sandwich, my coffee and my sister's chips. We got to the register, the total came to $7.42. I began to panic going through my pockets hoping that I had enough. By the grace of God I had enough to pay for her food with .97 cents left over! This really got me thinking about the true meaning of paying it forward. I have always helped others but this was one of the first times that I literally cleaned out my pockets for someone else. Later on that evening, at the beach a man in line behind me paid for my funnel cake when I left my change purse in the car with my .97 cents in it!

Tuesday Morning Suprise!

2009-07-14T07:34:00.003-04:00

Imagine my suprise this morning when I checked my blog reading lis and saw that my Caramel Flower Necklace has been featured in Runako Designs Girls Night Out Blog as the Monday Night Mesmorizer! How exciting!

And the WINNER is.......

2009-07-10T12:49:00.003-04:00

Special Thanks to everyone who entered my $10 gift certificate Blog giveaway. I was offering 3 certificates to randomly selected winners. There were five entries so I chose to give a gift certifictae to EVERYONE who entered! This is another way of me paying to forward to my followers! Thanks again and I will contact each winner today! Have a wonderful weekend!

FREE 10 DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE!! ENDS AT MIDNIGHT EST!!!

2009-07-09T11:51:00.005-04:00

As a thank you to all of my followers, I am offering 3 FREE $10 dollar Gift Certificate to my ETSY Shop! All you have to do is visit my shop and tell me your FAVORITE item and why? Isn't that easy! The winners will be randomly selected! Please leave your ETSY ID or email. This giveaway ends today July 9th at midnight EST!

Under the Sea

2009-07-08T14:30:00.003-04:00

I went to the Adventure Aquarium for the first time in YEARS! The last time I was thre it was called the New Jersey State Aquarium and I was a girl scout! I got a few amazing pics that I had to share!

Had to catch up on some sleep...

2009-07-06T19:55:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since I've posted, I had to catch up on some much needed sleep! From the two birthday parties for my 1 year old son to my friend going into labor and my cousin's wedding, I was beat. No worries! I will be back in the next few days with some really fun posts including my latest vintage finds and my next giveaway! Stay tuned!!! Now back to sleep...

20% OFF FROM NOW UNTIL JULY 7TH!!!

2009-07-01T21:37:00.006-04:00

Take advantage of our 20% off promotion on all items from now until July 7th! Twenty percent will be refunded to you via PayPal! Take a peek at my ETSY shop! Happy Shopping!

CAPOW Blog Feature!!!

2009-06-26T23:31:00.003-04:00

I know it has been a while, I had to take a bit of time to catch up on sleep. Life is crazy with a 1 year old! Well imagine my suprise when I checked my blog reading list and saw that I was featured in Capow's Blog! Here is the link to read the interview! Visit Capow on ETSY for the most amazing painting, photographs and wallets!

LAST DAY OF EAOC SUMMER MADNESS TREASURE HUNT!

2009-06-21T11:01:00.002-04:00

EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt!!! Go to teameaoc.etsy.com for the official list of participating shops and start hunting! We are only 1 hour away from announcing out NEW phrase! What could it be???? YOU HAVE TO SAY TUNED TO CHECK IT OUT! You can win amazing prizes from ETSY EAOC! This is the LAST day of the treasure hunt!

EAOC TREASURE HUNT MADNESS PHRASE OF THE DAY!!!

2009-06-19T12:04:00.011-04:00

Ornate Pink Floral Earrings

Fancy Egg Mauve Earrings

Hammered Fool's Gold

EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt!!! The phrase of the day is "HERE COMES THE BRIDE". Have fun searching through my shop for the letter clues! Go to teameaoc.etsy.com for the official list of participating shops and start hunting!

My Favorite Color Combo!

2009-06-19T11:27:00.004-04:00

Turquoise Hearts Earrings

I must admit that there is no color combination that I love better than turquoise and gold! I owe it all to my Grandmother Gloria and her LOVE of turquoise! Whenever I can I always put the two together. How great is that! The bold contrast of the turquoise and hammered brass make these earrings a winner!

Before the Birthday Extravaganza....

2009-06-18T10:23:00.010-04:00

Look at all of these cupcakes!

So I have been EXTREMELY sleep deprived these past two weeks, planning my Son's 1st Birthday Party. I stay up until 3 a.m. baking everything! It was this past weekend, and we had a BALL!!! I just had to post the before pics. Too funny!

Happy Hunting!

2009-06-18T10:10:00.003-04:00

The countdown is nearing it's end and we're about to kick off the EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt tomorrow at 10am PST! You don't want to miss out on your chance to win fabulous prizes created by our amazing team of talented artists!

Here's a breakdown of the rules:

1. The Summer Madness Treasure Hunt will take place in the Etsy Promotions Forum beginning Thursday, June 18th and ending Sunday, June 21st from 10am PST - 10pm PST each day.

2. Check the Etsy Promotions Forum for the word or phrase of the day.

3. Search through the participating shops and find special letters that have been hidden in various listings. The letters will be hidden amongst one of the listing’s photos.

4. Once you've located all the letters and completed the phrase, email Vanessa - VirtuousCreations.etsy.com - at vc1@bellsouth.net. Make sure in your email that you list each letter that you found and the shop that you found it in.

To see the complete list of participating shops, check out the EAOC Etsy Team page.

Have fun and good luck!

Who wants a Tall Glass of Root Beer... I do!

2009-06-17T09:17:00.003-04:00

I am just in love with these earrings! They got their name from a recent trip I had to Florida. I have always been in love with root beer and there are no places in Philadelphia (that I know of...lol...) that has REAL root beer, not in a plastic bottle. Well imagine my amazement when I saw A&W stores everywhere in Florida. It was the best Root Beer I ever had! Since I can't have it here, I just made earrings to remind me of it! Here they are!

It Just keeps on growing!

2009-06-15T22:40:00.006-04:00

Canna Plant

Canna Plant

Elephant Ear Plant

Elephant Ear Plant

Elephant Ear Plant

I am in love with my Elephant ear and Canna plant. They are growing out of control! I have them in FULL SUN, that's what they like! They are also getting alot of water from the recent rainshowers. Enjoy!

EAOC TREASURE HUNT MADNESS!!!

2009-06-15T10:12:00.002-04:00

Etsy's Artists of Color street team is sponsoring an outstanding summer promotion! The Summer Madness Treasure Hunt will take place in the Etsy Promotions forum beginning June 18 and ending June 21. Each day the treasure hunt will begin at 12 noon and run until 12 midnight, EDT. There will be lots of wonderful prizes to give away so you don't want to miss out. The rules are simple. Peruse through participating shops and find special letters that have been hidden in listings. The letters will be one of the listing photos. Take those letters and form a phrase pertaining to summer. The phrase will change each day. Simple right? You will have a chance to visit the shops of very talented artists and maybe find a new favorite. No purchase is necessary but if you happen to come across that one item that you just can't resist by all means BUY IT! :-)

Are you ready for Summer Madness?

Guess who's back...

2009-06-11T10:42:00.003-04:00

So I went back to the city that I love New York for a day trip and had a BALL!!! I really miss it. We visited to NICU where my son was born, ate at Cafe Largo and went to Times Square! It was great!

COMING SOON!!! EAOC Summer Madness Treasure Hunt!!!

2009-06-10T11:39:00.002-04:00

We are VERY excited about the upcoming EAOC Treasure Hunt!!! More details coming soon!

2009-06-10T10:20:00.004-04:00

Gloria's Jewelry Box is participating in the YART sale! Prices on select items are reduced from now until June 14th! Come to our ETSY shop and enjoy 15% off of any purchase!!! Happy Shopping!!!

And It Keeps on Growing...

2009-06-06T00:22:00.006-04:00

I am in love with my Elephant Ear plants! These are the last images that I posted. They are growing a mile a minute! Lots of sunshine is the key!!!

2009-06-05T23:51:00.005-04:00

Gloria's Jewelry Box has been awarded our very 1st Blog Award!!!

I'm so thrilled - and completely surprised and totally honored!

Bellissima's Blog has so kindly bestowed this incredible award on us! Thanks a bunch! Be sure to visit her shop for natural mineral makeup, soap and amazing lip glosses!

We humbly accept One Lovely Blog Award, and in doing so, post the Rules of Blog Award Acceptance:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And Gloria's Jewelry Box Proudly Passes 'One Lovely Blog Award' on to:
Lunaversoul
Bohemian Gal
YarnCoture
yellow finch designs
BlossomingTree
Angelina Fong Designs
Sydney Austin Designs
Marcia P.
StunningAnnaK
Tourmaline2777
Davida
Brandon
Aik
Mia
expressions

Today is my son's 1st BIRTHDAY!!!!

2009-06-03T20:26:00.003-04:00

I just can't believe that it has been a year already! Where has the time gone? I cherish EVERY moment that I have with him, because time truly waits for no one!

Who Hearts Handbags???

2009-05-27T23:14:00.005-04:00

Who Hearts Handbags Bracelet gloriasjewelrybox.etsy.com

I have another addiction besides jewelry...HANDBAGS!!! I probably have well over 100 bags. I wouldn't dare count them especially in front of my guy...lol... Ladies, you know what I am talking about :) Anyways, this bracelet is a way to keep a handbag on your wrist at ALL times! And you know how much we love our bags!

It Keeps on Growing...

2009-05-27T21:31:00.003-04:00

So this is my Elephant Ear plant! Despite a few slightly chilly nights, its going strong. They have grown soo much from last week... I will keep the pictures coming!

And the WINNER is.......

2009-05-27T10:21:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone who entered My First Blog Giveaway contest. The winner is AtHomeWithSewSuzanne! Thanks and I will post the next Blog Giveaway at the end of the week!

Only 2 Days Left for My First Blog Giveaway!!!

2009-05-22T09:13:00.002-04:00

Would you like a chance to win a FREE $20 gift certificate to Gloria's Jewelry Box! To win all you have to do is become a public follower of my blog AND post an answer to the following question. What is your favorite piece of jewelry and why? If you are already a follower of my blog, just leave a comment on this post My First Blog Giveaway. To be eligible you have to complete BOTH requirements. Please provide email or ETSY shop address, so I can notify you if you win. This gift certificate is good for any purchase made through my ETSY shop @ http://gloriasjewelrybox.etsy.com Entries must be received by 12:00 a.m. on May 23rd! Good Luck!!!

New Pink Limoncello Earrings...I'm in Love...

2009-05-22T09:06:00.003-04:00

As you may know, I am in love with pink. I am also a food lover. If Limocello were pink, it would be this color! The Pink Limoncello Earring is the best of both worlds for me. Check it out :)

My Elephant Ear...

2009-05-21T12:12:00.004-04:00

This has to be one of the favorite times of year. If you love to plant and garden, they you know why! All of the flowers and bulbs are beginning to bloom. I planted my tulips too sooon last fall, so they came and went. I put down my elephant ear bulb two weeks ago and it is already starting to bloom. Elephant ear plants need FULL sunlight, no shade or they will not grow. Last year, my plant grew to about 2.5'. I am hoping for 6' this year! We will see! I will take pictures periodically to show its progress!!!

I have been featured in Our Creative World's Blog!!!

2009-05-20T10:01:00.003-04:00

I am very excited about my second blog feature! Thanks OurCreative World!
Here is a link to their Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5227953

Here is a link to the interview!
http://ourcreativeworld.blogspot.com/2009/05/gloriasjewelrybox.html

My First Treasury!!!

2009-05-17T19:19:00.005-04:00

I am so excited that my Red Etching Earrings have been featured in a treasury!!! This is the listing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24573900

My Latest Vintage Finds!

2009-05-13T10:14:00.007-04:00

I am in love with brooches! I ALWAYS wear one! The garnet leaf is my fave!

Chunky Necklaces! Soo much fun! Found the red, blue and brass one for $3 in a thrift store in NYC!!!

Where do I begin with all this!!! Love the peacock earrings and the fish pin! The fish was another $3 vintage shop find!

So I will admit, I am OBSESSED with vintage jewelry! I love going to flea market and searching online for unique finds. Here are just a few of my latest treasures :) What was your latest vintage find?

The Mothers in my Life.....

2009-05-13T09:53:00.007-04:00

My son and I

My mother and I

Me and my grandom

Grandmom Gloria the inspiration behind Gloria's Jewelry Box!

Just sharing a few pics of my mothers! Enjoy!

My First Home Jewelry Party!

2009-05-06T23:56:00.004-04:00

In the past I have done many craft shows and flea markets to promote my jewelry collection. This was before I had an official business name and a webshop through ETSY. I never though about all of the expenses that you have to put out. I had to buy fixtures. Of course when I wasn't looking for fixtures, EVERY jewelry store was going out of business. Then when I needed them, none were to be found. I guess, that is life!

My aunt told me that she would love to host a jewelry party for Gloria's Jewelry Box at her house. Here are a few pictures. The event went rather well, I had a good turnout for it to be a rainy day. I plan to continue doing this, all of my guests said they felt very relaxed and had a great time. Does anyone have any ideas for hosting the perfect home jewelry show? Please share!

My First Blog Giveaway!!!

2009-05-03T22:12:00.007-04:00

Would you like a chance to win a FREE $20 gift certificate to Gloria's Jewelry Box! To win all you have to do is become a public follower of my blog AND post an answer to the following question. What is your favorite piece of jewelry and why? To be eligible you have to complete BOTH requirements. Please provide email or ETSY shop address, so I can notify you if you win. This gift certificate is good for any purchase made through my ETSY shop @ http://gloriasjewelrybox.etsy.com Entries must be received by 12:00 a.m. on May 23rd! Good Luck!!!

Great Jewelry Slideshow via Fellow ETSY EAOC Member!

2009-05-03T20:59:00.001-04:00

I am a true jewelry addict! What's your addiction?

http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-0403-earthy-pg,0,3863394.photogallery?1

FREE SHIPPING PLUS 10% off promotion at Gloria's Jewelry Box! Mother's Day Promotion!

2009-04-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

Good Morning!

We are currently running a FREE SHIPPING plus an additional 10% off promotion of everything in my shop. There is no minimum to spend! Your items will be delivered via USPS with delivery confirmation. International USPS shipping without tracking is included in this promotion as well. This is a great opportunity to get the perfect Mother's Day gift for the special person in your life. Come and visit my shop! Take advantage of this AMAZING sale!

Thanks,
Delilah Pearl
http://gloriasjewelrybox.etsy.com

gloriasjewelrybox@hotmail.com

Bahia, Brasil...The Most BEAUTIFUL place on Earth!!!

2009-04-29T09:11:00.003-04:00

My Bahia!

Oh, Bahia! How I miss you everyday! There is nothing that compares to it! Check out this link!

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/francisco-costa-postcard-from-salvador/

WE DID IT!!!

2009-04-28T10:16:00.005-04:00

Our team Gloria's Jewelry Box raised $250 for the March of Dimes Walk on April 26th at the Philadelphia Art Museum. This is the team website: http://www.marchforbabies.org/660065

Thank you for your support of Gloria's Jewelry Box! Next year, we will raise $500!!!

The First Lady's Amazing Jewelry!

2009-04-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/09/michelle-obama-wears-big_n_172942.html

Confessions of a Jewelry Addict...

2009-04-22T22:35:00.002-04:00

So I have to admit, that I am a jewelry addict. As I searched through my jewelry box for a pair of earrings that I haven't worn in years, I spent hours playing with and admiring all of my forgotten jewelry finds. This immediately made me think of my grandmother! So tell me, what are you addicted to?

Please Support my Team Gloria's Jewelry Box in the March of Dimes Walk on April 26th!

2009-04-22T22:21:00.006-04:00

As many of you may know, prematurity is an issue that is very close to my heart. My son Salim Lee Baines Washington was born 10 weeks premature on June 3rd, 2008. The March of Dimes helps support research and care in the fight against prematurity. Can you make a donation in ANY amount to support my team? Hospital care for NICU babies is very expensive. My son's hospital bills came to more than $300,000 for five weeks of care. Remember that you can donate any amount, no gift is too small! I will donate $3.00 from each sale on my website to the March of Dimes Team. Thank you for your love and support and I will post pictures from the March of Dimes walk!

My March of Dimes Team Webpage:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/660065

The Spring Collection is Here!

2009-04-01T22:21:00.007-04:00

SPRING COLLECTION IS HERE! This collection will display rose gold, vintage findings, vermeil, sterling silver and brass. All of the colors of Spring will be represented. We are very excited about this collection!

Gloria's Jewelry Box in the featured ETSY artisan in Hip Jewels blog by Syndey Austin Designs

2009-03-12T15:46:00.002-04:00

http://sydneyaustindesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/guest-artisan-delilah-pearl-i-have.html

My Obsession with Jewelry...

2009-03-05T14:25:00.003-05:00

I get it from my Grandmom Gloria. I grew up playing in her hair and rummaging through her jewelry box! She gave me her broken pieces of jewelry and taught me how to make new "creations". Ever since she placed beads and pliers into my hands, it was love at first sight! I know I'm not the only jewelry addict. Share your story...

Welcome ;)

2009-03-05T14:20:00.003-05:00

Thanks for visiting my blog! I am still getting used to this...lol... Please leave a comment!