Photo Cards + A Giveaway!

It’s taken a few extra days, but my photo card kits are ready! And I love them so. Here are a few quick details:

There are six different cards. Each measures 5×7 inches, and are fully layered PSD files (so you will need Photoshop or Photoshop Elements to use them). Almost every element is customizable where colors are concerned, and several have photo options that aren’t shown above; you can see more details about each individual card over at Freshly Hued.

I liked the idea of them being versatile, so with a few quick switches here and there, you could use these for invitations, baby announcements, whatever you like, too. To see a few examples of them in action, there’s a slideshow right over here.

I also made several digital papers to use as backgrounds and bundled them into two paper packs. These are sized at 5×7 inches (to keep things easy), and come in a variety of colors and patterns, all with a subtle paper texture. The would work well as a “back” if you’re printing double-sided cards, too.

All of my photo card kits are digital files with instant downloads, so this means that I won’t be printing and mailing your cards to you (or for you – sorry!). But the beauty of a DIY photo card like this is you can print them anywhere you want to – a local printer, a photo counter, or online. I like Persnickety Prints for regular photos, and Overnight Prints for thicker postcards. And as for envelopes? Look for A7 envelopes at your local craft store. Those are big enough to fit your photo card, and small enough to still go through regular mail (for USPS regulations, that is).

In the mean time, let’s celebrate and do a giveaway!

There will be three winners, and each will get their favorite photo card kit + both paper packs! But what if you don’t have Photoshop/Elements, or don’t have the time this year? If you’ve got a favorite photo, I’ll put together your card for you (think of it as a make-it-for-me option) – winner’s choice.

To enter, simply leave a comment and tell me your favorite photo card (all six designs can be found right here). If you’d like to tweet or blog about the giveaway, too, that’d be awesome. You can even pin your favorite card on Pinterest, if you like. However you talk about it, link to this post and leave another comment with a link to your tweet/post/pin so it can be counted.

Winners will be randomly chosen on November 25th. You have until midnight PST on the 24th to enter! Giveaway is open to everyone; make sure you leave your email address along with your comment so I have a way to contact you if you win.

Good luck!

New to the shop :: 5-19-2011

Click the photos to visit the shop listings

I realized something about myself this week. I’m great at making a lot of things over the span of a couple days. I’m great at photographing them in a timely manner. I’m even pretty decent at editing those photos. But I’m not so good at actually listing the things I make regularly. So, while I’ve gotten these pieces into my shop since the last update, there are more that are waiting for that last step.

Being off Etsy now, I confess that I don’t feel the same kind of pressure to list constantly. It’s a great relief, definitely, but a double edged sword, too. I’m wondering if people would mind if there was one or two weekly shop updates? A couple of days to count on versus random or daily updates?

As I move towards other projects, it’s becoming pretty apparent that I can’t do everything every day (though I give it my best shot!). So, if you don’t mind, could you share your opinion in the comments? I’m looking to gauge reactions.

And before you leave, I just wanted to share a custom order I recently had from a dear friend. All custom orders or commissions are super fun, because I get a chance to be challenged by what someone else is loving. This one was flattering to me because the buyer is not only a friend but a fellow jewelry designer.

That’s got to be the ultimate compliment.

This necklace features carnelian, apatite, aquamarine, chalcedony, peridot, sterling silver, fine silver, and, of course, artisan borosilicate lampwork. Isn’t it nice and fresh?

I’ve known people have told me they never buy or never wear anybody else’s jewelry, or feel anxious if another jewelry designer purchases one of their pieces. They are totally entitled to their opinion, but I just can’t agree. I’m slowly working my way through my friends’ shops, buying pieces that I love. And I’d love to own at least one piece from every friend.

My point-of-view is that I loved jewelry before I made it, they’ve already done the work, I love the work, so why not buy it and satisfy that want? The bonus is I get to support a friend who is doing what they love to do. So, it’s always flattering when another jewelry designer likes what I do enough to buy something I made.

I’d love to know – do you as a buyer like a regular update day for a shop? As a seller, what are your feelings? And are you flattered when a friend supports you and your shop?

New to the shop :: 5-5-2011

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

If I had planned things out better, I could have made a Cinco de Mayo necklace or something festive. Ah, well.

These are a few new items in the shop, born from a need last week to keep my hands busy while I waited for test results (which came back clear, in case you missed it!). I love how easy and wearable they are – sometimes, simpler is better.

What’s new with you?

New to the shop :: 4-26-2011

Sheena Necklace

Shani Necklace

Joy Bracelet

Oh, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? But I finally have a few new things to show off for my shop!

One thing I did last week to calm my mind was create simple pieces. Something about focusing on the basics of wrapping and stringing helped me push some of those worries I was feeling right out of my head. It also helped keep me still as the ice pack did it’s work.

Creating is the best therapy, don’t you think?

As soon as the weather cooperates, I’ll have more to show off. I honestly don’t mind though, since the weather has been so mild lately with all of the rain. I’m trying to remind myself that soon, far too soon, the temperatures will climb and outside will be unbearably hot. I’m not ready to let go of spring yet!
 
 
 

New to the shop :: 3-22-2011

Knotted Earrings – Stripes

Knotted Earrings – Blue

These two pairs of earrings make me smile, mostly because they started off frustrating me. I had an idea in my head, but nothing was working. In the midst of a hissy fit, I scrambled up the wire… and ta-da! Inspiration hits. Little tangled knots appeared, and I ran with it. I’ve done these wired beads before, so it was fun to bring back that technique. With silver being a little expensive right now, and with this design requiring more wire than I realized, future earrings in this style may have to be a special order, but they are great for every day.

Isn’t it funny how right when you’re not sure anything is going to work, something actually does? Well played, universe, well played.