Gift Certificate Giveaway

Season’s Greetings! We hope your are enjoying the holiday season and would like to wish all of you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. As the new year approaches, we are looking forward to another exciting year in 2012, with even more wonderful jewelry to offer.

As a thank you for being a part of our success this year, between December 26th 2011 and January 31st 2012 – we will be giving away two $30 gift certificates to RitaSunderland.com!

To enter for a chance to win, simple CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RULES

Look what I made - Vintage style jewelry

Welcome to Look what I made . Today I'm very exited and I want to show you my new vintage style jewelry. Today it will be vintage brass gold tone ring with fresh water pearl.

The first I made Red berry earrings. Those handmade earrings were very popular and many of you got them. Then I made one with the white pearl Flower with Pearl earrings.

Next on my list "To do" was brass and vintage style ring with this beautiful flower element. For the base ring I used Vintage brass ring base by Natural Brass Co.

So at the end of my project I got beautiful girl set with flowers.

CYBER MONDAY SALE

Great place to shop for handmade jewelry during this CYBER MONDAY.

RitaSunderland.com is your place to find one of a kind jewelry with rare cut natural gemstones. If you like Birthstone jewelry you will find your gifts at RitaSunderland.com. One of the most popular section is LIMITED EDITION.

During 2011 CYBER MONDAY sale use promo code HOLIDAY to get 20% off.

Make you music Time to relax

Let's try to have some fun. Click on and make your own music.

Designer jewelry by Rita Sunderland

Hello friends and family,

I am so proud to announce that with the help of family and friends, I will be launching my new website ritasunderland.com just in time for the holidays!

To ensure this launch is successful I need to create a network of contacts and could really use your help by linking to ritasunderland.com and sharing products you like on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc. in addition to word of mouth. I know I am asking a lot and as a token of my appreciation, if you link to my site, share my site on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and/or refer someone who purchases you will be sent a discount code for 15% off to use on a future purchase.

To receive your discount code simply email me at rita@ritasunderland.com and include the URL you shared my site on or, if you referred someone, email me your name and the name of the person you referred and a 15% discount will be sent to you BOTH!

Thank you again for your friendship and support, I couldn't have done it without you!

GiveAway from MyWayToSay

Extreme couponing Albertsons

My great trip to Albertsons with twice value.

First transaction

In store Promo - spend $12 receive $4 on the next shopping trip

2 Dreyers 2/$6 Used One $1 off out 2 with twice value

6 dreyers cups 10/$10 Used 2 /$1 off out of 3 with twice value

Total $5.90 out of pocket and $4 catalina

Second transaction

3 Kens dressing Using store coupon for .99 each + 3/$1 off with twice value (3.03 money maker)

2 Seattle coffee on sale 3.99 Used 2 /$2 off - new coupon got it Sunday paper

Total $ .95 out of pocket

Third transaction

3 Dannon yogurts $1.25 each Used 3/$1 off with double (2.25 money maker). DANNON COUPON

1 chicken .79 per LB - store coupon

Total $1.27 out of pocket ...

It's still time to get this deal - so if you like this go and get it )

Total for 3 transactions $8.12 and I've got $4 in catalina which brings my shopping trip down to $4.12

Artist spotlight Karen Keith Creations

I usually run into other artists when I am out with my husband, some are good, or some are questionable. However occasionally I run into someone who is an inspiration and on this occasion I am writing about I was not only inspired by the art. I was inspired by the artist herself, the art she created and the method in which she creates the art. It is rare that I talk about another artist on my blogs or feel compelled to do so. So in today’s topic I am putting focus on Karen Keith of Arlington WA,, she is a math teacher and a wonderful spirit.

I had gone with my family to the Maplewood gem club show on Sunday afternoon to see if we could find a few types of cut stones I needed to finish a project. I had only seen the usual rocks and jewelry pieces, when I came to Karen’s booth I saw her wonderful silver wire work done with taste and then my eye caught these striking freeform silver shaped turned into magical pendants. So I tried to learn more about her and how she created these unique examples of silversmithing.

Karen uses recycled/reclaimed silver and pours it freeform into bristles from a broom to gain their basic unique shape. She polishes them and adds stones to add up to really beautiful necklaces and pendants. She was kind enough to let out her secrets and to take time to talk a bit, I found a warm caring woman full of energy and life.

There was a very good article written on her in the Everett Herald that will give you more insight into Karen’s unique art..

You can also go to her website. Karenkeithcreations or reach her at karenkeithcreations@gmail.com. Either way tell her Rita sent you, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

My blog is crashed

I'm trying to fix it - have no idea how does it happened. Looks like all the Gadgets from left and right moved down - but it my design section everything looks OK.
If you know what might happened - let me know - I want my blog back :(

Infinity jewelry collection

2011 infinity collection

It's time for Christmas shopping

Infinity collection - worldwide shipping

So what does infinity mean to you? Everyone has different representations to symbolize its meaning. During the creation of these pieces I had hot thought of the simple versions kike: forever, never ending, or without end. I was inspired by beyond, whether my creations were beyond or not was not the idea. I wanted simplicity to show the owner of these lovely pieces, they are meant to simply embellish your beauty and not be focal pieces, nor are they to out shine the stones. Just to simply show that you are beyond and your statement is you and that is infinite because we all are ever-changing. It will not matter whether it is your personality or your wardrobe that changes, this collection will be able to be worn anywhere, anytime, anyplace… infinitely with you.

Welcome to see VIDEO of "Infinity Collection"

Gold infinity necklace wire wrapped and hand hammered jewelry

Gold stud earrings infinity collection

Gold bracelet infinity collection. Natural tourmaline and 14K GF

Look what I made Macrame bracelet

I'd like to show you my new style in macrame jewelry. It's all about what type of thread will you use to create different style of jewelry.

You can use leather and then it'll be more like a rock star jewelry. You can use very nice an delicate thread and you jewelry will fit great for romantic wedding jewelry accessories.

In this Macrame bracelet I used natural pearls and very thin gold color thread. Tiny knots between the pearls looks like real thin chain. After I used handmade wire wrapped clasp made with 14K GF wire this bracelet shows statement - not only thread jewelry.

If you would like to see other macrame jewelry I'll be happy to see you at my own e-shop RitaSunderland.com

Monaday price compare jewelry supplies

For those of you who like to create but don’t like shopping around I’m offering Price comparing on some of the jewelry supplies. Every Monday I'll post different jewelry supplies.

For today Monday I chose EarWires which available at GREATSUPPLIES store on ArtFire

I used 2 other websites to compare it’s ArtBeads and RioGrande

ArtBeads

pack of 10 (5 pairs) - $11.2

RioGrande

pack of 10 (5 pairs) - $9.34

GreatSupplies

pack of 10 (5 pairs) - $10.20

ArtBeads

pack of 10 pcs. (5 pairs) - $11.8

RioGrande

Pack of 10 pcs. (5 pairs) - $10.43

Great Supplies

Pack of 50 pcs (25 pair) - $52.40

Monday price compare jewelry supplies

For those of you who like to create but don’t like shopping around I’m offering Price comparing on some of the jewelry supplies.

Every Monday I'll post different jewelry supplies.

For today Monday I chose next positions which available GREATSUPPLIES store on ArtFire

I used 2 other websites to compare it’s ArtBeads and RioGrande

I will start with most selling chain in my shop Bar Link Chain

RioGrande

1-2 feet $9.92 (per foot)

5-9 feet $8.03 (per foot)

GreatSupplies

10 feet -$73

Figure 8 chain

RioGrande 3.3 mm

1-2 feet - $10.7 (per foot)

5-9 feet - $8.66 (per f00)

Artbeads 3.3x2mm - 26 GA I had a chance to work with this chain in it's a bit thin and very light. I like more 24 GA - more secure for me

1-2 feet - $5.89 (per f00t)

8-10 feet - $4.79 (per f00t)

Greatsupplies 4x2mm Figure 8 3x1mm

10 feet - $68

Twisted and Polished chain

ArtBeads link 14x8.5mm 8x8mm

1-2 feet - $39.99 (per foot)

5+ feet - $32.99 (per foot)

RioGrande link 8mm

1-2 feet - $31.62 (per foot)

9 feet - $26.93 (per foot)

GreatSupplies August special 8x6.2mm

10 feet - $139 (it's $13.9 per foot)

August special jewelry supplies

For all my supplies customers I'm happy to show this month special.
Sterling silver chain, natural gemstone beads, great price on 14K GF headpins.

You can find these and more other great supplies at my SHOP

Chain tags How To

Put your brand name on your jewelry creations easily. After some searching I discovered premade chain tags, I was very happy that something so simple could add such a professional touch to my own handmade jewelry. It is a nice boost to my business when my clients see my jewelry with a little tag that says “RS” (Rita Sunderland). All my customers feel like they have something a bit more special and personal. It’s like a painting should always be signed by the artist, the same way should be with our art which is unique created jewelry.

If you are making jewelry you might consider add a little statement like this to your designs.

Here is short tutorial on how I make them.

Material you will need

1. Set of letter stamps

2. Jewelry mini hammer

3. Steel bench block or hard surface

4. Chain tags

First try to stamp on the piece of paper or cardstock to be sure the chosen letters will look correct on the chain tag. (Tip, when you practice this make sure the face of the hammer hits the letter punch dead flat, so do not swing in an arc… instead bring the hammer straight down and don’t let it bounce or you will get a double image on the letter.)

Second after you are sure everything looks correct, take a Chain Tag and make the first letter you will use. See the next note before you continue to the next letter you will use.

One little trick I learned; make several tags at once while you are holding the first Stamping letter in the right position. This makes it easier to get a more uniform look in your tags overall.

Third now it is time for the next letter you will stamp, just repeat the process as before. Once you are done you are ready to affix the take to your creation and let the world know who created a wonderful piece of art!

Extreme couponing Albertsons

Yesterday was a happy shopping day in Seattle. Even the rainy weather didn't bothered us at the end. Happy Lexi got her Cheerios, and juice within a couple gums.

Our shopping trip included 3 stores Albertsons, Safeway and Wallgreens.

Wallgreens out of the pocket was $8.70 and $4 registry rewords for the next trip

SafeWay out of the pocket $0, used gift card to get 2lb cheese Was 50% off - $3.49

Albertsons out of the pocket $21.47 and got back $7 + $4.5 for milk + $3 in catalina on Cheereos and V8 juice.

NOTE***

It was my first time when I got Emerald Breakfast on the go to try - and I love it. Great surprise was at the evening when I was ready to through away box - I looked inside and there is a $1.5 coupon on ANY 2 Emerald Nuts ...

I know that many of us got this boxes so be sure to clip these coupons.

Christmas in July deals

Big saving on my collection and more during the MywayToSay Christmas in July deals!
Well I know that it is a little bit early for most of you, but I know some of you like great deals and won’t want to be left out like disappointed few last year. So I have stock early and am giving all my followers and customers plenty of time for custom orders as well.
If you have been eyeing some of my designer as well as my everyday jewelry with both natural and rare cut stone designs, now is the best time to start gathering your favorite pieces for gifts and for yourself!

This deal starts from July 13th and will be closed on August 1st. I have my best offer of the year at 20% off ( CLICK to FIND CODE), plus everyday in July get FREE first class worldwide shipping.

New pieces of my designer jewelry will be put up for sale every day, so SUBSCRIBE now and receive all the current special promotions.
If you like unique and one-of-a-kind gifts you can look around the web to find many offerings. There are a group of talented artists that are participating in Christmas in July sales worldwide. If you are one of those artists, I welcome you to drop a link with your sale ideas so my readers could find what they are in search of.
We all know the economy is tight and we as artists see it more than most, but by starting now you can break your holiday spending into small chunks and feel good about what you support this season. I hope both the customers and the artists get involved, one by one let’s help each other see the best this year!

Seattle hot spots Coffee stop

Welcome to the SEATTLE HOT SPOTS It's Friday and time for some review of our favorite places.

Well sometimes the best stops are the ones that catch you by surprise. When you live in an area tainted with coffee houses every 30 feet for miles, you can be a bit jaded and a bit less impressed by what has become just another me too scenario. Like every pile of rocks has the potential for gems, so does the coffee Mecca of the Seattle area, one of these gems is the Richmond Beach Coffee Co. We have come to loathe the idea of another sterile coffee and internet genera yuppie hangout, so when we stopped to get a cup of wake me up we were not expecting much to say the least, but a treat was in store for us.

How about a friendly smile and a great attitude by the whole staff…hmmm sure beats the surly art institute graduate who is relegated to pour mass crap to pay off wasted school loans. To add a pleasant décor and warm sunlight coming through a large windowed store front, added to what will be a regular stop for our family. How about the coffee? Well we ordered two zebra latte’s and were so happy when they tasted better than they looked, smooth and not a bit of the over roasted starbunk clone-a-rama that has become the northwest business model.

My favorite picture of Lexi


It was fun drinking coffee at this coffee shop

Alexcia was a bit sad that the coffee was gone and she wanted more.

Check them out for yourself when you have the inclination as to what Seattle should be, or look them up at Richmond Beach Coffee Co . If you don’t tip this staff you are nuts and should be locked up, don’t trust us…trust your sense of what is right!

Look What I Made Anklet jewelry

Summer summer .. Still hopping for the hot days here in Seattle. and while I'm waiting I'm crafting. This week is pretty quite for me. Alexcia is at her grandma and our house is a very nice place for some thinking and non stop crafting. Summer is a good time for the anklet jewelry (by the way do you like or do you wear anklets?) and I took all my BAR LINK chain and start making them. I've got amethyst, topaz, black garnet and smokey quartz stones and here is what I got.

I'm still working to put everything in my store MyWayToSay

Seattle hot Spots Paddle Wheel Cruises

New great deal I spotted in today’s Groupon. As I never been on Paddle Wheel Cruises I was happy to see this deal and I got it for my family. If you are planning to come and visit Seattle this deal will be great for you. Almost 50% of savings and two hours of nice trip on the Lake Union.

Just CLICK HERE sign up and get this great deal!
Departures 2011 - Wednesdays through Sundays:
May 23rd through September 18th: 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
September 19th through October 16th: 1:00 pm
Price Per Person:
Adult: $32.00 plus tax | Child: $16.00 plus tax (ages 5-12) | Child: No Charge (under 5)

See more SEATTLE HOT SPOTS

Handmade By You Thursday

It is Thursday and it is time for “Handmade by YOU”.

Let’s link up our crafty goodness! Show us your latest creations. Tell your friends to come and post. It’s pretty new to my blog – but let’s see how many entries we can get?! You can post only one link every other week.

I'll be happy if you will join HANDMADE GIFTS community. Last week we got 12 entries, not bad for the first day. Let's see how many entries we can get this week.